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Public Affairs Institute Application

Overview

Alma College's Public Affairs Institute offers a productive way to combine understanding of public affairs with any major. If you have led your high school student body, served on committees or provided leadership in a community organization, a knowledge of public affairs might appeal to you.

In the Institute's courses, you'll consider issues, policies and decisions that affect the public interest. You'll gain experience in

  • Identifying important public issues.
  • Understanding various political perspectives.
  • Researching and analyzing public policy.
  • Communication between governments, private interests and the public.
  • Interacting with professionals your fields of interest through meetings with visiting scholars political leaders and working in public or nonprofit organizations.
  • Developing public policy within humane, ethical framework.

This application must be submitted and the letters of reference must be postmarked no later than March 1.

Personal Information





Academic Credentials

Please consult your high school guidance counselor to provide the following information accurately:





out of students.


Essay

Provide a brief written summary of your leadership involvement in extracurricular activities or community affairs. These may include your involvement with youth, church, political, recreational, educational or charitable organizations. Explain (1) your role in each organization; (2) the length of your service; and (3) the skills you developed through your participation.

References

Please provide two people who can assess your leadership qualities. Letters of reference are required from both. See Additional Requirements below.











Additional Requirements

  1. You must be accepted for admission by the College. See Alma College Application for Admissions.
  2. Have letters of reference from each of the references you listed sent to:
    Dr. Edward Lorenz, Public Affairs Institute, Alma College
    614 W. Superior St.
    Alma, Michigan 48801-1599
    The letters should evaluate your:
    1. academic ability
    2. involvement in public affairs activities
    3. leadership skills and potential
    4. honesty, integrity and reliability
    5. motivation and self discipline
    6. creativity
    Advise your commenders to provide concrete details and examples based on their experiences with you.

 

Alma College is one 240 institutions nationwide — and one of only four Michigan institutions — selected for inclusion in the Colleges of Distinction Guidebook, which profiles institutions that are consistently recognized for quality teaching, the kinds of experiences available to students, and how well students do after they graduate.

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Student Profile

Melissa Boguslawski

Melissa Boguslawski
Graduation: 2008
Major: Exercise Health Science, Chemistry
From: Madison Heights, Michigan
Interests: Sports, Heritage

Alma students are good stewards of the world around them. Whether cleaning a long-neglected Jewish cemetery in Poland or the Pine River in our backyard, you can be involved in service projects through classroom work or volunteer activities. Your education is personalized to your talents and interests to prepare you for service, leadership and stewardship.

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