Each student asks someone with as close to the following characteristics as is possible to be their Service Advocate:-
- MPH holder with at least 5 years experience
- Based in the same organisation and even better – the same place
- Interested in postgraduate training
A service advocate can provide a vital role in helping the student balance the inevitable tension between academic and their workplace.
Regular informal discussions between modules are necessary and on occasions the offering of advocacy on behalf of the student with the employer might be appropriate.
Practical advice on the choice and logistics of the dissertation would also be helpful. Advice would be valuable in helping the student put theory into practice.
The advocate might also be able to help the student obtain resources such as computer access. There might be times when a joint meeting between the service advocate and academic supervisor is necessary to solve an issue.
The service advocate may:-
- Make time available to meet the MPH student as soon as possible after each module
- With the academic supervisor offer supervision and support to the student during the dissertation work.
- Help translate learning into practice such as by supporting the introduction of “one new” initiative into the place of work after each module and assist in the assessment of these initiatives (if established)
- Where possible assist procuring resources – laptop, internet access, printing, photocopying etc.
- Help develop a balanced plan between academic, service work and other family and community responsibilities
- Provide feedback to the MPH Tutor as necessary and meet with the student and academic supervisor if appropriate.