Relax and Refresh: Election Day 2024
On Tuesday, November 5th, the Policy School hosted “Relax and Refresh: Election Day 2024,” creating welcoming spaces on the Boston and Arlington campuses for students, faculty, and staff to unwind and find balance on a day full of anticipation.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed engaging conversations, journaling activities, and snacks, in the School’s open space, fostering a sense of community and reflection.
Election Day activities featured a thought-provoking session with Interim Chair of the Department of Political Science and Professor of Public Policy Christopher Bosso and Professor of Political Science John Portz. Together, they led a discussion titled “The U.S. Presidential Election: A Guide for International Students and Anyone Else Confused About How All of This Works,” helping to explain the complexities of the U.S. electoral process.
Election Day concluded with a calming meditation guided by Evan Kenny, a yoga instructor and Mindfulness Fellow at Northeastern’s Center for Spirituality, Dialogue, and Service, offering participants a chance to release stress and stay grounded.
Post-Election Day Events
Colleagues on the Oakland campus also hosted a post-election panel discussion, co-sponsored by the Policy School/MPA program and the Mills College Center for Transformative Action. Policy School Professor of the Practice Adam Parker moderated the discussion with Mills MPP alumna and current Federal Policy Liaison for the California Department of Education Natasha Middleton, President and CEO of EMC Research Ruth Bernstein, and Executive Director of St. Mary’s Center Sharon Cornu (panelists did not speak on behalf of their respective organizations). Cornu provided a rundown of the Northeastern and Mills alums she could find who were on the ballot this year, including Lateefah Simon, newly elected to the U.S. Congress from Oakland. The audience included most of the Oakland MPA students, undergraduates, as well as other campus community members.
Left to right: Tayo Walker (Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Mills College at Northeastern), Mark Henderson (Professor of Public Policy at CSSH and Mills), Natasha Middleton (MPP alumna), Ruth Bernstein, Magda Cooney (Director, Center for Transformative Action at Mills), Sharon Cornu, (Professor of the Practice of Public Policy) Adam Parker, Professor of the Practice of Public Policy (CSSH)
On the Boston campus, Northeastern’s mascot dogs Ryder and Cooper visited the Policy School. Students, staff, and faculty engaged with the animals and shared post-election perspectives and reflections.
