Distinction in Public Affairs
2015-2016 Application
Program Description
Distinction in Public Affairs is a program designed to give students a more in-depth
understanding of the Missouri State Public Affairs mission and allow them to work with a
community partner on Springfield red flag issues. This program is preferenced for
Juniors and Seniors looking to earn a better knowledge and application of the Public
Affairs mission in relation to the Springfield community and global environment.
Participants will be put into groups facilitated by faculty and staff based on preferences
regarding “red flag” issues related to the Springfield community (see red flags below).
Groups will then be expected to provide a poster presentation at the Public Affairs
Conference on Wednesday, April 6th, that explains their experience.
Sessions:
Informational Meetings:
October 26th from 5:00pm-6:00pm in PSU 308 A&B
November 17th from 5:00pm-6:00pm in PSU 315 A&B
Introduction Meeting:
December 7th from 5:00-7:00pm in PSU 315
Students will be expected to attend ALL sessions. Sessions will be broken down
into large group and small group sessions held on Mondays from 3:30-5:30. The
following are the required dates and times:
Large Group Sessions (All sessions will be held in the PSU Ballroom from 3:305:30): January 25th, February 8th, February 22nd, March 14th, March 28th
Small Group Sessions (All sessions will be held in various PSU rooms based on
red flag topic from 3:30-5:30): February 1st, February 29th, March 21st, April 4th
*Please note that some extra time will be required outside of the sessions to work
with community partners and presentations.
Distinction in Public Affairs
2015-2016 Application
Name: _____________________________
Phone #_______________________
Major: _____________________________
E-mail _______________________
Hometown: _________________________
State_________
Hours Completed: ___________________
GPA: _______ M#______________
I hereby release my GPA & number of credit hours information to the Office of Student Engagement.
Signature: ___________________________________
Date: ____________________
Please only rank red flags that you’d be interest in, with 1 being most desired.
____ Business/Economic Condition
____ Citizen Participation
____ Community Health
____ Early Childhood
____ Education
____ Public Order & Safety
____ Recreation/Sports/Leisure
____ Transportation
*Please note that top choice is not be guaranteed.
Please answer the following questions on a separate sheet using no more than 100 words
per answer:
1.
2.
3.
4.
List organizational and community involvement including leadership positions held in
college.
List any major time commitments that you would have during the remainder of the Fall
2015 and Spring 2016 semesters (i.e. positions within your organizations, work, etc .)
What do you hope to gain from this program?
What is your definition of the Public Affairs Mission and what does the Public Affairs
Mission mean to you?
Please submit applications to the Office of Student Engagement (PSU 101)
by 5pm on November 30th, 2015.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Bethany Bishop, Leadership Student Specialist at
leadership@missouristate.edu.