University of Florida Student Planning Association

End of Semester reminders...

2008-04-11T10:47:00.000-04:00

Good Friday morning to you. At this time you may have received emails regarding the banquet. I ask that you all please attend and support your fellow classmates at this endeavor. As reiterated by Dr. Larsen, there will be no cost to students, and only $10 for guests.

Also, I have not heard back from anyone about pictures or the top ten reasons to be a URP student (or Research Assistant - some RA's wrote one I hear). Please send them to me by Monday, so we have time to compile it together. It can be a picture, or links to them (Facebook, etc).

Lastly, we are doing an End of Semester get together on April 17th. Plan was to start at Tapas, say 7 PM and then work our way downtown for an evening of bar hopping. Just a final time in the semester as a group to kick back and enjoy a brew and company.

Have a good weekend.

Calendar Dates Postscripts:

PS: For those here next year, we are confirmed for orientation on August 29, 2008 @ Lake Wauberg. Just and FYI

PS #2: Remember to look out for FAPA Conference registration in the early summer. FAPA will be in Miami from September 10-13, 2008. Chad will be in coordination with you all about lodging and carpooling as we get into summer.

Closing Remarks...

2008-04-01T00:27:00.002-04:00

Greetings,

I hope this finds you well. As this year comes to a close, I would like to take some time to reflect on the past year as it relates to the Student Planning Association. First and foremost, I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to my executive board for their work and endeavors this year. Without them, SPA would have no reason or existence this past year. I would like to personally thank Marcus O. for his tireless work above and beyond the call of duty. Elected to run the treasury, which I must give accolades in keeping us running, despite the lack of a budget, Marcus stepped in to work in relations with the Architecture College Council, and provide counsel to me at times.

I would also like to recognize Chad R., and his enthusiasm and dedication to the organization from the get go. He has embraced what SPA spirit is all about. That even included a grassroot campaign machine to run for president, and its associated spirit of change. He brings new ideas and energy that SPA needs in the coming year. SPA is in good hands with Chad.

To my other officers this past year, you all pulled through and delivered a spectacular program in the most unfortunate of financial circumstances. Thanks.

To the graduating students, congrats. Thesis is done (PHEW!). Now its just days from graduation and the real world.

The past year, our department saw a dramatic increase in the number of students, and the associated strain as a result. Regardless, our first years got into the game and made a sense of comradely not seen in a while. Investing in a program that is theirs, they stepped in to make their voices heard this past December regarding changes to the curriculum, and definitely made an impact upon the faculty.

We also reached out to our community, though not as much as I would have liked. We went to Anastasia State Park, where we provided service to the Florida Park Service, and made an impact upon our environment (I'm sure the baby sea turtle saved definitely appreciated it).

We can not though forget about our shortcomings. Whether it be short notice or excessive notice on my part about meetings and happenings, or the lack of interest to absorb those messages...this is something we will need to work on as the new year comes for our executive board. Two way communication is key for the survival of any organization. It is hard for any member of the executive board to make decisions without student input. Many a times the faculty looks to the President and V. President for the official student input. That can be a burden quite troublesome to bear without proper consultation with the URP student body.

Also of note, is the distancing of the department. This is meant as how faculty, students, staff, alumni, and local professional community are further apart than ever before. As students we are the future of the profession, the faculty and staff are the educators who bring the past into present context and future application, and the local professionals give present context through practical lenses. This complex relationship is crucial for a vibrant and robust program. It is my hope that the coming years we can start to cultivate better ties with all in this dynamic relationship, for the betterment of our department.

I'm sure there were other issues that came up throughout the year that kind of dampened SPA's mission and vision, but the goal is that SPA recognize its shortcomings, improve upon it, and strive for the successful achievement of its mission of providing a forum for professional, academic, and social development with our professional and academic colleagues, as well as make a lasting impact upon our community.

Lastly, let us not forget a cherished member of our department, who made a lasting impact. Our best wishes that he rest in peace...Dr. Ernest Bartley.

With that, I will leave this as my last message as President of SPA for this 2007-2008 year and bid adieu...

Ben P.

Exec Board for 2008-2009

2008-04-01T00:08:00.002-04:00

Congrats to the new E-board for 08-09

President - Chad R.
V. President - Jessica A.
Treasurer - Katie L.
FAPA Rep - Matt H.
ACC Rep - Russell P.
GSC Rep - Travis J.
Social Chair - Emily S.
Secretary - Laura A.

With that, just remember to send pictures for banquet, suggestions for Top 10 reasons to be a UF URP student, and some dates to remember:

April 4 - 9 AM - 3 PM DCP Research Day
Rinker Hall and Arch Gallery

April 18 - Planning Day
2-4 PM - Hometown Democracy Symposium
6:30 PM - Awards Banquet

April 24 - Dept Banquet for Graduating students

April 27-1 May - National APA @ Las Vegas

August 29 - Tentative Fall Orientation Picnic at Lake Wauberg

September 11-13 - FAPA @ Miami

SPA Web Committee Member...

