Advisory Board Meeting with SVT - February 28, 2018

On February 28, 2018, Advisory Board members met with NASPAA's Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA) Site Visit Team (SVT). The meeting was standard protocol in the Department's quest to maintain NASPAA accreditation. Advisory Board members Jose Bright, Mike Faass, Shamiah Kerney, and Abby Turano provided the SVT with an overview of their contributions to the Department, the Advisory Board's role in the Department's mission and curriculum revisions, and opportunities for Departmental growth.

The meeting with the Site Visit Team was held in lieu of a Spring Advisory Board meeting.

Meeting Minutes - November 16, 2017

AD Advisory Board

Meeting Minutes

Thursday, November 16, 2017

I. Call to order:

Dr. Sheila Toppin, Advisory Board Coordinator, called the conference all meeting to 12:30 pm.

           

Roll Call:

Present Board Members:  Dr. Timothy Etson, Mr. Mike Faass, Ms. Shamiah Kerney,

Dr. Priscilla Oliver, Ms. Abby Turano.

Absent Board Members: Sir Jose Bright, Ms. Beth McMillan, Mr. Marshall Taggart.

Present PAD Faculty: Dr. Henry Elonge, Dr. Rhonda Franklin, Sabrina Riles, Dr. Sheila Toppin.

MPA Students: None.

Welcome/Introductions: Dr. Toppin provided welcoming remarks and thanked the Advisory Board members and all in attendance for their ongoing participation in the PAD’s success. Attendees introduced themselves. 

II. Approval of Minutes from January 27, 2017 meeting: Board Members were encouraged to review the meeting minutes and Board updates via the PAD Advisory Board webpage @ http://padadvisoryboard.blogspot.com/.

III. Old & New Business:

A. PAD Updates:  Dr. Elonge, PAD Chairperson

Public Administration Department (PAD) has averaged 18 graduating students each year since 2015 and anticipating the same in 2018. Current enrollment is 45 students. The Department has completed the NASPAA Self-Study for the 2016 – 2017 academic year. The Self-Study report was reviewed by NASPAA’s Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA) which is a Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognized accreditation body for MPA degree programs. The Self Study report was due by August 15^th and the Interim Report from COPRA was received in the PAD on October 30, 2017. We are pleased to report the PAD has successfully advanced to the final phase – the Site Visit in February 2018. The Department must provide a response to the Interim Report by January 15, 2018, which will focus on the following topics: implementation of the new mission statement, administrative governance, curriculum revision implementation, internship requirements, recruitment strategies, staffing and resource capacity with anticipated growth.  

The Advisory Board will play a critical role in the success of the reaccreditation process and it is imperative that all Board Members become thoroughly immersed in the PAD curriculum and programmatic outcomes. The Site Visit Team will meet with the Advisory Board members to determine 1) Advisory Board members’ knowledge and advisory role in the program; and 2) Advisory Board members’ involvement and networking within the program.  Advisory Board members are encouraged to come to campus and participate in departmental activities including the upcoming policy Cocoon at the CAU Alumni House, the NFBPA Executive Leadership Institute at CAU in December 6 – 9, 2017, and to make themselves available for guest speaking in MPA classes. The Advisory Board is encouraged to continuously provide input that will assist the PAD in promoting student success.

Lastly, the University is encouraged by the PAD and the revision to the MPA degree. As a result, the PAD was chosen as one of the four departments to pilot an online degree program as early as Fall 2018; however, the PAD deferred until Fall 2019 due to the NASPAA accreditation cycle. Drs. Oyerinde and Riles have been tasked with the proposal and implementation. The online program will parallel the MPA degree offered on ground; however, there are future plans to consider an executive program.

B. PASA Update – Dr. Sabrina Riles

The Public Administration Student Association (PASA) has been proactively planning several events. The policy Cocoon is scheduled for December 2. 2017, at the CAU Alumni House. Students, Faculty, Board members, and Alums are invited to attend to discuss public policy implications. There are three community service events being planned for the Spring with the following organizations: Habitat for Humanity, Hands on Atlanta, and another nonprofit organization. The PAD Annual Banquet is scheduled for April 14, 2018 @ 5:00 pm. The Banquet will be held in the CAU Board Room in the Thomas Cole building. The theme will be “Transitioning in Possibilities” and the keynote speaker will be Fulton County Commissioner Natalie Hall. Tickets will be available in late January. The PASA website will be updated with Banquet information soon.

