Archive for May, 2012

Who doesn’t have Facebook these days? I can tell you who does! According to Facebook stats, more than 500 million were mobile monthly active users as of April 20, 2012. Crazy, right? Without a doubt, a large, vocal audience actively uses Facebook and other social media outlets. A recent ASPA National Blog discussed the influence of social media on public policy. Sure, the nature of social media allows quick transmission of news AND opinions, but does that translate into political influence?

Let’s consider the KONY 2012 video. Within a few short days of the nearly 30 minute clip, the number of views was growing rapidly…and today, there are over 90,000,000 views. The video was trying to promote an effort to bring attention the Invisible Children group and their cause. Yet, this attention did not seem to live up to the hype. Many variables may have contributed to this lapse, but with 90,000,000 views, you can’t argue they’ve increased awareness.

So, the question then- does social media influence public policy? What are your thoughts? IF social media has the power to shape policy, how can it be positively harnessed? Should it be monitored and controlled with policy?

Stay connected with fellow MPA students!

Nearly 37 million people in the United States have student debt. Odds are you’re one of them. Of course, you knew what you were getting into when you took out those student loans, but with a tricky job market and news of a possible increase in the interest rate of government student loans, it is easy to see why students are concerned. So, beating student debt means keeping up with it- including the political news.

Everything You Need to Know About President Obama’s Blueprint for College Affordability

“In the State of the Union, the President called on Congress to keep interest rates low for 7.4 million young people who take advantage of student loans (If Congress doesn’t act, the interest rates for subsidized Stafford student loans will increase from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent on July 1) , make the American Opportunity Tax Credit permanent, and double the number of work-study jobs over the next five years to better assist college students who are working their way through school.”

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

As public administration students, we may be at an advantage. In 2007, Congress created the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to encourage individuals to enter and continue to work full-time in public service jobs.  After 10 years (120 payments), borrowers may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance due on their eligible federal student loans while employed full time by certain public service employers.

Of course, if you have any questions about your financial aid or student loans, you can always contact your UIU Financial Aid Office or loan provider.

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