This experiential course explores how advocacy, service, and community partnerships,
combined with sound data and research practices, inform and shape public policy in the
microcosm of the San Francisco Bay Area of California. As part of this learning experience, the group met with decision-makers and policy influencers, considered a range of timely higher education issues being addressed at a variety of institution types, learned from community members about their experiences, and honed skills as policy influencers and change agents. Along the way, students contextualized their conversations within the fabric of the San Francisco Bay Area’s diverse population.

After participating in this experiential learning course, students are able to:
• Understand current issues in various sectors of higher education in the San Francisco Bay
Area.
• Describe how historical, political, economic, and social contexts informs the
development and implementation of policy in higher education.
• Idenify various parties that are involved in developing and implementing policies
relevant to higher education.
• Recognize how public and institutional policy affects students, staff, faculty, and
community members.
• Appraise the strengths and limitations of various public and institutional policies.
• Discuss how public and institutional policy can be used as a tool to inform and/or stifle
change in service of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Articulate how various forms of policy are relevant to their careers of interest