In spring 2001, a group of UEP students formed the Student Planning & Policy Association (SPPA). The mission of the SPPA is to help broaden students' knowledge of urban and environmental planning and policy issues on a local, regional and national scale, and also to provide opportunities for career development in these fields. The SPPA's activities are open to all UEP students, and the group emphasizes that its goals and outreach efforts embrace all the various "disciplines" housed within UEP. SPPA also works to connect students with the professional planning community, as well as with students at the other planning schools in Massachusetts. Overall, the SPPA seeks to provide a forum for activities that promote awareness of current trends and issues in urban and environmental policy and planning.

A secondary (but very important) goal of SPPA is to engage students in recreational activities. Each year, groups of UEP students enjoy weekends at the Tufts mountain retreat in New Hampshire. In addition, regular social events are held.

SPPA board members are elected each year at the conclusion of the fall semeseter, during the December SPPA meeting. Each member serves a one-year term. The 2009 board members are: Alex DeGenova (Social Coordinator) Dallase Scott Jon Crowe Eugenia Gibbons (Student-Faculty Liason) Jacqui Holmes Kendall Webster (APA Liaison) Libby Mahaffy Eugen Taso (Student-Faculty Liason) Nathan Rawding Jessica Soule Jasmine Bird

Due to complicated scheduling this term, monthly meetings are held at varying times, usually during the lunch hour, in varying locations. For meeting dates, locations, and other information, contact an SPPA board member.

If you're interested in learning more about SPPA activities or events, please contact SPPA Board members.

Upcoming activities are available on the SPPA Events Calendar.