2008-03-05T17:07:00.002-05:00

Is anyone available now and over the summer to assist in the Department's web redesign process? Its a crucial position needing immediate filling, due to the momentum on the project. Please let me or Matt N. know ASAP. Thanks.

SPA Travel Grant for National APA...

2008-03-03T11:53:00.001-05:00

Good morning,

I send this note to give a heads up to the status of the travel grant funds requested to the ACC and Board of College Councils. Initial review from the Exec Board of the BOCC on 28 February 2008, our request for funds was approved for $1600 of $2000. Last step to this, to guarantee funds, is a general body of the BOCC approval, which is coming this week. We should not expect our request to be denied based on positive feedback from the BOCC Exec Board, and had assurances, that the next BOCC meeting, the funding could be available to fulfill our entire $2000 request.

On that note, there will be funds for the first 12 people who sign up to go to APA, to receive funding. The funding per person is expected to be up to $130 / person (if funding stays at $1600) or $165 (if funding goes to $2000).

At this time, 5 people are signed up to go (need to see your APA registration receipt), with 10 additional non committals. You would have until the next SPA Meeting (26 March 2008 3 PM ARC 439), to commit with receipt on going to the APA. Those going, please leave a HARD COPY of your APA receipt and travel receipts (plane ticket receipt & hotel reservation receipt), in Treasurer's mailbox to guarantee reimbursement from SPA.

Thanks so much, and see you at the next SPA meeting (Election meeting included) on March 26 3 PM ARC 439.

SPA Meeting Notes

2008-02-25T16:25:00.001-05:00

Due to the absence of the majority of the SPA membership at the 12:30 meeting today, I'm taking to the internet to bring the meeting to everyone. There are some minor issues we needed to discuss, but will have to be brought up next meeting. This meeting that was to be held today had on the agenda to allow the opening of slates for SPA Exec board next year. That of course did not occur, thus delayed now until the next meeting.

Anywho the main points for the meeting:
-----
PRESIDENT REPORT:

2008 NATIONAL APA CONFERENCE
Have 5 definates paid to go to the conference
Have 6 interested to go (non 1st years)
Have 4 interested to go (1st years)

Need to discuss lodging with those going for sure.
Possible reimbursement (see treasurer report)

2008 FAPA CONFERENCE
10-13 September 2008
Need to work out hotel logistics (postponed to next meeting)

FACULTY MEETING REPORT
Working on setting up Bartley memorial - SPA working on plaque on door (issues with fire code - working alternate plaque location). Some issues FAPA dealing with family approval about some fundraiser in Bartley's name.
Admission caps on new admits
DCP Research Day - April 4th (possible excused from classes on Friday to attend event)
Specializing knowledge sectors (Housing and Community Development, Info Tech for Planning, Int'l Planning, Transportation & Growth Management, and Urban Design)
Web page committee- dealing with delays with consultants on updating website
SPA report - discussed recent events, and proposed orientation picnic

PLANNING DAY (SUBSET OF FACULTY MEETING REPORT)
April 18th (all day)
Florida Growth and Hometown Democracy theme
Speakers from both sides
Roger Caves - keynote
Working on fundraising (SPA submitted request for ACCENT support)
Department banquet in evening (proposed $10 fee for students to go (traditional fee in years past)).
Project gallery of student work
Excuse URP classes on Friday and have students go (discussed at faculty meeting).

SPA ELECTIONS
Late March, Early April
Presentation of Exec Board at Dept. Banquet

SERVICE PROJECT
Working wtih Earl Starnes for service project at Cedar Key.
Beach project / picnic in late March / Early April

SG ELECTIONS
Please remember to vote in the Student Government elections scheduled for tomorrow and Wednesday. This might change, as there is a lawsuit pending against the university pertaining to the elections. For those of you interested in what the parties stand for, I would like to direct your attention to the following links:

http://www.gogatorparty.com/?page_id=5
Gator Party platform

http://www.orangeandblueparty.com/mediawiki/index.php?title=Main_Page
Orange and Blue Party platform

Ensure to vote, for Graduate Students have a say as well, and it is especially important to respect your tuition and fees you pay. Just remember that SPA did not have a budget this year (though we will next year), and this correlates back to SG.

