Paper/Speech Details of Conference Program for the 26th NISPAcee Annual Conference Program Overview VII. Public Administration Education Author(s) Jack Meek University of La Verne La verne United States Title Addressing the Challenges of Public Service in Disrupted States: Possibilities for Public Service Education File Paper files are available only for conference participants, please login first. Presenter Jack Meek Abstract Public and community service operates within a demanding array of challenges. Many of these challenges are disruptive forces that originate from well beyond jurisdictional boundaries yet call upon local, state and national institutions to respond. In response to the disruptive forces, we witness the initiation and creation of new kinds of public service designs and partnerships. This paper seeks to address how programs in public affairs seek to make a difference in public service and in our communities and to address the disruptive forces we face. The paper outlines the diversity of member institutions the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) and the role each play in enhancing public service in their communities. The paper assesses how NASPAA – as a global institution - plays a role in advancing public service education globally by engaging members to establish common standards of educational practices and setting expectations for program outcomes. Specially, this paper outlines a two-year process whereby NASPAA Accreditation Standards will undergo a review by NASPAA stakeholders. This review, initiated in the Fall of 2017, takes the form of Colloquia sessions held throughout the globe. Responses and feedback from colloquia will be channeled through the leadership of the Accreditation Standards Steering Committee appointed by NASPAA. The Colloquium is designed to have member schools and stakeholders address: (1) How well do the current NASPAA accreditation standards – developed in 2007 – 2008 and implemented in 2009, serve programs in countries around the world? and (2) How are programs embracing new developments in our field (Birdsell 2017) and are these new developments reflected in our current standards? The paper offers initial findings from the sessions held and identifies current and future program practices that need to be encouraged in order to maintain or strengths in public service education and make a difference in our communities.
