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Questions for MPA Students Only
Application
What are the address, hours and contact information of the Admissions Office?
The email is preferred. You can contact at
newarkadmissions@ugadm.rutgers.edu.
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Location:
Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
249 University Avenue
Newark, NJ 07102, U.S.A.
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Contact our department: (973)353-5093
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Office hours: 9:00 am to 4:30
How can I check my admission status?
All applicants may check their status online within 24 hours, if they completed their application before 4pm EST. In some instances, such as weekends or national holidays, it may take up to 96 hours for your online status to be available. In order to check the status, you need RU ID. If you take Master’s course as RU student, then you might already have your own RU ID. If not, RUID will be sent to you in a separate e-mail. In most cases, this number will be sent to you within 48 hours of application, but an additional 48 hours may be required on weekends or national holidays. Using RUID, you can check your status at the following site: http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/statusnotes.shtml
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Program Information
Is there any program manual for Master’s program?
You can get detailed information about Master’s program including syllabus, course description here. For further information, please contact the MPA director, Judith J. Kirchhoff at jkirchho@newark.rutgers.edu
How soon should I start looking for internships?
Students are encouraged to participate in internship activities while enrolled in the M.P.A. program. The department assists students in locating internship opportunities but students may discover internship opportunities on their own. In all cases, departmental approval must be obtained before the internship begins. The M.P.A. director should be contacted regarding departmental procedures for approving internships. Forms can be downloaded in PDF format from here. Generally, students should complete 12 credits before considering an internship. All students receive information about internship received from outside sources. The information is sent to students’ Pegasus email account.
What is the Capstone?
It is one of the degree requirements. Students can complete a Capstone paper or take the M.P.A. comprehensive examination. It is taken as an advanced standing elective worth 3 credits. By taking the course, Research Design, students who are writing a paper as their capstone requirement can prepare the proposal for that paper.
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Transfer Credit
How to transfer credits from previous Master's program?
The program may grant credit for past or present public service at the professional level. In addition, the M.P.A program may allow students to transfer credits for graduate work done previously under a formal graduate degree program at an accredited institution. There is a 12-credit limit, however, on the total number of credits a student can receive through a combination of prior graduate course work and professional experience. Similarly, no more than 12 credits may be awarded for either transfer credits or professional experience alone.
In addition, previously earned graduate credits (taken within the past six years) that are pertinent to the M.P.A. requirements may be transferred. The limit on the combination of transfer and professional credit is 12 credits.
Students wishing to apply for professional credit must prepare a document of credentials for review and recommendation by the MPA director, Dr. Judith Kirchhoff.
What is the procedure for transfer of credits?
You need official transcript from previous program and permission of the MPA program director as to who the credits may be applied to the MPA.
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Tuition
What is the cost of tuition?
Tuition information is available here
Tuition changes each academic year before the fall semester.
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Registration and Navigation
Can I register for classes online?
Students can register for courses by using the Web Registration System (WEBREG) on Registrar’s website https://sims.rutgers.edu/webreg/. Pre-registration for the Spring semester takes place in the later part of October. Pre-registration for Fall semester takes place in the later part of March.
How can I create a computer account?
In order to use the computing service at campus, register for courses, log in blackboard, etc, you need a computer account. Please click http://help.newark.rutgers.edu/acctmgmt.htm to set up your account.
Where can I get the course schedule?
From http://soc.ess.rutgers.edu/soc, you can get the course schedule while setting the campus location as Newark, level of study as graduate and exact term.
What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is the online course management system at Rutgers-Newark. To access, you will need your NetID and password. Your professors will tell you if they will be using Blackboard for your particle course such as posting documents or assignments.
https://blackboard.newark.rutgers.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp
How can I check my grade?
Using your RUID, you can check your grade from
https://www.acs.rutgers.edu/grades
What is digital drop-box?
It is a tool in blackboard. When you access to the blackboard, then you will find the links for each courses you are taking. After clicking the course, then you can find the digital drop-box from the tool section. Using this, you can submit your assignments to your professor.
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University Resources
How can I use library, How many are there, and How can I borrow the books?