Voting for all Graduate Students (except Law Students which is at Levin Law School) happens 2nd floor of Turlington. Bring your Gator 1 ID Card.
-----
VICE PRESIDENT REPORT

Next SPA Meeting March 24th 3 PM (Location TBD)
Next SPA Exec Board Meeting March 2nd or March 23 5:30 PM (Exec Board please review and respond)
-----
TREASURER REPORT

As of Friday, February 22, 2008, the SPA External Account with Student Government has a balance of $949.67. I made a deposit of $500.00 on Friday, which is last year’s funding from the San Felasco section of the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association. We have approximately $132.00, which represents profits from t-shirt sales. As of the last ACC meeting, we conducted one last review of the 2008/09 budget, and it will be submitted shortly to the Board of College Councils (BOCC) for final review and funding. I will be attending the BOCC Executive Board Meeting on February 28 to request funding for students traveling to the National APA Conference in Las Vegas.
-----
ACC REPORT

Met to discuss recycling initiative
Guest speaker on a project initiative for Graduate students (see blog for more details)
Preliminary budget presented (no major changes from SPA submittal in December)
SPA getting funding for assisting in Career Fair (THANKS EVERYONE WHO HELPED)
-----
GSC REPORT

No travel grants for rest of semester
No Report
-----
SECRETARY REPORT

No Report
----
SOCIAL CHAIR

Department Banquet - Superlatives / Top Ten List (Need to decide format as a group)
Fall Welcome Picnic - move orientation to Lake Wauberg / Dept. Icebreaker
March Social - TBD
-----
FAPA REPRESENTATIVE

No Report
-----
WEBMASTER

Pending website revisions
No Report

Urban Planning Project from ACC Guest Speaker

2008-02-24T23:30:00.000-05:00

Hi- this is Dirk, from the ACC meeting. I would really appreciate any support your group could offer to my project. I am in need of some leadership on the construction, planning, and design team. I currently have some help from USGBC, NAWIC, and engineering students, some of whom are grad. students. But they are always telling me that we need urban design people, and other types of architecture, engineering, etc. students.... it is a really ambitious project.

We are going to renovate a property between 13th Street and Main, in the vicinity of University, in order to create the facility I described to you at the ACC meeting: an environmentally sustainable boarding house where UF students will provide educational mentoring to 5-10 previously homeless residents. It's a great learning opportunity, and resume booster, for everyone involved- especially at this stage, where volunteers and interns will actually be able to say that they helped to create it.

As far as specific needs from the students, I'm not sure, because I don't know a lot about what you guys do. But we do have a meeting on March 5 in Rinker with the Construction, Planning, and Design team. We are also going to look at our prospective properties on March 1 to do a preliminary renovation evaluation and cost analysis. I'd love to have your students involved in both or either.

Hope to hear from you soon. Good luck at your meeting on Monday, and let me know what comes of it. I'm attaching the Team Objectives chart, which describes briefly some of the objectives of our Planning team. Cheers,

Dirk Sampselle
President, Citizens for Social Justice
Liaison from the Alachua County Commission to the University of Florida
Intern, Gainesville/Alachua Office on Homelessness
UF '08, Political Science

"We must be the change we wish to see in the world." -Mahatma Gandhi

------------

Team Objectives

Educational Curriculum Development

Work with Dr. Repetto to adapt Dare to Dream for the homeless population

Work with Dr. Dorene Ross as a consultant on reading list and curriculum development

Work through the ECC, Assistant Dean Vernetson, and Dean/Dr. Ann Ho-Becks in New Student Programs to implement the Center for Citizen Learning as a component option of First Year Florida.
Create a dedicated number of volunteer positions for this facility

Work with Dr. Bernard Oliver (Alliance) to recruit potential volunteers

Work with Nursing, SIFE, and Fine Arts to create comprehensive learning options

Look at Santa Fe’s GED tutoring program, and consider either outsourcing GED tutoring or using that program as a “best practices model”

Medical Affairs

Develop Intake procedures
Create partnerships with established Medical facilities
Develop consultancy relationships with counselors and physicians
Consult area and national programs for best practice models
Recruit students for the health educational component of the program

Construction, Planning, and Design

Create Schematic Plan based on Green and Econ. sustainability principles
Consult area Real Estate agents about property donations and/or foreclosures

Brainstorm/review restoration possibilities for older buildings
What is needed if we buy a building that needs significant remodeling?

Keep all building planning in accordance with “boarding house” zoning restrictions
If we build, who will build? If we buy, who will remodel?
Brainstorm feasible conceptual layouts for the facility:

Tutoring and teaching areas
Central kitchen?
Separation between males and females

Property Management

Locate feasible properties
Determine zoning law restrictions

Financial Planning

Create financial plan and business proposal by March 31
Review financial requirements for each viable grant

Legal Affairs

Oversee development of 501(c)3 tax status
Write Bylaws
Oversee Articles of Incorporation
Create Resident Intake Contract
Advise the President and Program Coordinator on zoning laws and legal issues that face the organization, such as those related to fundraising, University laws, city ordinances, construction codes, etc.

