Welcome from the Presidents
The Baker Institute Student Forum was formed in 2002, envisioned as the link between the Baker Institute for Public Policy and students at Rice. At a time of deep division in national and international discourses on foreign and public policy agendas, the place of BISF in facilitating and leading student discussions on complex issues has never been more important. In organizing a variety of events BISF works to provide space for Rice students to explore policy issues and engage with policy experts, empowering them to define their own opinions and challenging them to consider others.
BISF events take a variety of forms, from informal student debates to expert thought talks, intimate roundtables with institute fellows, professional workshops to an annual undergraduate policy competition. Our membership is diverse in academic and policy interests but shares a deep curiosity to better understand the pressing policy issues of today.
As we approach the 2024 election in a political climate that can be difficult to navigate, we hope to be an outlet for curiosity and a source of clarity for a student body brimming with hope, inquisitiveness, and energy.
Warmly,
Christina Boufarah and Kayla Peden
Presidents, Baker Institute Student Forum
BISF is for Everyone
The Baker Institute Student Forum is for everyone. Whether you are an artist, teacher, engineer, medical professional, or consultant, policy impacts your field of study or work. We hope to see you at many of our wide-ranging events. If you have any suggestions for BISF, please let us know here.
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Get Involved
Every student at Rice is a member of the Baker Institute Student Forum. We encourage you to follow us on Facebook or sign up for our email listserv to find out more about upcoming events and opportunities.
It takes a lot of work to make these opportunities available for the campus. We are always looking for policy-minded students to help program events, develop research and reach out to the community. Join one of our committees and make the most of your Rice experience.
“Decisions policymakers make today will shape our nation and the world for years and decades to come. I urge you to get informed and become engaged.”
— Edward P. Djerejian, Baker Institute Director
The Baker Institute Student Forum (BISF) is a student-run organization dedicated to fostering student involvement in public policy by providing opportunities for Rice University students to interact with distinguished statesmen and scholars, examine public policy questions and host an annual undergraduate public policy conference.