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Master in Public Administration
Master of Health Administration
Mark Hoffman, Director of SPNHA
Steve Borders, MHA Coordinator
Quincy Williams, Internship Coordinator
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
School of Public, Nonprofit & Health Administration
Grand Valley State University

401 W. Fulton Street
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504
Telephone: 616.331.6575
Fax: 616.331.7120 email: moyers@gvsu.edu
Revised: August 2010

SPNHA G RADUATE S TUDENT H ANDBOOK
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Welcome Message ........................................................................................................................................................ 1
Section I: General Information ......................................................................................................................... 2
Mission, Vision, & Values .................................................................................................................................. 2
Admissions ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
Financial Aid ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Graduate Assistantships ................................................................................................................................... 5
Section II: Program Information ....................................................................................................................... 6
The MPA Program ............................................................................................................................................. 6
The MHA Program ............................................................................................................................................ 9
MSW/MPA Dual Degree ................................................................................................................................. 11
Internships ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
Master’s Thesis ............................................................................................................................................... 15
Course Descriptions ........................................................................................................................................ 18
Section III: Policies and Procedures .................................................................................................................. 22
Section IV: Student Resources ......................................................................................................................... 29
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Welcome to the School of Public, Nonprofit, and Health Administration (SPNHA) at Grand
Valley State University! SPNHA offers two graduate degrees – a Master of Public
Administration and a Master of Health Administration – and we have designed this handbook to provide information about our School, programs, and policies.
You are reading this handbook at an exciting time in the SPNHA. In the past year, we received re-accreditation of our Master of Public Administration (MPA) program from the National Association of
Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). All of our programs – undergraduate degrees, American
Humanics, the MPA, and the Master of Health Administration (MHA) – are strong and growing, with the potential to be even better.
Support for our school is also growing. At SPNHA's annual Spring Celebration, President Haas and Dean George
Grant signed the papers to establish the Kurt F. Kimball Endowed Scholarship Fund. The scholarship fund honors
Kurt F. Kimball's 20 years as the longest serving city manager of Grand Rapids. Kurt has worked for Grand Rapids for more than 33 years and has lived here for more than 50; during that time, he has mentored many Grand
Valley students. In celebration of his retirement, contributions from Kurt's friends and colleagues made this scholarship possible. Kurt Kimball hopes that this scholarship will attract professionals to careers in public management and local government. Starting in fall 2010, this scholarship will provide support for graduate students in the School of Public and Nonprofit Administration pursuing careers in local government.
Our faculty and students are very active contributors to our local communities, national professional organizations, and publications, and we are increasingly international in our scope and interests. In today’s global political economy it is vital that public service programs be able to connect the local to the global and bring international perspectives into the classroom.
Graduates of our programs can be found in a wide range of organizational settings -- in government, academia, the nonprofit sector, health care, and criminal justice - and throughout the region, nation, and world. The faculty of SPNHA is both proud and humbled to have such outstanding graduates and we are dedicated to building and sustaining a tradition of excellence in public service. On behalf of the faculty, we thank you for considering our graduate programs and wish you the best in the program and beyond.
Mark C. Hoffman, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director
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The mission of the School of Public, Nonprofit, and Health Administration is to educate students for lives of active citizenship as contributing members of their local, regional, national, and global communities, and for professional careers in public and nonprofit organizations. We are committed to developing in undergraduate and graduate students the capacities for ethical judgment, critical thinking, and the core competencies necessary to fulfill multiple roles as effective managers and public servants.
The mission of the MPA program is to develop both the general knowledge and specific abilities needed for leadership in a fast changing world. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to act ethically and effectively in public management, urban and regional policy and planning, nonprofit management, criminal justice, and health care administration, and to transcend traditional boundaries in the pursuit of prosperous, safe, and healthy communities.
The mission of the MHA program is to teach and prepare individuals for managerial and leadership roles in the challenging and complex field of health care administration. The program centers on interdisciplinary learning experiences that integrate classroom study, applied research, professional development, and field experience.
The curriculum is designed to develop advanced executive abilities through a combination of core competencies and specialized areas of concentration.
We aspire to be a pre-eminent source for public service education by providing an innovative professional curriculum with dedicated and inspired teaching, scholarship, and service to the community.
The School of Public, Nonprofit, and Health Administration values:

