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Dear PSO Representatives, On behalf of APA, the Student Representative Council (SRC) Executive Committee would like to welcome you to your position as the Planning Student Organization Representative of your university. We are excited that you have decided to take on a leadership role within your school.
As your PSO’s student rep, you automatically become a member of APA’s Student Representatives Council. The SRC is a leadership body that serves to promote student involvement in APA activities; advise the APA Board of Directors on programs and services for our student community; and provide a mechanism for students to influence the development of planning profession.
The SRC Executive Committee aims to keep you connected with APA and other PSO Representatives in your region and strengthen the network of young planners and seasoned professionals. Of 80 Planning Student Organizations registered in APA, we are excited that you want to continue to develop that network. We will pro-vide you with resources to encourage professional growth within your PSO, strengthen membership and connect you with tools to make your experience with APA as robust as possible.
As a PSO Representative, you have the opportunity to lead the charge for your PSO. APA National recognizes student groups through the Outstanding PSO Award, so remember to submit your application! Please read through the toolkit and get in touch with your regional rep to find out how you can get engaged and get your voice heard.
Thank you for your commitment to the planning profession, community development and creating a better sense of place. We look forward to working with you this next year!
Sincerely,
The SRC Executive Committee
SRC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
chair
Rachael Panik-ThompsonClemson University
past chair
Ellen Forthofer Ball State University
region iJustin Romeo
Columbia University
region iiRebecca Van Dyke
Georgia Institute of Technology
region iiiDara Osher
Florida State University
region ivGabrielle Boyd
University of Cincinnati
region vCharles Liuzzo
University of Arizona
region vi
Alex YeeUniversity of Southern California
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SRC Regions and Representatives
Region IJustin Romeo | Columbia University
Region IIRebecca van Dyke | Georgia Tech
Region IIIDara Osher | Florida State University
Region IVGabrielle Boyd | University of Cincinnati
Region VCharles Liuzzo | University of Arizona
Region VIAlexander Yee | University of Southern California
ChairRachel Panik-Thompson | Clemson University
Past ChairEllen Forthofer | Graduate of Ball State University
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Region II1 Clemson University
2 Georgia Institute of
Technology
3 University of Georgia
4 University of Louisville
5 University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill
6 Virginia Commonwealth
University
7 Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State
University
Region III1 Alabama A&M University
2 Florida Atlantic University
3 Florida State University
4 Texas A&M University
5 University of Central
Florida
6 University of Florida
7 University of Memphis
8 University of New Orleans
9 University of Oklahoma
10 University of South Florida
11 University of Texas at
Arlington
12 University of Texas at
Austin
13 University of Texas at
San Antonio
Region V1 Arizona State University
2 Portland State University
3 The University of Arizona
4 University of British
Columbia
5 University of Colorado
Denver
6 University of Kansas
7 University of New Mexico
8 University of Utah
Region VI1 California Polytechnic
State University,
San Luis Obispo
2 University of California,
Irvine
3 University of California,
Los Angeles
4 University of California,
San Diego
5 University of California,
Santa Barbara
6 University of Southern
California
7 San Diego State University
8 San Jose State University
6
12
4
7
13
10
17 18
1514
16 1
9
85
23
1144
82 51
3 7
9
12
11
4
13
8
7 1
3
210
56
1
2
5
3
76
8
6
1
32
7 4
5
4
2
8
5
6
7
3
1
Region I1 Columbia University
2 Cornell University
3 Harvard University
4 Indiana University
of Pennsylvania
5 Temple University
6 University of Buffalo,
The State University of
New York
7 University of
Massachusetts Amherst
8 University of
Pennsylvania
Region IV1 Ball State University
2 Cleveland State University
3 Eastern Michigan
University
4 Grand Valley State
University
5 Miami University of Ohio
6 Michigan State University
7 Missouri State University
8 The Ohio State University
9 University of Cincinnati
10 University of Iowa
11 University of Michigan
12 University of Minnesota
Twin Cities
13 University of Missouri–
Kansas City
14 University of Illinois at
Chicago (LPODER)
15 University of Illinois at
Chicago (UPPSA)
16 University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign
17 University of Wisconsin at
Madison
18 University of Wisconsin at
Milwaukee
Registered Planning Student Organizations February 2018
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Schedule of EventsEvent Deadlines URLPSO Registration Register in fall semester of
each academic yearplanning.org/students/pso
Outstanding PSO Awards December planning.org/students/awards
AICP Student Project Awards December planning.org/students/awards
National Planning Conference (NPC) Registration
Early registration: February/March Regular registration: March/April
planning.org/conference
NPC–Student Volunteer February planning.org/conference/careerzone/#students
NPC–PSO Fundraising Competition
February planning.org/conference/careerzone/#students
AICP Exam Registration November window: June thru October May window: December thru April
planning.org/certification
AICP Candidate Registration Enrollment: Year round registration
planning.org/aicp/candidate
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The benefits:
■ Eligibility for the APA Student Representatives Council Outstanding Planning Student Organization (PSO) Awards. Winning PSOs are recognized at the National Planning Conference AND receive cash awards sponsored by APA.
