Programs

Each year, the University of Virginia Center for Politics presents the annual American Democracy Conference. Growing from the first National Post Election Conference in 1998, these gatherings not only examine the last election cycle but also attempt to discuss the state of American democracy and its future prospects. The event is free and open to the public with advance registration.

The Asia Institute is an interdisciplinary organization comprised of the Center for South Asian Studies, the Tibet Center, and the East Asia Center of the University of Virginia that provides Asia-focused education and outreach to K-12 and the community.

The Center for Politics grants Awards for Civic Excellence (ACE) to University of Virginia undergraduate students and educators registered with the Youth Leadership Initiative. ACE grants for students enable undergraduates to gain practical experience in politics and government through summer internships. Student internship placements could include participation in civic-related community outreach, work on political campaigns, voter registration efforts and positions in the offices of elected or appointed officials.

The Center for Politics hosts candidate debates, which give voters a glimpse of candidates' abilities to provide unscripted responses to questions posed by interested citizens, journalists, political scientists, and students.

As one of the nation's premier institutions of this kind, the Center for Politics has launched numerous programs that have a real impact on increasing political education and participation. Each year the Center bring top elected officials to the University for students and community members alike.

Encyclopedia Virginia seeks to provide authoritative and accessible information for anyone interested in learning more about Virginia's history and culture.

A comprehensive Web site run by the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, Center Director Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball features detailed and frequently updated analyses for a wide spectrum of political races from around the country. The Crystal Ball keeps tabs on presidential elections, along with every Senate and gubernatorial race, as well as the tightest campaigns for the House. Users may subscribe to receive Crystal Ball e-mail updates.

The Scripps Library and Multimedia Archive serves as a research facility for scholars of U.S. public policy.

The Sorensen Institute offers education to community leaders as they prepare for public service. The Institute provides opportunities for meaningful dialogue with political leaders from around the state and an education that transcends party politics.

If you are interested in public policy issues in the Commonwealth, you will want to subscribe to the Virginia News Letter by sending an email to cps-pubs@virginia.edu with your complete mailing address, including your five-digit zip code. Published continuously since 1925, this News Letter addresses significant topics in Virginia, ranging from economic and social issues to politics and government. Each issue features an article by a different author.