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Undergraduate students in PUBPOL 191CC: Who Gets What and Why? Public Policy in the 21st Century, one of Dukes new Century Courses, recently explored inequality through a game of Monopoly with a twist.

Students assumed roles such as “working class” and “lower class,” each with different starting inheritances, salaries, tax rates and other rules that shaped their experience of the game.

“I like playing Monopoly to illustrate social mobility because students get to make choices, and those choices have consequences,” says Professor Christina Gibson-Davis, who co-teaches the course with Professors Lisa Gennetian and Kate Bundorf. “At the same time, students are playing with different rules, so their choices are constrained.”

The course examines how social problems are identified and measured, how evidence and data are used to make policy choices, and the trade-offs policymakers face.
Did you know Sanford is home to one of Duke’s most globally diverse graduate programs?

Each year, the Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) program brings together experienced development professionals from around the world to strengthen the policy, analytical, and technical skills needed to lead higher-impact work.

Hear from Professor of the Practice Cory Krupp and alum Pragna Shekar MIDP26, who served as class president, as they share what makes the program and its global community so special.

Interested in joining the MIDP community? If you have at least five years of professional experience in international development or a related field, we encourage you to apply.
Join the Sanford School of Public Policy for the Sanford Distinguished Lecture with Mitt Romney, former U.S. senator from Utah, governor of Massachusetts, and 2012 Republican presidential nominee. 

As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Romney will reflect on the health of American democracy, the values that have sustained the nation, and the responsibilities citizens and leaders share in shaping its future.

🗓️ Sept. 23, 5:15 p.m., Dukes Page Auditorium
🎟️ tickets.duke.edu
Wellness at Duke Sanford connects public policy graduate and professional students with resources, opportunities to build community, and space to recharge and reflect. From weekly workshops and individual wellness sessions to social events shaped by student input, Sanford’s wellness program supports students’ well-being and overall experience at Duke.
As a partner at Brumidi Group and a public policy and government relations professional, Madeline Wade Quasneys career has spanned Capitol Hill, political advocacy, and strategic consulting. Since graduating from Duke Sanfords Master of Public Policy (MPP) program in 2017, she has helped organizations navigate complex policy questions and advance practical solutions, with a particular focus on climate, conservation, and public lands. Madelines career shows how policy expertise, coalition-building, and steady, incremental work can create meaningful progress at a time when national challenges often feel difficult to influence.

Madelines story is featured in the latest Sanford Memo—your Sanford alumni newsletter. See this months Memo and learn about upcoming alumni events and opportunities: https://duke.is/Alumni-Memo

#ForeverDuke #AlumniTuesday #DukeSanfordAlumni
Daud Malik T’28, a public policy major with a second major in chemistry, credits Duke Sanford’s remarkable career services professionals and exceptional professors as key ingredients to his successful summer internship in the U.S. Congress. Daud’s internship gave him experience researching and developing health policy legislation on topics ranging from Medicare to hospital price transparency. 

His internship search advice for students:

Even if you already think you know what internships are out there, staff at Sanford career services does an amazing job of looking at your experiences and discussing what may be relevant for your future. 

For Congressional internships, and even for other internship opportunities, it’s not realistic to go in and only want to work on a specific policy/interest area. Therefore, having a team of people who are going to pull you along is important in the search process. I had an awesome team at Sanford who supported me throughout the internship, as well as thoughtful Subcommittee staff who made my experience on the Hill incredibly fun and memorable.
Students from across graduate programs connected with peers and professors at a tech policy mixer hosted by Duke Sanford’s Tech Policy Club. Thanks for a fun evening of conversation and community!
The current trade war brewing between Canada and the United States risks upending and transforming the relationship between the two countries and tells us something about where U.S. foreign policy might be going next.”
–Dr. Susan Colbourn, Associate Research Professor at the Duke Sanford School of Public Policy & Associate Director of the Duke Program in American Grand Strategy. 

Dr. Colbourn shares her expertise as a diplomatic and international historian and answers questions of U.S.-Canada trade, history, and political strategy.
Fall 2026 Master of Public Affairs residency ✔️ 
 
Our newest MPA cohort experienced a Duke Sanford residency in person for the first time, while members of the inaugural cohort returned to campus for their final residency before they graduate. 
 
A few highlights from the week: 
 
🎤 A fireside conversation with former Congressman David Price, who spoke about his path from teaching about Congress to serving in it, the institutional responsibilities of elected officials, and the importance of remaining committed to public service even in difficult political moments 
🏛️ A day at Durham City Hall learning directly from local government leaders and practitioners 
🏠 Case studies exploring city government reorganization and housing affordability 
📚 The two cohorts coming together for coursework and a weekend of learning together 
 
Thanks to everyone who made our students’ week in Durham a memorable one!
Duke Sanford School of Public Policy’s new dean JR DeShazo launches a new project - 250 days and an exploration of what makes Sanford special. #JRsFirst250Days #netflixdocumentary
#SanfordServes recently partnered with @duke_nashville to volunteer at the @pencil4schools supply store. @dukealumni and friends stocked shelves, counted donated school supplies, and organized supplies for teachers to use in their classrooms. To all those who joined us, thank you!
What makes the Duke Sanford Master of Public Policy experience stand out? Rigorous policy training, opportunities to explore what you care about, and a community of people who help expand your perspective, challenge your thinking, and prepare you to make a bigger impact.

At Sanford, youll build the quantitative and analytical skills employers demand while learning from faculty across disciplines, exploring courses throughout Duke, and connecting with a community that supports you long after graduation.

Hear directly from MPP students and faculty about what makes the Sanford experience unique.

Applications for the Fall 2027 cohort are now open. Apply today and take the next step toward a career in public policy.