The School of Policy Studies (SPS) welcomed our newest cohort of students with a two-day orientation last week.
Taking place on September 3rd and 4th, the 2026/27 cohort of Master of Public Administration (MPA) students had the opportunity to hear from a wide variety of speakers. Students received an introduction to the School’s faculty and staff, had a chance to network, and listened to a number of special guests discuss some of today’s most pressing policy challenges and concerns.
MPA faculty shared sessions on Global Trends and Economic, Fiscal Realities, and helped start the conversation for Careers in Public Service post degree. Alumni from the program also attended, providing key networking opportunities and advice for careers after graduation.
Former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne delivered the keynote address, ‘Doing Big Things in Government,” in which she reflected on her time in office.
One student, Xian Tronsgard, shared how the orientation "was an amazing opportunity to make new friends, meet my professors, and immerse myself in the endless possibilities of public service." Tronsgard felt inspired by the keynote by Wynne, sharing how it "highlighted the importance of engaging with "bread and butter" issues, such as the Ontario Photo ID, emphasizing that creating meaningful change doesn't always have to be flashy."
She is excited to be "entering this program with optimism, curiosity, and of course, a bit more caffeine."
We are excited to continue to support the learning and growth of the MPA cohort of 2026-27 throughout their degree with the School of Policy Studies.
Welcome MPA class of 2027!
MPA Cohort of 2026-27 at their Orientation