Our Mission
The Center for Public Policy and Social Research (CPPSR), making use of the full range of University resources, is dedicated to enriching the quality of public policy, public service, applied research, University outreach, and community engagement in central Connecticut, the state and beyond.
Fulfilling the Mission
Working closely with the entities housed within it, CPPSR carries out its mission with vigilant adherence to the principles of academic freedom, non-partisanship, sound ethics and respect for diverse community values. In implementing these principles, CPPSR provides its staff with opportunities for professional development and personal growth so that they may better serve the public good.
Designated as a Connecticut Higher Education Center of Excellence and housing the O’Neill Endowed Chair in Public Policy and Practical Politics, CPPSR utilizes expert faculty, dedicated staff, motivated student research assistants and state-of-the art-technology to provide a wide range of professional training, research, program evaluation, analysis and consulting services to municipal and state governments, public policymakers, not-for-profit organizations and the greater community.
CPPSR develops and facilitates faculty and student projects that advance their scholarship, community engagement and applied research experiences. CPPSR believes that by providing students with opportunities for hands-on experience in the policy-making process, in which they can help to make a measurable difference in improving the quality of life for their fellow citizens, students will be encouraged to pursue careers in public service.
Through its archival and oral history programs, CPPSR promotes greater understanding and appreciation of the significant contribution of Connecticut’s citizens to our state and nation.
CPPSR further serves Connecticut by providing a forum for the framing and debate of a myriad of current, critical public policy issues, and by harnessing the University’s academic and other resources to identify and develop non-partisan, evidence-based policy options.
