Academic advising is a critical component of students creating meaningful educational plans that are compatible with their interests, abilities, career, and life goals. Due to the unique nature of the joint BA in Environmental Studies or BS in Environmental Science from the Curriculum in Environment and Ecology and the MPA from the School of Government, strong advising is even more imperative for students to successfully complete both programs efficiently.
Students interested in this dual degree program are encouraged to seek advising early and often to ensure successful and efficient completion of both program’s degree requirements.
The Associate Director for Education in Environmental Science, Dr. Greg Gangi serves as the faculty academic advisor for all Environmental Studies/Science undergraduate students interested in pursuing this dual degree. Students interested in this program are encouraged to speak with Dr. Gangi no later than the beginning of their third year in order to plan their program of study and be sure that they will be able to meet the requirements of both the Environmental Studies/Science undergraduate degree and the graduate Master of Public Administration degree.
Each student will be required to attend at least one academic advising session during both the Fall and Spring semesters. Students can request additional advising appointments as needed. The typical academic advising cycle will begin prior to the university’s course registration cycle.
Having an advising appointment with both Dr. Greg Gangi and either Cara Robinson, Director of MPA Admissions or Elizabeth Langefeld, Associate Director of Academic Advising and Student Life is a requirement before submitting an application for pre-admission.
Once students have met with the Associate Director for Education in Environmental Science, Dr. Greg Gangi and someone from the Master of Public Administration Program, they can apply for pre-admission. If accepted the pre-admitted student will be eligible to take MPA graduate level courses.
Once MPA courses have been determined, Associate Director of Academic Advising and Student Life, Elizabeth Langefeld, will work with students to register them for the MPA courses. Once students have matriculated into the MPA Program as a graduate student, the Associate Director of Academic Advising and Student Life will serve as their program academic advisor from the start of the graduate program through graduation to ensure a seamless end-to-end student experience.
The MPA Academic Advising program goals for students include:
- Understanding and communicating the mission, curriculum, and academic policies of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Graduate School, and the MPA Program.
- Building partnerships with students as a means of support during their graduate career.
- Encouraging and support self-exploration and identity development of MPA students.
- Supporting the development of educational plans consistent with the interests, abilities, and career goals of MPA students.
Curriculum for the Environment and Ecology
Greg Gangi
Associate Director for Education and Clinical Assistant Professor
ggangi@email.unc.edu
(919) 962-9805
CB# 1105 Whitehead 312,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1105
UNC School of Government
Bill Rivenbark
MPA Program Director and Professor of Public Administration and Government
rivenbark@sog.unc.edu
(919) 962-3707
School of Government
South Road
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1105
