Nov. 19, 2018
Public policy students present capstone work at 4th annual symposium
Sharing insights at The School of Public Policy鈥檚 fourth annual Capstone Symposium.
Skogen Photography
- Above: Sharing insights at The School of Public Policy鈥檚 fourth annual Capstone Symposium, from left: Kristy Thomson, consultant, Global Public Affairs and VP, MPP Alumni Council; Mike Solberg, associate, New West Public Affairs; and MPP student Brianna Solberg.
held its fourth annual Master of Public Policy (MPP) Capstone Symposium on Oct. 17. More than 70 businesses, government, not-for-profit organizations and MPP alumni from across Alberta attended.
Participants listened to capstone summaries presented by graduating students across a number of public policy areas, all of whom delivered engaging and pertinent research-based findings. The MPP capstone is a culminating, highly applied research paper required of MPP students that integrates and builds on MPP coursework taught by faculty from disciplines including political science, economics, law and social work.
Students who recently started the MPP program were also present, providing them a first-hand opportunity to obtain insight into the process and effort required to create an impactful and pertinent MPP capstone.
New MPP student Ryan Green, MPP Student Association vice-president, says, 鈥淭he symposium provided me a solid understanding into the types of capstone questions we need to be asking. It also gave us some very sound advice regarding what the final product has consisted of from previous students.鈥
The event started with remarks by Dr. P.G. Forest, director and Palmer Chair, The School of Public Policy (SPP). He began by saying, 鈥淎cross Canada there are over 30 public policy graduate programs. Ours is the only offering with a MPP alumni council who have direct input into the affairs of the school. This group provides us a unique avenue to directly obtain the viewpoints of our alumni, which is invaluable in helping us to continuously refine the MPP program.鈥
Nicole Williams, a MPP graduate and VP, student relations of the MPP Alumni Council (MPPAC), acted as the MC. Williams won the inaugural MPP Capstone of the Year award in 2016-2017, the award now given annually to a graduating student whose capstone work exhibits public policy research excellence.
In Williams's words, 鈥淭he symposium is one of many avenues that allows myself and all alumni to remain directly connected with the school. Hearing students present their capstone research like this is enriching for everyone involved.鈥
Norm Dreger, principal at Osborne Interim Management, says, 鈥淭he students were mature, professional and brought enthusiasm to the event from a variety of perspectives. They possess very different backgrounds, and that skill-set diversity creates program strength.鈥
To supplement classroom instruction, the MPP program has a student-alumni mentorship initiative that pairs students and alumni according to their respective policy interests and backgrounds. No other Canadian MPP or MPA program offers this element. This year, the MPPAC is increasing its level of involvement to make the initiative more impactful and meaningful for both students and alumni.
Renewing the capstone process
Geoff Webb, SPP鈥檚 senior adviser, conceived of the Capstone Symposium, as he saw a need for a new and innovative forum able to bring together a range of groups. 鈥淟inking students and graduates around a key educational prerequisite is a great way to create significant professional relationships that enliven a program and invigorate the MPP student experience," says Webb.
In March of every year, the annual MPP Capstone Enhancement Event enables current students to connect face-to-face with alumni and policy-related employers in a speed-mentoring type format. This provides students the opportunity to obtain capstone ideas and perspectives from a range of working professionals whose professional background and experience aligns with students鈥 capstone topics.
Kevin McQuillan, SPP鈥檚 academic director, says, 鈥淭he significant interest in the MPP is a testament to the value potential employers and our growing and highly involved alumni base put on a balanced education concerning matters of public policy.鈥