• Mission, Vision, Values
• Program OverviewAcademic Advising
• Curriculum
• Part-Time Student InformationModel ProgramsPursuing Degrees Simultaneously
• Application Information
• Information for Current Students
• Student Experience
• Pi Alpha Alpha
• Alumni Spotlights
• MPA Alumni and Employer Surveys

Academic Advising

Academic advising is a key element for achieving our mission of developing the best public service leaders in the world. Advisement helps students stay on track to complete their degree and develop the skills necessary to thrive in the public service. It also helps provide a formal connection between faculty and students. 

The Administrative Program Director (Valerie Rogers) is available to counsel students and they often rely upon her for program advisement and course selection. The Administrative Program Director is the student’s primary point of contact for scheduling of courses, planning of focus areas, and for any problems that arise with financial aid, the Graduate School, or other University administrative units. 

Each MPA student is assigned a major faculty advisor. Faculty advisors also provide program advisement as needed. Students are free to change their advisor at any time. 

The mid-program review is the institutional arrangement that helps to assure students are making academic progress (click here for a copy of the form). About halfway through the program students meet with their academic advisor or the Administrative Program Director and complete the mid-program review form. At this time students’ program performance is assessed and plans made for them to do what is necessary to complete the program, such as complete the internship, take certain courses, etc. Potential problems are identified and addressed. After the mid-program review is completed, students have a clear plan for the remainder of their time enrolled in the MPA Program. 

For new students, the MPA Program conducts a formal orientation during the week prior to the beginning of the Fall semester. Information is passed to students via email during the course of the Fall and Spring semesters.