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The Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics

A bipartisan research, teaching and experiential learning institute dedicated to increasing understanding of the political process with special emphasis on political parties, grassroots activity, civility and ethics, and hands-on learning through internships and events.


Bliss Annual Report 2022-2023.png

Throughout my first year as director, I have had the pleasure of meeting many Bliss Institute colleagues, alumni, and friends. I have developed an annual report to let you know of all the activities undertaken in my inaugural year. As this report reveals, I stepped into a directorship of a thriving, active Institute. I could not have undertaken so much, while also making plans to add a new layer of citizenship-focused initiatives to the Bliss Institute's portfolio, without the enthusiastic support of everyone I have met.

I hope you will take a few minutes to read the report linked below and help us celebrate our accomplishments.

Annual Report


EVENTS

Akron Decides: May 2023 Post Election Poll

Registered voters in Akron were asked to share their thoughts and opinions about the recent election for the Mayor of Akron.  A full summary of the poll results can be found here.

John Green, director emeritus, presented the poll results at the Akron Press Club on June 5.

This poll was conducted by the CMOR, with special thanks to the following sponsors: Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at The University of Akron, Akron Beacon Journal, Akron Press Club, Akron NAACP, and Ohio Debate Commission.

Akron Decides: April 2023 Horse Race Poll Results

Registered Voters in Akron who described themselves as likely to vote were asked to share their thoughts and plans for voting in the upcoming May primary for the Mayor of Akron.  A full summary of the poll results can be found here.

This poll was conducted by the CMOR, with special thanks to the following sponsors: Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at The University of Akron, Akron Beacon Journal, and Ideastream Public Media.

The Donald Trump Presidency: Legacy and Record

April 6-7, 2023, University of Mount Union 

This was an even-handed, non-partisan, and scholarly examination of the actions and consequences of the Donald J. Trump Presidency on the United States and world from a variety of perspectives.  

Keynote Address: Major Garrett, CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent
Media Roundtable: Covering Trump and Trumpism

See past events

Why study applied politics

Catey Breck, MPA, BA '06, discusses her career path and how the Bliss Institute helped her.

Valuable internships

UA graduate student, Claire Jimerson, shares her internship experience with the Ohio Senate Page Program. She graduated in 2023 with a Master of Applied Politics.


THE GREATER AKRON CIVILITY CENTER

Setting standards, providing resources, and working to create a culture of civility in the Greater Akron community.

Learn more


Campus location

Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics
The University of Akron
Olin Hall 325
Akron, OH 44325-1914
(see campus map)

Contact us

Office: 330-972-5182
Fax: 330-972-5479
Email: bliss@uakron.edu

Social Media Coordinator:
Blair Everett
Email: beverett@uakron.edu 

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Bliss Institute News

Ohio's 2024 U.S. Senate showdown takes off

Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, believes that Bernie Moreno will be at a slight disadvantage in the upcoming Senate election. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.