TOOLKIT

Student Representative CouncilPlanning Student Organization

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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 Professionalsmgroh@planning.org

DivisionsVisit planning.org/divisions/

ChaptersVisit planning.org/chapters