The MPA Intranet has details on everything you'll need to know while you're in the MPA Program! We will spotlight various areas of the Intranet in the Digest to introduce you to its vast resources.

Today, we recommend you check out the Applied Research Problem and Oral Exam Page. It contains detailed guides on what to expect in both the Applied Research Problem course and paper as well as the required oral exam. 

Registration is now open for PUBA 744-001: Immersion for the Fall 2022 term. Dr. Kimalee Dickerson will be teaching the Immersion, and we are excited to once again have our two formats join together for a weekend (October 6-8, 2022) in Chapel Hill! Here's the course description:

Social Equity in the Public Sector: Self to Systems

Understanding social equity and how individuals and systems work to perpetuate or disrupt inequities is an essential skill for public service leaders. This immersion course will explore how to advance social equity at multiple levels, including the individual, interpersonal, institutional, and structural levels. Topics will include exploring your identity and biases, the role of government in social equity, building and leading equitable organizations, and working together to transform systems.

Dear Carolina Community,

Last weekend, a self-proclaimed white supremacist was driven to attack Black members of the Buffalo, NY, community. Ten people who were simply going about their day and doing their jobs lost their lives at the hands of someone motivated by his hatred and fear of others who are different than him.

I stand against perpetrators of hate and extend my profound condolences to the families and friends of those who were killed in this senseless and racially motivated attack. Sadly, this was not the only shooting over the weekend: in Orange County, CA; Milwaukee, Houston, Chicago and other communities across the country, people are mourning the loss of loved ones.

These types of events that occur too frequently in our daily lives cause trauma and fear for so many, especially members of the BIPOC community, who are disproportionately impacted by acts of unprovoked violence. These horrendous acts of terror cause grief, anger and frustration, which can seem overwhelming. I encourage you to reach out to those in your life to check in on them and to ask how they are doing. If you are struggling, we have a comprehensive list of mental health resources at the Heels Care Network for students, faculty and staff.

The malevolent reality of white supremacy and systemic and institutionalized racism continue to plague our nation. This is a deepening crisis that we must be prepared to address together with intention and urgency. To that end, I invite you to join us on Monday, May 23, at 5:30 p.m. to share your thoughts and reflections. Details for this forum, co-sponsored by the Carolina Black Caucus, will soon be posted on the Diversity and Inclusion website. I hope you will join us to stand for change, justice, equity and humanity.

Sincerely,

Leah Cox

Vice Provost for Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer

This message is sponsored by: Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Note from MPA Program: many resources on the Heels Care Network and the CAPS Therapy Groups are available to all students, regardless of whether or not they are currently paying student fees. This means that our online students and students currently engaged in PWEs may participated. Please check out individual resources to find their policies, and please reach out to Elizabeth Langefeld if you would like assistance in finding a good resource for you.