Liberal education and academic excellence in learning, teaching and research

Critical thinking and professional education

A culture of collegiality and collaboration

Diversity, civic discourse, and democratic communities

Experiential learning

International perspectives and experiences

Management skills

Ethical commitment

Service to the local community

Study of public/nonprofit relationships

Diversity of ideas

Attention to technological innovations

Informed decision making
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Admissions to the graduate programs (MPA or MHA) require a 3.0 grade point average from an accredited college or university, calculated on the last 60 credits of undergraduate work. In addition, students must submit a resume and write an essay on career and education objectives (three or fewer pages). Finally, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from informed sources such as current and/or former professors and supervisors.
Students may apply online at http://admissions.gvsu.edu or contact Sherry Moyer at moyers@gvsu.edu or
616.331.6575 for an application packet. The admissions process begins when students submit all the required materials: an application, essay, all transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and when applicable, exam scores. Incomplete records will not be reviewed. The admissions committee may request additional information it deems appropriate and necessary.
Applicants with less than a 3.0 grade point average may be admitted if other indicators predict a likelihood of academic success. These include but are not limited to: five or more years of professional work experience since receiving a baccalaureate degree; a personal interview; and GRE or GMAT scores. International students whose native language is not English must provide TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores.
Completed applications are thoroughly reviewed by the School's admissions committee. To ensure full consideration for fall admission, all application materials should be received by June 1. Winter term applications should be received by November 1. Spring/Summer term applications should be received by April 1. Early application is strongly encouraged. Late applicants may be admitted on the basis of remaining vacancies.
Many SPNHA students take advantage of the available programs that can help finance a higher education. What follows is information on some of these programs. (Note that The Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Robinson
Memorial Scholarship, Harry S. Truman Scholarship, and Coleman A. Young Scholars Program are not affiliated with SPNHA or GVSU.) For helpful information about scholarships, see www.scholarshiphelp.org
John H. Logie Fellows Program - The John H. Logie Fellows Program, named for the long-standing mayor of Grand
Rapids, offers students at Grand Valley State University an exceptional opportunity to experience and contribute to the operations of Grand Rapids' city government.
Robert R. Robinson Memorial Scholarship - The Robert R. Robinson Memorial Scholarship is awarded by the
Michigan Township Association to a junior, senior, or graduate student pursuing a degree in public administration or related field at a Michigan college or university. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, as determined by applicants academic achievement, community involvement and commitment to a career in local government administration.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation Scholarships - Each year, the Grand Rapids Community Foundation awards numerous scholarships to Kent County residents. Some select scholarships are also available for Ottawa County residents.
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GVSU Financial Aid - Graduate students are also eligible for the federal loan and work-study programs coordinated by Grand Valley State University's Office of Financial Aid. Direct Loans are the primary source of assistance for GVSU graduate students. Graduate students who are independent may borrow up to their cost of education with a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans. (See The Department of Education's
William D. Ford Direct Loan Program for details.)
Graduate Assistantships - Graduate assistantships can be a valuable part of MPA/MHA education, particularly for students who are pre-career. SPNHA currently funds seven full-time graduate assistants per semester. Students interested in applying for a graduate assistantship must apply for admission to the MPA program (unless they have already been admitted) and send a letter of interest and current resume to the by May 1 to Mark Hoffman
(616.331.6587, HoffmanM@gvsu.edu).
Our graduate students also have had graduate assistantships with various GVSU departments and centers, including the Johnson Center for Philanthropy, Community Research Institute, Hauenstein Center for Presidential
Studies, Graduate Studies and Grants Administration, Information Technology, Office of Financial Aid, Kirkhof
School of Nursing, and the Athletic Department. Inquire directly to these departments about graduate assistant opportunities. For posted GA positions openings see the listings on the Graduate Studies and Grants
Administration website.
Joyce F. Hecht Distinguished Scholarship in Philanthropy - The Joyce F. Hecht Distinguished Scholarship in
Philanthropy is awarded to outstanding full or part-time graduate students pursuing career paths in fundraising, grant writing, grant making and other areas of nonprofit development. The scholarship is competitive, awarded on the basis of past academic scholarship, prior nonprofit service, and stated career objectives. Candidates must be enrolled in (or applying to) a degree program at GVSU and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Part-time students currently working in the nonprofit sector are encouraged to apply. In special cases, junior and senior undergraduate students will be considered for the scholarship. Application for this scholarship is done through
SPNHA. Please send inquire by May 1 to Mark Hoffman (616.331.6587, HoffmanM@gvsu.edu).
KCP Future Faculty Fellows Program - Qualified minority MPA applicants who intend to pursue a doctorate at a
Michigan postsecondary institution within a year of receiving a master's or begin a full-time teaching career in a
Michigan postsecondary institution for a minimum of three years may apply to the The KCP Future Faculty Fellows
Program. KCP Scholarships may be received for a maximum of two and a half years. The total award will not exceed $15,000. The scholarship is competitive.
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship - The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation awards merit-based scholarships to college students who plan to pursue careers in government, the nonprofit sector or elsewhere in public service, and wish to attend graduate or professional school to help prepare for their careers. Truman Scholars participate in leadership development programs and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government. A nomination for the Truman Scholarship must come from the university. If you think you would be a good candidate, contact your SPNHA advisor.
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Students interested in a graduate assistantship must send a resume and letter of interest to the Director of the program no later than May 1. Graduate assistantship serves to provide graduate students with part-time, paid work experiences in their field of study, and allow them to expand and/or apply their discipline knowledge and skills under supervision. In addition, an assistantship provides SPNHA faculty and/or university staff assistance in carrying out special projects or other assignments that require the advanced discipline skills of graduate students.
The activities assigned are to have educational value for the student, to enhance the student's academic experience. Although some tasks may include a clerical component, a graduate assistantship is not meant to be used to provide primarily clerical and office support to departments.
To qualify for an assistantship, students must:
1.
Be fully admitted as a degree-seeking student in a Grand Valley graduate program at the time of appointment.
2.
Successfully maintain a minimum course load of 9 graduate credit hours per semester for a full-time graduate assistantship or carry a minimum course load of 5 graduate credit hours per semester for a halftime assistantship.
3.
Be enrolled in class during the semester or semesters in which the student will be working as a GA.
A typical full-time assistantship includes the following responsibilities and benefits during the appointment:
1.
A 20-hour per week work assignment for 15 weeks per semester, corresponding to the beginning and ending dates for a semester as published in the university schedule of classes and Bulletin.
2.
Support from GVSU which includes: a.
A stipend of $4,000 each semester. b.
Tuition credit for up to 12 graduate credits per semester, unless the student is eligible for reimbursement of tuition from another source.
A typical half-time assistantship includes the following responsibilities and benefits during the appointment:
1.
A 10-hour per week work assignment for 15 weeks per semester.
2.
Support from GVSU which includes: a.
A stipend of $2,000 per semester. b.
Tuition credit for up to 6 graduate credits per semester, unless the student is eligible for reimbursement of tuition from another source.
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SPNHA offers two graduate programs: the Master in Public Administration and the Master of Health
Administration, and works with the School of Social Work to offer a dual degree, an MSW/MPA. Each is discussed in turn.
The MPA curriculum at GVSU combines theory and application exposing students to and equipping them with the most useful and current tools of the trade. Students are also required to learn and utilize a variety of methods for exploring administrative and policy issues, including case analysis, quantitative methods, and community-based research and service learning. In addition, we aim to stimulate intelligent and creative analysis by providing multiple perspectives on public and nonprofit organizations. While most of our graduates will work in local government and community nonprofits or health organizations, the curriculum includes global and international perspectives in order to help them to think beyond the traditional boundaries of their organizations and communities and to explore new directions for policy and action.
The curriculum for the master’s program is directly linked to our mission. Our mission is to educate students to be valuable members to their organizations and society by developing their capacities for ethical judgment, critical thinking, and general competencies. As such, we prepare through a combination of common core components and specialized study in public management, urban and regional policy and planning, nonprofit management, health administration, or criminal justice administration and policy. Overall, the program consists of 39 credit hours and pre-service students must take an additional three hours of internship. Internships are discusses later on in the handbook.
The common core components consist of 15 credit hours (5 courses) including:

PA 520: Foundations of Public Management

PA 611: Research Methods

PA 612: Human Resources in Public Organizations

PA 614: Organization Theory

PA 619: Management Seminar
PA 520 and 619 are the anchor courses—introduction and capstone courses, respectively. PA 611 provides practical research skills for administrators, and PA 612 and 614 examine multiple perspectives for understanding public and nonprofit organizations. Each of these courses stresses the core concepts of the MPA program—ethical judgment and critical thinking—and the core competencies necessary to fulfill multiple roles as effective managers, public servants, and contributing members of their local, national, and global communities. While some of the core competencies are covered in more depth in the specialized courses, the core courses are designed to assure that students are exposed to and challenged to employ in an integrative manner (especially in the capstone course) the various skills needed to be effective leaders in public organizations and to explore the connections between the public, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors of society.
Students are required to write a scholarly research paper in the management seminar (PA619). This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview and assessment of their advanced study of public and nonprofit administration. The course approaches the study of public
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SPNHA G RADUATE S TUDENT H ANDBOOK management from the perspectives of a competing values framework, administrative ethics, and from multiple levels of analysis (individual, organizational, and societal). Students combine theory and practice through case analyses and personal assessment of management competencies. Each student completes a journal article length research paper or analytical essay, with the best papers published in the SPNHA REVIEW, which is a departmental publication that recognizes the outstanding achievements of our students, while providing evidence of student learning and exemplars of research and writing for new graduate students to emulate.
Beyond the core courses, each student must take at least 15 credit hours in one of the following concentration areas: Public Management, Urban and Regional Policy and Planning, Nonprofit
Management and Leadership, Health Administration, and Criminal Justice. Each of these concentrations is the product of extensive dialogue, meetings with community leaders and exhaustive research into the philosophy, theory, and empirical studies of each field. Further, each benefits from studies of comparative data that were gathered from across the country from existing programs.
Public Management. The concentration is designed to provide the essential tools necessary for those students interested in public management particularly city and county managers. This concentration allows students to craft a program that best suits their interests and background, whether students choose to specialize in preparation for management positions at the state/federal level or local/urban governance. Students are required to take the following courses and all, except PA 623 and PA 642, are offered at least once a year and sometimes twice a year depending on demand.

PA 615 Public Financial Administration

PA 643 Strategic Management and Planning

PA 620 Metro Politics and Administration

Select any two courses: o PA 616 Public Policy Analysis o PA 621 Administrative and Regulatory Law o PA 641 Economic and Community Development o PA 642 Conflict Management o PA 644 GIS in Public Service
Urban and Regional Policy and Planning. This concentration is designed for those students most interested in regional governance particularly in the policy and planning of urban and regional entities. While students are exposed to some planning, we do not offer a required or elective class dedicated entirely to planning. Students are required to take the following courses:

PA 615 Public Financial Administration

PA 616 Public Policy Analysis

PA 620 Metro Politics and Administration

PA 641 Economic and Community Development

PA 644 GIS in Public Service
Nonprofit Management and Leadership. This concentration prepares students to manage and lead nonprofit organizations. Students are required to take the following courses:

PA 660 Nonprofit Sector: History and Ethics

PA 661 Nonprofit Management Practices
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PA 662 Nonprofit Resource and Financial Management
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PA 663 Nonprofit Organizations and Public Policy
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PA 665 Nonprofit Boards, Trustees, and Governance OR

PA 641 Economic and Community Development
Health Administration. The Health Administration concentration is designed primarily for mid-career professionals who are in clinical or administrative positions and who wish to increase their knowledge, improve their productivity, or seek career advancement. While other health administration courses are offered (generally reserved for MHA students), MPA students are required to take the following courses:

