March 31–April 4, join us for Admitted Student Week  and discover why Harris is the best place to study public policy.

We will offer virtual content Monday, March 31–Wednesday, April 2, and in-person programming will kick off with class visits and dinner on Thursday, April 3. The main, in-person Admitted Student Day is Friday, April 4. We're also offering $300.00 travel reimbursement—learn more.
See the full schedule and register for events below.

All Admitted Student Week programming is only available for students admitted to the class starting in Fall 2025.

If you miss a virtual session or would like to review a session you previously attended, recordings for each session will be made available within 72 hours of the event time listed on this page. Program-specific recordings are available on request to admits of that particular program.

 


James Robinson
James Robinson

Monday, March 31

Faculty Session University Professor at Harris Public Policy and 2024 Nobel Laureate in Economics James Robinson (virtual)

Monday, March 31 |  9–10 a.m. Central Daylight Time

Register for the faculty session with James Robinson

As part of Admitted Student Week, please join University Professor at the Harris School of Public Policy and 2024 Nobel Laureate in Economics James Robinson for a virtual faculty session. Professor Robinson, the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences laureate, received the Sveriges Riksbank Prize alongside colleagues Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson of MIT. As co-author of Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty, he is a globally recognized expert in political economy and economic development.


Chicago
Life as a Graduate Student in Chicago Panel

Tuesday, April 1

Life as a Graduate Student in Chicago (virtual)

Tuesday, April 1 |  8:30–9:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time

Register for Life as a Current Harris Student and Moving to Chicago Panel (Virtual)

Join us for a panel discussion about life as a current Harris student. You'll learn about the wraparound support services available to students through the Dean of Students and Career Development Offices, how students create a school/life balance, and insider tips about making the most of your time at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.

Moving to Chicago from a different city, state, or country? Hear from our panel of current students who moved from all over the U.S. and the world to live in a variety of Chicago neighborhoods. We'll answer your questions about moving timelines, how to pick a neighborhood, what Chicago winters are really like, and more.


books
MACRM Roundtable

MACRM Admitted Student Welcome Overview (virtual)

Tuesday, April 1 | 6 p.m. Central Daylight Time

Register for the MACRM Admitted Student Welcome Overview (virtual)

Learn more about the MA in Public Policy with Certificate in Research Methods (MACRM) in this virtual roundtable with program leadership.

Please note, this session is reserved for MACRM admits.


person holding credit card
Financial Aid Webinar

Wednesday, April 2

Financial Aid Webinar: Investment, Cost of Attendance, Student Employment (virtual)

Wednesday, April 2 | 8:30–9:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time

Register for Financial Aid Webinar: Investment, Cost of Attendance, Student Employment (virtual)

Please join our team for a webinar discussing ways in which students finance their degree at the University of Chicago. This webinar will address scholarships, on-campus employment including research assistantships and teaching assistantships, financial aid (FAFSA), tuition, total cost of attendance, and next steps. We will go over frequently asked questions, as well as answer any remaining questions you may have.


data
MSCAPP Program Deep Dive (virtual)

MSCAPP Program Deep Dive (virtual)

Wednesday, April 2 | 9:30–10:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time

Register for MSCAPP Program Deep Dive (virtual)

Please join MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy (MSCAPP) faculty and staff for a discussion of the MSCAPP program.

Please note, this session is reserved for MSCAPP admits.


conference room
Employer Partnerships Team Panel

Employer Partnerships Team Panel (Virtual)

Wednesday, April 2 | 10:30–11:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time

Register for the Employer Partnerships Team Panel

Join the Employer Partnerships team with the Career Development Office as they discuss the team’s efforts to showcase Harris talent to employers. Each team member will spotlight one of their industry areas, giving you a deeper dive into the into industry trends and career opportunities. Don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions and envision your future career with us!


