What is the Student Simulation Competition?

A daylong competition for graduate students at NASPAA schools to work together to solve a complex public policy problem by using a simulation. The simulation model will emulate the process of solving real world problems while offering a distinctive experience to students.

When is the Student Simulation Competition?

This year’s competition will be held on February 29, 2020 and March 7, 2020.

Who is eligible?

Current master’s students at NASPAA member schools may apply to participate. If you are not a member school and are interested in sending students to the competition, please reach out to us at info@nbsims.org 

What is required of faculty?

Very little! Faculty members should promote the opportunity to students, but there is no coaching or student preparation work required. There is no role for faculty coaches.

What is the application process?

During the dean nomination phase, deans/ professors will be able to nominate up to three students and two alternates to participate in the competition. All students will be randomly assigned to compete on other teams. Students will be paired with others from different universities. Students will NOT be placed on the same team as their peers. 

Students may self-register for the competition starting in December 2019. Self-registering students will be assigned to teams that have fewer than five students.

Dean nomination process will begin on October 30 and close on January 15, 2020. Self-registering students will apply to participate in the simulation beginning on December 1 until January 20, 2020.

Who can nominate?

Deans, Program Directors, and those in equivalent positions.

When are the application deadlines?

Deans will have until January 15, 2020 to nominate students to participate in the competition.

Nominated students have until January 25, 2020 to officially confirm their participation in the competition.

Student self-registration will begin on December 1 and end on January 20, 2020. For further information on the application process, please visit the Competition page.

Is there a cost to participate?

NO! Participation is free, but students are expected to travel to a regional competition site. Students should approach their institution about helping to cover travel costs. If schools are unwilling or unable to cover costs, please contact us at info@nbsims.org. Click here for more information on travel assistance.

What’s the 2020 simulation topic?

This year’s topic is on Sustainable Cities. No prior knowledge or focus in this area is required to compete.

More questions? Please contact us

Are Undergraduate and Ph.D. students allowed to participate?

Currently, the competition is open to Master’s level students only. Additionally, in the event that a site is not filled up with Master’s students, we will open the competition to undergraduate and Ph.D. students.

When is the Student Networking Event/Reception?

Each school will host an informal networking event the Friday night prior to the competition. The awards ceremony/reception will be held on Saturday evening after the competition. Winners will be announced during the reception.

When should students arrive at their sites?

We strongly encourage students to plan their travel schedules accordingly:

  • Arrive at site Friday afternoon to meet with teammates and rest up for the big day.
  • Depart Sunday, as there will be a post-competition reception and award ceremony Saturday evening.