C. Committee Chair Reports:

Fundraising: Chair: Dr. Oyebade Oyerinde. Members: Ms. Shamiah Kerney, Mr. Mike Faass

In Dr. Oyerinde’s absence, Advisory Board Member Shamiah Kerney advised the committee will need to anchor fundraising with a systematic plan that will include scholarships, scholarly activities, and department resources for student success. Ms. Kerney requested the Advisory Board members donate $100 each toward the first scholarly activity which will be the NFBPA conference in April 2018 in Cleveland, OH. The committee will begin the process of developing a departmental fund for contributions.

Mentoring: Chair: Dr. Rhonda Franklin, Members: Dr. Timothy Etson, Ms. Abby Turano, Sir Jose Bright

Dr. Franklin advised the committee has developed the mentoring program which will begin in Fall 2018. The program will focus on pre-service students and will coincide with the revised curriculum. As previously stated, the mentoring program will focus on connecting board members with students through strategic mentoring. All Advisory Board members are encouraged to participate in the program.

Recruiting: Chairperson: Dr. Toppin, Members: Dr. Priscilla Oliver, Mr. Marshall Taggart, Ms. Beth McMillan

Dr. Toppin advised the committee has completed the revision of the MPA brochure and a flyer to reflect the curriculum changes. The recruitment strategy will include dissemination of the brochure and flyer internally to the Graduate Admissions Office, Graduate Resource Center, and related undergraduate programs (i.e., Political Science, Social Work, Sociology/Criminal Justice, Psychology) and externally to local, state, and federal government agencies, non-profit organizations, and professional associations.

IV. Adjournment – Meeting adjourned at 1:16 pm. Next meeting scheduled in Spring 2018. 

Meeting Minutes - January 27, 2017

PAD Advisory Board

Meeting Minutes

Friday, January 27, 2017

I.          Call to order:

            Dr. Sheila Toppin, Advisory Board Coordinator, called the conference all meeting to 1:32 pm.

           

            Attendees:

            Board Members:  Dr. Priscilla Oliver, Ms. Abby Turano, Mr. Marshall Taggart, Sir Jose Bright, Mr. Mike Faass, Ms. Shamiah Kerney, Ms. Beth McMillan

            Absent Board Members: Dr. Timothy Etson, Ms. Ardie Harrison

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

            MPA Students: None.

            Welcome/Introductions: Dr. Toppin provided welcoming remarks and thanked the Advisory Board members and all in attendance for their partnership and support. Attendees introduced themselves and shared their goals for 2017. 

II.        Approval of Minutes from March 31, 2016 meeting: Approval tabled to April 2017 meeting. Board Members were encouraged to review the meeting minutes and Board updates via the PAD Advisory Board webpage @ http://padadvisoryboard.blogspot.com/.

III.       Old Business:

            A. PAD Updates:  Dr. Elonge, PAD Chairperson

1. CAU:  President and Provost are focused heavily on university-wide outcomes. They have cast the vision “Lifting Every Voice” to ensure all students are prepared for the competitive global economy by encouraging the development of stackable credentials (i.e., degree plans, certification programs, training) to help our students have the competitive edge. Lastly, the Provost has commissioned a committee to identify program strengths and opportunities for growth in all graduate programs.

2. Public Administration Department (PAD): 18 graduates in 2016 and anticipating the same in 2017. Current enrollment: 60 students. We have embarked on the NASPAA Self-Study which relies heavily on stakeholder input. The Advisory Board will play a critical role in the success of the reaccreditation process and it is imperative that all Board Members become thoroughly immersed in the PAD curriculum and programmatic outcomes.

B. Committee Chair Reports:

Fundraising: Chairperson Dr. Oyerinde advised the committee will focus on grant writing and alumni support.

Members: Ms. Shamiah Kerney, Mr. Mike Faass

Mentoring: Chairperson: Dr. Franklin advised the committee will focus on connecting board members with students through strategic mentoring. PAD averages 12 new students per term (15 in Fall 2016 and 10 in Spring 2017). The mentoring program will begin with identification of student needs and formally implement the program in Fall 2017. Committee Members Turano would like to incorporate internship opportunities into the mentoring process.  Mike Faass mentioned the value of internships and the value of mentors preparing students for professional practice.  

Members: Dr. Timothy Etson, Ms. Abby Turano, Sir Jose Bright, Ardie Harrison

Recruiting: Chairperson: Dr. Toppin advised the committee will equally focus on pre-service and in-service (professional) student recruitment. The development of a structured recruiting plan will run parallel to the NASPAA Standard 4.1 Student Recruitment: The Program will have student recruitment practices appropriate for its mission. The committee will rely upon CAU resources (i.e., Graduate Admissions/Recruitment Office, Alumni Network). Committee member Oliver recommended Faculty/Students utilize the ASPA-GA table at the ASPA National Conference for recruitment March 17 – 21^st, and the PAD have a table setup with MPA degree program brochures at the ASPA-GA conference on February 24^th.