There are two big libraries which are each DANA library which is located at 185 University Avenue, and Law School Library which is located right in front of our SPAA building. From the DANA library, you can borrow the books and periodicals. Using the following searching tool online, http://www.libraries.rutgers.edu/rul/searchcatalogs.shtml, you can check the status of the books. If it has the books, then you can see the link of those books, and then click the icon named, ‘detail’, and then you can ask ‘Book Delivery’. For this process, you need to ask the librarian to set your user ID and password. You can find your own user ID on the back of your student ID, right below the barcode. You first need to register your library barcode and get a library PIN. For this, visit the circulation desk of any Rutgers library. Also, when you request the book online, it would take several days for you to get them. The library will email you to inform you when you need to pick them up. Even though the library doesn’t have the books you need, you can borrow them from other libraries whether Rutgers has contract with, using E-Z Borrowing at http://palci.library.pitt.edu/~ursa/RUL_login.html
Where can I get help to improve academic writing skill?
The Writing Center at Rutgers-Newark offers tutoring and workshops for currently enrolled students, and help them become more independent readers and writers capable of responding well to the demands of academic writing. Please refer to http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~nwc/ for detail information.
Where can I find out information about job listing and career fairs?
Career Development Center at Rutgers-Newark will provide services such as resume review, interview prep and professional career counseling, etc. It hosts several career fairs every semester as well. Please refer to http://cdc.newark.rutgers.edu/CDCRUN09/CDC_Home.html for more information.
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Professional Association
Is there any professional association in Public Administration?
The primary professional association in Public Administration is American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), you can take advantage of great membership rates for students. Please refer to http://www.aspanet.org/ for further information
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Questions for International Students
Housing
Are there residential facilities on campus?
We have three Residence Halls including University Square, Talbott Apartments and Woodward Hall. Graduate students will live on floors 12 and 13 of University Square.
University Square is the newest one which was built in 2006. It is located on the corner of Central and University Avenues, next to Woodward Hall. The best thing is that it has a security desk that has a security officer 24 hours, 7 days a week and this security desk are interior and exterior cameras, phone access to University Police, as well as a computerized guest system, where residents can choose to register their guests in advance or at the security desk. It features as well easy access to campus. It has also a laundry room, vending area, office space, 24 hour computer lab and resident mailboxes. It costs you $10,975.00 per year in case you use a single room. For the further information please visit the following website: http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~reslife/graduate.html
Where can I find off-campus housing that is cheaper than on-campus housing?
Newark-Rutgers Office of Housing and Residential Life provides some information about off-campus housing. You can check the information from http://housing.newark.rutgers.edu/off_campus_housing_list2.htm.
In this case, you can use the following website: http://cnj.craigslist.org/
You can search for apartment’s rooms or shared room. In case of Korean students, especially someone who has their family here, or seeks for their own hometown food, then Palisade Park, Fort Lee would be the best option. In case of Japanese, Edgewater would be good option, since there are big Japanese market, Mitsuwa and restaurants. In case of Chinese, Kearny and Harrison would be a good option, and the good thing is that you can use campus shuttle if you live in Harrison. There is also another information channel for Chinese students – the NJIT Chinese Students Association website http://www-ec.njit.edu/~cssa/ , where you can find helpful eating and house-renting information. Off-campus housing will cost you between $ 6,000 and $ 9,600 per year.
Where can I find the police office, and also in case of emergency, how can I contact the police?
The campus police department is The Department is located at 200 University Avenue. It is right next to Parking Deck One. In case of emergency, you can call (973) 353-5111 or 5111 from University telephones. Especially at night, if last bus has left, then you can call 973-353-5581. A free campus shuttle service runs to mass transit system locations, including train stations, from 3:30 pm to midnight, Mondays through Fridays. For further information, you can get from http://nwkpolice.rutgers.edu/RUPD_UniversityPolice.html
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Health Service
Where can I get health service?
The Rutgers Newark Campus offers a health service facility located in room 104 of Blumenthal Hall. Board Certified doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacist, health educator and others are on staff to help you stay healthy. Many kinds of health services are available including psychological service. Please refer to http://health.newark.rutgers.edu/index.htm for more information. Services, including health insurance coverage are available to all full-time students who paid the health fee with tuition. Part-time students may join for a reasonable per semester fee.
