10 Questions about Duke’s 10th School
1. I hear the Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy is going to
become a school. What does that mean?
Becoming Duke’s 10th school gives the Sanford Institute tremendous opportunities
to build on our strengths in teaching, research, policy engagement. We’ll
have more intellectual capacity and greater resources to address a wide range
of state, national and international policy challenges. Becoming a school also
will better position the Sanford Institute to compete with our peer institutions—all
of which operate as schools—for outstanding public policy students and
faculty.
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Watch Sanford Vision The school will have greater budgeting flexibility than is possible now, as
a department within the College of Arts and Sciences. Endowments will grow,
and the new school will launch its own annual fund. Also, in concert with Duke’s
Financial Aid Initiative, the new school will provide more student aid. In
a department already recognized for strong faculty-student interactions, the
school’s plan for doubling the size of the public policy faculty means
students can anticipate smaller class sizes and even greater personal mentoring.
It’s an exciting time to be involved in public policy at Duke.
2. When will the transition happen?
The projected date is July 1, 2009. However, the date depends on meeting fundraising
benchmarks and obtaining the required approvals from the Academic Council
and Duke Board of Trustees.
3. Will undergraduates have to apply separately to the new school,
as they do at Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering?
Students will not need to apply separately to the new school. The
process for declaring the PPS major will remain the same as it is for any major
at Duke.
4. Is the undergraduate curriculum going to change?
No. The curriculum was reviewed and revised in 2005 and no additional changes
are anticipated at this time.
5. Will non-majors still be allowed to take Public Policy Studies
classes?
Yes. There will be no change from current procedures.
6. Does becoming a school mean public policy is trying to separate
itself from the Trinity College of Arts and Sciences and the rest of Duke?
Public policy is inherently interdisciplinary, and the school will remain an
integral part of the university’s vibrant intellectual life. Most of
our faculty members hold joint appointments in other departments, such as political
science, economics, history and law. Many also conduct interdisciplinary research
with colleagues in these fields and others, such as environment, psychology
and sociology. Public Policy has always been, and will continue to be, a collaborative
partner in many University-wide ventures.
7. Will graduate programs take priority over undergraduate education?
No; both are important. Our commitment to undergraduates remains as strong
as ever, and we anticipate that two-thirds of our resources will continue
to be devoted to the undergraduate program.
Enrollment in the two-year master’s degree programs (MPP and PIDP) will remain at current levels (about 45-55 new students each year). The number of PhD students will grow, however, because the doctoral program, launched in 2007-08, now consists of only the inaugural class. By 2011-12, we’ll reach our enrollment target of 30-35 PhD students. In addition to improving our ability to support faculty teaching and research, doctoral students enrich the intellectual community of the school. For undergrads, this also means more opportunities to engage in mentored research projects.
8. Will faculty be less concerned with teaching and more focused on
research?
The Sanford Institute has a proud tradition of student mentoring and is known
for its engaged and accessible faculty. The school intends to build on this
strength. Many faculty teaching loads will decrease as we work toward doubling
the size of the public policy faculty. This will free up more faculty time
for interacting with and advising students on independent study and honors
research projects, as well as for conducting top-notch scholarly research,
participating in seminars and conferences, and engaging with policymakers and
opinion leaders.
9. How will career services for students be affected?
No immediate changes are anticipated. We will still provide students with internship
search services, as well as programming, resume review and counseling. As
is the case now, MPP and PIDP students will receive assistance in their job
searches. Undergrads in the new school will continue to have access to services
at Duke’s Career Center.
10. What will becoming a school mean to alumni?
In the coming years, we anticipate creating new interactions with Sanford alumni,
and more events such as alumni reunions and workshops. Public policy alumni
who participate in annual giving to Duke will be able to earmark their gifts
for the public policy school. Alumni also will benefit from the higher profile
that school status will bring.
For more information, please contact Karen Kemp, communications director, at (919) 613-7394.