Members: Dr. Priscilla Oliver, Mr. Marshall Taggatt, Ms. Beth McMillan

III.       New Business:

A. Upcoming Events:

            1. Dr. Toppin invited the Board Members to the ASPA-GA Conference on            February 24, 2017.

            2. Dr. Franklin invited Board Members to the Pi Alpha Alpha Student Research    Poster Day on April 6, 2017, from 12:00 – 1:30.

            3. Dr. Riles invited Board Members to the PASA Banquet on Saturday, April 8,    2017, in the Board Room at the Cole Research Center. Tickets are $40 per person.

            4. Dr. Elonge & Toppin advised the Board of the PAD’s approval to commence a feasibility study of an online MPA program. Dr. Elonge advised the work will begin now; however, implementation will not occur until after the NASPAA reaccreditation process is complete in 2018.

            5. Ms. Kerney invited the Board Members to attend the Conference for Minority   Public Administrators conference at the Atlanta Sheraton March 15 – 17, 2017.

            6. Dr. Oliver invited the Board Members to attend the ASPA National Conference at the Atlanta Sheraton March 17-21, 2017.

B. Guest Speaker Opportunities: Dr. Toppin invited Board Members to serve as guest speakers in PAD courses. Dr. Toppin will send a list of classes with faculty contact information via email.

IV.       Open Forum

           

            A. Dr. Elonge encouraged Board Members to not only serve as guest speakers, but to also avail themselves as evaluators in providing feedback to faculty via course observations.

            B. Dr. Elonge requested the PAD Faculty and Board Members gather for informal meetings as well to develop rapport and further information sharing regarding the PAD.

            C. Ms. Kerney mentioned internship opportunities for students wishing to learn more about political campaigns as a PAD alumnus is running for political office in South Fulton.

V.        Adjournment – Meeting adjourned at 1:15 pm. Next meeting scheduled for April 6, 2017 @ 2:00, AUC Library, 3^rd Floor Exhibition Hall. 

Meeting Minutes - March 31, 2016

PAD Advisory Board

Meeting Minutes

Friday, March 31, 2016

I.          Call to order:

            Dr. Sheila Toppin, Advisory Board Coordinator, called the meeting to order at 2:25 pm at     Clark Atlanta University, Robert W. Woodruff Library, Exhibition Hall.

           

            Attendees:

            Board Members: Dr. Timothy Etson, Dr. Priscilla Oliver, Ms. Abby Turano, Ms. Bettina

            Gardner

            Absent Board Members: Mr. Keith Barker, Ms. Angela Etson, Mr. Tharon Johnson, Mr. Marshall Taggart, Sir Jose Bright.

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

            Dr. Sheila Toppin.

            MPA Students: Mr. Earl Watson, Ms. Tiffany Brown, Ms. Rozana Aljohani.

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

II.        Approval of Minutes from November 15, 2015 meeting: Ms. Abby Turano made a        motion to approve meeting minutes, Ms. Bettina Gardner 2nd the motion. Meeting minutes were approved by the board after the language on the feedback to the Advisory Board Feedback section was revised.

III.       Old Business:

A. NASPAA Reaccreditation: Dr. Elonge, Chairperson, provided the following overview of Clark Atlanta University, the Department, and ASPAA Accreditation Standards. The PAD is accredited by the Network of Schools in Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). Accreditation occurs in 7 year cycles. The PAD has been accredited three times: 1997, 2003, 2010. The University pays annual dues to NASPAA which provides Core Competencies for all Public Administration Programs – Nationally & Internationally. The PAD has requested a one-year reaccreditation extension due to leadership and staffing changes. The next accreditation visit is scheduled for 2016-2017 academic year with the self-study in 2015-2016. The PAD expects full Advisory Board Involvement in the Site Visit through interviews with Site Visit Teams and having knowledge of PAD Program & NASPAAA Standards.

B. CAU & PAD Updates: Dr. Elonge advised the Public Administration Department is in the process of hiring a new faculty for Fall 2016. He is encouraged by the direction of the new CAU President Dr. Ronald Johnson and is hopeful the PAD will continue to receive support and sound academic leadership. Regarding Faculty Development, Drs. Toppin and Oyerinde had favorable responses in teaching, research, and service on their Third Year Reviews by the School of Arts and Science Promotion and Tenure Committee.

