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 other groups to keep current students aware of networking and employment opportunities. The PSA organizes social gatherings like meals, 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 support the Peer Application Review program for Master of Urban Planning applicants. The program is anticipated to run again for applicants applying for Autumn 2027.
The PSA endeavors to recruit and support all applicants, including 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 return to this page – an updated interest form will be available for applicants to sign up, and we anticipate the deadline to sign up will be December 4.