Marketing & PR

Market the upcoming discussion forum
Work with fundraising team on marketing their projects
Network Business Partnerships for resident workers

Website Development

Create a website for Citizens for Social Justice

Fundraising

Fundraise:

T-Shirts- Political Quotes + SSJ logo, bank loan->proceeds go to CCL
Business Match Program, link with possible graduation certificate promo
Drop Boxes in local businesses
Concert Fundraiser
Discussion Forum w/Donation Request
Date Auction
Partner with Greeks for a Dance Marathon
Club party- cover charges are donations
Walk/run for charity
Good Will Gators
Ben & Jerry’s
Door2Door
Churches

Grant Writing

Source Federal and Charitable Trust grants

Green/Sustainable, Historical Preservation, Community Development, Education

Homeless Community Relations

Recruit homeless residents

International Research Experience in Africa

2008-02-24T16:06:00.000-05:00

IRES 2008: International Research Experience in Africa

University of Florida's Rinker School of Building Construction (http://www.bcn.ufl.edu) is pleased to invite applications into its National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsored International Research Experience in Africa. The program will support 5 students to undertake 10 weeks of high quality research in sustainable construction within the African context. Students will be selected based on a competitive application process. Interested students should prepare an application package adhering to the guidelines provided below by March 7^th 2008. Successful applicants will be notified by March 14^th 2008.

Research Focus

The theme of this program is "A Global Perspective on Engineering Sustainable Building Systems." Students will research sustainable systems based on knowledge gained about the local context through research collaboration with a host institution and then collectively design, engineer, and construct an 80m² building unit that demonstrates use of these approaches. The students will focus on different building elements which will be integrated in the demonstration unit. The key elements identified for the research are: water supply (reclaiming and recycling), thermal comfort as it relates to passive heating and cooling, and materials for the building envelope. In addition, the students will also investigate the broader issues around engineering sustainable building systems and the requirements for support from social and economic networks.

Financial Support

The program will cover the expenses associated with the International Research Experience. This includes round trip airfare to Africa, accommodation, ground transportation in the host country, and supplies. Students will also receive a $2000 stipend.

Requirements and Conditions

Eligibility is limited to students who are currently enrolled in a full-time degree program in the US and will be graduating no earlier than Fall 2008.
Students are prohibited from receiving both credit and salary for any single research activity. This does not, however, preclude students from using their research findings to receive credit in the following academic year.
Students are expected to participate in all organized program activities throughout the summer including a pre-departure orientation in April 2008, provide a final report on their project and also publish their findings as a journal paper. Each student will also be expected to present the results of their research to selected audiences upon their return to the US.

Application Process

Students should prepare a package which includes the following information:

· Applicant information (name, major, expected graduation date, institution, e-mail);

· Brief (500 word max.) statement of your research topic and long term professional plans;

· Resume or summary of relevant experience;

· Contact details for two faculty members willing to provide references;

· Copy of your transcript.

Applications should be submitted by email with "IRES 2008" in the subject line to obonyo@ufl.edu or rries@ufl.edu on or before 5.00pm on March 7^th 2008. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

--
Todd H. Leedy, Ph.D.
Associate Director and Lecturer
Center for African Studies
University of Florida

tel. 352.392.2183
fax 352.392.2435

P.O. Box 115560
427 Grinter Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611-5560

Transportation Security Planning Lecture Series

2008-02-20T12:19:00.001-05:00

“Transportation Security Planning:

The 3-D Challenge”

The challenges of integrating security into a system that relies on open access.

Special Guest Lecture by

Sterling Keys

Assistant Special Agent in Charge

Systems Operation Control Division/Domestic Planning

Office of Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service

Transportation Security Administration

Tuesday, February 26, 3 PM

Room 439, Architecture Building

(Advanced CPTED Class)

Pizza and Drinks will be served

Florida's Brain Drain

2008-02-03T16:54:00.000-05:00

Hey folks,

So I think I am allowed to post on here without permission...if not, my bad. I am working on a little project with a PBS station in Central Florida on why Florida's talent leaves the state after graduating. What I need from you is to answer 3 questions and email (ipatten@ufl.edu) them to me at your earliest convenience.

1. upon graduation where would you like to locate?
2. why do you want to locate there?
3. if you plan to leave the state of Florida what is the greatest motivation behind your move?

If you have questions let me know.
- Iris

URP Ad Page

2008-01-31T09:51:00.000-05:00

Hey.

The Chair has asked SPA to help develop an advertising page for the department. Per my discussion with him, students can help out the most by taking some time to answer just two questions. Please take the time to answer the two following questions:

What do you like about URP during your time so far?
What enticed you to choose UF URP over other schools?

Lastly, let me know if I can use your first name and year in program, as sort of a student testimonal of the program.

Need replies by Monday evening at the latest.

I appreciate the help.

Internship ling

2008-01-31T09:50:00.000-05:00

Urban Planning Now Internship Service

The link above does job search and internship search by state specifically for planners. Hope this helps.

For the family, Dr. Bartley and URP...

2008-01-27T11:00:00.001-05:00

Dr. Ernest Bartley: A requim...

