The UNC MPA program recognizes the importance of preparing the next generation of public service leaders with skills and knowledge to lead in varied contexts with varied audiences.
We believe it is crucial for leaders to understand and be equipped to serve the diverse and varying needs and cultural expressions of the individuals within those communities.
Diversity means the ways in which individuals vary, including but not limited to, backgrounds, beliefs, viewpoints, abilities, cultures, and traditions that distinguish one individual from another. We seek to incorporate these principles within the Master of Public Administration curriculum and learning environment for the benefit of our students, faculty, and staff.
Student Experience
The UNC MPA program fosters an inclusive community where individuals from all backgrounds are welcomed, valued, and treated equally. We believe that diversity of experiences and perspectives strengthens both the academic environment and the personal growth of every student. Continuing a proud tradition, UNC MPA is committed to cultivating a learning community that encourages open, respectful, and thoughtful exchange of ideas.
Interest and Affinity Groups One way the MPA program strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students is through Affinity and Interest Groups. Affinity and Interest Groups, which are open to all, provide a space for support, learning, and the exchange of ideas for students with similar backgrounds, experiences, or interests. Affinity and Interest Groups encourage student success and wellbeing through programming and networking opportunities. Within the Curriculum The MPA program uses a competency-based curriculum to ensure that students obtain necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to help them become effective public service leaders. All of the curricular content is rooted in academic scholarship and contemporary practice and delivered in a classroom that encourages vigorous, open, and thoughtful exchange of ideas. Students are exposed to the program’s public service values of accountability and transparency; respect and equity; efficiency and effectiveness; and professionalism and ethical behavior within this competency framework. Program Commitment to Inclusive Public Service Education The UNC Master of Public Administration program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), the global standard in public service education. This accreditation recognizes our dedication to high-quality instruction, continuous improvement, and accountability. Our program is evaluated against NASPAA’s standards, including that “programs will prepare graduates to succeed in an intercultural and globalized era, where the global and local contexts are inextricably linked.” UNC MPA faculty are deeply invested in student success. They strive to ensure that students can apply their knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving skills in unfamiliar settings and across multidisciplinary contexts, preparing them to lead and serve effectively in a dynamic public service landscape. Graduate and Professional Student Initiatives can be found here. Affinity Groups and Centers and Organizations of Interest: Affinity Groups and Centers and Organizations of Interest to diversity and inclusion efforts can be found here. Graduate School Student Success: The Graduate School is excited to introduce the Student Success program, a refocused effort in diversity retention. This program will encompass a variety of initiatives and activities focused on academic success, professional development, and degree completion for diverse graduate students. International Graduate Students: Information and resources for international graduate students can be found here. Military-Affiliated Grads: The Graduate School and the Dean of Students Office provide numerous opportunities and resources for our military-affiliated (Active Duty, Veterans, Reservists, or National Guard) graduate students to aid in their academic success and to build community. Some of these activities include: QGAPS – Queer Graduate and Professional Students: The LGBTQ Center and The Graduate School partner to provide opportunities and resources for our LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual)-identified graduate students to aid in their academic success and to build community. Some of these include: Military & Veteran Student Success: The military affiliated students receiving their education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are a vital component of our campus community. We recognize their sacrifices and value their life experiences as they enhance the diversity of our student body. This site is dedicated to assisting active duty, National Guardsmen, Reservists, veterans and others receiving US military benefits in making a successful transition into the Carolina community. Military & Veteran Student Success helps students make the transition from military duty to campus life. Whether you are a new student who has competed your service, a student who interrupted your education to serve and are now returning, or a student who began your studies elsewhere and are transferring here, this office will help guide you to the resources you need to make the most of your Carolina experience. Please do not hesitate to contact the Student Veterans Assistance Coordinator (cvrc@unc.edu) located in the Office of the Dean of Students for assistance. Safe Zone Training: The LGBTQ Center sponsors a specialized Safe Zone training specifically geared towards graduate and professional students, instructors, postdocs, and faculty. Completion of this training will equip students with many of the concrete skills and resources needed to be an ally to students and colleagues of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. Additional curriculum is offered in health care, bisexuality, transgender and nonbinary communities, intersex, and queer education.
University-Wide Student Success Initiatives:
If you walk by an office and see the Green Zone sign, it means the staff, faculty, or graduate student has been Green Zone trained. Green Zone training is conducted by the Office of the Dean of Students to educate faculty, staff of graduate students about the general military experience and can assist our military-affiliated students in their educational experience. Military-affiliated students are welcome to attend these trainings to share their valuable perspectives on being in the military