Information for Current Students

Advisement

Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) students are required to schedule an advisement appointment prior to registration each semester. The M.P.A. Field Representative will send an e-mail announcing the opening of the advisement period for the upcoming semester and will schedule the advisement appointments. The purposes of the advisement sessions are to monitor the students’ matriculation through the program and to ensure that program requirements are met. Students are encouraged to review the Schedule of Classes for the upcoming semester prior to their advisement session.

During the advisement session, MPA students will be provided a Registration User Number (RUN), which will allow them access to the registration system. Using the information provided in the advisement session, students are required to log in to Salukinet to complete self-registration. Step-by-step registration instructions are available if needed.

Dates and deadlines for registration can be found in the Graduate Registration Calendar. Further information regarding late registration, withdrawing from courses, and refund policies can be found on in the Graduate School Registration information page.

Public Administration Student Organization (PASO)

The Public Administration Student Organization (PASO) is the organization of students in the M.P.A. program. Its objectives are two-fold:

1. to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience among students interested in pursuing a career in public administration, and
2. to provide a cooperative atmosphere for joint action and representation of needs and interests of public administration students to the officials and agencies of the University community.

Membership is open to any SIU Carbondale student, graduate or undergraduate, who is interested in public administration. Additionally, associate memberships are open to M.P.A. alumni or any non-student who is interested in participating in the organization.  More information about PASO may be obtained in the M.P.A. office or on the PASO website.

Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society

Pi Alpha Alpha is the National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. The SIU Carbondale chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha was chartered in 2008.

The purposes of this society are: (1) to encourage and recognize outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in public affairs and administration; (2) to promote the advancement of education and practice in the art and science of public affairs and administration; and (3) to foster integrity, professionalism and creative performance in the conduct of governmental and related public service activities.

Membership is limited to students, faculty and alumni who have achieved academic excellence and achievement. More information about Pi Alpha Alpha may be obtained in the MPA office or on the NASPAA website.