From social media platforms to generative AI tools, digital services shape how we communicate, govern and participate in civic life. But who sets the rules, and how can we design governance systems that are transparent, fair and accountable?
To explore these questions, the interdisciplinary short course Tech Policy Design: Platform Governance for an AI-driven World, hosted by the CITRIS Tech Policy initiative, will convene graduate students from across the CITRIS campus network from October 2025 to February 2026. Over the course of nine meetings and a collaborative capstone project, participants will engage with pressing issues in trust and safety, content moderation, algorithmic transparency, and emerging regulatory trends by applying design-thinking and policy frameworks to real-world challenges.
“This course equips future leaders to navigate and shape the fast-evolving governance landscape of AI and digital platforms,” said lead instructor David Evan Harris. “It’s a rare opportunity for students to work directly with legislative, advocacy and nonprofit clients on high-impact policy solutions.”
Through seminar discussions, guest lectures and team-based projects, students will develop concrete policy recommendations and design solutions to pressing tech policy problems. The program culminates in final presentations to legislative staffers, policymakers and other key stakeholders in Sacramento.
“This program is unique in combining academic rigor with hands-on work with real, immediate impact,” said CITRIS Executive Director Camille Crittenden, who joins Naomi Shiffman as a course adviser. “Students won’t just study platform governance — they’ll help shape its future.”
Participants will receive a $1,000 stipend to support travel and participation in biweekly sessions. Applications are due Friday, Sept. 5.
Apply now to join a select cohort of future tech policy leaders.