Students develop a strong sense of identification with the department, in part because of a philosophy that encourages everyone to participate actively in governance. Student organizations play an active role in the department.

American Planning Association  Student Organization (APA)
Provides students interested in urban planning with networking, leadership, and professional development opportunities on- and off-campus.
 

Critical Planning Journal
The graduate student-run journal of the UCLA Urban Planning Department.   Since 1993, Critical Planning has served as a forum for the urban studies and planning communities to debate current issues, showcase emerging research, and propose new ideas concerning cities and regions. The journal attracts submissions from scholars, graduate students, and practitioners from across disciplinary boundaries and from around the world.  

GSA Social Sciences Council
The thirteen Councils of the Graduate Students Association are made up of the representatives of the various departmental graduate student associations in their respective domains. Each Council supervises and allocates funding drawn from the "Councils" portion of GSA membership fees and amounts are assessed on the basis of graduate student enrollment in the departments

International Field Study Group
Encourages learning by taking a comparative approach to planning research in locations all over the world.   Prior destinations include London, Brazil, Berlin, Cuba, Cairo, Mumbai, France and Mexico.

Planners of Color for Social Equity (PCSE)

Planners of Color for Social Equity (PCSE) is a UCLA graduate student organization, established and active since 1992. The group was born out the recognition of the little space for the ideas and practice that reflected the experiences of planners of color and the low-income marginalized communities they help serve. PCSE provides a safe space for students of all colors, creeds, nationalities, and educational backgrounds to critically and strategically think about how they can improve the quality of life of marginalized communities. We provide academic and emotional health support, including activities that encourage community engagement and foster professional development. Our organization also advocates for curriculum and faculty that provide students with the analysis and tools to engage in solutions towards institutionalizing social justice.

PCSE membership is open to any UCLA graduate or undergraduate student supportive of community engagement, social equity, and institutional change, and who envision systematic progressive change and empowerment of marginalized communities.

Visit us at: http://www.studentgroups.ucla.edu/pcse