Apply for the NASPAA Student Simulation Competition Wildfire Mitigation

Since 2015, NASPAA has hosted a yearly Student Simulation Competition to help students network, compete, and learn through experience. This year NASPAA will host the latest VIRTUAL competition on the topic of Wildfire Management on Saturday, March 7^th and 14^th 2026, for students across the globe. Participants will only need to be available one Saturday of the competition and will be placed on a team after acceptance by NASPAA. Please visit the website for more information on this year’s competition. 

NASPAA, or the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, is the global standard in public service education and serves as our accrediting body. It currently has more than 300 member programs located in the US and 14 countries around the globe. They have a twofold mission to “ensure excellence in education and training for public service and to promote the ideal of public service.” The simulation allows them to carry out this mission and allows students to tackle real-world scenarios while networking with MPA/MPP students from across the world.

The UNC MPA Program will guarantee sponsorship of one on-campus and one online student (with the potential opportunity of additional students as well as we may nominate up to five students). This sponsorship would include payment of registration. It is a wonderful experience to network with other MPA students from across the globe and gain real-world relevant experience. In the past, we have had several site winners and one global winner representing the UNC MPA Program! 

If you are interested in participating in this year's competition, please take a moment to complete this short form. The submission deadline is Friday, December 19, 2025. The selected students will be chosen by Director Willow Jacobson for nomination to NASPAA. If you have additional questions, please feel to reach out to Elizabeth Langefeld directly.

Student Spotlight: Alyssa Blair Zimmerman

Alyssa Blair Zimmerman is married to a U.S. Army veteran and comes from a family ingrained in public service.

Her dad served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 13 years and as a police officer for five. Her mom, her “biggest role model,” works for a Veterans Affairs hospice center.

Zimmerman, who will receive her Master of Public Administration degree at Carolina’s Winter Commencement ceremony Dec. 14, is carrying on that public service mission in her own way. She earned her degree from the UNC School of Government while working full-time as an economic development specialist for Franklin County. Article continues on unc.edu

Photos of the Week: NC Center for Nonprofits Conference

Master's Students: Have your Voice Heard

We want to know what your working experience is really like. The GSEI is gathering critical feedback on the experiences of UNC-Chapel Hill master’s students serving in teaching, research and administrative positions. Your feedback on workload, mentorship, well-being and more will help shape real change.

The survey takes 10–15 minutes to complete and you'll have to chance to win one of six $100 gift cards. Your responses are confidential and make a real impact. Take the survey now!

Open Role: Marketing Communications Specialist

The Odum Institute is looking for a work study Marketing Communications Specialist who will provide crucial support to the marketing department in several ways including assisting with the production of social media content, newsletter marketing materials, graphic design plus photography, video and audio editing as needed. Shifts typically last four hours during weekdays anytime from 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Apply through Handshake here.

Center for Faculty Excellence Accepting Applications for Graduate Assistant Position

The Center for Faculty Excellence is seeking a Graduate Student Assistant with strong writing and research skills to support faculty affairs policy work. Application materials need to be submitted by December 5, with work to start in January 2026. The position is 10-20 hours per week at a rate of $20-25 per hour. The position is fully remote with flexible hours. For more details and to apply, please visit their application.

Bynum Hall Food Pantry Now Includes Refrigerated Items

Grad students can access non-perishable items, refrigerated foods, feminine hygiene products, cleaning supplies and childcare essentials like diapers and wipes through the Bynum Hall Food Pantry. The pantry is located in Bynum Hall, outside office 203, and is typically available Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

If you’d like to visit, please contact The Graduate School’s Office of Student Affairs to confirm a time and ensure someone is available to assist you. Additional basic needs resources are available for all Carolina community members.

Control, Alt, Protect: Keeping Our Kids Safe Online

Wednesday, December 10, 12-1:30 pm, Zoom

Special Agent Ray Oliver from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Computer Crimes Unit is partnering with Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services and Carolina Behavioral Assessment and Management to host a workshop focused on helping parents and caregivers navigate the ever-changing digital world. We'll explore the latest trends in online behavior among kids and teens, identify common risks, and share practical strategies for keeping young people safe while empowering them to make smart choices online.

Personal Note: I attended the last one of these offered and it was very insightful for parents, educators, and anyone who cares for children! ~Elizabeth Langefeld

27th Holiday Carolina Blood Drive

The UNC Employee Forum invites the Tar Heel community to bleed Carolina blue and donate blood with the American Red Cross at the Holiday Carolina Blood Drive 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10 at Fetzer Hall.

Free parking is available in Cobb Deck. As a thank you for your generosity, when you come to give, you’ll receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last! Free food from local favorites will be served to donors.

Schedule your appointment today:

• Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
• Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code UNC
• Use the Blood Donor App and enter sponsor code UNC

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged!

Volunteers are also needed to make the drive a success. Use our volunteer sign-up to join us.

For UNC employees, donating blood or volunteering is considered work time with supervisor approval.



For event details or to volunteer, visit carolinablooddrive.unc.edu.

Connecting with Community

December 16th | 11:00am-1:00pm | GSC

Are you staying in Chapel Hill during winter break? Join Graduate Student Success and ISSS for a lunch hour social to connect with new and old friends who will be in Chapel Hill during Winter Break. Lunch will be available while supplies last. Spouses and family members are invited to attend. RSVPs are kindly requested to ensure we have enough food for everyone. Join us as your schedule allows. 

Call for Papers: North Carolina Political Science Association Conference

Conference will be held March 20, 21, 2026 at Elon University. Call for papers due January 15, 2026. Email Thomas Kerr for more information.