The NIU Experience Writing Guidelines for the MPA Dr. Kurt Thurmaier Professor and Director

1. The NIU Experience Writing Guidelines for the MPA Dr. Kurt Thurmaier Professor and Director Northern Illinois University Division of Public Administration

2. Writing in the NIU MPA Program • One of the most important value-added competencies of the MPA degree at NIU. • Still most effective form of communications • Still most highly prized competency of employers

3. Writing in the NIU MPA Program • Difficult to write for different audiences • Efficiency of writing top value of decisionmakers • Read/Write, Listen/Speak • Look at memos, professional articles (PM), scholarly journals • Mimic the styles • Just in time writing is often poor quality • Need gel time • Need proofing time

4. NIU MPA Writing Framework • Chicago Manual of Style, 2007, for all courses. In bookstores under PSPA 699 • Perfection is NOT a weakness! • Every blemish, every sloppiness, each degrades the integrity of YOUR work.

5. Multiple Types of Writing • Short Memos • Case Papers • Term Papers • Capstone Paper Follow the format guidelines in the course syllabus Good practice for grant applications. Different writing than other papers

6. CAPSTONE PROJECT PSPA 699 The Capstone paper serves as the culmination of the student’s coursework. It is the integration of learning experiences into a coherent, focused product that blends theory and practice. MPA Orientation Fall 2012

7. The Capstone Process Problem Identification Literature Research Analyzing Theory Synthesizing with Practice Make a Recommendation(s) MPA Orientation Fall 2012

8. The Beginning • Second Semester for Pre-careerAfter completion of 3 courses for Mid-career • Assigned to a faculty advisor • Choose capstone option • Professional experience analysis • Primary data collection analysis MPA Orientation Fall 2012

9. Writing the Paper: Problem ID • The 699 group sessions will focus on problem identification. • The discussions will relate to the paper topic and the methodology chosen for the completion of the project. • Oral presentations to the group (faculty and students) about problem identification. MPA Orientation Fall 2012

10. Writing the Paper: 3rd-4th terms • Group discussions focus on problem solving and action planning. • Discussions link theory with practice, helping to develop the capstone papers. • Individual consultation with the capstone faculty member for guidance on the paper’s development. MPA Orientation Fall 2012

11. Presenting the Paper: The Defense In 4th Semester for Pre-career/Final semester for Mid-career students Students will orally defend their capstone paper with a formal presentation to a panel of practitioners selected by the director, faculty members, and students. MPA Orientation Fall 2012

12. Fulfillment of the Comprehensive Exam • Students will be challenged in the oral defense of the paper • Draw upon the knowledge you have gained in coursework • Demonstrate your ability to analyze, think critically, solve problems and make decisions • Effectively participate in and contribute to the policy process by articulating and defending your recommendation(s). MPA Orientation Fall 2012

13. Research Option Capstone • Primary Data Collection • Human Subjects Review • Research Design/PSPA 604 • Design and process must be pre-approved by 699 faculty supervisor MPA Orientation Fall 2012

14. Writing Resources • The MPA Website: Current Students • The NIU Writing Center • Free NIU or online citation software (such as RefWorks) for citations/bibliographies • USE THEM!