Introduction of Foreign Affairs Campus Coordinator Program

Foreign Affairs Campus Coordinator Program

Introduction of Foreign Affairs Campus Coordinator Program

The Foreign Affairs Campus Coordinator Program is designed to create a network of State Department student contacts on college campuses across the U.S.

The Bureau of Public Affairs is responsible for fulfilling the Secretary's mandate to help Americans understand the importance of foreign affairs.  College students are a large and important segment of that audience.  This program is designed to help accomplish this aspect of the Secretary’s mandate by establishing liaison relationships with students who are interested in foreign policy and studying related topics in school.

By relying on their academic experience, interest in foreign policy and knowledge of their campus community, we hope to reach a wider cross-section of the students on college campuses and surrounding institutions.  Campus Coordinators have the opportunity to learn about foreign affairs and the work of the State Department and to share that information with their campus communities. Campus Coordinators are selected through an application process coordinated by the Bureau of Public Affairs. Each applicant must have a faculty sponsor.

                                                  

Mission

To establish outreach partnerships with colleges and universities throughout the United States, to better inform the academic community about U.S. foreign policy priorities.

Program Objectives

With the guidance of the Bureau of Public Affairs, Campus Coordinators connect academic communities to the State Department by:

·         Utilizing social media tools, such as Facebook and Twitter to promote U.S. foreign policy

·         Arranging video and phone conferences with Department officials

·         Conducting workshops and round tables on U.S. foreign policy priorities and career development

·         Serving as a campus liaison for  visits by Department officials

·         Partnering with university faculty and Diplomats-in-Residence to inform students about  U.S. foreign policy priorities and the roles of the Department

·         Organizing events centered around commemorative days in U.S. Foreign Policy, e.g. UN Day, AIDS Day

·         Disseminating information on U.S. foreign policy to campus community

·         Facilitating campus participation in Department programs when applicable

Eligibility

The program is open to U.S. college or university undergraduate and graduate students, majoring in international studies, political science, history and government, or related field.

The Faculty Sponsor

The Purpose of the faculty sponsor is to confirm a student’s academic status. If faculty sponsors wish to take a more active role in helping students coordinate outreach activities, they are more than welcome to do so.

Participants

Participants in the Foreign Affairs Campus Coordinator are U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who attend colleges and universities across the country. Some of the participants are former State Department interns who will serve as a valuable resource given their firsthand knowledge of Department structure and operations.

Commitment

Foreign Affairs Campus Coordinator is a voluntary position. There is no pre-determined time commitment as this varies depending on individual capabilities.

Reporting

We ask that you notify the Bureau of Public Affairs about planned activities in advance and that you provide a read-out or summary after the activity takes place. This will ensure that you have the necessary information and materials required for a successful program and receive proper recognition for your efforts.

Completion

At the end of the academic year participants in the Foreign Affairs Campus Coordinator Program will receive an acknowledgment of participation for their records.

For more information please contact:

The FACC Team | Office of Public Liaison 

Bureau of Public Affairs | U.S. Department of State

Email: campuscoordinator@state.gov

Website: state.gov/r/pa/pl/faccp