PA 630 Health Administration and Service
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PA 631 U.S. Health Policy and Politics
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PA 632 Health Services Financial Management
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PA 633 Health Economics

PA 634 Health Care Law and Ethics
Criminal Justice. The Criminal Justice concentration was developed to meet the growing demand for welleducated criminal justice administrators. The courses are designed for those who wish to increase their knowledge, improve their productivity, or seek career advancement. Through the collaborative efforts of the
School of Criminal Justice and the School of Public and Nonprofit Administration, this concentration is structured to prepare graduates to work cooperatively in a variety of criminal justice environments. Students are required to take the following courses:
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
PA 615 Public Financial Administration

CJ 601 Criminal Justice Leadership
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CJ 604 Policy Formation
And two of the following o CJ 602 Legal and Ethical Issues o CJ 603 Community and Media Relationships o CJ 605 Program Evaluation or CJ 606 Research Methods/Analysis
Since each of the concentrations requires three basic criteria – academic rigor, NASPAA guidelines, and community leadership consultations – each contains specific courses in the area of institutions, ethics, financial management and policy analysis. Directly because of the involvement of community leaders in each field, the entire community serves as a laboratory for analysis and decision situations. Further, community leaders are often found in the classroom as guest speakers; in the offices as sources of, or seekers of, information; and in the advisory board meetings as contributors to or questioners of the curriculum; or leading committees on which our faculty members serve.
Students choose nine credit hours from an array of electives which can be PA classes from other concentrations, classes from other graduate programs at GVSU, or relevant classes from graduate programs at other accredited universities. Students may take up to three hours of workshop credit (PA 550--559). In addition, students may take up to three hours of PA 699, Directed Readings. Directed Readings allow a student to receive academic credit for a relevant, graduate-level course of study for which there is no graduate course available at
GVSU. Before registration, the topic, amount of credit to be earned, reading list, assignments, and evaluation criteria are mutually agreed to by the initiating student and the assenting faculty member, consistent with standards of graduate scholarship.
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The Master of Health (MHA) degree program broadens the commitment of the School of Public, Nonprofit, and
Health Administration to educate community leaders. The mission of the MHA is to teach and prepare individuals for managerial and leadership roles in the challenging and complex field of health care administration. The program centers on interdisciplinary learning experiences that integrate classroom study, applied research, professional development, and field experience. The curriculum is designed to develop advanced executive abilities through a combination of core competencies and specialized areas of concentration.
An advanced degree in health administration opens up career opportunities that span the diverse components that make up the health care delivery system including: hospitals, ambulatory care practices, assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies and hospice care. In addition to direct health service providers, MHA graduates are qualified for management positions in marketing, human resources, finance, and planning in pharmaceutical, medical device and supplies, and insurance companies.
The MHA program consists of a total of 45 credit hours and is developed into four parts.
Core Level I: Twelve credits earned in four courses:
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PA 630: Health Administration and Services
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PA 611: Research Methods
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PA 612: Human Resources in Organizations
 or MGT 633: Management of Human Resources

PA 614: Organization Theory or BUS 631: Leadership and Organizational Dynamics
Core Level II: Twelve credits earned in four courses. PA 630 is a prerequisite for these courses, but may be taken concurrently.
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PA 631: U.S. Health Policy and Politics
PA 632: Health Services Financial Management
PA 633: Health Economics
PA 634: Health Care Law and Ethics
Level III: Specializations: Choose one specialization for 12 credits.
Health Services Management: PA 630 is a prerequisite for these courses, but may be taken concurrently. PA 643 is required. Choose three courses from the remaining five courses.

PA 643: Strategic Management and Planning or MGT 635: Planned Change and Organizational
Development (required)

NUR 646: Nursing Administration

PA 635: Health Care Administration and Management
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PA 637: Ambulatory Care Organization and Management

PA 638: Long Term Care Organization and Management

PA 640: Marketing Health and Human Services
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Financial Management: PA 630 and PA 632 are prerequisites for these courses, but may be taken concurrently.
ACC 511, FIN 521 and FIN 522 are required.

ACC 511: Financial and Managerial Accounting Concepts (required)

FIN 521: Data Analysis in Business (required)

FIN 522: Finance Principles for Managers (required)

PA 615: Public Financial Management or PA 662: Nonprofit Resource and Financial Management
Health Policy Analysis: PA 630 and PA 631 are prerequisites for these courses, but may be taken concurrently.
PA 616 is required. Choose three courses from the remaining four.


PA 616: Policy Analysis (required)

PA 644: GIS in the Public Service

SW 610: Social Welfare Policy and Services
SW 676: Community and Social Planning

CJ 605: Program Evaluation
Level IV: Capstone: Prerequisite: All Core Levels I and II courses and at least one course from the specialization.
Select three courses for nine credits.

PA 690: Internship I

NUR 648: Administrative Practicum

SHP 625: Health Professions Leadership

PA 619: Management Seminar
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Students may pursue a Master of Public Administration simultaneously with a Master of Social Work. Students must be admitted to both programs. This program is comprised of 78 credits, 72 hours that are required and six credits of electives.
Required Courses:

PA 520 Foundations of Public Management

PA 660 The Nonprofit Sector: History & Ethics

SW 601 Foundations of Social Work Practice *

SW 690 Social Research I

PA 611 Research Methods OR SW 693 Social
Research II

PA 612 Human Resources in Organizations

SW 600 Cultural Competency for Social Work

PA 614 Organization Theory

SW 620 Human Behavior & Social Environment

SW 622 Psychopathology and Social Deviance

PA 662 Nonprofit Resource & Financial
Management

PA 535 Grant Writing OR SW 660 Grantwriting


& Resource Development
SW 678 Human Services Administration
SW 679 Program Planning, Monitoring, &
Evaluation

PA 663 Nonprofit Organization & Public Policy

SW 610 Social Welfare Policy and Services I

SW 603 Integrated Methods

SW 672 Social Work Practice with Groups

SW 662 Substance Abuse & Social Work
Practice

SW 650/651 Field Education / Seminar I

SW 652/653 Field Education / Seminar II

SW 654/655 Field Education / Seminar III

PA 619 Management Seminar OR SW 640
Advanced Generalist Seminar
Elective Courses:

PA 643 Strategic Management and Planning

PA 644 GIS in Public Service

PA 665 Nonprofit Boards, Trustees, &
Governance

SW 616 Law, Ethics, and Social Welfare

SW 619 Comparative Social Welfare Policy

SW 630 Social Work: Global Service Learning
* Students with a CSWE accredited BSW degree or Child
Welfare Grantees are not required to take SW 601
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The School of Public, Nonprofit, & Administration seeks to "educate students for lives of active citizenship and for professional careers in public and nonprofit organizations." To do this, it is essential to provide students with real life experiences that create a bridge between classroom theory and the challenges of professional life. This is accomplished through the SPNHA internship experience.
Students without previous or concurrent work experience in the field of public or nonprofit management (for the
MPA degree) or health management (for the MHA degree) are required to take three credits of internship (PA
690). Graduate students receive three credits for 300 hours of internship and may do up to two internships for credit. Pre-service students who do not successfully complete the internship will not graduate. The internship is graded on a Credit / No Credit basis.
Whether a student is new to the profession, making a career change or is looking for ways to network and get a
"foot in the door," the importance of an internship cannot be overstated. Research has determined that internships benefit students by:

Allowing students to make better career decisions & faster career progress

Enhancing students' problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills

Improving students' academic performance and motivation

Making the student more likely to obtain work related to their academic background or interest area

