For over thirty years, the Campaign Management Institute (CMI) in the Center for Congressional & Presidential Studies (CCPS) has offered a nationally recognized program designed to train individuals for participation in local, state and federal political campaigns.

Developed and taught by strategists from the Republican and Democratic parties, national campaign consultants and political scientists, this intensive two-week program serves as a valuable foundation for political activists and campaign managers.

Participants will have the opportunity to develop their expertise by utilizing the extensive personnel and organizational resources in the Nation's Capital.

Led by the newly-appointed Director Quentin Fulks (SPA/MA '15), CMI comprehensively covers campaign techniques, strategy, and tactics with emphasis on recent technological developments. Watch C-SPAN coverage of opening remarks from previous Director Dr. Candice Nelson at the CMI 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 Winter sessions.

Group seminars and campaign simulations are used to develop and refine a participant's ability to coordinate a successful political campaign. Written work for this course consists of several short exercises plus development of a campaign plan. Groups of five to six students work jointly on the development and presentation of a single campaign plan for an actual upcoming race. The final day of the Institute is devoted to the presentation of the group-designed campaign plans before a panel of CMI faculty and campaign professionals.

The Winter Intersession will follow a new schedule to adhere to University policy. All class sessions are in person. Housing/Lodging not provided. 

• January 5-11, 2026, 9 AM-5 PM

AU students should see their academic adviser for information on enrolling in the institutes. There are also a limited number of seats available to non-AU students to participate in the institutes.

CCPS offers several financial awards to help offset the costs of participating in the institutes. Please email the Director with questions about the applications, awards, deadlines, or schedule.