MPA Paper Award

Eligibility

Students who completed their papers or projects between May 2, 2012 and May 7, 2013, and who have graduated or will graduate between May 2012 and August 2013 are eligible for this award at the 2013 commencement ceremony.  There is one prize for an individual paper and one prize for a group paper.  For the group paper award, at least one paper author must be an MPA student.

Papers must meet the following criteria:

• Provides complete description of a significant issue in the management and leadership of nonprofits, philanthropy, public agencies, and/or collaboration
• Demonstrates high-quality research and in-depth analysis of the issue (within the parameters of the course in which the paper was submitted, where appropriate)
• Presents viable recommendations for action using reasonable, sound evidence
• Demonstrates creativity and originality of thought
• Presents a professional, well-organized paper and a writing style with sound mechanics (free of spelling, typographical, and grammatical errors, consistent citation, etc.)

Nominations may be made by faculty members, students, and fellows. Self nominations are encouraged.

Nomination

A letter of nomination describing how the paper meets the above criteria is required. The letter of nomination and the paper should be submitted electronically to Humphrey Student Services Office (hhhss@umn.edu) by 4:30 pm on May 7, 2013.