And, after graduation, students who do an internship obtain work faster, and typically are given more responsibility than students without internship experience
Students who would like assistance in finding an internship should contact Quincy Williams at 616.331.2362 or williamq@gvsu.edu at least three months prior to the beginning of the semester in which they wish to do the internship to allow time to find a site that meets the students' needs and interests. The meeting will include a discussion of the student's areas of interest, as well as preparation in past course work and job experiences, in an effort to find an organization suited to the student's interests and skills. To that end, it is a good idea to bring along a resume to the meeting. Prior to the meeting, students may wish to consult the SPNHA Facebook site, which includes a partial listing of current opportunities in the public/nonprofit sector. AN IMPORTANT NOTE:
While the Internship Coordinator will help prospective interns find a suitable organization, students themselves are ultimately responsible for identifying and contacting a sponsoring organization.
If a student has a particular placement in mind, please first call the internship coordinator to see if a contact has been established with the organization. If not, you may contact the organization yourself and set up an informational interview to learn about a possible internship placement.
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The success of the program depends upon the intern's ability and initiative, the willingness of the sponsoring organization's personnel to work with the intern, and effective communication among the intern, the employer, and the Internship Coordinator. When considering an internship, keep in mind the following expectations of the program:
1.
As the internship is being arranged, discuss with the site supervisor what you will be doing. This is when you may fill in the Internship Checklist. It is a schedule of work times, activities and learning objectives. A copy is to be submitted to the internship coordinator.
2.
Expect to be assigned meaningful work, whether the internship is “for pay” or a volunteer position.
Especially if you are a volunteer, you should be allowed many opportunities to be an observer at staff meetings, client service conferences, etc. Try to avoid being taken advantage of with “busy” work and try to avoid being ignored. Ask questions; you may need to be fairly assertive and remind the field people that you are there to learn. The internship coordinator will gladly intercede for you if that is necessary.
Performing secretarial work for the majority of your working hours is not acceptable.
3.
Be courteous, responsible and reliable in your dealings with the field site and the supervisor.
Irresponsibility will result in a negative evaluation from the supervisor and will affect future opportunities for your classmates and potential future professional positions for you. Show up on time, avoid unnecessary absences and schedule changes, and dress and behave in a professional manner.
4.
Confer weekly with your site supervisor about your progress and performance. Reach a clear understanding about mutual expectations, schedules, activities, etc. When the internship is completed, write a note of appreciation to your supervisor.
5.
In the event you need to resign prior to completion of the field work, discuss your resignation with your internship coordinator first, then with your site supervisor, notifying both in writing. Please note that
Internship Supervisors have the right to dismiss an intern for unsatisfactory work, which may result in students having to complete another 150 (300 for graduate students) hours of fieldwork with another organization in order to receive credit.
6.
Contact the Internship Coordinator IMMEDIATELY if a problem arises at the site or a situation develops which makes you feel uncomfortable. Quincy Williams, the Internship Coordinator, can be reached at
616.331.2362 or via email at williamq@gvsu.edu.
The sponsoring organization is expected to provide the intern with meaningful tasks - ideally a project or series of projects - and regular supervision in the accomplishment of those tasks. Before the student accepts an internship with the sponsoring organization, the student will have his/her supervisor fill out and sign the relevant portion of the Internship Plan, which includes space for a brief written description of the expected tasks. The supervisor's responsibilities are to be in regular, direct contact with the intern, provide direction to the intern's job activity, and complete a final evaluation of the intern.
Students must meet both academic and field hour requirements in order to receive credit. Graduate students must complete 300 hours of fieldwork for three credits and complete the Internship Checklist and turn in to the internship coordinator by the end of the first week of fieldwork.
Each student will be evaluated by his or her site supervisor. Satisfactory completion of fieldwork is a requirement of receiving academic credit. Each student will coordinate a site visit for the internship coordinator to meet with both the student and the site supervisor during the internship.
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Internship Reports/Final Papers – Students must submit three progress reports (every 75 hours) and a final paper by the last day of classes in the semester they wish to receive credit. Each progress report should highlight experiences, interactions, and things learned and should be one to two pages, double spaced. Students may email, mail or drop off your internship report to 228C DeVos Center (williamq@gvsu.edu). In addition, students may also call the internship coordinator or stop by the office at any time to share your experiences.
The final paper should be three to four pages long. The content depends somewhat upon the nature of the internship. Students must discuss this content with the internship coordinator, and perhaps with the site supervisor who may want to read the paper. At a minimum, it should include:

An overview of the field agency or site, its structure and functions, and where you fit within the organizational structure.

Critical thoughts of the field site’s activities. This includes a discussion of the organization’s efficiency, their staff structure, the organization’s ability to perform its mission, the office environment and morale, and the pressing issues and advantages the organization faces, among other observations.

An Evaluation of the relationship between classroom and field knowledge; comment specifically on what you learned from your courses and your textbooks and whether this knowledge fits with the “real world” experience of the public and nonprofit agency. Refer to specific text/courses whenever possible.

