From October 8 to 10, 2025, the NASPAA Annual Conference—organized by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)—was held in Flagstaff, Arizona. A delegation from the School of Public Policy and Management (SPPM), Tsinghua University, joined global peers to discuss cutting-edge topics in public affairs education. The delegation included Associate Professor Chen Tianhao, Director of the Center for Government Legal Studies; Dr. Cao Feng, Director of the Discipline Construction Office of SPPM and Deputy Director of the Center for Social Risk Assessment in China, Tsinghua University; and Ms. Xie Mengyu, English Case Coordinator at the China Case Center for Public Policy and Management (CCCPPM) of SPPM.

In the panel session “Teaching and Testing AI in Public Affairs”, Chen Tianhao presented on “How can AI empower the teaching of the intersection of law and public administration.” Based on his public law teaching practice, he introduced an AI learning companion built on large language models trained with course materials, legal documents, and real cases. Integrated with fieldwork, court observation, and AI debates, this approach treats AI as a co-learner rather than a mere tool—enhancing students’ independent learning and critical thinking.

Chen Tianhao Presenting

At the panel “Public Service Education and AI Integration: Global Perspectives on Adoption, Implementation, and Preparedness,” Cao Feng reported on “Adoption, Attitudes, and Risks of Al Tools: A Study of Faculty and Students Across 26 Universities in Beijing.” The survey revealed that faculty members are actively exploring generative AI in teaching and research, while students mainly use it for writing and information retrieval. Many educators support open access to AI tools and see AI as a transformative force in higher education, while emphasizing the importance of academic integrity and data governance.

Cao Feng Presenting

Xie Mengyu shared “Tsinghua Model: Bridging Theory and Practice with Public Policy Cases from China.” She introduced the CCCPPM’s progress in case development, teaching services, and international collaboration since its founding in 2004. Using a rural revitalization case from Jiangxi Province, she illustrated how local governance practices can inform global learning and contribute Chinese experiences to public administration education worldwide.

Xie Mengyu Presenting

During the conference, the Tsinghua SPPM delegation engaged in extensive discussions on AI, teaching innovation, and case-based learning, strengthening SPPM’s international partnerships and enhancing the quality and global visibility of its MPA education.

Tsinghua SPPM delegation at the Conference

With over 300 member schools worldwide, NASPAA is the leading international association dedicated to advancing education in public affairs. Its Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA) sets the global standard for public service education. Participation in NASPAA 2025 further demonstrated Tsinghua’s commitment to integrating Chinese characteristics, global vision, and the Tsinghua brand into its MPA education, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and promoting excellence in public affairs training.