Masters of Public Administration at the University of South Alabama

02/19/2019

The MPA Club will be hosting a career service workshop Wednesday, March 6th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. If you are interested please RSVP by email!

01/09/2019

We are pleased to announce our 40th anniversary celebration of the MPA program. Please remember to RSVP. We can’t wait to see everyone on January 31, 2019 at 6:00pm in the Mitchell Center.

12/15/2018

We had an awesome time at our end of the semester Christmas social. Hope you all have a great break. Happy Holidays!

10/02/2018

Here is an overview of our calendar for the month of October.🍂🎃

09/30/2018

Our tailgate from a few weeks ago. We had a great time. Thanks to everyone that came out to hang out with the MPA club.

04/25/2018

Graduate Assistantship opportunities in Jaguar Productions. Applications due May 4, 2018.

University Programs
Graduate Assistantship Description

Overview
Jaguar Productions (JP), supported by University Programs within the Student Center, is the student programming board organization and is responsible for planning diverse, quality events for the university community. The purposes of Jaguar Productions are: To promote the interest of University of South Alabama and its students; to bring about greater spirit of unity and cooperation among all students; to encourage in students the development of leadership skills through active participation in campus activities and its management; to provide University of South Alabama with the best possible events that serve the cultural, educational, recreational, and social interest of the students.
Jaguar Productions consists of 13 Student Directors and are advised by the Associate Director for Student Activities - University Programs, Coordinator – University Programs, and Graduate Assistant.
The University Programs Graduate Assistant reports directly to the Associate Director for Student Activities – University Programs.
Position Responsibilities/Job Description
The Principle duties and responsibilities include:
- Jaguar Productions Advisement
o Advise 2 - 3 student directors and assists in the development of event programming in the committees that are assigned.
o Help with training directors on event staff management, program proposals, budget management, and adherence to University policy.
o Attend JP Board Meetings, JP Executive Council Meetings, and weekly one on one meetings with Associate Director.
o Act as staff representative at events when appropriate.
- Advertisement Duties
o Serve as a liaison to Vanguard Advertising.
o Work with Publications to submit JP posters to ensure timely printing of materials.
o Submit JP events to Daily Digest
- Assessment of Programs
o Work with JP Directors to develop assessment instruments for various JP and UP events and services.
o Identify participant pool and deliver assessment
o Tabulate results and make recommendations for improvement/changes based on results.
o Collect attendance numbers for each event and report and track student event attendance for all events
- Student Center Team
o Attend weekly Student Center team meetings.
o Assist with department wide events and programs.
o Attend Student Center trainings and retreats.
- Other duties as assigned.
Office Hours (20/week)
The Graduate Assistant is expected to maintain the required amount of hours per week. Hours are flexible with some nights and weekends. The schedule of office/program hours will be determined within the first week of class each semester and any changes to office hours should be discussed with the Associate Director.
Learning Outcomes
The Graduate Assistant will be able to:
- Develop advising & supervising style in working with diverse students
- Develop professional relationships with staff
- Design and administer effective assessment tools
- Plan high quality programs from start to finish, identifying resources and employing critical thinking.
- Effectively communicate and execute the programming process and programming goals to students.
- Deliver excellent customer service.
- Identify possible problems and developing solutions.
Compensation
$10,000 per year and a tuition waiver for up to 10 hours per semester.
Requirements/Qualifications
A successful GA Candidate will be in good standing with the University, maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and be enrolled in at least six credit hours (full time) in a degree-earning graduate program at University of South Alabama. Candidates must be enthusiastic, creative, collaborative, flexible, have strong oral and written communication, organization skills and the ability to work in a fast paced environment. The ideal candidate will have a student-centered focus with a passion for college administration. Knowledge and experience in event programming is preferred but is not required.
Interested candidates must submit a resume, cover letter and three references to James Contratto, Associate Director of Student Activities – University Programs to [email protected].
Please apply by May 4, 2018 for full consideration.

04/09/2018

Job Opportunity: Economic Development Research Analyst, Gulf Power. Application due Friday April 13.

This position is responsible for providing project management support to the Community & Economic Development Department in support of its mission to increase revenue through the location, expansion, and retention of business.
The Research Analyst will gather data and design materials in association with prospective company requests, company/community presentations and community involvement efforts to promote Northwest Florida as the preferred location for new and expanded business operations.
In addition, the analyst will be expected to perform statistical analysis and conduct secondary research by gathering information from multiple sources, synthesizing the data and converting the information into usable insights.
JOB REQUIREMENTS: (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills)
• A four-year degree, preferably with a major in marketing research, economic development, statistics, business or a similar area of study, is required.
• Three or more years experience in economic development related research is preferred.
• Demonstrated creative design skills, including the ability to professionally package project materials
• Demonstrated research skills using a variety of web-based research programs
• Advanced computer skills such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Professional, Photoshop, and Illustrator
• Highly organized with attention to detail and the ability to work on multiple time-critical projects in a fast-paced
environment
• A track record in exercising sound judgment and in handling confidential information.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse team, both internal and external to the company
• Strong communication and presentation skills required.
• Knowledge of the energy sector and utility industry is a plus.
MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provide research support for business recruitment and retention efforts of the Community & Economic Development team.
• Analyze and research information in order to respond to project requests for information from interested parties and consultants.
• Design and prepare customized maps, reports and professional responses to prospective companies and other entities.
• Manage the Department’s information management systems.
• Facilitate activity related to the company’s business incentive rider program
• Collect, compile and update community data for use on websites.
• Research prospective company background information
• Gather and research data on targeted industries for regional marketing purposes.
Rev4-12
• Prepare reports for management highlighting economic development activities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with economic development partners.
• Update community and economic development related statistics for company and regional support

Find out more about careers at Gulf Power.

04/09/2018

Due to exam preparation, the PA Club meeting for tomorrow, April 9th, has been cancelled

02/23/2018

Calling graduate students enrolled at USA! If you need a paid position this summer, Academic Advising and Transfer Services (the office formerly known as First Year Advising) is looking for students to assist with summer orientation. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

02/03/2018

FYI! There have been 2 changes to the February PA Club event schedule. Please note that due to Mardi Gras, the PA Club Meeting that was originally scheduled for Monday, February 12 has been rescheduled for the following Monday, February 19. Additionally, due to the Mobile parade schedule and conflicts with many members' schedules, the Mardi Gras social that was scheduled for this coming Friday, February 9th, has been cancelled.

11/29/2017

Good Morning, folks! Just a friendly reminder that the PA Club's Annual Holiday Party is coming up THIS Friday, December 1, 2017 from 6-9:30p at the USA Student Center Terrace! We'll be playing games, hanging out, eating good food, and hosting Dirty Santa!

As this is a potluck, please bring your favorite party dish to share and if you would like to participate in Dirty Santa, bring a gift with a max value of $10! We hope to see you there!