2008-01-27T10:58:00.001-05:00

Ernest Bartley
BARTLEY, ERNEST R. Dr. Ernest R. Bartley, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning and one-time Professor of Political Science, University of Florida, died at The ET York Haven Hospice Care Center in Gainesville, Florida on January 22, 2008. He was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, May 11, 1919. Dr. Bartley came to Gainesville in 1949 after receiving his Doctorate from the University of California in 1948. He served for some twenty-four years as a member of the faculty of the Department of Political Science. He participated in 1975 in the formation of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning. He retired formally from the University in 1992, but he continued to teach until his death. During his fifty-nine years of association with the University of Florida, he received seven teaching awards from two colleges for his outstanding teaching. He was on the graduate faculty and served as a member of several University-wide committees. After obtaining his Baccalaureate degree from Nebraska Wesleyan in 1940 and his Master's Degree from the University of Nebraska, in June, 1941, he joined the United States Air Corps as an aviation cadet. Commissioned as a second lieutenant, he was retained in the Air Corp training command for two years. At his request, he was then assigned to a combat unit. As a Captain he flew aerial combat as a captain on the first B-29 sorties from Saipan to Japan. He was transferred to the headquarters of the 21st Bomber Command where he served on General Curtis E. Lemay's war plans staff. Upon his return to the United States, he continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve from which he retired in 1979 as a Lt. Colonel. Dr. Ernest Bartley was a member of the 73rd Bombardment Wing Association. Commencing in the 1950's, Dr. Bartley served as a consultant in land use control planning and regulation. He was a consultant to the Alaska Statehood Committee, the Alaska constitutional Convention, and was active in Washington, D.C. during Alaska's struggle for statehood. At the 50th anniversary of the Alaska Constitutional Convention, Dr. Bartley was honored for the significant role he played in the writing of the Alaska Constitution. He was an active member, supporter, draftsman and spokesman in support of efforts in Florida for the enactment of planning and growth management legislation. Dr. Ernest Bartley served as consultant to numerous cities, counties, and private clients in Florida and other states. He qualified in state and federal courts as an expert witness in some eighty cases involving urban and regional planning. He drafted numerous zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations for municipalities and counties in Florida. He was sought as a speaker at numerous planning conferences and conventions. His professional associations included the Florida Planning and Zoning Association, American Society of Planning Officials (now The American Planning Association), The American Institute of Planners (now the American Institute of Certified Planners) and other groups. In 2000, Dr. Bartley was honored in New York by election to membership in the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners. He was appointed as a member of the State of Florida's Planning Commission by (then) Governor Robert Graham. He held numerous offices in the organizations to which he belonged. In 2007, Ernest R. Bartley received the Lifetime Service Award from the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association for "Outstanding Achievements in the Field of Planning." He was author or co-author of many books, monographs, pamphlets, and papers. Dr. Bartley's Tidelands Oil Controversy, originally published by the University of Texas Press, was republished as one in the series of Classics in American Land Law. National and State Government textbooks, written with the late Dr. John M. Swarthout, were published by Oxford University Press. His Text of a Model Ordinance written with the late Frederick H. Bair, Jr. and published in several editions by the American Society of Planning Official, was a standard work on the subject for many years. In 2007, an annual life-time of achievement award was established in Dr. Bartley's name by the Department of Urban and Regional Planning. The first recipient of that award was the former Florida Governor, Reuben Askew. Survivors include: his wife, Ruth Nielsen Bartley; brother, Dr. Richard Bartley of Springfield, Missouri; daughters, Susan K. Miller and Debbie D. Williams, both of Augusta, Georgia; five grandchildren, Todd Miller, Suzanne Ingersoll, Deborah McGinley, Will Williams, and Nan Williams; and one great-grandchild, Neila McGinley. A Memorial service will be held at Milam Funeral Home, 311 South Main Street, on Sunday, January 27 2008 at 1 pm. Later this year his cremains will be interred at Florida National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Haven Hospice of Gainesville, FL, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605. Arrangements are under the care of MILAM FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 311 S. Main St., Gainesville. FL 32601(352-176-5361). Published in the Gainesville Sun from 1/25/2008 - 1/27/2008.

Dr. Bartley Passes Away

2008-01-23T00:17:00.000-05:00

Dr. Ernest Bartley, Professor Emeritus passed away peacefully on Tuesday afternoon at Haven Hospice. Dr. Bartley was a great teacher, a good friend, and inspired literally hundreds of URP students during his long career. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 27, at 1:00 p.m. at Milam Funeral home, 311 South Main Street in Gainesville.

First SPA Meeting of the Spring 2008 Semester

2008-01-15T10:21:00.000-05:00

First SPA meeting is scheduled for 3 PM Monday January 28 in ARC 439. It was supposed to be January 21st, but its a holiday. This is after PRD, so come on by after class, get involved and informed on SPA happenings.