III.       New Business:

A. PASA Update & Banquet: Dr. Franklin invited the Board Members to attend the PASA banquet on Saturday, April 2, 2016, in the Thomas W. Cole Research Center.  PASA President Earl Watson provided an overview of PASA events for 2016.

B. Guest Speaker Invitations:  Dr. Toppin invited the Board members to serve as guest speakers for the PAD classes.

B. PAD Mission Statement & NASPAA Standard 5 – Matching Operations with the Mission: Dr. Elonge provided an overview of the NASPAA Reaccreditation Process and the Self-Study requirements. Board members and attendees were provided a copy of the NASPAA Standard 5 – Matching Operations with the Mission. Standard 5.1 Universal Required Competences requires the program to adopt a set of required competencies related to its mission and public service values. The PAD’s self-study will be based on the following Required Competences: 1. To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions; 2. To lead and manage in public governance; 3. To communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry. Board members and attendees were then asked to provide preliminary feedback on the following questions:

1. What do you expect PAD students to know and be able to do? Group response summary: computer skills (Micro Soft Office Suite), reputable sources, professionalism, communication skills, ability to think on their feet, fiscal management, critical thinking, problem solving, technology integration, social media ethics & utilization, HRMIS, GIS.

2. How would you assess how well students are meeting these student learning expectations? Group response summary: internship outcomes, project based courses, evaluation of students (i.e., assessment & presentations)

3. How do you use assessment results for continuous program improvement? Discussion tabled due to lack of time.

4. How does the mission align with the PAD’s mission? Discussion tabled due to lack of time.

E. Committee Assignments: Dr. Toppin provided an overview of the Advisory Board’s Committees. Board members discussed their experience and willingness to serve on the following committees:

Fundraising: Rationale:  NASPAA Accreditation Standard 6 Matching Resources with the Mission Section 6.1 Resource Adequacy: The program will have sufficient funds, physical facilities, and resources in addition to its faculty to pursue its mission, objectives, and continuous improvement.

Chairperson: Dr. Oyerinde

Members:

Mentoring: Rationale: NASPAA Accreditation Standard 5 Matching Operations with the Mission: Student Learning Section 5.4 Professional Competencies: The program will ensure that students learn to apply their education, such as through experiential exercises and interactions with practitioners across the broad range of public affairs, administration, and policy professions and sectors.

Chairperson: Dr. Franklin

Members: Dr. Timothy Etson, Ms. Abby Turano, Ms. Bettina Gardner

Recruiting: Rationale: NASPAA Accreditation Standard 4 - Matching Operations with the Mission: Serving Students Section 4.1 Student Recruitment: The program will have student recruitment practices appropriate for its mission.

Chairperson: Dr. Toppin

Members: Dr. Priscilla Oliver

IV.       Adjournment

            Meeting adjourned at 3:58 p.m.

Public Administration Student Association's 41st Annual Banquet

Tickets are available for the Public Administration Student Association's 41st Annual Banquet. Here is the information:

Date: Saturday, April 2, 2016


Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Theme: Leadership in Public Service

Keynote Speaker: Michael Hightower, Former Fulton County Commissioner


Location: Thomas Cole Science Research Building Exhibition Hall 
223 James P. Brawley Drive Atlanta, GA 30314 (park in Morehouse College's parking deck)



Ticket can be purchased via the PASA website: http://www.caupasa.net/#!support-pasa

We look forward to your continued support!!!

Next Meeting - Thursday, March 31, 2016 @ 1:00

The next PAD Advisory Board meeting will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2016, beginning @ 1:00. Please note we will meet in the Exhibition Hall of the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library located behind the Student Center on CAU's main campus. Click the "Meeting Agenda" tab on the right column for the agenda and pull down to review the minutes from the November 17, 2015, meeting.
Dr. Toppin

Meeting Minutes - November 17, 2015

             CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY

 

 School of Arts and Sciences

Public Administration Department

PAD Advisory Board

Meeting Minutes

Friday, November 17, 2015

I.                   Call to order:

Dr. Sheila Toppin, Advisory Board Coordinator, called the meeting to order at 2:45 pm at Clark Atlanta University, McPheeters-Dennis Hall, Room 217, Atlanta, GA 30314.

II.                Attendees:

Board Members: Dr. Timothy Etson, Ms. Ardie Harrison, Ms. Beth McMillan, Dr. Priscilla Oliver, Mr. Jose Bright, Ms. Abby Turano.

