Students planning to take PADM 690 the Capstone in next semester please contact Jonathan Anderson and let him know. This will help get you updates and information as soon as possible. The Capstone will be offered Thursday nights and will utilize Web Meeting (Elluminate) technology. Students must purchase an inexpensive computer headset with boom microphone. They can be purchased at Big Box stores, Electronics stores or mail ordered for $10-$25. For examples of past Capstone papers see http://www.uas.alaska.edu/mpa/degreereq/capstone.html

In my update on the NASPAA conference I talked about what employers are looking for in their hiring-- particularly in new hiring. I noted they are looking for people who can communicate well, both in writing and speaking, who can think critically, and who have collaborative and interpersonal skills. After I sent that out- I received feedback from a number of you who hire people confirming that this is exactly right. Position specific job skills can be taught on the job -- but we need to continue to work on communication, and critical thinking skills. Please take the time to focus on those.

The Advancement to Candidacy is the official contract between you and the University of Alaska that your course of study, including all electives and transfer courses are accepted for your degree. Ideally it should be filled out somewhere between your 5th and 9th course in the program. List all the classes you have taken or will take, what semester you took them and what your grade was. This form must be signed by the program director and the Graduate Dean. Mail the form in with your signature. You can download the form at http://www.uas.alaska.edu/mpa/degreereq/advtocan.html

Plagiarism is reported to be growing with the increasing scope of the Internet. While I have read a number of articles on the problem, I have had few instances plagiarism for several reasons. #1. Most written assignments for my classes are applications of theory to practice in a specific workplace--(not a lot of papers available on the web that analyze the organizational structure of the Kenai Food Bank….:)) #2. Students get credit for citations and dinged for unsupported “opinions.” #3 Students know their papers are read -- and that citations may be checked. So I am happy to report this is one issue I have only rarely had to deal with. Indiana University has a good site on plagiarism and how to avoid it. http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml

Congratulations go out to Joanne Schmidt who was offered a Legislative Internship position in Juneau for the Spring 07 semester. Legislative Interns work in individual legislators offices as well as attend a weekly seminar and earn 9 graduate credits. Way to go, Joanne! For more information on the program see http://www.uas.alaska.edu/internprogram/

Phoenix, Arizona has a long standing Management Intern Program for applicants with an MPA degree. The city is currently seeking candidates to begin July 2007. Find out more information at http://www.phoenix.gov/interns/

Although it seems early, now is a good time to start planning your summer course electives. The nonprofit sector is continuing to expand especially with the growing emphasis placed on contracting out government services. It is beneficial to managers in both the governmental and the nonprofit sector to understand the core management issues in this rapidly evolving sector. This course in nonprofit management is designed to provide students a strategic and comprehensive approach to management in the non-governmental sector. Areas essential to managers will include human resource management, proposal writing and grant administration, fund development, leadership and board development, strategic management, law, and program development among others. If you are interested in taking this course and would like to find out more please contact Kathy DiLorenzo.

ALUMNI!!! Please send me information on your job and contact info for posting to our Yearbook!!! Everyone write me to share what you are doing. View previous Newsletters on the MPA Website at http://www.uas.alaska.edu/mpa/newsletter-directory.html Please let me know if you wish to be removed from this list