At any given time there are usually up to 500 students attending short courses. Since it establishment in 1824, the university has demonstrated a strong commitment to increasing the institutional and individual capacity for the planning and management of change around the world. This goal, which is part of the university's mission statement, is being achieved largely though the training activities that are carried out at the School of International Affairs, which works in close conjunction with the Office of International Programs. Training courses have been conducted for over 1,200 participants from more than 45 countries. Courses can also be delivered in French and in Spanish, and interpreters from the Department of Modern Languages can be provided for other languages.
All training includes both theoretical and practical aspects.
For each program, university faculty and experts from the community develop the curriculum, deliver the lectures, conduct the workshops, develop small group activities, introduce guest presenters, and moderate the discussion. Case study analysis is an integral component of all training programs, and sessions in the university's Electronic Classrooms are also included. Training for individuals and small groups can include internships with appropriate local organizations. A program director and a training coordinator will be assigned to each training program, and they will work with the trainers in the design of the program. The coordinator will attend every training session and will accompany the participants on each site visit, professional appointment, and cultural activity.