On August 23, 2018, the Department of Public Policy welcomed new and returning students to a full-day, information-filled department orientation followed by the opportunity to mix and mingle with fellow students, DPP faculty, staff, alumni and colleagues at a welcome back reception.

Students attended orientation sessions designed to offer information on their chosen degree of study (Master of Public Administration or Master of Public Policy), participated in an ice breaker activity facilitated by our student organization, GAPPS/ICMA, learned about the DPP Honors Society, Pi Pi Alpha, and the very active Alumni Association.  Additional sessions were presented for students in the MPA Fellows Program and those working as Graduate Assistants in 2018-2019.

Close to 100 guests attended the welcome reception held in the beautiful Zachs Atrium of the Hartford Times Building, UConn Hartford Campus, to kick off the new academic year.  Dr. Mohamad Alkadry, Professor and Department Head, and Dr. Edith Barrett, Professor of Public Policy and Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, thanked all for coming and shared that they were looking forward to seeing students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community partners at future DPP events throughout the coming year.  The event was a big success and a great beginning to the 2018-2019 academic year.