The Planning Student Association (PSA) is a registered student organization at the University of Washington. The purpose of the PSA is to represent the graduate students of the Master of Urban Planning (MUP) program in the Department of Urban Design and Planning. Its members are currently enrolled students in the MUP program, who are elected by their peers each winter to serve in various leadership roles to promote academic/career opportunities, coordinate with faculty and staff in the department, host social events for students, and provide resources for prospective students. To contact the PSA, please email plansa@uw.edu.
Members of the PSA work to ensure a positive student experience while at the University of Washington. Students coordinate with faculty, the Professionals Council, The American Planning Association/Young Planners Group, and the CEP undergraduate program to keep current students aware of networking and employment opportunities. The PSA organizes social gatherings like brunches, tours, game nights and potlucks to which all MUP students are invited. The PSA also coordinates the Open House for admitted MUP applicants in spring, as well as the Peer Application Review (PAR) program for prospective students.
The PSA provides an important opportunity for MUP students to take on leadership roles. PSA roles include:
- Co-Presidents (2)
- Vice President
- Faculty Liaisons (2)
- Professionals Council Liaison
- Alumni Liaison
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Co-Communications Officers (2)
- Puget Sound Section (PSS) of the American Planning Association (APA) Representative/Young Planners Group (YPG) Liaison
- State and National APA Representative
- International Student Liaison
Students are elected into their roles each winter by vote of their peers.
Students in the Planning Student Association (PSA) at the University of Washington are excited to support the Peer Application Review program for Master of Urban Planning applicants for Autumn 2025.
The PSA endeavors to recruit and support applicants from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. This includes but is not limited to applicants of color, LGBTQ+, first-generation college students, low income, et cetera.
Student volunteers are available to provide guidance on either the statement of purpose or the personal history statement.
If you are interested in receiving assistance, please complete this interest form by December 1.
A current graduate student volunteer will contact you after December 1 and you will provide them with either your statement of purpose or personal history statement at that time. They will provide you with feedback no later than January 5. Please note that the student reviewers do not participate in the admissions process and the volunteer application assistance does not guarantee admission.
If you have specific questions or concerns about Peer Application Review, please email Sunny Song, the MUP Planning Student Association EDI Liaison, at dsong97@uw.edu.