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Student Public Policy Forum
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Preparing
students for lifelong civic
participation through education,
awareness and involvement
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Trustee Quarterly
Winter 2006
"Passionate About Access"
Congressman Ric Keller |
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The
Student Public Policy Forum (SPPF) is a co-curricular
activity that provides an overview of local, state and
national public policy making, citizen influence and
involvement. A focus is placed on experiential learning,
leadership development, and student engagement in public
policy processes. During the course of the program,
students will research and prepare to speak on higher
education issues (Green sheet issues) specifically related
to community colleges.
The
program runs from October through March . Most
meetings are scheduled monthly on Fridays from about
12pm to 5pm at Rio Salado College, Tempe. For more information
please contact the program directors.
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Chad Douwstra
Program Director
Government Relations Associate
chad.douwstra@domail.maricopa.edu
480-731-8151
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Buddy Cheeks
Program Director
Student Life Director - SMCC
buddy.cheeks@smcmail.maricopa.edu
602-243-8069
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Application
and Selection Process
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Any
student of a participating college may apply for the Student
Public Policy Forum provided they meet the minimum program
requirements. However, space is limited and competition
for available seats grows each year.
Applications
may be printed from our website or received from your
campus contact person. They may be submitted to
your campus contact person by the application deadline
of 4pm on the second Thursday of the month of September. Applications are
screened and candidates are selected at the college
level. Students who have been previous participants
in the Student Public Policy Forum (SPPF) are not eligible
to repeat the program but may become involved in continuing
activities as a SPPF alumnus.
Note
to Students: No
prior experience is necessary for participation in the
Student Public Policy Forum. Students from all
backgrounds, majors and experiences are encouraged to
apply. We value the unique contribution each student
brings to the Forum and especially appreciate a positive
attitude, willingness to learn and respect for others.
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Students
may only be selected from participating colleges and
must meet the following program requirements:
- Complete
and submit a SPPF application prior to college and
program deadlines.
- Have
and maintain a minimum of six credit hours at the
sponsoring college for the Fall & Spring semesters.
- Have
a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or above
for all college coursework and maintain a semester
GPA of 2.0 or above. Students in their first
college semester must have a high school GPA or GED
equivalency of 2.0 or above.
- Have
and maintain a working email address and web access.
- Agree
to commit to attend all required calendared program
meetings and participate in online assignments and
activities.
- Agree
to abide by program guidelines and ground rules.
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few students are awarded the honor of participating in
the Forum. It is essential that applicants understand
program requirements and commit to attending and participating
fully in all meetings and activities. All activities
are required unless otherwise stated as optional.
Any student missing the orientation or other required
activity without prior consent of the program directors
may be dropped from the Forum. Because the program
builds on the foundation of the orientation session, colleges
may not have the option of replacing a student who drops
the program after orientation has taken place. |
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expenses are currently paid by each sponsoring college
and district. Students are expected to have or acquire
appropriate clothing (business attire) and to pay for
incidental expenses (souvenirs and optional activities)
in Washington D.C. Overall, there is little or no
cost involved for students. |
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| Students
may be required to provide their own transportation to
Student Public Policy activities. Please consult
your campus contact to determine if campus transportation
or carpools are available. |
Program
Learning Goals and Objectives
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We
expect each student completing the Forum to achieve the
following:
- Greater
understanding of public policy issues and process
- Heightened
leadership and advocacy skills
- Awareness
of the benefits of collaboration and networking
- Ability
to effectively demonstrate knowledge gained, both
verbally and non verbally
- Active
involvement in a public policy process
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Students
who successfully complete the Student Public Policy Forum
should be able to:
- Define
public policy and describe how it is created, implemented,
influenced and evaluated at local, state, and federal
levels
- Discuss
and demonstrate knowledge of key policy issues
of importance to community college students
- Understand
how one voice can make a difference and identify how
students can be involved and influential in policy
making
- Develop
a network of peers, elected officials, and policy
makers
- Write
an editorial or speak persuasively on a policy issue
of choice
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