Membership

Join us in Making a Difference!

Whether you are a public administration professional, an academic, or someone
passionate about contributing to the greater good, the New York State Academy for Public Administration invites you to be a part of our journey. Together, let’s continue promoting excellence in public service and shaping a future where the principles of effective administration drive positive change. We look forward to collaborating with you in our shared pursuit of excellence in public service!

The State Academy has three (3) levels of membership; Fellow, Member and Student Member.  The definitions of and requirements for each membership level is included on the MembershipApplication(MS Word).

Selection Process for Those Seeking Admittance to the State Academy at the Fellow Level

The selection process for those seeking admittance to the State Academy at the Fellow membership level is a selective process consisting  of three stages:  1) Nomination by which a person is recommended for membership as a Fellow by a current SAPA Fellow, a work supervisor, or self-nominated; 2) Application by which a nominee completes and submits electronically an official application packet (available on the State Academy website); 3) Approval which requires a majority vote of the Board of Directors upon review of the nominee’s application packet.  Application forms provide the criteria to be used in assessing the nominee’s request for admittance as a Fellow of the State Academy.

Selection Process for Those Seeking Admittance to the State Academy at the Member and Student Member Levels

Member Level:  Admittance to the State Academy as a Member is an open application process. Those seeking admittance as at the Member Level of the State Academy are required to complete a Membership Application available on the State Academy website. Upon receipt, the Membership Committee will review the application to ensure completeness and notify the applicant of their admittance to the State Academy at the Member Level.

Student Member: Those seeking admittance to the State Academy at the Student Member Level are required to complete a Membership Application and provide proof of enrollment. Upon receipt, the Membership Committee will review the application to ensure completeness and the applicant’s proof of enrollment and notify the applicant of their admittance to the State Academy at the Student Member level.

Annual dues vary according to membership category.  Fellow ($50), Member ($30), Student Member ($15).  The first year of membership is dues free for the balance of the calendar year.

Leaders of the SAPA programs and individual recipients of SAPA awards automatically become Fellows for one year after which they are required to file a membership application.  Members of the Academy are provided access to and serve as subject matter experts for State Academy programs.

SAPA Fellows Demonstrate:

* Skills in public administration acquired through studies or employment in a related field, whether academic, government or nonprofit;
* A record of ethical and responsible behavior in the performance of their duties;
* Interest in the continuous improvement of the public service in New York; and
* Willingness to participate in and support the programs and activities of the State Academy.

Membership Application

If you or someone you know fit the membership criteria described on the membership application, consider submitting a nomination.

Membership Dues

Membership dues are billed annually. To pay your 2025 membership dues, go to the 2025 Dues Payments page. If you have a question about paying your dues, reach out to Treasurer@nysapa.org.