Courses

SPCM407: Facilitation and Collaborative Problem Solving

In this course, students will learn about an alternative to adversarial politics: deliberation. In addition to learning about the deliberative process, students will gain practical skills for facilitation, framing conversations, and reporting on events.

SPCM majors
3 credits toward SPCM elective

Non-SPCM majors
3 credits toward general elective

SPCM486: Practicum

After completing SPCM407, students continue the program as a Senior Associate. Students complete SPCM486 practicum hours by facilitating community events and serving on one of our teams. Each team works on a piece of the deliberative process including issue research, event planning, data analysis, and public relations.

The practicum will be a combination of hands-on work in the community and classes on advanced facilitation skills. There may also be times when students attend the 407 class to assist in training newer students.

SPCM majors
Up to 3 credits toward SPCM electives
After that, 18 credits can count toward general electives

Non-SPCM majors
No limit on credits
All credits count as general elective

Questions about the course requirements? Contact us.

In general, the CPD is seeking students that are committed to improving how our community addresses tough problems and interested in public policy issues, especially from a local perspective. Students should be comfortable speaking in front of groups and working with diverse audiences. Students need to be self-starters and able to work independently because the assignments they complete for the CPD will require the students to work outside of class and manage the completion of their practicum hours. Since the CPD serves as an impartial resource, students must also feel comfortable serving an impartial role and not let their own opinions and views dominate discussions.

Additional experience in data analysis, event planning, social media, marketing, and photography are also desired, but not required, skills.

As of Spring 2026 there is no longer an application requirement to join the program. Simply enroll in SPCM407 and you're in!