Information for Students
Whether you're studying at the graduate level or just beginning your education, we're excited to welcome all students to #2025APPAM! Check out the information and resources below to make the most of your conference visit. Look for APPAM Student Ambassadors to answer your questions and help you navigate the conference.
Wednesday, November 12
First Timers Session
5:00 to 6:00pm
Hyatt Regency, 511 - Quinault Ballroom
Thursday, November 13
Welcome: A First-timers Huddle
9:45am -10:15am
Student Lounge
Membership & Awards Lunch: The Future of the U.S. Department of Education: Reform, Reinvention, or Retrenchment? (RSVP required)
12:00 to 1:30pm
Hyatt Regency, 510 - Elwha Ballroom
Strategies to Promote and Maintain Wellness
2:45pm -3:15pm
Student Lounge
PD Session: Meet the Editors
3:30 to 5:00pm
Hyatt Regency, 501 - Chiwawa
Presidential Address & Awards: Going Local: The Value of Research on Local Government Policies and Programs
5:00 to 6:30pm
Hyatt Regency, 510 - Elwha Ballroom
Friday, November 14
Navigating Imposter Syndrome
9:45am -10:15am
Student Lounge
Building Community Outside of Your Circle
2:45pm -3:15pm
Student Lounge
Career & PhD Program Fair
1:00 to 3:00pm
Hyatt Regency, 510 - Elwha Ballroom
Student Seminar (RSVP required)
3:30 to 5:00pm
Hyatt Regency, 511 - Quinault Ballroom
PD Session: Managing Co-authorship
8:30 to 10:00am
Hyatt Regency, 602 - Nooksack
Student Mixer
6:30 to 7:30pm,
Grand Hyatt, Leonesa 2
Speed Mentoring (Invite only)
7:00 to 8:00pm
Grand Hyatt, Princess Ballroom
Saturday, November 15
Finding Confidence as a Researcher
9:45am -10:15am
Student Lounge
PD Session: How to be a Good Reviewer
10:15 to 11:45am
Hyatt Regency, 602 - Nooksack
Managing Burnout
2:45pm -3:15pm
Student Lounge
Remember to check out the Online Program or the conference mobile app to see which Student Research Sessions you want to attend. There are 23 scheduled during the conference; simply filter the session type by Student Research Panel.
To Phd or not to PhD? Exploring Graduate School and Career Options in Public Policy and Management
Friday, November 14
3:30 to 5:00pm
Hyatt Regency, 511 - Quinault Ballroom
The one-hour panel features experts representing different public policy and management careers, including university faculty, local and federal government practitioners, and leaders from research organizations. Panelists will offer insights on the pros and cons of different career paths and navigating decisions regarding graduate school. Immediately following the panel, professionals will join students at tables for questions and discussion about graduate school and career paths. We'll rotate once after the first 15 minutes so students can engage with multiple panelists.
We encourage students to attend the APPAM Career & PhD Program Fair from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, just before this session, and the Poster Reception & Student Mixer immediately after.
Moderator: Stephanie Moulton, The Ohio State University
Panelists:
John M. Martinez, MDRC
Elizabeth Froom Pelletier, U.S. Census Bureau
Jeehee Han, Texas A&M University
Thank you to our partial seminar sponsors, the National University of Singapore, Texas A&M University, and The Bush School.
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Learn more about degree paths in public policy with our guide.
The Student Hub is a popular lounge area for students to recharge between sessions and get to know each other. Student Ambassadors will host two exclusive Ignite Sessions daily, addressing popular topics for students at all levels. The lounge is located on the 6th-floor mezzanine.
Thursday, November 13
Student Hub
8:00am - 5:00pm
A First-timers Huddle
9:45am -10:15am
The first time at a conference can be overwhelming. At this quick huddle, you can meet and connect with other first-time APPAM student attendees.
Strategies to Promote and Maintain Wellness
2:45pm -3:15pm
Graduate school can be challenging and intimidating. Students will participate in a peer discussion and provide tools and strategies for prioritizing their health and well-being during graduate school.
Friday, November 14
Student Hub
8:00am - 6:30pm
Navigating Imposter Syndrome
9:45am -10:15am
Imposter syndrome can be prevalent in graduate school, especially if you are the first person in your family to go to graduate school or if there is no diversity in your program. Come share tips on how you’ve handled self-doubt, learn how to build confidence, and connect with others going through the same thing.
Building Community Outside of Your Circle
2:45pm -3:15pm
To strengthen your networks, share tips on how to make meaningful connections outside of your usual circles and across different schools/departments or fields.
Saturday, November 15
Student Hub
8:00am - 12:00pm
Finding Confidence as a Researcher
9:45am -10:15am
Starting a research project can be overwhelming. Come share tips for navigating the journey from idea to proposal, building confidence through challenges, and proudly presenting your research.
Managing Burnout
2:45pm -3:15pm
Graduate school is a lot, and burnout is real. Learn to spot the signs of burnout and share tips on managing your workload and setting boundaries to stay passionate about your research.
The APPAM Annual Fall Research Conference can be an overwhelming experience, particularly for first-time attendees and students who may not know how to make the most of their conference experience and the opportunities it offers. Our Student Ambassadors are here to make the annual meeting more approachable and provide conference attendees with a positive and welcoming experience.
Ambassadors are active student members who are highly knowledgeable about the association. They are willing to commit to volunteering: serving as panel chairs, ignite session hosts, assisting conference attendees, and serving and supporting the conference where needed.
Look out for Student Ambassadors at #2025APPAM, wearing volunteer lanyards and a ribbon.
For complete information on the conference theme, schedule at a glance, and more, click here.
For complete information on conference registration, travel, and hotels, click here.
Whether you’re attending, speaking, sponsoring, or supporting #2025APPAM, we have the resources you need! View the official Social Media Toolkit for tips on how to share conference updates and connect with speakers, attendees, sponsors, and our community before, during, and even after the event.
Before #2025APPAM, contact [email protected].
At the conference, stop by APPAM Central in the Exhibit Hall, located in the Regency Ballroom. It's a great place to meet APPAM staff, ask your questions, take a break, and play a few games for exclusive prizes!