Am I covered by any health insurance company?
For international students, all registered F-1 and J-1 students except those with full Rutgers TA or GA appointments are automatically billed for Rutgers student insurance policy on a per-semester basis. Once you pay health insurance fee with tuition at the beginning of every semester, you are covered by Aetna Student Health Plan. Please refer to http://oiss.rutgers.edu/insurance.html for detail information.
What should I do in case of health emergency?
Rutgers-Newark health center located at 104 of Blumenthal hall will provide health service to you on regular basis. However in case of emergency, you may need to call 973-353-5111 for police emergency line if you reside on campus or 911 off campus. Please refer to http://health.newark.rutgers.edu/our_services_urgentcare.htm for more information.
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Books
Where can I buy books?
There are two bookstores: New Jersey Book Store which is located across from Conclin Hall, and Newark Campus Bookstore which is located inside Bradley Hall. Also you can use other bookstore which is located inside the cafeteria of NJIT which is very closer to our campus. From the following website, you can check whether it has the book you need. http://newark-rutgers.bncollege.com/ It sells mug, hoodie, T-shirts with Rutgers logo on them, too. In case you need to buy used books, then you can order books at http://www.amazon.com/ Even though it is used one, you can find it very neat and like-new. Also you can get books normally at $25 to $50.
How can I use library, How many are there, and How can I borrow the books?
There are two big libraries which are each DANA library which is located at 185 University Avenue, and Law School Library which is located right in front of our SPAA building. From the DANA library, you can borrow the books and periodicals. Using the following searching tool online, http://www.libraries.rutgers.edu/rul/searchcatalogs.shtml, you can check the status of the books. If it has the books, then you can see the link of those books, and then click the icon named, ‘detail’, and then you can ask ‘Book Delivery’. For this process, you need to ask the librarian to set your user ID and password. You can find your own user ID on the back of your student ID, right below the barcode. You first need to register your library barcode and get a library PIN. For this, visit the circulation desk of any Rutgers library. Also, when you request the book online, it would take several days for you to get them. The library will email you to inform you when you need to pick them up. Even though the library doesn’t have the books you need, you can borrow them from other libraries whether Rutgers has contract with, using E-Z Borrowing at http://palci.library.pitt.edu/~ursa/RUL_login.html
How much is the fine when I failed to return the books by due date?
Borrowers who fail to return recalled books by the due date, indicated on the recall notice, will be fined $5 per day to a maximum of $50. Failure to return course reserve items within established loan periods will result in a $1 per hour fine for each hour overdue up to $25. Overdue notices are sent when items are seven and twenty one days overdue. Replacement bills for the average replacement and processing coast of $102 per book are sent when items are 100days overdue. You may contact the circulation department of any Rutgers library for the actual replacement cost of lost items.
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Eating places and Entertainment
Does Rutgers-Newark have facilities for the special needs? (If I am disabled or someone in my family is disables, who do I contact so that special arrangements can be made?)
We have reserved parking, ramps, photoelectric doors, and special rest room facilities. For more information, call 973/353-5300. Also for detailed disability services, please call the Paul Robeson Campus Center-Newark to speak with Mrs. Nelitha Wilson-Michael at 973-353-5881, or you can visit its website at http://robeson.rutgers.edu/sa_disabilities.php.
Is the Fitness Center open to all students?
Yes, you can use it for free with your student ID. We have the Golden Dorme Athletic Center, across from Parking Deck 1.You can use the fitness center, play sports including tennis, volleyball, basketball, and also take a swim. On entering the center, swipe your student ID and go to the downstairs, then you can find the Gym. You can check the operation hours at http://www.rutgersnewarkathletics.com/sports/2007/12/13/rec.aspx
Are there any places where I can enjoy art, music, museum and the like?
In case of music, there is NJPAC (New Jersey Performing Art Center). http://www.njpac.org/ You can enjoy all kinds of performance including famous musical, concert with very cheaper price. Also there is Newark Museum near the campus. You can check the exhibition schedule at http://www.newarkmuseum.org/. Also, be sure to check your Rutgers email account frequently since these opportunities will be sent to you on a regular basis.
