IMPORTANT ADVISING DEADLINES FOR STUDENTS COMPLETING PROGRAM(S) THIS SEMESTER
If you are planning to take the MPA comprehensive exam this fall, the exam date is THIS Friday October 28, 2016 at 8:45am - you must contact Dr. Stanley immediately to notify him of your intent to take the exam if you have not done so already (email him your completed "
Request to take comps" form) .
If you are planning to complete a certificate or degree this fall, you should
apply to graduate immediately (deadline is October 28, 2016): see the "Apply to Graduate" link in the student area of myTSU (
instructions). This email has more information on these and other important expectations and deadlines below; please review the entire message and retain for future reference.
If you are seeking a certificate and a degree in the same semester remember you need to complete all steps for both programs. You should also read carefully the following FAQ documents:
For continuing students, advising reminders will be announced via email later in the semester. In the meantime if you have a question, contact your advisor or if unavailable in summer term, contact Dr. Stanley.
NOW:
- REQUESTING TO TAKE MPA COMP EXAM: If you are planning to complete the MPA this semester: Request to take the MPA comprehensive exam (passing the comps is required for graduation, all MPA students) - You should email a scan of a signed copy or a hard copy to your advisor. If you have not done so, submit immediately. You must have unconditional admission, a GPA of at least 3.0 and at least 30 credits successfully complete in the program by the time you request to take the exam. Date and time for the comps are indicated below.
BY FRIDAY October 28, 2016:
- Apply to graduate - Primary Program: If you are completing a single program (degree or certificate) this semester: Complete the online Graduation Application for your program inside myTSU. Application is mandatory whether or not you plan to attend commencement. If you have applied in a previous semester and didn't complete your program, you must re-apply. Receipt of a degree or graduate certificate is still contingent on completing all other relevant requirements, including those specific to the degree or certificate; having graduate GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 at the time of completion of all coursework; and complying with program, Graduate School, financial aid, and University policies.
- Apply to graduate - Secondary Program: If you are hoping to graduate in two programs this semester (ex. MPA and a certificate), complete the online application for the MPA degree as described above, and then repeat the same process to submit a second online application for your certificate program. Select "View Graduation Applications" afterwards in myTSU to confirm that you have successfully applied for both programs. If you have problems filing two graduation applications, notify your advisor immediately.
- Completing a Certificate: If you are completing a certificate this semester, with or without the MPA, you must also complete the Completion of certificate form; send scan of signed copy to adviser via email by email.
ON FRIDAY October 28, 2016 at 8:45am:
- MPA Comprehensive Exam – Report at 8:45am to Suite F, PA Department, 4th Floor Avon Williams; plan to be here till 12 noon. If you are planning to take the exam, you should submit the Request to take the MPA comprehensive exam - if you have not done so, do this ASAP. Format of exam: Blue book essay; choose 3 out of 4 questions to answer. Blue books will be provided. Sample questions are available to give you the idea. Questions regarding exam administration - to Dr. Stanley at rstanley1@tnstate.edu.
BY FRIDAY November 4, 2016 (Friday after comps date):
- MPA Writing Portfolio: if you are completing the MPA this semester: submit Writing Portfolio (instructions and form) via email to advisor (in form of a single PDF file) by the deadline.
- MPA internship exemption packet: If you are completing the MPA this semester and you have approval from your advisor to apply for the internship exemption: submit the Internship Exemption Packet (instructions and form) via email to adviser (in form of a single PDF file) by the deadline. This option is only for students with one or more years of approved professional experience in a public, health or nonprofit sector setting, after consultation with advisor to determin eligibility.
DECEMBER 2016- Commencement Ceremony: Degree program graduates from Summer and Fall may walk in the December ceremony. (There are no commencement ceremonies held for summer graduates, but your degree will appear on transcript as granted as of August. Summer graduates may choose to walk in the ceremonies held December after the August of their actual graduation.)
Stay current on procedures for getting regalia, rehearsal, etc. at the TSU Commencement website. There is usually a mid-semester event at the bookstore related to this, check the website for date early in the semester. Please note that only students completing a degree program participate in Commencement; certificate completers are not eligible. The exact time and location of commencement will be posted at the TSU Commencement website.
ADVISING RESOURCES
