Since offering our first on campus classes in 1974, we have equipped graduates with the tools to build successful careers while contributing to their own communities. We offer professional graduate and undergraduate programs in public administration, dispute resolution, and community development. As we continue to innovate through new programs and delivery methods, we remain focused on providing the highest quality education to students who are passionate about making a difference.

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Announcements

Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals presented to two
School of Public Administration graduate students
The Diamond Jubilee Medal was created by the Government of Canada to recognize the outstanding contributions of Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life. Administered through the Office of the Governor General of Canada, this medal program is one of the elements of the year-long Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Sarah Daitch, MA in Dispute Resolution candidate, was one of four Fort Smith, NWT residents who were presented with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. The Honourable J. Michael Miltenberger, MLA for Thebacha, and MP Dennis Bevington presented the medals on February 16 at the Northern Life Museum. As Sarah is at UVic this term, her parents accepted the medal on her behalf. Sarah, who is a cross-country skiing athlete, received an entrance scholarship to the MADR program and now holds a Social Sciences and Humanities Graduate Fellowship.

John Nsabimana, MPA candidate, is on a Co-op Term at UNICEF in New York and was one of six Canadians presented with the medal at a special ceremony held at the UNICEF Headquarters on March 1. John was born in Kigali, Rwanda. In 1994, when over one million Rwandan refugees fled from the genocide and terror in Rwanda into neighbouring countries, John escaped and travelled to Uganda. He then spent the next 11 years of his life in a refugee camp in Uganda. He arrived in Canada in 2004 on a United World Scholarship, attended Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific, achieved a Bachelor in Child and Youth Care, and is now studying in the MPA program with an interest in human rights.

On Friday, February 15, over 30 School of Public Administration graduate students, alumni, and provincial government managers attended a one-day on campus seminar presented by Dr. Don Lenihan, Vice President, Engagement, of Canada’s Public Policy Forum (Ottawa). The seminar topic was "Rescuing Policy: The Case for Public Engagement" and was based on his book by the same name. He came to campus at the invitation of Dr. Tara Ney of the School’s MA in Dispute Resolution program as he brought a particular perspective for MADR students enrolled in a course Dr. Ney is currently delivering about public engagement. Following a morning presentation, the participants worked through case studies in the afternoon.
Dr. Lenihan is an internationally recognized expert on democracy and public engagement, accountability and service delivery. He has over 25 years of experience in the field as a project leader, writer, speaker, senior government adviser, trainer and facilitator. Throughout his career, he has developed and led many research and engagement projects involving senior public servants, academics, elected officials, journalists and members of the private and third sectors. He is the author of numerous articles, studies and books, a former columnist with the Hill Times newspaper in Ottawa, and a frequent blogger in the Huffington Post Canada.
The Public Policy Forum has made Rescuing Policy: The Case for Public Engagement available at no cost through their website. Click Here.

The Local Government Management Association of British Columbia has announced their scholarship recipients for 2012 and we are pleased to say that nine have been awarded to students enrolled in our School’s graduate and undergraduate programs. On behalf of the School of Public Administration and its students, we would like to thank the LGMA for their ongoing financial support of our students who are now working in (or plan to work in) local governments. Click here for a list of our nine winners.

Three students enrolled in the MA in Dispute Resolution competed for and won paid internships (up to $10,000 each) with UVic’s Office of Community-Based Research. Congratulations to: Geoff Cross, Amanda Engen and Erich Nahser-Ringer.

Congratulations to MADR students, Sarah Daitch and Erin MacDonald, each awarded SSHRC Scholarships valued at $17,500!