■ Eligibility for APA’s National Planning Conference PSO Fundraising Competition. Winners receive up to $500 in matching funds from APA.
■ Regular updates and information about APA activities and opportunities for students.
■ Participating in regular calls with your region’s national APA Student Representatives Council representative gets your PSO involved with APA and other PSOs in your region.
■ Registration amplifies your voice. Registered PSOs are part of the APA Student Representatives Council. The SRC Executive Committee communicates your PSO's needs directly to APA’s Board of Directors.
Register your PSO with APA every academic year.
Why register your student organization with APA?
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Content
Best Practices
Find tips and ideas to help your PSO manage:
■ Governance ■ Branding ■ Programming/Events ■ Fundraising ■ Outreach/Community
Involvement
How to be involved with APA
Check out exemplary PSO involvement with APA at several levels:
■ State Chapters & Sections ■ Divisions ■ National
Contact Information
Have a question? Need some help? Look here to find a contact who can assist with any problem you may encounter
FAQThis list of frequently asked questions may help you out. If you’re still needing answers, take a look at our new and improved website at planning.org or give us a shout! Our contact information can be found in the Contact Informa-tion section of this guide.
How do I register my PSO?Visit planning.org.students/pso to register your PSO each academic year. Registration offers eligibility towards en-tering the Student Representatives Council Outstanding PSO Awards Program and receiving up to date information about APA.
When do I need to register my PSO?Register your PSO by May to take advantage of enhanced communication and benefits the following academic year. September is the final registration deadline..
Do I have to re-register my PSO every year?Yes, you must register your PSO every year to update information about your PSO, such as contact information for your student and faculty representatives, your PSO’s website. The registration form can be found here.
Who do I contact with questions about PSO development?PSO representatives are encouraged to reach out to their regional representatives with questions regarding PSO development, best practices and connecting with APA. To find out which regional representative serves your school, click here.
Where do I find information about student membership?Students receive free or discounted membership. More information can be found here.
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Bylaws Ensure Continuity
If your PSO does not have bylaws, consider drafting them. Bylaws normally include:
■ The purpose of your organization ■ The roles of leadership and members ■ Clearly stated processes for...
■ Nominating leaders ■ Instituting special committees or task forces ■ Managing your organization’s budget ■ Conducting meetings and events ■ Addressing leadership vacancies ■ Amending the bylaws
Click here to read the SRC's newest bylaws.
Governance
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Branding
Where to Start?
It's hard to know where to begin in making a name for your student orga-nization.
Here are some ideas:
■ Create a logo. ■ Look out for the official
APA-endorsed PSO logo soon! ■ Be consistent. Use the same col-
ors, fonts, acronyms and slogans in all of your materials.
■ Sell branded gear. ■ Get recognized! Make sure to em-
ploy your branding in every event your organization is involved in.
For the Pros
Even seasoned pros at running student organizations can run out of ideas. In case you get stuck:
■ Create a website/blog that updates your group's events and projects.
■ This is a great portfolio reference for members!
■ Don’t just host events, market them. Create cool, eye-catching posters... with your logo on them of course!
