Fellows Program

Our Fellows Program presents a unique opportunity for leading political practitioners (e.g. former elected officials, campaign strategists, political journalists, pollsters) to be in residence at the University of Chicago during an academic quarter. These accomplished practitioners will draw on their first-hand experiences, research and professional networks to give insightful and unique perspective on politics and policy in action.

Fellows will independently lead non-credit study groups on timely and relevant issues of national import. These weekly, 90-minute study group discussions, on a topic of each Fellow's choosing, will take place at the IOP House and will be open to all University students, faculty, staff and community members. Study groups will be built to best leverage the expertise of the Fellow and will vary from lectures and informal discussion groups to panel discussions and guest lectures.

Click to register for Spring Quarter 2013 Fellows seminars.

While in residence, Fellows will also keep weekly office hours and utilize the resources of the University to pursue projects of their choosing.

Please note that Fellows will receive a living stipend and IOP-provided housing during their stay.

In keeping with the University’s commitment to diversity and the free and open pursuit of knowledge, Fellows will represent a broad array of political views and offer diverse policy perspectives.

For more information on our Fellows program, please contact Amin Cyntje at cyntje@uchicago.edu or call 773-702-9624. To apply to be a Fellow, click here. Applications for fall quarter 2013 are due by May 10, and applications for spring quarter 2014 are due by November 22.

Our Spring 2013 Fellows are:

  • Gov. Haley Barbour, former Republican governor of Mississippi
  • Jon Favreau, former chief speechwriter for President Obama
  • Sen. Gary Hart (D-Colo.), former U.S. senator and two-time Democratic presidential candidate
  • Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio), former nine-term Republican member of the U.S. House
  • Chris Lu, former Cabinet secretary and assistant to President Obama
  • Bethany McLean, contributing editor at Vanity Fair and co-author of All the Devils Are Here and The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron

UChicago At-a-Glance
In an atmosphere of free and open inquiry, students and professors debate, collaborate, and investigate, challenging assumptions—and one another—with field-advancing insights backed by rigorous study. This unique education transforms individuals, preparing and empowering them to make a positive impact on the world.