Where can I find the grocery store, especially for the Asian food?
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Transportation and Driving License
How can I come to school if I don’t have a car?
You can use various ways to go to campus. First of all, you can use the bus. Using the campus shuttle, you can go to Newark Penn Station. You can buy the monthly pass which cost you $65 per month without regards to the distance you are going to travel. With Rutgers student ID, you can get 25% discount. You can order this online at http://nwkparking.rutgers.edu/njTransitDiscount.html.
Also you can use the light rail which stops at The Washington Street and train. All the information for the public transportation you can get from
http://www.newark.rutgers.edu/masstransit/. In addition, our school operates several shuttle services to provide transportation to the Rutgers Community. You can take this shuttle in front of Boyden hall. It is possible to check the schedule at
http://nwkpolice.rutgers.edu/RUPD_ShuttleService.html
How can I get a NJ driving license?
First of all, you have to pass the written test. After studying with the driving manual you can get from http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/, visit the DMV which is located nearest to your home. In order to schedule the written test, you need to satisfy 6 point ID verification.
From http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/6PointID.htm, you can find what you need to bring there to satisfy it. When you take this test, you can choose the language you wish to respond in. Second, if you pass the written test, you can schedule the road test from
http://www.nj.gov/mvc/online/roadtest.shtml. Among the things required for international students is the I-20.
How do I get to the Rutgers - Newark campus, and where do I park?
Directions and maps are available at http://www.newark.rutgers.edu. Visitors are urged to use public transportation, which is very convenient. Those who must drive may find it difficult to park on the street, but many parking facilities are available. The nearest ones:
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Rutgers Parking Deck I, on University Avenue a few steps away from the Rutgers Business School, offers visitor parking for a fee of about $5.00. Though very convenient, this facility fills up quickly when classes are in session.
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The parking lot at the Newark Museum, on Central Avenue between University and Washington Street (enter from Washington), a block from the Rutgers Business School, tends to have space except when the museum hosts a large function. You may park up to 5 hours for about $6.00.
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The Edison Corporation has lots at Central and Washington (enter from Central; about $6.00 for one hour, about $9.50 all day) and at University and Raymond Boulevard (enter from University; about $7.00 for one hour, about $12.50 all day). These tend to be full at mid-day.
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The L.A. Parking Corporation almost always has spaces available in its garage at University and Raymond (enter from University; about $6.50 for one hour, about $11 all day).
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Registration and Navigation
Can I register for classes online?
Once you've been accepted, you may register for classes online at https://cas.rutgers.edu/login?service=https://my.rutgers.edu/portal/
Login&renew=true you will need your RU ID and password to log on to the system.
What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is the online course management system at Rutgers-Newark. To access, you will need your NetID and password. Your professors will tell you if they will be using Blackboard for your particle course such as posting documents or assignments.
https://blackboard.newark.rutgers.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp
How can I check my grade?
Using your RUID, you can check your grade from
https://www.acs.rutgers.edu/grades
Where can I get the course schedule?
From http://soc.ess.rutgers.edu/soc, you can get the course schedule while setting the campus location as Newark, level of study as graduate and exact term.
What is digital drop-box?
It is a tool in blackboard. When you access to the blackboard, then you will find the links for each courses you are taking. After clicking the course, then you can find the digital drop-box from the tool section. Using this, you can submit your assignments to your professor.
Students Gathering
Are there any International student association in SPAA, or is there any way to contact senior international students to get more help?
There is PAGA, Public Administration Graduate Association. All students are members of PAGA. PAGA meets four times each semester, one evening per month. From this association, you can meet other students from other school and make new friends. For the detailed information, you can contact Shantha Anthony Raj at shantha.anthonyraj@hotmail.com
International Student Office
I’m new in this country, where can I seek help from?
While SPAA will work you through your academic questions, Office of International Student and Scholar Service is always a great way to obtain important information and document regarding any related academic issues, immigration issues and employment issues. Please refer to OISS main website http://oiss.rutgers.edu/index.htm for further information.
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Downloadable Forms and Guidelines
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