The Student Planning Association (SPA) is a student-run organization within the Department of Urban and Regional Planning. All students in the URP program are eligible members and are encouraged to get involved. Students in SPA are offered a variety of professional development opportunities and organize several social events each semester.

Many SPA members take advantage of joining the San Felasco Section of the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association, which is the local section of the American Planning Association (APA), a national professional organization that many planners are members of. Through the San Felasco Section, students are able to meet with and learn from professional planners in the local area by attending lectures, meetings, and social get-togethers.

SPA has implemented a mentoring program within URP to connect 1st year students with the 2nd year students who share the same specialization. This provides the newer students with a person to ask for advice on classes. A branch of the mentoring program involves an Informational Session for incoming or future prospective URP students. The Informational introduces prospective students to the URP faculty and provides an opportunity to learn about the program and ask questions. SPA also produces a monthly newsletter for the URP students featuring planning articles, highlighting professor achievements, informing students about upcoming events and getting the word out about what SPA is doing. SPA helps to coordinate the Department’s end of the year banquet and recognizes an Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year, voted on by the students.

In 2004, many SPA members volunteered to help plan and assist at the Florida Chapter of the APA Annual State Conference, which was held here in Gainesville. Through SPA, students are assisted with funds to attend many conferences and take trips to learn about planning and design in other cities. Recently visited were the cities of Seaside, FL and Savannah, GA.

As an Urban and Regional Planning Student, you are highly encouraged to be involved with the Student Planning Association for a more well-rounded graduate school experience.

For more information, ask the department staff to have a SPA officer contact you.