community & regional planning student organization (crpso)
CRPSO is an at-large elected body that hosts a variety of academic and extracurricular activities and serves as a forum for broader University and program issues. The purpose of this website is to advertise CRP efforts in professional outreach, highlight CRP students’ academic successes and promote inter-departmental support networks. We hope you will be a part of this dialogue and make Community and Regional Planning Program at the University of Texas a stronger organization.
Activities
Happy Hour —CRP students congregate once a week to discuss ongoing events and socialize.
Networking — CRPSO hosts a variety of networking and professional development events each year to help students interface with professionals in various fields. During the fall semester, CRPSO holds an internship panel where second- and third-year students discuss their experiences and internship opportunities with new students. Additionally, the organization hosts a networking mixer every spring in conjunction with the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association, and encourages participation in planning events at both a state and national level.
Volunteering — The CRP program participates in two group volunteering events, one in the early fall and the other in the spring as a way to give back to the community. In addition, opportunities for individuals to volunteer will be emailed throughout the semester. Past opportunities include painting homes with non-profit affordable housing developers, bicycle repair with the Yellow Bike Project, and community garden building with various local organizations. To suggest projects or get involved, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Teri Durden, at teri.durden@gmail.com.
Athletics — CRP students reserve group seating and attend UT Football games during the fall as well as participate in intramural soccer, basketball, and softball games in the spring.
Open House Recruitment — CRPSO helps organize an Open House for prospective students in the fall and an Open House for admitted students in the spring. Open Houses include detailed program information, campus tours, opportunities to speak with current CRP students, and social activities
Professional Development Week — CRPSO coordinates with CRP faculty to hold a week of orientation and training to the planning program for incoming students in August. Better known as Bootcamp, the intention is to provide an overview of the software and an introduction to the profession, as well as allow first-year students the opportunity to get to know one another before classes begin. The week also allows plenty of time for socializing, volunteering and getting to know the campus and Austin.
Current CRPSO Representatives
President: Sophia Benner
Vice President: Nathan Brigmon
Treasurer: Maarit Moran
Professional Development & PDW Co-Chair: Lauren Partovi
Professional Development & Open House Co-Chair: Lauren Tuttle
Volunteer Coordinator: Teri Durden
GSA (Graduate Student Assembly) Representative for CRP: Frances Kellerman
Recruitment Chair: Carla Violet
APA Liaison: Lauren Avioli
Questions or comments? Please contact Sophia Benner or Nathan Brigmon
For more information about planning, please visit the American Planning Association website: www.planning.org