The Keller Center
In-Person Admitted Student-Day Kickoff

Thursday, April 3

Thursday, April 3 | 4–8 p.m. Central Daylight Time

Harris School of Public Policy (The Keller Center)
1307 E. 60th St., Chicago IL 60637

Register: April 3 Admitted Student Day (in-person)

Join us for a kickoff to our day of activities, including: morning/afternoon class visits, a panel on The Harris Student Experience with the Dean of Students' Office, and dinner with Harris Student Organizations and Center & Institute leaders.


student in crowd with hand raised
Class visits

Class Visits (in-person)

Thursday, April 3 | 9:30 a.m.2 p.m. Central Daylight Time

A limited number of class visits will be available. Admitted students will have the opportunity to register for one class visit via email or explore the campus (or Chicago) until dinner with Harris Student Organizations and Center & Institute leaders.


students
Academic Services and Advising

Academic Services and Advising

Thursday, April 3 | 5–5:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time

From tutoring and academic advising to student life and disability services, the Dean of Students Office is your main point of contact as a student at Harris. Our advisors help students navigate their graduate work, find opportunities for hands-on learning, and make course choices that align with career goals. Join Kate Biddle, Dean of Students, and Jen Lombardo, Associate Dean of Students for an Academic Services and Advising for session about the services offered by their team.


balloon arches at admitted student day
In-Person Admitted Student Day

Friday, April 4

Friday, April 4 | 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Central Daylight Time

Harris School of Public Policy (The Keller Center)
1307 E. 60th St., Chicago IL 60637

Register: April 4 Admitted Student Day (In-person)

Join us for this day of activities, including: faculty discussions, lunch with current students, and break-out sessions with staff and peers. Spouses and partners are also welcome to join this day of events and attend a special lunchtime activity.


Check-in and Breakfast
Check-in and Breakfast

Check-in and Breakfast (in-person)

Friday, April 4 | 8:30–9:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time | Keller Lobby/Commons

Check in with Admissions the Keller Center Lobby and enjoy breakfast with other admitted students in the Keller Center Commons. Check in any luggage you brought to the Admissions Suite.


Ranjan Daniels
Ranjan Daniels

Welcome Remarks with Senior Associate Dean Ranjan Daniels (in-person)

Friday, April 4 |  9:30–9:50 a.m. Central Daylight Time | Keller Center Forum

The Harris Admissions team will provide an overview of the day, followed by welcome remarks from Senior Associate Dean Ranjan Daniels.


booz allen
Booz Allen Hamilton Career Session

Careers Session with Booz Allen Hamilton (in-person)

Friday, April 4 | 10–10:45 a.m. Central Daylight Time | Keller Center Forum

Join a discussion with Dave Sulek, Senior Vice President, along with Stephanie Hare, Lead Associate at US consulting firm, Booz Allen Hamilton. Dave and Stephanie will share the reasons they continue to hire Harris talent, the success Harris graduates have had within their team, and why the Harris skillset is so important for their work. They will also discuss how the policy world is changing and the future impact for Harris students.


Krisinda Doherty
Krisinda Doherty

Harris Alumni Panel (in-person)

Friday, April 4 | 11 a.m.–noon Central Daylight Time | Keller Center Forum

Join a panel of Harris alumni moderated by Krisinda Doherty, Associate Dean, Professional and Career Development, to learn about the ways in which the Harris experience prepares alumni for their next steps.


Lunch
Lunch

Lunch (in-person)

Friday, April 4 |  noon–1 p.m. Central Daylight Time | Forum/Commons

Join your fellow admitted students, as well as current students, for lunch.

Separate lunches will be hosted for the following admits:

  • MSCAPP (Sky Suite)
  • MACRM (2054)
  • Military affiliated (3114)

students listening to a panel
Breakout Sessions

Breakout Sessions

Choose one of the following breakout session options per time slot:

Breakout Session I: 1–1:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time

  • Spotlight on Municipal Finance with Justin Marlowe and Krisinda Doherty
  • Spotlight on International Policy and Development with Rebecca Wolfe and Chelsie Noble
    • In the Spotlight Sessions we will discuss the curriculum in these specializations and ways the experiential learning opportunities, including the "Careers In" courses can help students holistically prepare for industry.
  • Policy Labs with Carol Brown
    • In the Policy Labs spotlight session, we will discuss this unique elective course, in which students gain consultative experience working with NGOs, non-profits, public sector clients, and multi-lateral organizations.
  • MSCAPP Session (MSCAPP admits only)

Breakout Session II: 2–2:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time

  • Charting Your Path: Career Growth and Goal Setting Before Day One with Chelsie Noble, Director of Career Development
  • Writing Workshop with Writing Program
  • MACRM Session (MACRM admits only)

Read more about each breakout session below.


