4th year

My name is Hale and I’m a 4th year student in the Bachelor of Public Administration program with a Minor in Psychology. I’m interested in public policy and mental health, and the School of Public Policy & Administration (SPPA) has given me so much leeway and encouragement to combine these two interests – from the interdisciplinary nature of our school, the mix of foundational and specialized courses, and the strong engagement our school has with the Ontario public service community of practice.

The SPPA’s courses have given me a strong knowledge base about the operations of government and the creation and implementation of public policy. Many of these courses are taught by professors with experience working directly in the public service, which allows them to blend theory with practice, and also means they have excellent real-world insights to share. The most foundational courses I’ve taken have included PPAS 2110: Canadian Government, PPAS 3135 & 3136: Public Law, PPAS 4190: Public Administration, and PPAS 4380: Local Government.

But I’ve also had the opportunity to take experiential and research-based courses, which have exposed me to a whole different side of academics where we can apply the theories we learn to make a real difference. In PPAS 4310: Program Evaluation, we are conducting a comprehensive evaluation of a not-for-profit organization offering a music therapy program for youth at risk of entering the criminal justice system; our findings will provide tangible recommendations to make the program even better for the actual people using it. In PPAS 4995: Practicum in Public Administration, I am completing a practicum placement in the Mental Health & Addictions Unit of the Ministry of the Solicitor General — the unit responsible for mental health and addictions policy for correctional facilities in Ontario. Working with both clinical and policy staff has opened my eyes to all of the fascinating and granular public policy being delivered within the public service.

Beyond the courses, the community we have within the SPPA is unmatched. Being a smaller program, students form a tight-knit circle that is facilitated by the Public Policy & Administration Student Association (PPASA). Working closely with our professors, master’s students, and alumni, the PPASA hosts many events to help us as future public servants to develop our resumes, practice interviews, and learn more about current issues in the practice of public administration. The fact that you get to work so closely with faculty and other students not only opens up future professional and academic opportunities, but also lets you find great friends and colleagues who will be part of your circle well after you graduate.

As a student in the SPPA, you’re also part of a wider community in the Faculty of LA&PS and York University as a whole. I’ve had the pleasure to be involved in governance and student affairs at both levels — as a member of the York University Senate and the Student Council for LA&PS — and have been overwhelmed with the sense of community and possibility for impact at those levels as well. If you’re thinking about joining the School of Public Policy & Administration — whether you’re interested in a specific issue and want to learn more about the policy context surrounding it, or you’re interested in governance as such — I would highly recommend it!