If you are planning on going to the National APA Conference April 27-1 May 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada, please let me know. Trying to get a head count on those who are seriously considering going, so SPA can work with ACC on some funding with concrete numbers. Send me an email to boperez@dcp.ufl.edu.

January 26th Career Fair

2008-01-15T10:13:00.000-05:00

DART and Non Profit Work

2008-01-15T09:19:00.000-05:00

Representatives from the Direct Action & Research Training (DART) Center will be on the UF campus on Thursday, January 31, 2008 @ 7:30 PM in the J. Wayne Reitz Union, Rm. 272 to discuss careers in the field of community organizing, and to schedule interviews with students interested in empowering their communities and working for social change. Please RSVP if you are interested by contacting Sunil Joy at sunil@thedartcenter.org or calling 785.841.2680.

DART is now accepting applications for the 2008 DART Organizers Institute, the paid, four-month field school for people interested in launching a career in community organizing. Participants will undergo a combined classroom and field training covering such topics as:

· Entering a community
· Identifying and training local leaders · Strategic planning and issue cutting · Relationship and community building · Direct Action on community issues · Fundraising

The DART Center, has built coalitions throughout the country that have won important victories on a broad set of justice issues including:

· Education reform in low-performing public schools · Job Training · Drugs and Violence · Criminal Recidivism · Living Wage · Neighborhood Revitalization, etc.

The DART Organizers Institute combines a 7-day classroom orientation with 15 weeks of infield training at a DART host organization. This is a paid training program that includes: a $6,500 living stipend, transportation to the classroom orientation and host city, and mileage reimbursement during the infield training. Room, board, and tuition will also be paid by DART during the 7-day classroom training. After successful completion of the program, DART will work to place graduates into permanent full time salaried positions ranging from ($27-30,000/year for Associate Organizers and $30-34,000 for Lead Organizers).

Graduates from the four month DART Organizers Institute have gone onto accept Executive Director and Associate Community Organizing positions throughout the country.

The 7-day classroom orientation and 15 week infield training starts June 15, 2008 and runs through October 3, 2008. Training locations will include placements in several states around the country.

Although it may be helpful, no direct experience is necessary. Organizer Trainees (OTs) hired to participate in the DART Organizers Institute must demonstrate a desire to pursue community organizing as a long-term professional career. A master's degree or similar life experience is preferred though unnecessary. Candidates must have a college degree or be graduating prior to June 1, 2008. Also, candidates must display a workmanlike diligence, be driven to produce sustained results, have proven capacity to build relationships of trust, create and execute a plan, act professionally, feel comfortable working with religious institutions, be accountable and willing to hold others accountable, demonstrate disciplined thought and action, and work in a team setting.

OTs must also have access to a car during their training and be flexible regarding relocation. Fluency in Spanish/English is a plus and people of color are encouraged to apply.

To find out more about DART or to apply, we encourage you to send your resume to: Sunil Joy, DART Network, 820 New York Street Lawrence, KS 66044 or by email: sunil@thedartcenter.org. If you have any questions, please call: (785) 841-2680. Also, you can download applications or view profiles from previous OTs at the DART website:

www.thedartcenter.org.

Sunil Joy
DART Network
ph: (785) 841-2680
email: sunil@thedartcenter.org
www.thedartcenter.org

Plot Room use

2008-01-12T19:04:00.000-05:00

Room 307 has 6 color plotters, 1 black and white laser, and a 44in scanner for everyone in the school of DCP. As of this year it is free. Next fall it will be pennies to use. A lot cheaper that Circa lab and target copy. Door code is 5522*

Career Fair

2008-01-11T18:15:00.000-05:00

Hey,

Hope the Spring semester is off to a good start. If you are thesisizing, hope that is going along well.

Anywho, I send this message with important dates for Career Fairs at UF, in case you will be looking for internships (if still in school next year), or a full time job.

January 22, 2008 - Civil Engineering Fair (Near Stadium Concourse)
January 26, 2008 - DCP Career Fair (50%+ firms are URP and are very interested in interns for summer and Fall 2008 hires)
January 29, 2008 - Univ Non Technical Fair (O'Connell Center)
January 30, 2008 - Univ Technical Fair (O'Connell Center)

If you are graduating this semester and still no job, make time from the job hunt around this time of year.

With that, happy job/internship hunting.

APA Scholarships

2007-12-02T19:19:00.000-05:00

Hey UPRers,

Just to remind you that APA offers a number of scholarships for planning students. Maybe over the break is a good time to think about applying for them if you are eligible. I don't think all of the listings are quite up to date, but I see that links are provided so you may follow those if you are interested.

Also the Orlando Section offers a scholarship here are the link: http://www.floridaplanning.org/Orlando/index.asp

I'm pretty sure the Tampa area chapter does too, but I can't find a link for it.

Good luck and get some $$$!

Missed the Baum Lecture...

2007-11-16T20:30:00.000-05:00

Photos from the event are on the SPA FB page. But some highlights...

