Communication is key to success in the MPA program. There are several platforms we will use to communicate with you during your time in the program. The first two items below you have already accomplished and you are ready to access several of the other online accounts you will need throughout the program.

1. 1. Create your ONYEN.  You have already done this!
   2. Set up your UNC Email and check it daily. Your UNC email address is the primary mode of communication between you and the university. Please check this email daily for important program and class information.
      1. Log into selfservice.unc.edu using your ONYEN and Password.
      2. Click on “Email Sign-Up” on the left-hand menu to set up your UNC email account and change your password if needed. 
      3. Check your email by visiting heelmail.unc.edu.
   3. Log into ConnectCarolina. ConnectCarolina is your hub for class registration, financial aid, final grades, and other UNC student information. If you need help logging in, please contact the IT Service Desk at 919-962-HELP (4357) or visit help.unc.edu. 
   4. Log in and become more familiar with Canvas. Canvas is where you will find your coursework, attend your weekly live sessions, and turn in assignments. Starting two weeks before classes begin, you will log in to Canvas most days. Be sure to create your profile in Canvas so that your instructors and classmates can get to know you better. Please consider adding a photo and filling out your profile! Additional Canvas video resources can be found here and Canvas student guides can be found here.

As an online student, technology will be a vital factor in your success. You will need the following prior to live sessions: 

1. 1. 1. Computer with a webcam. Being on screen regularly will be important for your class participation grade.
      2. Please check the browser and computer requirements needed for a successful connection. 
      3. Consistent, quiet location to attend live sessions. Distractions for you are also distractions for your classmates! Please find a suitable location as discussed in the orientation course. 
      4. Strong, reliable internet access. 
      5. Headset/headphones/earbuds with a noise-canceling microphone (strongly recommended). 
      6. Download and test Zoom  
      7. Log in to Canvas prior to your first live session. Not only will you have pre-work to do, but you will also want to ensure that you can log in seamlessly.

Once your ONYEN is set up, your advisor will add you to two courses in Canvas – the MPA Orientation Course and the MPA Student Hub.

The online Orientation Course was designed with new students in mind. It will provide you with the relevant information you need to know and understand before you begin the program. This course provides content on degree requirements, academic planning, extra-curricular activities, student engagement, faculty recommendations for success, and university policies. This self-paced course will take 4–5 hours to complete. While you will continue to have access to this material during your time in the program, completing the modules prior to the start of the term is particularly important.

The MPA Student Hub is a space created to support peer connection across both formats of the MPA Program. Think of the Hub as your go-to space to connect with fellow MPA students—whether you’re online or on-campus. It’s built for students, by students and staff—a place to build community, share experiences, and stay in the loop.

Here’s what you’ll find there:

• MPA Student Directory: Browse the full list of students who have created a profile and connect directly. Because this is new, we need as many of you as possible to create a profile to make this a useful tool. You will be able search and filter by career interests, location, and more.
  • 👉 Action item: Take 3 minutes to create your profile in the student directory (Pro tip: You can connect your LinkedIn profile to auto-populate your information.)
• Discussion Boards, Affinity Groups, and Interest Groups: Join conversations and connect with others who have similar backgrounds, experiences or interests as you.
• Student Organizations and Other Leadership Opportunities: Learn about student organizations, leadership roles, and ways to get involved.
• Program Calendar: Stay on top of key dates and events.
• “Where do I go if I have questions?”: Unsure who to contact? This section guides you to the right person.
• Program Platform Quick Links: Unsure where to find something? This page outlines all the key platforms we use, what they’re for, and how to access them—your go-to guide when in doubt.

📌 Bookmark the Hub and visit regularly—our hope is that it becomes one of the most valuable tools for making the most of your time in the program.

The UNC MPA Intranet, which this ISW is part of, provides resources and guidance as you move from matriculation to graduation in the MPA program. Take some time to review the content on the site. You will need to have your ONYEN set up to log in to this site.  Please pay particular attention to the information and resources on the Online format section of the intranet which includes important reminders on tuition, billing, and financial aid. We recommend you bookmark the intranet so you can return to it any time you have questions.

You must schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss course planning, curriculum, and other program opportunities.  Schedule your required academic advising appointment with Elizabeth Langefeld using her Bookings page (pro tip: you can use this Bookings page to schedule a meeting with Elizabeth at any time in the program). In this meeting you will cover: 

1. 1. Courses for your first term and beyond 
   2. Curriculum requirements 
   3. Submission of a plan on the Course Planner.  Note: You are required to keep your Course Planner up to date. 
   4. Any questions you have on your progress with items on the Incoming Student Website or any general questions. 
   5. Completion of the Career Entrance Survey.

