"SUPO is now leading The Texas State University Department of Geography in Student Organization, Structure, and Leadership."
- Dr. Alberto Giordano, Department Chair of Geography, Texas State University
Mission Statement
Founded as a professionally sponsored group of students, The Texas State University Student Urban Planner’s Organization seeks to expand the academic and field-work knowledge of all students ordained within the Department of Geography by utilizing tenured wisdom presented by guest lecturers, faculty, and noted alumni as well as applying skill and knowledge to semester projects, field work, and encouraged trips. As part of an educational organization, being an organization focused on extending and utilizing what is learned in the classroom and applying said knowledge to the every day work force, members will gain knowledge of Urban Planning, Economic Development, and Private Sector Work, amongst many other attributes, that will prove to be valuable skills and knowledge upon graduation. Through social events, volunteer activities, and fundraising efforts, members will grow close to and learn from one another to create a truly unique learning environment in which all will thrive.
Founded as a professionally sponsored group of students, The Texas State University Student Urban Planner’s Organization seeks to expand the academic and field-work knowledge of all students ordained within the Department of Geography by utilizing tenured wisdom presented by guest lecturers, faculty, and noted alumni as well as applying skill and knowledge to semester projects, field work, and encouraged trips. As part of an educational organization, being an organization focused on extending and utilizing what is learned in the classroom and applying said knowledge to the every day work force, members will gain knowledge of Urban Planning, Economic Development, and Private Sector Work, amongst many other attributes, that will prove to be valuable skills and knowledge upon graduation. Through social events, volunteer activities, and fundraising efforts, members will grow close to and learn from one another to create a truly unique learning environment in which all will thrive.
"The Student Urban Planner's Organization opened up opportunities for me not only to network with career professionals, but to really find my bearings as a young professional myself." - Garrett Martin, '14
Semester Projects
The Texas State University Student Urban Planner's Organization participates in several community projects across the region of Central Texas. In the past, entities such as the City of San Marcos and the City of San Antonio have reached out to The TXST SUPO for data collection, project analysis, and report summaries for various planning projects ordained within their respective departments. Along with Central Texas communities, the Congress for the New Urbanism, based in Chicago, IL, will have a strong presence with The TXST SUPO through various urban design and planning projects including pop up parks and conferences in New York.
The Texas State University Student Urban Planner's Organization participates in several community projects across the region of Central Texas. In the past, entities such as the City of San Marcos and the City of San Antonio have reached out to The TXST SUPO for data collection, project analysis, and report summaries for various planning projects ordained within their respective departments. Along with Central Texas communities, the Congress for the New Urbanism, based in Chicago, IL, will have a strong presence with The TXST SUPO through various urban design and planning projects including pop up parks and conferences in New York.
Travel
Along with on campus and surrounding community outreach, The TXST SUPO often ventures far beyond the Texas boarders to attend conferences and seminars as well as network with career professionals on the opposite side of the country.
Along with on campus and surrounding community outreach, The TXST SUPO often ventures far beyond the Texas boarders to attend conferences and seminars as well as network with career professionals on the opposite side of the country.
Some recent trips include:
St. Louis, MO New Orleans, LA Chicago, IL Galveston, TX Alamogordo, NM Dallas, TX |
Albuquerque, NM Fredericksburg, TX Oklahoma City, OK Cloudcroft, NM Norman, OK Santa Fe, NM |
Some upcoming trips include:
Panama City Beach, FL New Orleans, LA Seaside, FL Buffalo, NY Atlanta, GA Pensacola, FL |
Guest Lecturers
For TWO out of the THREE meetings per month, guest lecturers travel to San Marcos, TX to present their tenured wisdom on various planning disciplines including economic development, comprehensive planning, transportation systems, environmental conservation, subdivision review, and much more. These meetings are the perfect opportunity to pass out resumes and business cards, chat about job shadowing opportunities, and possibly even get an internship.
For TWO out of the THREE meetings per month, guest lecturers travel to San Marcos, TX to present their tenured wisdom on various planning disciplines including economic development, comprehensive planning, transportation systems, environmental conservation, subdivision review, and much more. These meetings are the perfect opportunity to pass out resumes and business cards, chat about job shadowing opportunities, and possibly even get an internship.
"It's like a completely new organization, honestly. With all of the projects, speakers, and opportunities the organization is providing,
I don't see how someone majoring in Geography could NOT want to be a part of this group!"
- Erika Ragsdale, CNU-A, Planner at the City of Hutto, Texas State Alumni, Former SUPO member
Volunteer Opportunities
Throughout the fall and spring semesters, The TXST SUPO participates in various volunteer activities in and around Texas State University and the City of San Marcos. Some of these events include:
Throughout the fall and spring semesters, The TXST SUPO participates in various volunteer activities in and around Texas State University and the City of San Marcos. Some of these events include:
- Arbor Day
- TXST Clean-Up Day
- San Marcos river clean up
- Spring Lake preservation
- Bobcat Build
- Bobcat Day
- The Salvation Army
- Earth Day / Earth Week
Social Events
Along with everything going on in a typical college student's schedule, it's VERY important to fit in some socialization and opportunities to make friends! The TXST SUPO sponsors 4-6 social events per semester as an opportunity to grow close to and learn from one another in a very informal environment. Some socials events have included:
Along with everything going on in a typical college student's schedule, it's VERY important to fit in some socialization and opportunities to make friends! The TXST SUPO sponsors 4-6 social events per semester as an opportunity to grow close to and learn from one another in a very informal environment. Some socials events have included:
- Bowling
- Put-Put Mini Golf
- Pot Luck Social
- Movie Night / Stargazing
- SUPO Camping Trip