Wayne State University's Detroit Orientation Institute (DOI), now in its 20th year of operation, is accepting registrations for the spring session scheduled for April 12, 2011.
Understand Detroit: Past, Present and Future is a concentrated experience that provides participants with "One Day in the D." The DOI is partnering with Inside Detroit, a nonprofit organization that showcases the city's assets, to offer an accessible and affordable one-day program.
Highlights of the new program include discussions with area leaders, in-depth city tours, viewing of the DOI film Regional Roots: The Birth and Evolution of Detroit and Its People, and an evening reception at the Virgil Carr Center.
"The DOI is designed to provide media, business, nonprofit and other professionals who are new to metropolitan Detroit, and others who want to know more about the area, with a candid understanding of the issues, personalities and events affecting the region" said Ann Cuddohy Slawnik, DOI director. "This session provides both a historical and regional perspective on diversity and demographics, education, arts, culture, development, the auto industry and the political landscape."
The DOI will offer its three-day session in the fall. The fall dates are October 12, 19 and 26, 2011.
The one-day program includes:
• Bus tours of downtown, southwest Detroit, Midtown, New Center and the near eastside
• Demographic presentation by Kurt Metzger, director of Data Driven Detroit (D3)
• Discussion moderated by Craig Fahle, program host of the Craig Fahle Show on WDET, with panelists Hector Hernandez, senior director of housing solutions at Southwest Solutions; Dan Carmody, president of Detroit's Eastern Market; and Nichole Christian, director of communications for Wayne State University's TechTown
Tuition is $250 per person and includes transportation to program sites, meals and background materials. Visit http://doi.wayne.edu/ for more information or to register.
About Detroit Orientation Institute
The Detroit Orientation at Wayne State University provides a historical perspective and candid look at the region. The session welcomes anyone wishing to learn about the city and metro area, especially newcomers. Since its inception, more than 900 people from nearly 150 businesses, nonprofit organizations and media outlets have attended the program.
About Inside Detroit
Inside Detroit is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to promote Detroit as a preferred destination to live, work and play by educating the public about Detroit's history, culture, community and livability. Inside Detroit showcases Detroit's assets, from its attractions to its small businesses to its community.
Wayne State University is a premier urban research university offering more than 400 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 32,000 students.