A summary of your experience. What have you learned; how have you changed as a result of this experience? How does this experience affect the likelihood that you will continue pursuing a career in the public/nonprofit sector?
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Students may choose to enroll in PA695 and write a master’s thesis after completing 30 credit hours, which must include PA611, Research Methods. Students must consult with their advisor prior to enrolling in PA695. The thesis option is recommended only for those students who wish to pursue doctoral work. Students who take the thesis option do not have to take PA619. Typically, students enroll in PA693 (Research Project) in the fall semester and
PA695 in the winter semester. In the fall semester, students write and defend their thesis. In the winter semester, the data are collected and analyzed, and the thesis is completed and defended.
The word “thesis” refers to a formal, scholarly investigation that is based first and foremost on a research question. The thesis is an attempt to provide at least one unique answer to that question. It is also a demonstration of a student’s ability to locate and synthesize theoretical and empirical knowledge about a given phenomenon, formulate an appropriate method for investigation, analyze related data, and arrive at a sound conclusion. All of the courses taken before the thesis provide opportunities to learn and practice these skills. For this reason, it is a very good idea to start thinking about a thesis topic early in your graduate studies.
All students selecting the thesis option must select a Thesis Committee. The Thesis Committee consists of a Chair who is the primary Advisor who agrees to supervise the thesis, and one additional faculty member from the
School of Public and Nonprofit Administration. The Chair and at least one faculty member must be full time tenure track faculty within the School of Public and Nonprofit Administration. A third full time tenure track faculty member relevant to the student’s thesis is optional. Once a Thesis Chair and Committee have been selected, the student must submit an Approval of Thesis Committee form to the director of the Graduate Program who will verify that the Thesis Committee meets the rules regarding committee membership and will place the form in the student’s file.
Special Responsibilities of the Thesis Committee Chair:
1.
Ensure that the Thesis Committee meets periodically and functions effectively.
2.
Facilitate the submission and approval of the thesis proposal.
3.
Organize and facilitate the student’s proposal defense.
4.
Ensure that materials are read by committee members in a timely fashion.
5.
Organize, facilitate, and lead the student’s thesis.
6.
Work with the student to facilitate the submission of paperwork needed for graduation.
Responsibilities of the Thesis Committee and Chair:
1.
Approve the nature and scope of the thesis problem to be studied.
2.
Meet with the student to assess and discuss the thesis proposal.
3.
Review drafts of the student’s thesis and identify needed revisions.
4.
Participate in the completion of the thesis and certify that the student has successfully completed the program of Study.
Thesis Proposal. Students choosing to write a thesis must prepare a detailed proposal for their thesis research.
The proposal demonstrates that the student has reviewed the relevant literature and outlines in detail how the research will be conducted. The proposal should include the following information: the major questions to be
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SPNHA G RADUATE S TUDENT H ANDBOOK addressed, the significance of these questions, the extent of current knowledge in the area of research, the materials and methods to be used to answer the questions, and the schedule for completion of stages of work.
The thesis proposal format is as follows:
1.
Introduction
2.
Literature Review
3.
Purpose of the Study and Research Questions
4.
Proposed Methods
5.
Expected Findings
6.
Summary
7.
References
Thesis Proposal Defense. Before a student may enroll for thesis credit hours, a successful thesis proposal defense must be held during which the thesis proposal is discussed by the student and all committee members. This will provide the opportunity to develop a consensus around the thesis. It will often become a very constructive working session. Assuming agreement over the proposal, a Thesis Proposal Approval form must be signed by all committee members and forwarded to the Director of the Graduate Program to be placed in the student’s permanent file.
Thesis Style. The thesis should be not less than 75 pages and no more than 125 pages and be written in American
Psychological Association (APA) style. Copies of the APA Publication Manual are available at the GVSU bookstores.
The thesis must be written in 12-point, professional font and the entire document (including footnotes, endnotes, and reference pages) must be double-spaced. Pages must also be formatted with a 1.5-inch left margin and 1-inch right, top and bottom margins. Other requirements, including the quality and weight of the paper used for final copies, are specified by the GVSU library and University Microfilms Incorporated.
Thesis Format. Please note that all GVSU research projects involving human subjects require approval from the
Human Research Review Committee. Even if your project does not involve any risk or very low risk to human subjects, as long as it involves interacting with human beings in any way to gather data or information, you need to get prior approval.
The following thesis format is an example of a traditional thesis. Those involving qualitative and/or alternative methods may be written in different formats. There are, however, certain components that must be included in the final thesis. Mandatory components are marked with and an asterisk (*).
1.
Title Page*: unnumbered
2.
Thesis Defense Approval Form* (Signed by all committee members and the Director of the Graduate
Program) unnumbered
3.
Dedication Page (optional): unnumbered
4.
Acknowledgement Page (optional): page i
5.
Abstract* (100-250 word limit): page ii or page i if no acknowledgement page
6.
Table of contents*: page iii
7.
List of figures and/or tables (if applicable)*: page iv
8.
Chapter one- Introduction: Begin with unnumbered page 1. Number all subsequent pages 2, 3, etc.
9.
Chapter Two- Literature Review
10.
Chapter Three- Methods
11.
Chapter Four- Results
12.
Chapter Five- Discussion
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13.
Chapter Six- Conclusions
14.
Referenced cited: follow the sequential page numbering of the text
15.
Appendix or Appendices (if applicable)*: follow the sequential numbering of text
Required Presentation of the result of the Master’s Thesis. A public presentation is required for all Master’s candidates writing a thesis. Normally, the student will provide a brief summary of the thesis research (20-30 minutes) followed by a question and answer session.
Publication Requirements. After successfully defending the thesis and making any final corrections to the manuscript, the student should then present one (1) finished and bound copy of the final thesis to the Thesis
Committee Chair. This copy will be put on reserve in the School of Public and Non Profit Administration for future student reference. Additional instructions are provided in the publication packet provided by Zumberge Library.
These instructions include the type of binding required and other issues pertaining to the University microfilm
Incorporated (UMI) archiving. A bound copy is also kept at the Zumberge Library. The student is responsible for all costs associated with thesis production and binding.
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PA 520 Foundations of Public Management. An exploration of administrative management function, structures and methods and their intersection in public administration. An introduction to key management systems and processes, an examination of ecological influences on them, and an overview of the behavioral and ethical dimensions of management. Primary focus will be on agencies and issues in the public sector. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPA program or permit. Three credits.
PA 535 Grant Writing. Instruction in finding grant sources, writing grants, developing grant budgets and evaluating grant proposals. As part of this course, students will be expected to write and submit at least one actual grant proposal.
Offered once a year. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPA or MHA program or permit. Three credits.
PA 550--555 Public Administration Workshops. Advanced-level workshops directed toward public sector professionals focusing on specific public sector problems and policies. Format and scheduling are flexible and may include weekend sessions. Topics will vary and prerequisites may be established. One to three credits.
PA 610 Economic Analysis for Public Administrators. Explores the principles and theories of economics as they apply to the public sector, with a focus on the public aspects of economic analysis. The primary purpose of the course is to improve the students’ understanding of how basic economic analysis and reasoning can be applied by public administrators. Offered on sufficient demand. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPA or MHA program or permit. Three credits.
PA 611 Research Methods. An advanced survey of the most important and frequently used methods and techniques of research and analysis used by administrators and planners. Course also will familiarize students with the use of computers for such research and analysis. Emphasizes the application of research and analysis in public administration.
Offered every semester. Prerequisites: PA 520 or 630 (may be taken concurrently). Three credits.
PA 612 Human Resources in Organizations. An accelerated survey of policies and issues in human resource management in public and nonprofit contexts. Focus is on human values, behavior, ethics, and human interactions in organizations. Offered summer and winter semesters. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPA or MHA program. Three credits.
PA 614 Organization Theory. Explores the various theories of organizations. Focus is on the process of structural development and the impact each structure has on individuals and groups. Offered fall and winter semesters.
Prerequisites: PA 520 or 630 (may be taken concurrently). Three credits.
PA 615 Public Financial Administration. Practices and problems of public fiscal management with special attention to budgetary concepts and analytical techniques: the budget as an instrument of planning and control; organizing to ensure fiscal accountability; the public economy; financial decision-making; planning, programming, and budgeting systems; and allocation of scarce government resources in government and nonprofit agencies and programs. Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: PA 520 or 630 (may be taken concurrently). Three credits.
PA 616 Public Policy Analysis. An exploration of theories advanced to explain policy formation; examination of how needs are identified, communicated to policy-makers, evaluated and converted into formal policy, and implemented by administrative actions. Emphasis is on policy analysis in the public sector. Offered winter semester. Prerequisites: (PA
520 or PA 630), and PA 611. Three credits.
PA 619 Public Management Seminar. Examines the structure and dynamics of organizations; problems of financing, staffing, and program implementation; administrative reform and reorganization; qualitative and quantitative methods
