CASPA

The Capital Area Student Planning Association (CASPA) serves as a student organization for the Urban Affairs and Planning program at Virginia Tech's Alexandria campus.  A group of students founded the organization in early 2004 at the fine establishment of Murphys.  Later sessions developed bylaws for the new organization and several committees, each with its own focus.  CASPA's inaugural committees are:  Curriculum/Faculty Liaising, Social Activities/Lectures, Volunteering, Mentoring/Job Listings/Alumni, and Maintenance of the Web Site.

In the future, CASPA hopes to liaise with its Blacksburg equivalent GUAPA  (Graduate Urban Affairs and Planning Association).  Also in the works are networking and mentoring opportunities with the Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association.  Full-time students interested in planning are eligible to join APA at a reduced cost and starting on October 1st, the APA will be offering free membership to first-year planning students.  When you submit your membership form, remember to also join your local APA chapter, either the Virginia Chapter, or the National Capital Area Chapter.

The organization aims to provide a creative and professionally forum for the program's graduate students to facilitate dialogue and friendship, while also providing resources and support from both the university, faculty, and the public and private sectors to help students reach their academic and professional goals.  Ultimately, the organization serves as the "voice" for students in the UAP program.  CASPA representatives attend faculty meetings offering input on the curriculum.  Social activities, often paired with lectures, are held on campus or in the D.C. Metropolitan area.

For more information about CASPA, please contact caspa@vt.edu. You can also find more information at the CASPA group website on Facebook: click here.