Meeting Minutes - January 30, 2015

PAD Advisory Board

Meeting Minutes

Friday, January 30, 2015

I.               Call to order:

Dr. Sheila Toppin, Advisory Board Coordinator, called the meeting to order at 12:45 pm at Clark Atlanta University, Oglethorpe Building, Room 116, Atlanta, GA 30314.

II.            Attendees:

Board Members: Ms. Valerie Bell-Smith, Ms. Ardie Harrison, Ms. Beth McMillan, Dr. Priscilla Oliver, Mr. Marshall Taggart.

Absent Board Members: Mr. Keith Barker, Ms. Angela Etson, Dr. Tim Etson, Ms. Bettina Gardner, Mr. Tharon Johnson

PAD Faculty: Dr. Henry Elonge, Dr. Rhonda Franklin, Dr. Oyebade Oyerinde,

Dr. Sheila Toppin

MPA Students: Mr. Abdullah Alsayegh, Ms. Rahmah Alsomaly, Mr. Godfrey Anderson, Ms. Cassandra Volcy, Ms. Carla White

III.          Introductions:

Dr. Toppin provided welcoming remarks and thanked the Advisory Board members and all in attendance for their partnership and support. Attendees introduced themselves. 

IV.          Official Business:

Dr. Elonge, Interim Chairperson, provided an overview of Clark Atlanta University, the Department, and NASPAA Accreditation Standards. CAU is a Historically Black Institution and is referred to as a HBCU. It was established in 1988 as a result of the consolidation of two independently black institutions – Atlanta University (1865) and Clark College (1869). CAU is also a United Methodist Church-related, private, coeducational, residential and comprehensive urban research University. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, professional degrees and non-degree certificate programs. CAU has four University Strategic Plan Priorities: 1) Attract an increased number and diversity of students who graduate at higher rates and are equipped to succeed in their careers; 2) Develop and enhance academic, research, and support programs recognized for their distinctiveness, innovation, and ability to prepare graduates sought after by employers and entrepreneurial community as well as graduate and professional schools; 3) Increase and diversify University revenue streams through expanded external financial partnerships and support, entrepreneurial programs, and a broadened base of funded research grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements; and 4) Implement a University-wide strategic business model to enhance service delivery, value creation and sound return on investment for successful future growth, development and profitability.

The Public Administration Department (PAD) exists in the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) which is headed by a Dean. SAS is the largest school in the University. The Department is 40 years old- started in 1975 by Professor Emeritus James T. Jones. Presently, enrollment stands at 65 students with the following demographics: 50% Male, 50% Female, 30% International, 95% full-time

PAD networks with professional organizations: American Society of Public Administration (ASPA), Southeastern Conference of Public Administration (SECOPA), Conference of Minority Public Administrators (COMPA), National Forum of Black Public Administrators (NFBPA), International City-County Managers Association (ICMA), and National Conference of Black Public Servants (NCBPS). Presently, the Department has four faculty and one staff assistant: Dr. Henry Elonge, Interim Chairperson, Dr. Rhonda Franklin, Dr. Oyebade Oyerinde, Dr. Sheila Toppin, and Ms. Terry Kight. PAD has graduated over 600 students who hold careers in public, private, non-profit, and international sectors. The Department has a strong student organization, Public Administration Student Association (PASA)

The Network of Schools in Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) is PAD’s accrediting agency. Accreditation occurs in 7 year cycles. PAD has been accredited 3 times: 1997, 2003, 2010. The University pays annual dues to NASPAA. NASPAA provides Core Competencies for all Public Administration Programs – Nationally & Internationally. The next Accreditation visit 2016-2017. PAD will conduct a self-study in 2015-2016. PAD expects full Advisory Board Involvement in the Site Visit through interviews with Site Visit Teams and having knowledge of PAD Program & NASPAAA Standards.

