Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship

  • A group of students posing with governor murphy
  • A university leader speaking at a podium
  • Faculty members sitting at a table during graduation
  • general assembly member john dimaio speaking at a rowan event
  • a student taking a selfie with representative andy kim
  • speakers on stage at a rowan event

Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship

About the Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship

The Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship (RIPPAC) is dedicated to informing, engaging, and training Rowan students, faculty, and the public in politics, policy, and citizen engagement.  To accomplish this, the Institute hosts programs and guest speakers; supports students through academic and career development, internships and scholarships; and connects faculty and students from across the University with public entities to facilitate public policy research and discussion.

For more information and to support RIPPAC’s efforts and student intern scholarships, contact Dr. Ben Dworkin at dworkin@rowan.edu or 856-256-5832. 

Have questions about RIPPAC? Contact Liz Dircks at RIPPAC@rowan.edu or 856-256-4500 ext. 5-3567.

Sign Up for RIPPAC's Fall '26 Open House & Info Session - Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m.

A flyer for RIPPAC's fall 2026 open house featuring guest speaker Sarah McClure '22
 

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

6:30 p.m. | Chamberlain Student Center Room 221

featuring Sarah McClure '22, Legislative Liaison for the NJ Dept. of Human Services

RSVP on ProfLink or email RIPPAC@rowan.edu today! 

A Conversation with Hon. Christine Todd Whitman

Former Governor of New Jersey 

A flyer for RIPPAC's speaker event with Hon. Christine Todd Whitman

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

7:00 p.m. | Chamberlain Student Center Room 221

RSVP at go.rowan.edu/Whitman today! 

Making connections: MAPIS2026 empowers future public service professionals

August 10, 2026

New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell standing on a stage in behind a podium, speaking to a room of college students

Nearly 150 students from more than 70 colleges and universities spent their summer day skill building, networking and learning at Rowan University’s Mid-Atlantic Political Intern Summit (MAPIS2026).

Hosted by the Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship (RIPPAC), the conference on August 6 was free to any college student with a summer internship in politics, government or issue advocacy. According to RIPPAC Founding Director and New Jersey political analyst Ben Dworkin, attendees came from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and as far away as Washington, D.C.

“You should all understand, this is unique,” Dworkin told the assembled students. “We haven’t found anyone else who brings together college students interning across government, campaigns, public affairs and issue advocacy, regardless of their employer or university. This is it.”

Read more at Rowan Today!

Sign Up for RIPPAC E-Notices on Upcoming Events & Opportunities

A simple, black email icon.

Current and prospective Rowan students can sign up for emails here for information on upcoming speakers, student-only events, internships, scholarship, and more!

Members of the public can sign up for emails here for information on upcoming public events and ways to support RIPPAC. 

Rowan Students: Join RIPPAC's GroupMe!

We post events, job and internship opportunities, volunteer requests, and more in the RIPPAC GroupMe chat. Scan the QR code below or head to this link to join today!

 A QR code directing people to join RIPPAC's GroupMe.