MPA Student Resources

The MPA Student of the Year award recognizes a graduating MPA student who embodies the department’s core values: “Serve, Respect, Achieve”.

Eligibility

1. Graduating MPA student in the spring semester of the current academic year or the following fall semester.
2. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher at time of nomination.

Criteria for Evaluation

The MPA faculty will evaluate eligible students based on a number of criteria including, but not limited to: quality of academic work, in-class performance, professional growth and development, demonstrated leadership, and demonstrated personal character.

The First Year MPA Student award recognizes an MPA student in their first year who embodies the department’s core values: “Serve, Respect, Achieve”.

Eligibility

1. MPA student in their first year (or a student who has completed no more than 18-credit hours).
2. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher at time of nomination.

Criteria for Evaluation

The MPA faculty will evaluate eligible students based on a number of criteria including, but not limited to: quality of academic work, in-class performance, professional growth and development, demonstrated leadership, and demonstrated personal character.

The Community Involvement and Volunteering award recognizes MPA students who have made outstanding contributions in the community through their volunteering efforts. Students who have completed 25 hours, 50 hours, and 100 or more hours of volunteering will be recognized for their contributions.

Eligibility

1. Open to all MPA students.
2. Completion of the self-nomination form demonstrating hours of community service performed, leadership roles in service, and the diversity of organizations.

Criteria for Evaluation

The MPA faculty will evaluate nominees for this award against the backdrop of the impact that their volunteering has made on their lives and the value to the community.

The Professional Development award recognizes an MPA student(s) who has surpassed in a significant and meaningful way the standard program requirements for professional growth and development.

Eligibility

1. Open to all MPA students.
2. Completion of the self-nomination form detailing the type and breadth of professional development.

Criteria for Evaluation

The MPA faculty will evaluate nominees for this award by considering a wide range of professional development activities including, but not limited to: attending and presenting at professional conferences, attending professional workshops, participating in program and department hosted or sponsored events, taking on leadership roles within the program or department and/or in outside professional organizations.

The Peer Leadership award recognizes a first year (less than 18-credit hours completed) and graduating (30-credit hours or more completed) MPA student who exhibits strong leadership qualities inside and outside of the classroom.

Eligibility

1. Open to all MPA students.
2. Student(s) are nominated for this award by their peers. A student must receive one or more completed nominations in order to be eligible for this award.

Criteria for Evaluation

The MPA faculty will evaluate nominees for this award by considering the merits detailed in the nomination form(s). Evidence of peer leadership may include, but is not limited to: demonstrated classroom leadership, setting a high standard for individual and group work, willingness to help or mentor classmates, and creating meaningful engagement with peers outside of the classroom.