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SPNHA G RADUATE S TUDENT H ANDBOOK for managerial decision-making; goal-directed processes and effective planning. Uses a case study approach emphasizing management problems. Offered fall and winter semesters. Prerequisites: Completion of 30 credit hours in
MPA or MHA. Three credits.
PA 620 Metropolitan Politics and Administration. Examines theories and practice of metropolitan politics and administration, including studies of intergovernmental relations, suburbia and the multi-centered metropolis, economic development and managing metropolitan services. Structures of politics and power both formal and informal are investigated. Offered summer and fall semesters. Prerequisites: PA 520 (may be taken concurrently). Three credits.
PA 621 Administrative and Regulatory Law. An intensive study of administrative and regulatory law as it relates to the public sector. Requirements for, and limits on, the exercise of power by elected and appointed official and liability of public managers are covered. Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: PA 520 or 630 (may be taken concurrently). Three credits.
PA 630 Health Administration and Service. Overview of the current management, organization, and delivery of U.S. health care. Current management and organization theories are compared in relation to the health care system. Major system components are defined and studied. Included are discussions of staffing, dealing with internal and external constituencies, and identification of hospital types. Offered every other year. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPA or
MHA program. Three credits.
PA 631 U.S. Health Policy and Politics. Examines public policy-making in the health care sector since 1900. Emphasizes policy, the process of government regulation, and the character of health settings at the federal, state, and local levels; with attention to the constitutional foundations, legislative policies, and bureaucratic implementation features of the system in a political context. Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: PA 520 or PA 630 (may be taken concurrently). Three credits.
PA 632 Health Services Financial Management. Provides detailed understanding of the health services financial framework for decision making. Microcomputer applications that serve to facilitate operational and financial planning and analysis, third party reimbursement, regulation, and cost containment, rate settings, operating budgets, capital budgets, project budgeting, cash budgeting, and financial feasibility. Offered winter semester. Prerequisite: PA 611.
Three credits.
PA 633 Health Economics. Examines the principles and application of economic analysis in the health industry. Provides insights offered by economic analysis of relevant data specific to health issues and problems such as failures of the market system, large gaps in access, cost containment, regulation, and extensive growth of private insurance and government programs. Offered winter semester. Prerequisites: PA 520 or PA 630 (may be taken concurrently). Three credits.
PA 634 Health Care Law and Ethics. Examines current and historical legal and ethical issues impacting health administration, including malpractice and other liability issues, licensing and regulation, professional ethics, contracts and property, insurance, corporate, taxation, antitrust, fraud and abuse, medical staff, confidentiality, health care access, peer review, ethics committees, legal and ethical aspects of patient care decision making and consent. Offered winter semester. Prerequisites: PA 520 or PA 630 (may be taken concurrently). Three credits.
PA 635 Hospital Organization and Management. Discussions of various types of hospitals. Study of their organization and management, including clinical, support and administrative functions, analysis of special operational problems, and administrative ethics. Requirements of the Joint Commission of Accreditation of Hospitals and other accrediting agencies are emphasized. Offered on sufficient demand. Prerequisites: PA 520 or PA 630 (may be taken concurrently).
Three credits.
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PA 637 Ambulatory Care Organization and Management. Study of the organizational and administrative aspects of ambulatory health services delivery. Focus on delivery strategies and organizational models and the operational issues of financial control, personnel, regulation, and evaluation. Includes identification and discussions of various types of outpatient services. Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: PA 520 or PA 630 (may be taken concurrently). Three credits.
PA 638 Long-Term Care Organization and Management. Overview of organization and management of long-term care continuum, including nursing homes, hospices, psychiatric institutions, and noninstitutional alternatives-home health care and adult day care. Examines principles in the management of institutional and noninstitutional facilities for the chronically, terminally, or mentally ill and the disabled elderly. Offered winter semester. Prerequisites: PA 520 or PA
630 (may be taken concurrently). Three credits.
PA 640 Marketing Health and Human Services. Explores and applies marketing and public relations concepts to a variety of health and human service functions. Included are the integration of marketing and public relations planning and programs in organizations. Focuses on social and ethical issues of promoting wellness and health care, and communication with the community and media. Offered on sufficient demand. Prerequisites: PA 520 or PA 630 (may be taken concurrently). Three credits.
PA 641 Economic and Community Development. Describes and evaluates ways to coordinate the efforts of public agencies, private businesses, and nonprofit organizations to address planning, economic development, and employment issues more comprehensively. Included in this analysis are public and private programs basic to economic development; state and federal enabling legislation and regulations; local ordinance and public—private partnership alternatives. Offered winter semester. Prerequisites: PA 520 or PA 630 (may be taken concurrently). Three credits.
PA 642 Conflict Management. Provides an overview of theories of social conflict. Develops an understanding of the conceptual issues involving conflict and conflict management on many levels in diverse settings. Introduces specific dispute resolution skills such as negotiation and mediation. Offered on sufficient demand. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPA or MHA program. Three credits.
PA 643 Strategic Management and Planning. Planning as a decision-making process, methods for defining goals in public and private planning programs, role of planning in policy formulation, planning for human environment relationships. Offered fall and winter semesters. Prerequisites: PA 520 or PA 630 (may be taken concurrently). Three credits.
PA 644 GIS in the Public Service. Examines the management and application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the public and nonprofit sectors. Lectures and readings emphasize the organizational, managerial, and ethical issues of interagency/intergovernmental GIS projects. Hands-on lab instruction provides training in desktop GIS software.
Offered fall semester. Prerequisite: Admission to the MPA or MHA program. Offered fall semester. Three credits.
PA 660 Nonprofit Sector: History and Ethics. A comprehensive survey of the nonprofit sector, its history, philosophy, character, governance, and legal status. Emphasis on the role and tradition of philanthropy and voluntarism in America, and on the special fund-raising and resource development practices of the sector. Offered fall semester. Prerequisite:
Admission to the MPA or MHA program. Three credits.
PA 661 Nonprofit Management: Practices. Explores the assumptions and practice of nonprofit organization management. Examines how these issues differ in different types of nonprofits. Topics include issues of public accountability, ethics, evaluating organizational effectiveness, personnel motivation, board and staff relationships, volunteers, and the meaning of service. Offered winter semester. Prerequisites: PA 520 or PA 630 (may be taken concurrently). Three credits.
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PA 662 Nonprofit Resource and Financial Management. After a brief review of nonprofit finance and accounting, course examines resource development and fundraising. Presents a philanthropic view that fundraising should be
“mission driven and volunteer-centered.” Topics include direct mail fundraising, planned giving, grant seeking, and philosophies and ethics of fundraising. Offered winter semester. Prerequisites: PA 520 or PA 630 (may be taken concurrently). Three credits.
PA 663 Nonprofit Organizations and Public Policy. An introduction to the public policy-making process as it applies to nonprofit organizations. Explores how nonprofit organizations both shape and are shaped by public policy. Focus is on the intersection of nonprofit and government actions and services. The creation, design, function, and finance of nonprofit organizations are addressed. Offered fall semester. Prerequisites: PA 520 or PA 630 (may be taken concurrently). Three credits.
PA 665 Nonprofit and Foundation Boards, Trustees, and Governance. Examines perspectives on, models for, and functions of board governance and the way governance and management are intertwined in the operation and leadership of foundations and nonprofit organizations. Explores specific functions of trustees within their legal, ethical, and fiduciary obligations. Offered every other year. Prerequisites: PA 520 and PA 660 or PA 630 (may be taken concurrently). Three credits.
PA 670 International NGO Management. Theory and cases in international nongovernmental organizations (INGO) management. Analysis of various types and various roles played by INGOs. Relationship between INGOs and other actors in international development such as multilateral and bilateral donors, host governments, local NGOs and local communities. Resource generation and management. Assessment and improvement of INGO performance. Offered winter and spring/summer semesters. Prerequisites: PA 520 or permission.
PA 680 Special Topics Seminar. A seminar for the study of important topics not ordinarily covered in other courses.
Course may be taken more than once when the topic is different. One to three credits. Offered in response to special departmental interests of faculty and students.
PA 690 Public Administration Internship I. Open to preservice students and those without public service employment experiences. Students will be given the opportunity to test and apply classroom knowledge to an actual professional position in a public agency or nonprofit organization. Prerequisites: Admission to M.P.A. program and completion of applicable course requirements. Permission of instructor. Three credits. Offered every semester. Offered on a credit/no credit basis.
PA 691 Public Administration Internship II. A second internship. May be taken concurrently with 690 when field experience warrants it, or may be taken after 690 by those taking an additional field work experience. Prerequisites:
690. Permission of instructor. Three credits. Offered every semester. Offered on a credit/no credit basis.
PA 693 Research Project. Course requires preparation of an extensive research and writing assignment under faculty supervision. Prerequisite: Faculty approval of research proposal. Three credits or six credits. Offered on a credit/no credit basis.
PA 695 Master's Thesis. Preparation of an extensive research and writing assignment under faculty supervision.
Prerequisite: Faculty approval of research proposal. Requires thesis committee. Three or six credits. Offered on a credit/no credit basis.
