
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 [1] (APA)
Provides students interested in urban planning with networking, leadership, and professional development opportunities on- and off-campus.
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) [3]
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 [3]
Mission: To enhance the quality of life for students in the Public Affairs program by building stronger connections between students and alumni and social event programming that will bring students closer together; to streamline communication between departments and bring together students with similar academic interests; to enhance the quality of our school and participate more actively in making it the best it can be; to establish an open and communicative relationship between students, faculty, and the Dean and constantly provide feedback about our concerns and desires regarding our academic program; to increase interaction between our students and the Greater Los Angeles Community.
Southern California Planning Congress [7]
An association comprised of over 75 cities, counties, public utilities, private consultants and professionals interested in interjurisdictional and regional planning issues. The purpose of the SCPC is to provide a forum for constructive planning discussion concerning the plans and planning needs of Southern California. Its membership includes City Council persons, planning commissioners, planning directors, other planning professionals, students and citizen activists. SCPC meets monthly for an informative program and peer interaction at various culinary establishments.
Sustainable Urban Network [8] (SUN)
Promotes awareness and minimization of the ecological impact caused by humans.
Urban Planning Students Association (UPSA)
Promotes and facilitates student to student networking through social and educational activities.
Links:
[1] http://www.la-apa.org/
[2] http://publicaffairs.ucla.edu/urban-planning/student-organizations/critical-planning
[3] http://www.studentgroups.ucla.edu/pcse/
[4] http://facebook.com/groups/uclapcse/
[5] mailto:info.pcse@gmail.com
[6] http://www.freewebs.com/spaalliance/
[7] http://www.socalplanningcongress.com/
[8] http://sunucla.blogspot.com/
[9] http://luskin.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/header-images/Bus Tour 09 016.jpg