As we work to increase numbers of student attendees for the coming Springfield and Las Vegas conferences, we are also looking forward to the 2008 State Conference in October. It may not be possible for the entire department to travel to APA conferences, but there is no doubt that student’s will have a significant role in planning for and participating in the coming state conference, which will be right here on out campus! It will be a great opportunity for students to see first hand why APA is important and why they should get involved.

Along with building more connections between students and APA, SPO is working to encourage more open dialogue within our own department. We are implementing a new monthly discussion topic to encourage conversation among students and faculty about important planning topics.  The theme for March will be "Presidential Politics and Planning." There will be both round table talks with students and faculty who have interest in the specific issue and informal discussions throughout the month.  We are also working to open up lines of communication between students and local planners. Through attending planning commission meetings and talking directly with local planners, students are learning the details of the planning process first hand. SPO hopes to continue encouraging open dialogue and increasing student involvement by organizing many new and diverse events throughout the coming year!