Rescheduled SPA Meeting...Nov 14th 3 PM ARCH 439

2007-11-09T13:40:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the last minute postponement, but it was not possible to hold a meeting last week. This week we will be discussing some issues that will be forthcoming in your time here:

T-shirts (Update)
Budget (For 2008-2009)
Winter Social (Dec. 1)
National Conference
Howell Baum Lecture (Nov 15th)
Curriculum (Critical issues on requirements)
Alumni relations
Dept. Marketing
SPA week (as suggested at faculty meeting this week)
Mentoring program
Spring pre-plan

Howell Baum Lecture...November 15th

2007-11-09T13:38:00.001-05:00

Final Call for Tshirts...

2007-10-30T16:52:00.000-04:00

Hello All,

SPA has extended its deadline for SPA T-Shirt orders to thisTHURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1st. Please follow the instructions providedon the sheet that was left in your mailbox regarding how to orderyour T-Shirt.If you have have any questions regarding T-Shirt orders contactMarcus Oberlander at mo@ufl.edu.Don't miss your opportunity to sport a SPA T-shirt!

Next SPA Meeting November 7th...

2007-10-30T16:48:00.000-04:00

Next SPA Meeting will be Wednesday November 7th in ARCH 439 at 3:00 PM (Following Growth Management). See you there.

Painting the 34th Street Wall?

2007-10-19T09:13:00.000-04:00

Someone suggested that SPA collaborate in a timeless UF tradition and paint the 34th Street Wall in honor of Planners. Any ideas? Is there an interest in engaging in this UF Tradition? It's something on your checklist of things to do before you graduate. Anywho, leave some notes on that.

Transportation Field Trip...October 19

2007-10-13T16:19:00.001-04:00

Hosted by American Society of Civil Engineers - UF Chapter...

Attendees will need to be at Weil at 6:00 AM, and we will get back around 9:30 to 10:00 PM.

We will be visiting a wastewater treatment plant currently under construction, the TMC and Sunwatch center at the Turnpike office, the I4-408 construction project, HNTB's office for a design/build presentation (and lunch), a bridge and roadway project on the 408 with OOCEA, and a very nice dinner with Kimley Horn and Associates at Sam Sneads.

From a transportation perspective, we will be visiting two heavy roadway construction projects (I4-408 and OOCEA), the DOT traffic ops center (TMC and Sunwatch), and both HNTB and Kimley Horn are respected transportation consulting engineering firms. A signup sheet is in the ASCE office (Weil 453) and the trip costs $25. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will all be provided.

Let me know if you have any questions about the project.

Regards,

Dan Jordan

ASCE 1st VP

URP Website review

2007-10-09T12:39:00.000-04:00

Hey,

As mentioned at the last SPA meeting, UF URP is looking to revamp their website. What is asked of everyone is to provide comments as to:

What is missing?
From other school websites you looked at during your grad school decision making process, what struck you from their website? Was there some information or organization that was impressive?
What is too much on our website?
What kind of information do you feel is important to be on the UF URP website? (For current students, prospective students, alumni, faculty/staff)?

Please leave me comments regarding this. Thanks.

APA Young Planners

2007-10-09T12:38:00.001-04:00

National APA would like to seek our comments. Please leave some, so I can forward to National APA.

---------

Young Planners Group
Action Plan

Charge: To identify what Young Planners want from APA, what APA can do for them and to recommend messages, programs and services of interest to young planners.

Work Tasks:
This may involve but is not limited to, the following tasks.

1. To evaluate the issue of young planners and their engagement in the organization by studying the following:
What are the professional needs of young planners?
How is APA currently meeting those needs?
Identify possible gaps between the needs of young planners and the services and products available at APA.
Identify programs or services that may be of interest to young planners.
Identify how young planners are getting active in the organization, nationally and through the various components.
Identify if any barriers exist for young planners in getting involved in the organization.
Identify potential areas of contribution of young planners to the organization.

2. Prepare a report on findings and recommendations to the Board of Directors at their meeting in Las Vegas.

3. Conduct a session on the topic at the national conference.

Update on Anastasia State Park

2007-10-08T15:07:00.000-04:00

If you have respiratory problems, you might want to sit this one out.

There is residual red tide bloom being reported this week, but minor.

Just an FYI

For those going to Anastasia State Park for the Beach Cleanup

2007-10-08T01:39:00.000-04:00

Its this Saturday, October 13th, 2007. Meeting at the Gift Shop ./ Parking Lot at 10 AM.

If you need a ride, please leave a comment here on this post with name and contact info, and get in touch with those who can give rides.

If you can give rides, please leave a comment here, with your name and contact info, and get in touch with those who need a ride.

If you can give rides or need a ride after trying the blog: meet up at the Reitz at 7:45 AM. We'll figure it out there.

This is open for all SPA members, Faculty, Staff, and your families.

Events include a beach cleanup service project, a short talk on the environmental sensitivities of the park, a small bbq.