Justin Marlowe
Justin Marlowe

Breakout Session I: Spotlight on Municipal Finance with Justin Marlowe (in-person)

Justin Marlowe, Research Professor

Friday, April 4 1–1:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time | Room 0010

Join Justin Marlowe, Research Professor and Director of the Center for Municipal Finance, whose research focuses on public finance, public capital markets, infrastructure finance, state and local budgeting, and financial disclosure, for a session on careers in municipal finance.


Rebecca Wolfe
Rebecca Wolfe

Breakout Session I: Spotlight on International Policy and Development with Rebecca Wolfe (in-person)

Rebecca Wolfe, Senior Lecturer and Executive Director of International Policy & Development

Friday, April 4 | 1–1:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time | Room 2112

Join Dr. Rebecca J. Wolfe is a leading expert on political violence, conflict and violent extremism, for a session on careers in International Policy and Development. 

 


Carol Brown
Carol Brown

Breakout Session I: Policy Labs with Paula Worthington and Carol Brown (in-person) 

Friday, April 4 | 1–1:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time | Room 1002

Please join Carol Brown, Executive Director of the Harris Policy Labs. Learn more about Policy Labs in this blog post.


data on a screen
MSCAPP  Breakout Session

Breakout Session I: MSCAPP (in-person)

Friday, April 4 | 1–1:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time | Sky Suite

For admits in the MSCAPP program only.

Join your fellow admitted students to learn more about the MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy Program.


Chelsie Noble
Chelsie Noble

Breakout Session II: Charting Your Path: Career Growth and Goal Setting Before Day One (in-person)

Friday, April 4 | 2–2:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time | Sky Suite

Join Chelsie Noble, the Director of Career Development at Harris, for an insightful session on how to start shaping your career journey before your first class. Learn about the resources available through career coaching, discover the opportunities and challenges of internships and job searches, and set meaningful networking and career exploration goals.


 

hand taking notes
Writing Program Workshop

Breakout Session II: Writing Workshop with the Writing Program (in-person)

Friday, April 4 | 2–2:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time |  Room 2112

Join the team from the Harris Writing Program David Chrisinger, Executive and Writing Director, Isabeau Dasho, Associate Director, and Matthew Fleming Associate Director, for a hands-on experience introducing incoming students to the nuance of writing for policy, impactful ways to tell compelling stories, and how to communicate effectively to stakeholders.


data charts with people working on them
MACRM Breakout Session

Breakout Session II: MACRM Breakout session (in-person)

Friday, April 4 |  2–2:45 p.m. Central Daylight Time | Room 0010

For admits in the MACRM program only.

Join your fellow admitted students to learn more about the MA in Public Policy with a Certificate in Research Methods program.


Ethan Bueno de Mesquita
Ethan Bueno de Mesquita

Dean's Welcome

Friday, April 4 |  3–4 p.m. Central Daylight Time | Keller Forum

Join us for a welcome address for admitted students from Dean and Sydney Stein Professor Ethan Bueno de Mesquita.

A leading political scientist whose research applies game theoretic models to the study of conflict, political violence, national security, and electoral politics, he has also written extensively on methodological issues in the social sciences. He writes and advises leaders in the public and private sectors on both national security matters and issues at the intersection of technology and society.


students talk at a reception
Reception

Reception 

Friday, April 4  |  4–5 p.m. Central Daylight Time  |  Keller Center Commons

Join your future classmates and Harris Student Organizations for a final reception. Drinks and refreshments will be served.

Be sure to collect any luggage you have brought from the front desk of the Admissions Suite by 5 p.m.