Show your pride
Consider placing your PSO and school logos on students' business cards at APA events and conferences.
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Programming
Get Brainstorming
■ Collaborate with student organizations of allied fields (architecture, landscape architecture, geography, urban design, public health/administration) to hold interdisciplinary events
■ Consider your target audience. Is your event for stu-dents, faculty, professionals, the community, all of the above?
■ Draw them in! Offer breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Provide food! Or partner with a professor who will give extra credit for attendance at your event.
Event Ideas
■ Site visits ■ Lunch or dinner series with professionals ■ Mock interviews ■ Formal & informal networking events ■ Mentor Match programs ■ Lunch ‘n’ Learns ■ Pecha Kucha presentations ■ Conferences and Symposiums ■ Panel discussions
Make it Regular
Events can help improve group recognition when they are held regularly. Consider holding certain events annually, monthly, or even weekly.
Examples
UCLA conferenceCentral Florida WorkshopSan Jose State
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Fundraising
Tips for Raising Funds
Raising funds for your organization helps make events, travel, and scholarships possible. Here are some ideas for a robust fund-raising strategy:
■ Ask for support or matching funds from your university or department. Be on the lookout for grants, too!
■ Participate in donated percentage nights at local restaurants, pubs, and bowling alleys.
■ Sell your merch! T-shirts, bumper stickers, mugs, etc. are hot items with current students AND alumni. Consider branding it with your PSO logo or cast a broader net with branding from your department or college.
■ Conduct bake sales, car washes, or sell donuts/coffee right outside early morning classes.
■ Solicit alumni support or sponsorship for your organiza-tion and/or your events!
APA will Match your Efforts!
Each year for the National Conference, the SRC conducts a PSO Fundraising Competition, where we will match up to $500 for the five winning PSOs who raise the most money to send students to the conference.
Best Practices
More information on the PSO Fundraising Competition can be found at: planning.org/conference/careerzone/#students
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Outreach
Build your Network
■ Appoint a social media chair to keep others up-to-date on your PSO’s activities.
■ Create a one-stop-shop where people can find out what you’re up to, scan coming events, and learn a little about your organization. This can be a blog, a news-let-ter, a website, in social media.
■ Regularly update PSO members and all students in your program on your activities and APA events.
■ Ask for your department’s alumni association contact information and keep alumns updated too.
■ Gather feedback through surveys and use the results to keep improving.
Engage your Community
■ Partner with local elementary or middle schools to teach them what planning is all about.
■ APA Ambassador's web page, including Future City ■ (futurecity.org) and Box City (cubekc.org/architivities)
have great resources. ■ Collaborate with loca ■ Apply as an APA Ambassador Team.
Examples
Cornell's Design Connect
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Get Involved
Local Level
■ Partner with local firms and city departments to provide internship opportunities for PSO members
■ Become involved with depart-ment alumni and their events.
■ Partner with local neighborhoods and communities; volunteer in their events!
National Level
■ Serve as a national representative on the SRC Executive Committee.
■ Participate in the National Plan-ning Conference by submitting a session, fundraising to sponsor PSO members to attend, applying for a SRC Outstanding PSO Award, or volunteering at the conference.
■ Elect a PSO Representative to serve as a liaison between the SRC Executive Committee and your group.
State/Regional Level
■ Participate in APA chapter or sec-tion conferences. A line on your resume displaying your presenta-tion skills at a state conference is a strong statement.
■ Seek representation on your APA chapter’s board.
■ Connect with other school’s PSOs in your region.
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Contact
SRC Executive Committee
The SRC Executive Committee is your front door to APA National. Contact us for any help; we’ll make sure to connect you with the right people!
Rachael Panik-Thompson | ChairEllen Forthofer | Past Chair
Functional CommitteesCommunicationsRebecca Van Dyke | Region IIDara Osher | Region III
ProgrammingGabrielle Boyd | Region IVJustin Romeo | Region I
PSO DevelopmentCharles Liuzzo | Region VAlex Yee | Region VI
APA National Contact Information
Monica Groh, Director of Emerging [email protected]
DivisionsVisit planning.org/divisions/
ChaptersVisit planning.org/chapters