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Contact Us

Phone: (202) 885-2940

Graduate programs: spagrad@american.edu

Undergraduate programs: aupublicaffairs@american.edu

Public Affairs, School of 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 United States

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Academic Resources

SPA and AU are committed to making sure you can define and reach your academic goals! We offer a wide range of support to help you succeed in the classroom.

SPA Academic Support

Graduate Advising

³§±Ê´¡â€™s team of professional advisors are ready to help you make important decisions about course registration, your degree plan, connect you with academic support, understand graduate regulations and more.

SPA Librarian

³§±Ê´¡â€™s Librarian, Sarah Gilchrist, is dedicated to making sure you have the tools to be a successful researcher. Make the most of Bender Library’s resources or request an appointment to meet with her today!

For MPA and MPP Students

  • Incoming MPP and MPA students who want early support in preparing for the economic and math classes are welcome to attend Math & Statistics Boot Camp each August.
  • SPA and the Hertie School in Berlin, Germany, offer an international exchange program for MPA and MPP students. Learn more about studying abroad.
  • For more specialized resources for your degrees, please visit the ´Ç°ùÌý.

University Academic Support

  • University Systems help you access your personal and academic information:
    • Find your student account and other university information on the .
    • ±«²õ±ðÌý to register for classes, view your student account, and set up banking information. 
    • ´¡±«â€™sÌýName and Gender Identity resources provide students the option to change their names throughout AU systems without a legal name change. 
    • Stay up to date with class syllabi and information on .
  • °Õ³ó±ðÌýAcademic Support and Access Center (ASAC) supports academic development and educational goals of all students. Register for accommodations, find tutoring, etc. ASAC houses the AU Writing Center, which offers free writing support for all students, as well.
  • °Õ³ó±ðÌýCenter for Teaching, Research, and Learning (CTRL) provides support related to teaching and scholarship. Find podcasts, recorded workshops, and syllabus guides.
  • ´¡±«'²õÌýAcademic Integrity Code sets forth AU’s standards regarding academic conduct, academic honesty, and how violations are defined and adjudicated.
  • Work with your advisor to understand and navigate the Graduate Academic Regulations.
  •  (ISSS) supports students studying at AU on F-1 or J-1 Visas. Attend a specialized orientation, find help with employment, or receive academic advising. At SPA, our Assistant Director, International Graduate Student Development, provides degree-specific academic advising and a series of workshops aimed at helping students thrive in an American academic setting.
  • AU supports a wide number of software applications, available for free and/or virtual use by AU students.
  • If you need help finding scholarship opportunities to supplement your SPA merit aid, the Office of Merit Awards can help you identify scholarships that are right for you.
  • Getting ready to graduate? Be sure you prepare – follow the university’s checklist or reach out to your advisor for help.

Questions?

Reach out to spagradaffairs@american.edu for support in reaching your academic goals!