About Us

Center for Political Communication

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the University of Delaware’s Center for Political Communication, from left to right: Delaware Debates 2020 with Chris Coons and Christine O’Donnell, Candy Crowley from National Agenda 2011, Baby Blue from Election Central 2016, Lindsay Hoffman and Gov. Chris Christie from National Agenda 2019, former VP Joe Biden and former Gov. John Kasich from National Agenda 2017, and DeRay McKesson and Johnetta Elzie from National Agenda 2015.

Welcome

Innovative Research at the Intersection of Politics, Media, and Psychology

Thanks for visiting the University of Delaware’s Center for Political Communication website! Since 2010, the CPC has been conducting innovative research at the intersection of politics, public opinion, and media effects.

The CPC is a nonpartisan, interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to the study and improvement of American democratic health with a focus on media and political psychology. CPC faculty come from across the fields of political science, communication, political psychology, public policy, and media effects to form collaborative research teams that tackle the most important challenges facing American democracy. Our research teams include graduate and undergraduate students who are interested in understanding how various forms of media influence -and are used by -citizens in ways that shape their political realities. We engage in translational research, making our findings accessible to journalists and the American public.

As we welcome new leadership in 2024, we are thrilled to capitalize on the talent we have here at the University of Delaware across the domains of political psychology, public opinion research, and media effects.

The new structure includes:

Director (Dannagal Young)
Associate Director (Erin Cassese)
Director of Research (Phil Jones)
Director of Engagement (Lindsay Hoffman)
Delaware Politics Director (Paul Brewer)
Delaware Debate Director (Nancy Karibjanian)

The CPC is proud to put our academic research to work in service of American democratic health. If you would like to find out how you can get involved, please reach out to cpc-info@udel.edu.

Mission Statement

The University of Delaware’s Center for Political Communication is a nonpartisan, interdisciplinary initiative that is committed to the emerging field of political communication.

Vision: Responsible democracy-centered journalism informed by research. Delawareans and a broader American public empowered with grounded empirical evidence, able and motivated to think critically and self-reflectively about the world and their role in it. Supporting University of Delaware students in expanding their knowledge about political communication through its minors and research activities.

Goal: Foster a vibrant collaborative research environment that engages students and scholars at various levels. Produce high-quality, empirically-informed research at the intersection of media, politics, and psychology. Offer expert commentary to elevate public conversations and inform news coverage to improve democratic health. Serve as a resource for journalists – both in terms of content and to encourage democratically responsible journalism.

CPC Activities:

Interdisciplinary research across the domains of communication, political psychology, public opinion, media effects and public policy.
Applied research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students in communication and political science.
Media outreach related to center’s research and best practices for journalism and democratic health
Connecting with Delaware voters to educate and create public dialogue.

Graham Hall

The Center for Political Communication (CPC) at the University of Delaware is located in Suite 190A of Graham Hall, situated at 111 Academy Street in Newark, Delaware. Graham Hall is part of the university's main Newark campus and can be easily accessed from the parking lot entrance off Delaware Avenue, just east of Academy Street and across from the fire station. Visitors can find the CPC's entrance near the back of Graham Hall, close to the disability parking area. For those using navigation, it's helpful to locate 124 Haines Street on Google Maps and then walk down the parking lot entrance to the rear of Graham Hall. The Center's entrance is secured, so visitors should use the QR code at the front entry to ring the front desk and request entry during normal business hours.

UD’s interactive map

Accessibility

If you need wheelchair seating to attend an event hosted by UD’s Center for Political Communication, please email cpc-info@udel.edu to make arrangements.

The College’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are significant parts of the University of Delaware's College of Arts and Sciences values and goals. The college's commitment to these values is not just evident in its student body but also in its faculty, staff, and curriculum, ensuring a fully inclusive experience. Through this steadfast dedication to diversity and inclusivity, the college continues to enrich its educational offerings, allowing each student to benefit from a wide array of viewpoints and experiences.