Absent Board Members: Mr. Keith Barker, Ms. Angela Etson, Ms. Bettina Gardner, Mr. Tharon Johnson, Mr. Marshall Taggart, Jr.

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

Dr. Sheila Toppin.

MPA Students: Mr. Godfrey Anderson, Ms. Kimberly Brooks, Mr. Kiheem Bynum, Mr. Earl Watson, 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:

January 30, 2015 Minutes – Ms. Beth McMillian made a motion to approve meeting minutes, Ms. Abby Turano 2nd the motion. Meeting minutes were approved by the board.

Advisory Board Update: Dr. Toppin provided an overview of the Advisory Board’s Strategic Goals, Committees, and Duties. The board was provided a tour of the PAD Advisory Board webpage located at the following web address: http://padadvisoryboard.blogspot.com/p/meeting-agendas.html. Board members were encouraged to lead and/or participate in one of the following committees:

Fundraising: Rationale:  NASPAA Accreditation Standard 6 Matching Resources with the Mission Section 6.1 Resource Adequacy: The program will have sufficient funds, physical facilities, and resources in addition to its faculty to pursue its mission, objectives, and continuous improvement.

Mentoring: Rationale: NASPAA Accreditation Standard 5 Matching Operations with the Mission: Student Learning Section 5.4 Professional Competencies: The program will ensure that students learn to apply their education, such as through experiential exercises and interactions with practitioners across the broad range of public affairs, administration, and policy professions and sectors.

Recruiting: Rationale: NASPAA Accreditation Standard 4 - Matching Operations with the Mission: Serving Students Section 4.1 Student Recruitment: The program will have student recruitment practices appropriate for its mission.

CAU & Public Administration Department Update: Dr. Elonge, Chairperson, provided the following 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, 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 PAD is accredited by the Network of Schools in Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). Accreditation occurs in 7 year cycles. The PAD has been accredited three times: 1997, 2003, 2010. The University pays annual dues to NASPAA which provides Core Competencies for all Public Administration Programs – Nationally & Internationally. The PAD has requested a one-year reaccreditation extension due to leadership and staffing changes. The next accreditation visit is scheduled for 2016-2017 academic year with the self-study in 2015-2016. The PAD expects full Advisory Board Involvement in the Site Visit through interviews with Site Visit Teams and having knowledge of PAD Program & NASPAAA Standards.

MPA Internship Program: Dr. Toppin, PAD Internship Coordinator, 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. The board was provided a tour of the PAD Advisory Board webpage located at the following web address: http://drsheilatoppin.blogspot.com/p/internship-requirements.html.

PASA Update: MPA Students Mr. Earl Watson and Ms. Kimberly Brooks provided an overview of the Public Administration Student Association (PASA). The 2015 – 2016 Board Members are: President – Earl Watson, Vice President – Kimberly Brooks, Recording Secretary – Tiffany Brown, Corresponding Secretary – Jaszmine Cowan, Treasurer – Markita Payne, Student Representative – Rozana Aljohani, Historian – Clarence Roden, Parliamentarian – Kiheem Bynum.

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

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

International Administration & Development Management: Dr. Henry Elonge, Ms. Abby Turano

Non-Profit Management & Leadership: Dr. Rhonda Franklin, Ms. Beth McMillian, Ms. Ardie Harrison, Mr. Jose Bright, Ms. Carla White.

Public Policy: Dr. Oyebade Oyerinde, Dr. Timothy Etson, Dr. Priscilla Oliver, Mr. Earl Watson, Ms. Kimberly Brooks.

V.            Advisory Board Recommendations:

Human Resources Management:

A.    Focus on strategic planning/management skills.

B.     Include HR Analytics/Metrics to curriculum.

C.     Enhance problem resolution skills.

International Administration & Development Management:

A.    Focus on communication across cultures and public speaking skills.

B.     Enhance soft skills (professionalism, appearance, proof-reading, punctuation).

C.     Improve global awareness and sensitivity by identifying cultural intelligence opportunities.

Non-profit Management & Leadership:

A.    Enhance collaborative and strategic partnerships.

B.     Focus on sustainable funding process and systems.

C.     Implement civic engagement/volunteerism into curriculum.

Public Policy:

A.    Focus equally on qualitative and quantitative research methods.

B.     Increase partnerships with public and private organizations.

C.     Implement a Speaker Series to enhance students’ learning and networking opportunities.

D.    Conduct a feasibility study for a MPA Research Boot Camp to enhance new students’ research skills.

VI.          Announcements:

Dr. Toppin advised the next Advisory Board meeting will be held in March 2016.

VII.        Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 4:31 pm.