Student Public Policy Forum



Preparing students for lifelong civic participation

through education, awareness and involvement

About SPPF

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 research and prepare to speak on higher education issues specifically related to community colleges.

The program runs from October through April. Meetings are scheduled every three weeks on Fridays from 1pm to 5pm at Rio Salado College, Tempe. For more information, please contact our staff.

Results

Upon completion of the Student Public Policy Forum (SPPF), students will be able to do the following:

  • Define public policy and explain how it is created, implemented, influenced, and evaluated at local, state, and federal levels.
  • Compare the roles and responsibilities of the staff members for a legislator and analyze the influence and power of each role.
  • Construct a political action plan that outlines the necessary steps to influence a particular political issue with the appropriate decision makers.
  • Construct a persuasive argument and effectively communicate the position both in a written and verbal format.
  • Analyze a speech or written editorial that states a position on a local, state, or national issue and evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of the information presented.
  • Conduct a meeting with a group of peers using appropriate parliamentary procedures.
  • Develop consensus among differing opinions on a local, state, or national issue impacting community college students.
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ALUMNI

Stay connected!

Network with SPPF Alumni: Student Public Policy Forum Official Facebook Group

Become a "fan" of SPPF: SPPF Facebook Fan Page

*Help us improve SPPF, take a survey...

*Interested in becoming a part of the SPPF Council? Download your application here!

For any questions, comments, or suggestions regarding SPPF or the SPPF Alumni, contact Daniel Button at (480) 731-8155 or daniel.button@domail.maricopa.edu.

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PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Application and Selection Process 

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.  Applications must be submitted to your campus contact person by Friday, September 11th, 2009.  Applications are screened and candidates are selected at the college level. 

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.

Program Requirements

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.
Attendance 

Very 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.

Fees and Expenses

Program 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.

Transportation

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.

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