Schools of Enrollment Spotlight Series - Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy (Batten)

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and your role within the school?

Hi! My name is Jenn Fraticelli, and I am the Undergraduate Admissions Officer for the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. One of the main responsibilities of my role is to support and advise prospective transfer students. I work very closely with students within the VCCS who are interested in knocking out some of our pre-requisites early. Did you know you can take Introduction to Public Policy, our UVA-specific prerequisite classes, while you are working on your associates degree? 

2. What makes this program unique compared to similar programs at other institutions?

First off, we are an upper-school, which means you would start Batten as a third year (or junior status). This allows for an efficient transition for transfer students who are planning to complete their general education requirements in their first two years of community college/other university. Our Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Leadership focuses on teaching students a mixture of hard and soft skills. Students pair rigorous liberal arts education with hands-on practical experience. With our two curriculum pillars landing in social psychology and public policy, you not only learn how to analyze data and problem solve complex social problems, but you also learn how to move people – how to be a leader. 

3. How would you describe the program's culture and learning environment?

Here at Batten, we focus heavily on community. As a Batten student, you get the perks of a small school and the benefits of larger UVA all in one. The learning environment is composed of a discussion-based setting. We want to hear all the different perspectives, backgrounds, and points-of-view to truly figure out the world’s toughest problems. Our classes tend to be smaller, which allows for more one-on-one time with professors. Our faculty are a mixture of academics and practitioners, which means you could be taught by a professor who worked for years as an economist or who worked on Capitol Hill, and have real life experience in the field teaching you the skills you’ll need to thrive outside the classroom. 

4. What types of students tend to thrive in this program?

Students who thrive at Batten are the ones who aren’t afraid to use their life experiences, passions, and interests to fuel discussion in the classroom. Students who want to see the world change for the better. We find that students who are engaged and active in the Batten community seem to have richer experiences while here and get more out of the program. If you are interested in public policy, government, political science, politics, economics, data analysis, psychology, public health, law, and more, we might be the school for you. We welcome anyone to inquire about us to see if you would be a good fit!

5. What are some common misconceptions prospective transfer students have about the program?

Because we are a small school, we are more competitive. This is not the case! Our requirements consist of having a 2.5 GPA (or higher), having 54-60 transferrable credits, and completing our three prerequisites (Microeconomics, Social Psychology, and Introduction to Public Policy). If you are a community college student, you can complete Microeconomics (ECO 202) and Social Psychology (PSY 216) while finishing your associates degree. If you are a 4-year student who is interested in transferring, we take equivalent courses as well. Introduction to Public Policy is a UVA-only course that can be taken online over the summer. We will work with you, as a transfer student, to make sure you are making the most out of your time before you get to Batten so that you can maximize your time/courses/interests when you get here.

6. What is one thing you wish transfer students knew about your school before they started?

It’s okay to not have it all figured out. It’s also okay to have several different interests – the most interesting people do! If you find yourself feeling like Batten may be for you, then try out one of our prerequisite courses and see if it’s the right fit. Keep in mind that in addition to our core courses, where you learn the foundations of policy, you will also take Special Topics or electives that allow you to explore your interests more fully.

If you are a current Piedmont Virginia Community College student who is interested in Batten and has between 12 and 30 credits completed towards your associates degree, you may be eligible for our direct transfer LEAD program. 

I realize that was more than one thing, whoops!😊

7. What is your go-to Bodo's order, and where on Grounds would you eat it?

It depends on what time of day I go. You can’t go wrong with a cinnamon-raisin bagel with plain cream cheese for breakfast and you also can’t go wrong with a BLT with avocado on a plain bagel for lunch! 

There are so many beautiful places to eat on Grounds, including sitting on a bench under a tree or enjoying the beautiful ceiling in the Great Hall in Garrett Hall, which is where the Batten School is housed (come visit and we can eat Bodo’s together!)