Dr. Toppin provided an overview of the Advisory Board’s Strategic Goals: Meet semi-annually –  Spring & Fall semesters to receive University & Department updates; Provide advisement on the profession and issues related to student preparation; Mentor students and assist in securing internships/ other professional opportunities for graduate students; Identify additional sources of revenue to support the general objectives of the Department; Serve as ambassadors on behalf of the Department in arenas outside the University; and Promote networking and connections between current/former students and Public Administrators.

Dr. Toppin provided an overview of the PAD Internship Program: NASPAA Public Service Internship Guidelines. MPA Internship Requirements: 480 hours; Administrative level placement; Identification of Problem/Dilemma for Exit Paper . Advisory Board members were advised on the need for internships & mentorships for PAD students. They were encouraged to explore internship or mentorship programs in their agencies, to become mentors, and encouraged to involve their colleagues to become mentors as well. Dr. Toppin will provide Board Members with more information on the Internship and Mentorship Programs.

MPA Students Mr. Godfrey Anderson, Ms. Cassandra Volcy, and Ms. Carla White provided an overview of the Public Administration Student Association (PASA). The 2014 – 2015 Board Members are: President – Cassandra Volcy, Vice President – David Johnson, Secretary – Vacant, Treasurer – Markita Payne, Student Representative – Carla White, Historian Parliamentarian – Godfrey Anderson. PASA is an organization that represents the student body of the Public Administration Program. PASA plans and executes events that are designed to enrich each students’ experience at CAU both academically and socially.  Networking is a key component in this field of study and is emphasized throughout your matriculation.  

MPA Students Mr. Abdullah Alsayegh, Ms. Rahmah Alsomaly, Mr. Godfrey Anderson, Ms. Cassandra Volcy, and Ms. Carla White shared their experience in the program, their concentrations and future interests.

PAD Concentrations & Industry Trend Breakout Groups: Attendees participated in the following concentration-focused breakout groups:

Community Economic Development & Urban Management: Dr. Rhonda Franklin, Ms. Beth McMillian, Ms. Carla Volcy.

Human Resources Management: Dr. Sheila Toppin, Ms. Ardie Harrison, Mr. Godfrey Anderson.

International Administration & Development Management: Dr. Henry Elonge, Dr. Pamela Oliver, Ms. Rahmah Alsomaly.

Public Policy: Dr. Oyebade Oyerinde, Ms. Valerie Bell-Smith, Ms. Carla White.

V.             Advisory Board Recommendations:

Community Economic Development & Urban Management Recommendations:

·         Increase involvement in local projects to impact the community. City of Atlanta offers plenty of opportunities for PAD students.

·         Recruit students for Urban Administration program as professionals in urban and local government are in demand.

·         Reenergize the real estate courses and interest among students.

·         Offer Housing Development course/concentration to address housing crisis in metropolitan areas.

Human Resources Management:

·         Increase focus on industry trends…movement from technical skills to strategic planning.

·         Align internship placement requirements with needs in the industry (i.e., strategic planning, metrics, diversified skills, etc.)

·         Offer HR Metrics course to prepare students for HR careers.

International Administration & Development Management:

·         Offer the following courses or independent studies: Disaster Preparation, Health Administration, and Environmental Sustainability.

·         Partner with Morehouse School of Medicine’s Masters of Public Health program to offer International Environmental Health Program.

·         Facilitate internships/partnerships for students at the U.S. State Department.

Public Policy:

·         Utilize policy courses to effect change in the Atlanta University Center by getting PAD students involved in City of Atlanta and Fulton County public policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. AUC schools should have a more active role in serving/assisting the residential community surrounding the campuses.

General Recommendations:

·         Continue to link students’ personal interests with career choices.

·         Seek and accept opportunities to partner with City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and local agencies to increase experiential activities for PAD students.

VI.          Announcements:

Dr. Franklin shared the upcoming PAD 40^th Anniversary celebration. The Department will host a banquet on Saturday, April 11, 2015. Tickets are $40 per person. Advisory Board members were invited to participate and advised a link to purchase tickets via PayPal is forthcoming.

Dr. Toppin advised the next Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2015; however, a midterm meeting may be scheduled due to upcoming changes (i.e., CAU Presidential Search).

VII.          Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 pm.