We will invite you to this event, typically held a few weeks before the start of your first semester. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet your new classmates and get any last-minute questions answered.

Upon admission to the program, the director of admissions notified you if you have not already completed the American Government Pre-requisite. You will work with Elizabeth Langefeld to ensure you are added to this self-paced course in Canvas if you have not previously met this requirement. We strongly urge you to complete the requirement before the term starts. You must complete it before registering for your second term. Further details can be found on the MPA Program Policies intranet page.

To see if you have any holds that will prevent registration, visit the Student Center in ConnectCarolina and view the “Holds” section and the “To-Do List” on the right side of the page. Typical holds include: 

1. 1. Transcript hold: Ensure that your official transcripts from all previous institutions are sent to the UNC Graduate School. Transcript holds will not affect your registration until your second term, but it will be easiest to send them now. You can view what transcripts are still needed under “Admissions Items” in the “To-Do List” in your ConnectCarolina Student Center.  
      1. Note: please ensure that transcripts are sent to the Graduate School, not Undergraduate Admissions! Refer back to the Graduate School’s Admitted Student Page for details ensuring transcripts are sent properly. 
   2. SSN hold: Ensure that the Office of the University Registrar has your Social Security Number on file. If not, follow the prompts in the “To-Do List” to enter it. 
   3. American Government pre-requisite: Please see above for details. This will show as an advisor hold in ConnectCarolina.

All UNC students register for classes in ConnectCarolina. Elizabeth Langefeld, Director of Academic Advising and Student Life, will let you know when registration is open and help you select your courses. Instructions on how to register can be found on the Office of the University Registrar website.

Course access will open two weeks prior to the first week of live sessions. At this point, you will be able to access all course content and syllabi.

Students are expected to work through each week’s asynchronous lectures, coursework, and assignments prior to the live sessions. Start with Week 0 and 1 coursework before your first live sessions. Classwork typically takes students 8-10 hours per class, per week. Talk with your academic advisor regarding strategies for completing your work within your schedule. To access your coursework: 

1. 1. Login to Canvas with your ONYEN and Password. 
   2. Click on the old well icon on the left-hand side of the screen 
   3. Click on your course(s). 
   4. Move through each week’s unit of coursework and complete required assignments according to the syllabus. 
   5. Note all deadlines for the semester in your syllabus. 
   6. Complete all Week 1 coursework prior to your first live session for each class.

Your syllabi and the links below will give you a list of materials required for each course. For questions regarding textbooks used for specific courses – including online ordering – please follow the link to the UNC Student Stores’ textbook information and ordering webpage or call (919) 962-5024.

OR

From the ConnectCarolina portal page, click “More Student Links” section, select the “Buy Books from UNC Student Stores” prompt.  Log in using your ONYEN and password to find textbooks for your registered courses.

If you are utilizing scholarship funds to purchase course materials, you must order them through UNC Student Stores. Faculty must submit required material to Student Stores each term. If you are purchasing materials through other funds, you may do so from other vendors. UNC Student Stores will price match with Amazon and other vendors with the following restrictions:

• • • They match prices on books sold and shipped by Amazon, not third-party sellers. The first screenshot below shows an example where they would price match and the second shows an example of where they would not price match.
    • The price match applies only if the edition (ISBN) and condition (new or used) of the book are the same.

Filling out this short survey greatly helps our Career Services team know how to best assist you on your MPA journey. Career Services are offered throughout your time in the program and beyond graduation for our alumni.

The MPA community is an amazing network of strong, committed, and passionate public service leaders. To help facilitate student and alumni connecting and networking, we encourage you to participate in UNC’s new alumni platform called Heels Engage.

• Connect with fellow students and alumni, engage in discussions, and expand your network.
• Heels Engage offers a focused space exclusively for UNC students and alumni, and the UNC MPA Group is exclusive to MPA alumni and students, making it a relevant and meaningful way to stay connected.
• If you are looking to connect or would like to be a resource for other students or alumni—as a mentor or for job search support—this platform is a great place to do so.

Helping every current student and alum successfully navigate to their next step in life.

 

The MPA Student Success Team is here to support you in the UNC MPA end-to-end student experience. There are a variety of resources and services available and several staff to help support and guide you through this transformative experience. 

In addition to supporting you in the onboarding process, Elizabeth Langefeld will be your primary point of academic advising and registration assistance during the program.  Elizabeth will be able to help you with course planning and academic advising each term, advise and work through challenges, and plan for upcoming circumstances. 

We want you to see Elizabeth as your personal connection to the program and primary contact if you have university or program related questions and resources for success. 

How to connect with Elizabeth: 

•  Email: elangefeld@sog.unc.edu  
•  Schedule a meeting: Elizabeth’s Bookings page 
•  Phone: 919-843-7330