PA 699 Directed Readings. A research or reading project, program proposal, or other approved activity which builds in the student's area of specialization. Prerequisite: Permission of advisor. Three credits. Offered every semester. Offered on a credit/no credit basis.
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S
III: P
A
P
In order for students, faculty, and administrators to work cooperatively in this endeavor, certain policies, procedures, and expectations must be shared and understood. Participation in the graduate program connotes understanding and acceptance of the following policies and procedures.
Registration may be done online through the Banner system, via phone at
616.331.3327, or in person at any Grand Valley campus. Grand Valley encourages students to register online. Full instructions on how to register using the Banner system can be found by visiting the Office of the Registrar’s website at http://www.gvsu.edu/registrar and clicking on the “Prerequisite and Registration Information” link.
A normal (non-employed) full-time graduate student load is nine credits and a maximum load should not exceed 12 credits. It is advised that full-time employed practitioners should enroll for no more than two classes a semester.
SPNHA aims to educate professionals and therefore, professional demeanor is expected by instructors and students in class and at internship sites. We expect all partners in learning to come to class prepared to meet class objectives by actively listening to what others are saying and by contributing to class discussion in ways that enhance the group’s learning experience. In addition, each instructor will have an explicit policy on attendance, participation, and the use of electronic devices in the classroom. Both instructors and students are expected to be on time, remain for the duration of the class, stay engaged, and not leave the classroom except for emergencies. If absences are necessary, notify the instructor in advance in order to arrange a means of obtaining missed material. The responsibility for successful learning lies within each student who takes the initiative to seek and share information, and to identify and correct deficits.
The cornerstone of participation in higher education in the United States is honesty.
SPNHA does not tolerate any form of academic dishonesty or misconduct. Some examples include cheating on examinations, copying or stealing other people’s work, turning in work done by someone else as your own, plagiarism, submitting work for this class that was (or is going to be) submitted for another class, and other kinds of like misrepresentations. If you know of any of these problems occurring in your class, please notify the instructor so an investigation can occur. The vast majority of students would never do this, and our commitment to our students is: if we should learn about such cheating we will deal with it swiftly and severely (i.e. failure of the course) regardless of who the student is and what excuses the student offers. The School of Public and
Nonprofit Administration adheres to the policies set forth in the Grand Valley State University Student Code.
Students must be familiar with the entire Code, but particularly Section 223:00 Integrity of Scholarships and
Grades and Section 223:01 Plagiarism. Participation in any GVSU courses indicates an understanding of and an agreement to abide by these policies.
Attendance is strongly encouraged in every graduate class. Active involvement is expected.
Professors in SPNHA understand personal and professional situations occur, and sometimes do so unexpectedly. If students have regular occurring meetings, appointments, and so forth during class time that result in many absences, consider taking the course at a different time. In most classes, missing class will negatively affect your final grade.
Many instructors provide both required and recommended reading lists. Students must be able to synthesize a great deal of written material to achieve course objectives. The student who does not complete at
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SPNHA G RADUATE S TUDENT H ANDBOOK least the required reading is not likely to be able to meet either course or personal objectives. The rapidly occurring changes in the public, nonprofit, and health fields require professionals to continually seek new information, from newspapers and journals, as well as assigned texts and professional trade magazines. Students are encouraged to seek information from the many resources available online and in the community. Only by having and demonstrating intellectual curiosity can students be partners in the learning experience.
Written assignments must be typed, unless otherwise noted, and submitted on the date due. If extensions are to be granted, arrangements must be made before the due date. Instructors reserve the right to penalize tardy assignments. Students should take the initiative to seek assistance in meeting these expectations.
Some instructors require exams as part of the course requirements. No make-up exams are allowed except for extreme circumstances. Circumstances such as: going to a concert, going on vacation, stuck in traffic, and the like are NOT extreme. Extensions for exams are at the instructor’s discretion and should be discussed
BEFORE the deadline. Emergencies will be considered only on a case-by-case basis. If you have a question about an extension, please discuss it with the instructor days or weeks before the exam, not hours.
SPNHA conducts on-line (in Blackboard), confidential end-of-semester course evaluation for each course. All students are expected to participate.
The thesis option is recommended only for those students who wish to pursue doctoral work.
Students who take the thesis option do not have to take PA619. Typically, students enroll in PA693 (Research
Project) in the fall semester and PA695 in the winter semester. In the fall semester, students write and defend their thesis. In the winter semester, the data are collected and analyzed, and the thesis is completed and defended; therefore, the thesis is completed in an academic year. A thesis that is not finished in the required time will receive an Incomplete.
Students without previous or concurrent work experience in the field of public or nonprofit management (for the MPA degree) or health management (for the MHA degree) are required to take three credits of internship (PA 690). Graduate students receive three credits for 300 hours of internship and may do up to two internships for credit. Pre-service students who do not successfully complete the internship will not graduate.
Graduate students who receive a graduate assistantship must maintain a grade point average of at least a 3.0 each semester. Those graduate assistants whose grade point average is below a 3.0 in any semester will lose their assistantship in the subsequent semester.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations at Title 45, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 46.103(a) require that each institution engaged in HHSconducted or -supported human subjects research provide written assurance, satisfactory to HHS, that it will comply with the requirements of the HHS regulations for the protection of human subjects, unless the research is exempt under 45 CFR 46.101(b). Grand Valley State University has an approved Federalwide assurance (FWA) registered with the Federal Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) under the authority of the Secretary,
HHS, of compliance with HHS regulations (45 CFR 46.103(a)) for the protection of human subjects. HHS regulations at 45 CFR 46.103(b) require that each institution engaged in HHS-conducted or -supported human subjects research certify to the HHS funding agency that the research has been approved by the human research review committee (HRRC) designated in the FWA. The designated HRRC at GVSU has agreed to comply with the
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SPNHA G RADUATE S TUDENT H ANDBOOK full range of regulations pertaining to human subject protections for all authorized research, regardless of the source of funding. GVSU functions under an FWA approved by the OHRP as: Grand Valley State University FWA#
00002829, Exp. Date Nov 3, 2007. The HRRC that operates within these assurances is registered as: Grand Valley
State University Human Research Review Committee #00002615. Please visit http://www.gvsu.edu/hrrc to view full HRRC Procedures & Guidelines.
A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher must be earned in the entire degree program in order to graduate. Courses with grades of C- or below, NC, I and/or W do not count toward graduation. In addition, no more than six credit hours of courses with a grade of C+ or C may be used toward the degree requirements.
A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or below after nine hours of graduate level coursework means automatic dismissal from the university. Any student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below a 3.0 after nine hours will be given one, subsequent semester to improve academic performance. Failure to improve the cumulative GPA to a 3.0 or higher at the end of the probationary semester will result in termination of the student’s participation in the program. Graduate assistants must maintain a 3.0 in order to continue position; falling below a 3.0 in any semester (not cumulative GPA) will result in the forfeiture of the graduate assistantship.
Pre-career students who perform inadequately in their Internship will not be awarded the MPA degree. Students may also be terminated for serious violations of University rules or standards of conduct, as enumerated in the
Graduate Catalog, the GVSU Student Code, or other official University publications.
If a student believes that he or she has been dismissed in error, he or she may submit a written appeal including written support of his or her academic advisor to the Academic Review Committee, c/o the Registrar. It is in the student's interest to appeal immediately if he or she intends to do so, but a student may do so no later than the first class day of the subsequent semester. All appeals will be considered by the Academic Review Committee.
A dismissed student may apply for readmission after a period of one calendar year. Evidence of maturity and improved attitude toward academics and the written support of the student's academic advisor must support the application for readmission. The Petition to Return Form and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Registrar not less than 30 working days before the first day of classes for the chosen semester. The petition will be considered by the Academic Review Committee. Approval of a petition allows the student to enroll on a conditional basis, as stipulated by the Academic Review Committee. The academic standing for a readmitted student will be jeopardy of dismissal.
An incomplete is a mark that an instructor may award to a student whose work in a course has been qualitatively satisfactory, but who is unable to complete some portion of the work required because of illness or other circumstance beyond the student's control that is verifiable through formal
documentation. In awarding the mark of “I” for graduate courses, instructors must are responsible to provide written notification to the student of the work required to remove the incomplete. The student has the responsibility to take the initiative in completing the work and is expected to make up the I during the next semester (Fall or Spring) after receiving the grade. If the student does not make up the incomplete during the next semester after receiving it, a grade may be given by the faculty member without further consultation with the student. If after the end of the next semester the incomplete remains on the record, it will be designated as F and will be computed in the student's GPA, weighted at 0 points per credit. Students with more than three credits of incompletes must obtain permission from advisor in order to enroll in classes.
