The West Wing

University of Texas

Description

Cassie identifies University of Texas as her alma mater and specifies her American Studies major. She cites it to Will during a tense West Wing critique of interns' speech drafts, defending her background after he reveals his research into her credentials. The university bolsters her legitimacy amid accusations of political naiveté, serving as an academic anchor in staff debates over policy rhetoric and electoral tactics.

Event Involvements

Events with structured involvement data

2 events
S4E16 · The California 47th
Will Calls Out Interns, Reasserts Control

The University of Texas is cited by Cassie as her academic credential to defend herself; it functions as a source of claimed legitimacy in the face of public correction.

Active Representation

Referenced through Cassie's on-the-spot assertion of her educational background.

Power Dynamics

Serves as an invoked credential that momentarily balances the authority Will exerts in the room.

Institutional Impact

Cassie's appeal to her alma mater underscores how institutional affiliations can be used defensively in hierarchical staff interactions.

Organizational Goals
Afford alumni credibility in public discourse (implied) Serve as a background credential for staff legitimacy
Influence Mechanisms
Reputation-based authority invoked by individuals Alumni networks as markers of competence
S4E16 · The California 47th
Late-Night Call — Speech Draft vs. Sam's Campaign

The University of Texas appears as Cassie's claimed alma mater, providing her with a defensive credential when Will fact-checks her background and questions her authority to draft policy language.

Active Representation

Presented through Cassie's assertion and Will's verification; functions as personal credentialing rather than institutional action.

Power Dynamics

Indirect influence: the university's brand confers credibility on an intern's expertise in political discussions.

Institutional Impact

Demonstrates how educational pedigree is used to defend competence in hierarchical workplaces.

Organizational Goals
None explicit — acts as a background source of legitimacy for a staffer. Serve as an anchor for Cassie's professional identity in the critique.
Influence Mechanisms
Reputational capital via alumni status Credential signaling to senior staff