Adrian College signs MOU with George Washington University
Posted Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Author: Mickey Alvarado
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was recently signed between Adrian College and George Washington University (GW), a congressionally chartered nonprofit corporation located in Washington, D.C., on behalf of its College of Professional Studies (CPS) and Semester in Washington program (SIW).
Anthony Knopps, Adrian College associate professor and acting chair of the Department of Political Science, is a GW alumnus and still has connections there. He spoke with GW’s dean about Adrian College’s new political science-political communications program and asked whether there was anything they could do to help support it. She suggested the SIW program, noting it draws students from across the country and could be formalized to ensure students receive credit at their home institution.
The SIW program is administered by CPS at GW and is designed to provide students with an academically rigorous, Washington, D.C.-based educational experience that integrates coursework, applied learning and engagement with public, private and nonprofit institutions.
“Through Semester in Washington, we are able to bring learning to life — connecting students directly with the institutions, leaders and experiences that shape our world,” said Dean Liesl Riddle of the College of Professional Studies at George Washington University. “This partnership with Adrian College reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to high-impact, experiential education that prepares students to lead with purpose in an increasingly complex global environment.”
“This program provides students with the opportunity to intern on Capitol Hill or at companies around D.C.,” Knopps said. “They are earning credits for their Adrian College degree, while also gaining priceless experience that can serve them once they graduate. Ben Loreto got a golden ticket to do it this year.”
Knopps said Loreto, a junior, will be an ambassador for next year’s SIW program after being allowed to participate in the summer semester from May 18 to July 25.
“I suggested being on a committee to actually see how the legislation is made,” Knopps said.
As part of the SIW experience, students may pursue internships or other applied learning placements with organizations based in Washington, D.C.
SIW courses are offered for undergraduate or graduate academic credit under GW course numbers and are taught by GW-appointed faculty or qualified practitioners. Nondegree students in the SIW program must enroll in a minimum of six credits, including the required core course “The Inner Workings of D.C.” Students may enroll in up to 15 credits per semester.
SIW courses offered during the summer 2026 semester include:
The Inner Workings of D.C. (3 credits) — Examines government structures, current events and methods of communicating and driving change in the government and policy arena. Students explore how the U.S. government operates beyond formal processes, including informal networks, decision-making dynamics and institutional cultures that shape real outcomes in Washington, D.C. Weekly discussions, case studies and guest speakers connect theory to pressing national and global issues, with a focus on methods of communication and influence such as storytelling, lobbying and digital advocacy.
Semester in Washington Lab (3 credits) — A cohort-based, project-focused course centered on an advocacy-related challenge. Students work closely with GW faculty and external partners to plan and execute a semester-long, high-impact project with real-world relevance and measurable outcomes. The course includes project-relevant site visits to Capitol Hill offices, federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups and think tanks.
Professional Internship (1-3 credits) — Provides academic support and professional development related to a student’s internship experience in Washington, D.C. The course emphasizes structured reflection, skill development and guidance on navigating workplace dynamics, professional communication and office culture in D.C. environments.
Electives (up to 6 credits) — Students may enroll in up to six credits of approved GW elective coursework to complement the SIW curriculum. Electives are selected from offerings across GW colleges and departments.
Additional experiential opportunities are also available for students. SIW may include optional cocurricular and experiential learning opportunities such as site visits, guest speakers, workshops, professional development programming and networking events. Participation in such activities is subject to availability and may vary by term.
All students admitted to SIW will be enrolled at GW as nondegree, visiting undergraduate students for the applicable term.
Students are required to have at least 30 academic credits completed toward an undergraduate degree by the program start date and a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 at the time of application to be eligible for enrollment in the SIW program. GPAs lower than 2.75 may be considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of GW.
Students admitted to SIW are subject to GW’s published nondegree tuition and applicable mandatory fees, as approved by GW’s Board of Trustees and in effect for the relevant academic term. Program tuition is calculated at the per-credit rate of $1,550. Financial aid may be applied through a consortium agreement with Adrian College.
The two-year agreement may be extended if both institutions agree.
“From a GW standpoint, they’re looking to identify students for their graduate program,” Knops said. “We don’t have a graduate program that matches. So, it doesn’t penalize us. It helps everybody out. It’s a win for everybody.”
The MOU was signed by Adrian College President Jeffrey Docking and Toni Marsh, GW vice dean of the College of Professional Studies.
For more information about Adrian College’s new Political Science-Political Communications program, visit adrian.edu.