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No more than two courses may be repeated more than once. Permission to retake a course must be obtained from the program advisor and professor of record before registration for the course to be repeated takes place.
A maximum of 12 semester hours of transfer credit will be given for appropriate graduate courses completed within the previous five-year period with a grade of B or better. This includes graduate courses taken from different departments at GVSU that are not a part of the original degree plan or at another college or university. These transfer credits may be substituted for required courses or given general credit as determined by the faculty; however, students may not enroll in courses for credit for which they received any transfer credit.
Transferred credits apply to the time limitation policy below.
Early on in the last semester students must apply to graduate. In doing so, students should with your advisors if not on ongoing basis, then most definitely during the semester before commencement. Forms are available at http://www.gvsu.edu/forms/registrar/forms/graddipform.pdf. More information on deadlines is available in the Registrar’s Office, the Graduate College, and the School of Public and
Nonprofit Administration. By completing this form, the audit process begins and the student’s assigned academic adviser will complete the audit. Upon a successful audit, students will receive a Ceremony Response Card which must be completed if students plan to walk in GVSU’s Commencement ceremony. After returning the Ceremony
Response Card by the deadline listed on the card, students will be able to obtain their cap, hood, gown, and guest tickets for commencement at Gradfest.
All students must participate in an exit interview prior to graduation. The purpose of the interview is to gather student input regarding the structure of the program, its objectives, and feedback about individual courses.
All courses to be counted for a master's degree at GVSU must be completed within eight years from the semester of the first course to be counted toward the degree. Petitions for exception to graduate time limit policy are required for students who have taken more than eight years to complete their degree including any courses transferred from another institution. If courses were completed more than eight years prior to the date of the student's intended graduation, the student will need to demonstrate competency and currency in the material covered in that course, at a level consistent with advances in the field in the period since the course was taken. If the student is unable to demonstrate currency of knowledge and practice related to any course completed more than eight years prior to graduation, then the student will be required to either repeat the course or to take an approved substitute. The student and the academic advisor will need to determine which courses that will be counted toward the degree fall outside the eight-year time limit. In order to demonstrate competency and currency, the student may submit a written statement outlining his or her experience in applying the concepts learned in the course. A letter of support from the academic advisor should be included along with the Petition for Exception to the Graduate Time Limit Policy form. Students who transfer graduate coursework are to be advised that the eight-year limit is based on the earliest courses counting toward the graduate program. For example, if a student entered the graduate program in Winter 2006 but the earliest accepted transfer course had been completed in 2002, the transfer credit would be applied since it is less than five years old; however, the eight-year rule would change the required degree completion date to 2010 instead of 2014. Only those graduatelevel courses identified as equivalent by the School will transfer provided a grade of B or above had been earned.
Appeal forms are available from the Office of Graduate Studies by calling 616.331.7105 or by sending an e-mail to gsga@gvsu.edu.
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Changes relating to student support or policies beyond the control of the
School of Public & Nonprofit Administration can occur. Under these circumstances SPNHA cannot be held legally responsible for any difficulties a student incurs. SPNHA reserves the right to alter graduate program policies.
Students will be notified of policy changes in a timely fashion.
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S
IV: S
R
Once admitted into the programs, students are strongly encouraged to meet with their assigned advisor before registering for courses. We suggest that full-time employed practitioners should enroll for one or two classes a semester and full-time students take no more than nine credits per semester. Below are suggested advising protocols to consider when enrolling in courses:
1.
PA 520 (MPA) should be taken your first semester.
2.
PA 611 should be taken early in your program of study.
3.
It is recommended to enroll in PA 614 only after you have completed PA 520.
4.
PA 611 is a prerequisite for PA 616.
5.
PA 615 should preferably be taken before PA 616.
6.
PA 619 should be taken in your last semester or at least 33 credit hours.
We suggest mixing core and concentration courses throughout the program, rather than completing all the core requirements before moving onto courses in the concentrations or electives.
Summer Study Abroad and Field Study Programs are encouraged. Some of the programs that have occurred at
SPNHA in the past include Australia (4 1/2 weeks) and Bristol (2 weeks). Consult the schedule of classes for our most current offerings.
Independent Study and a Master’s Thesis must follow the SPNHA department guidelines. The Master’s Thesis is best reserved for students who are considering a Ph.D. Students must have completed 33 credit hours.
Independent study cannot substitute for a core or concentration required course.
Nine credits of electives are available in each concentration. Elective courses may be taken from any concentration that meets your interest/goals/needs unless there are prerequisites. Summer Study Abroad programs can count as elective credits. Only three credits of electives can be PA Workshops.
Students are not required to submit a thesis or terminal project. Those pursuing policy expertise or those considering going on in doctoral studies are strongly encouraged to take up to six hours of thesis (PA 695 -
Master's Thesis). A Thesis can replace PA 619 as the required capstone course for the MPA. A thesis must follow
SPNHA's Master’s Thesis guidelines. Students wanting to do graduate research that does not qualify as a thesis can take up to six hours of PA 693 - Research Project.
When SPNHA receives a job announcement, it is posted to the School of Public and Nonprofit Administration
Facebook page. Students and alumni are encouraged to e-mail job postings to Dr. Hoffman
( hoffmanm@gvsu.edu
) who will forward them to students.
There are also a number of useful job boards and employment resources located on the SPNHA Career Resource website, http://www.gvsu.edu/spna/jobs.html
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American Society for Public Administration - Membership in American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) is highly recommended and attendance at local ASPA meetings is encouraged for MPA students. This is a professional organization that provides students with excellent publications, newsletters, career opportunities, and an opportunity to create networks with other public administrators. Applications may be accessed at www.aspanet.org or from faculty members. The West Michigan chapter of ASPA provides regular opportunities for professional and social networking.
Pi Alpha Alpha - Pi Alpha Alpha is a national honor society that recognizes outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in the field of public affairs and administration. Those universities and colleges that are members of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) are eligible to establish a Pi
Alpha Alpha chapter. Pi Alpha Alpha is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies, a national organization dedicated to encouraging fraternal and specialized honor societies in establishing and maintaining high standards, scholarship and achievement of their members.
The society seeks to promote the advancement of quality in the education and practice of the art and science of public affairs and administration. Pi Alpha Alpha objectives are to foster integrity, professionalism and effective performance in the conduct of government and related public service activities. Pi Alpha Alpha membership identifies those with the highest performance levels in educational programs preparing them for public service careers.
American College of Healthcare Executives - The Great Lakes Chapter of the American College of Healthcare
Executives exists to provide educational and networking opportunities for healthcare leaders in Western,
Northern and Central Michigan. The Great Lakes Chapter was historically known as the West Michigan Healthcare
Executives Group (WMHEG), which was established in 1988, with approximately 50 members. In March 2004,
WMHEG was revitalized as a chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), based in Chicago.
Also in 2004, ACHE affiliates in the Central and Northern portions of Michigan agreed to combine efforts as The
Great Lakes Chapter. Current chapter membership includes professionals working in a variety of settings, including hospitals, health plans, medical practices, consulting firms, pharmaceutical companies, nursing homes, universities, and other areas of the healthcare industry. Leadership for the organization is provided through an advisory board with representatives from the Western, Northern and Central regions of Michigan.
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Fall 2010 Calendar
SPNHA G RADUATE S TUDENT H ANDBOOK
Winter 2011 Calendar
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The office for SPNHA is located on the second floor of the DeVos Center on the Pew Campus on Fulton Street. The office can be reached at 616.331.6575.
Name Rank
Salvatore Alaimo
Danny Balfour
Stephen Borders
Fran Cain
Greg Cline
Mark Hoffman
Rich Jelier
Diane Kimoto
Mike Mast
Assistant Professor
Professor
Associate Professor
Office Secretary
Assistant Professor
Associate Professor
Professor
Associate Professor
Professor
Seong-Gin Moon
Sherry Moyer
Mike Payne
Assistant Professor
Office Coordinator
Professor
Ramya Ramanath Assistant Professor
Donijo Robbins Professor
Quincy Williams Internship Director
Field
Office
Number
Nonprofit Administration 250C
Public Administration 254C
Health Administration 256C
288C
Health Administration
Public Administration
Public Administration
Public Administration
Public Administration
226C
236C
244C
252C
246C
Public Administration
Health Administration
240C
288C
248C
Nonprofit Administration 238C
Public Administration 258C
Nonprofit Administration 228C
Email alaimos@gvsu.edu balfourd@gvsu.edu borderss@gvsu.edu cainf@gvsu.edu clinegr@gvsu.edu hoffmanm@gvsu.edu jelierr@gvsu.edu kimotod@gvsu.edu mastm@gvsu.edu moons@gvsu.edu moyers@gvsu.edu paynem@gvsu.edu ramanatr@gvsu.edu robbinsd@gvsu.edu williamq@gvsu.edu
Phone Number
616.331.6582
616.331.6594
616.331.6569
616.331.6524
616.331.6589
616.331.6587
616.331.6578
616.331.6568
616.331.6579
616.331.6681
616.331.6575
616.331.6583
616.331.6642
616.331.6740
616.331-2362
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