For directions...

View Larger Map

The extremes of zoning decisions...

2007-10-05T15:56:00.000-04:00

You might have heard of this zoning decision the other day in Tennessee go wrong.

Steve changing his thesis--any input..

2007-10-04T15:27:00.001-04:00

This blog thing sure seems like a good idea. If I come off as arrogant and unapproachable it's because I am. Just kidding. Oh yeah, I am currently switching thesis topics "How does implementation of light-rail terminals affect adjacent land values?" I suspect that over time land values, given all toher things being equal would increase--HEY ALL YOU WEIRD GRAD 2 o(or 1) TRANSPORTATION PEEPS!! Let me know if you have any input on where to look, books of reference...
Anything blogged is swell..but

(Interested in Transportation?) Transportation Research Center Picnic

2007-10-04T11:35:00.000-04:00

Last year, the Transportation Research Center had its first picnic in the Fall semester. It was a lot of fun and so we have decided to have one every year. This fall, the picnic is to be held on Sunday, October 14th at Lake Wauburg. We hope that all of you can make it. It would be a good opportunity for you to interact with the faculty, staff, students, and family affiliated with the TRC and in general have some good food and fun!

Please do RSVP (TRCadmin@ce.ufl.edu) so that we can plan appropriately.

Best,
Siva Srinivasan.

Interested in Water Resources?

2007-10-04T11:11:00.001-04:00

The UF chapter of the American Water Resources Association is sponsoring a trip to New Mexico this

November 12^th – 15^th.

There are many topics with experts sharing information from each field.

Join us! - If you want to learn more and get to know who’s doing cool stuff in your field.

Pay a fraction of the normal cost.

There is a session on Climate Change, its impacts on groundwater recharge, economic opportunities, civil infrastructure, etc

A session on developing countries and drinking water, water quality, and sustainable treatment is on Monday and Tuesday.

There is a session on watershed planning and management, with topics such as integrating hydrology, wildlife biology, and forestry

There are multiple sessions on wetlands from all over the United States and even Africa.

There are also sessions on ecosystem restoration, GIS, and urban ecosystems, too many to name.

If you are interested in attending, please contact rubenk@ufl.edu

Have a look at http://awra.org/meetings/New_Mexico2007/program.html for more information on the sessions themselves.

For more information about our chapter, please visit http://awrauf.org

Thank you,

Ruben Kertesz

AWRA UF Chapter President

FAPA Update

2007-10-04T09:54:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone,

This is the link for the mentoring program that I mentioned during class, this is a great opportunity to get to know a professional in the field and network for that post-graduate job. It's never too early to start networking!

http://www.planning.org/students/mentoring.htm

Also something else I found on the site was the APA National conference student poster submittal contest at this link:

http://www.planning.org/2008conference/sessionproposal/poster.htm

This is perfect for any student doing a thesis or research project. All you have to submit by OCTOBER 16, 2007 is a proposal, so you don't even have to have it done (i.e. your thesis). One thing to think about here is that if you are presenting something the graduate school offers travel grants...so you could help fund your trip to nationals!

Finally, I keep forgetting to mention this website, but its a great resource for planners and has an extensive message board. http://www.cyburbia.org/

Don't forget to send me your research projects....

-Lauren

Course Blog Up for Grabs

2007-10-03T08:16:00.000-04:00

Last Spring I had created a blog for Admin and Ethics, in order to have a forum to dicuss things further, outside of class and to consolidate notes. Since I am no longer in the class, it is time to pass the torch. If anyone is interested in becoming the new admin for this blog, e-mail me at "bem2ATufl.edu" Otherwise, I shall delete it forever.
http://urp6061.blogspot.com/

Final Reminder for SPA Meeting

2007-10-03T02:18:00.000-04:00

Next General Body Meeting is October 3 (TODAY) at 3 PM in URP 439 (After Growth Management).

Issues to discuss include T-shirts (see post before this), Community Service, Visiting Speakers, SPA and URP Website, Upcoming Social events, and Open SPA positions. Please come out. Snack foods to be provided.

Proposed Shirt Ideas

2007-10-03T02:05:00.001-04:00

OR

Be at the meeting today at 3 PM in URP 439 to vote on this.

From Dr. Bartley...

2007-09-25T20:09:00.001-04:00

URP Graduate Students,

Dr. Bartley sends his thanks to you all for the tee-shirt and attending
the celebration at Lillian's last Friday.

Next SPA Meeting October 3

2007-09-24T18:01:00.001-04:00

Reminder

Next SPA Meeting will be in ARCH 439 at 3:00 PM (Following Growth Management). New time and location by popular demand. See you there.

Come to Anastasia State Park

2007-09-24T17:51:00.000-04:00

On October 13th, SPA goes to the beach.

This event will be our first service project for the year. We reach out to our environment in this project, noting the fragile nature of our state. We will meet at the Reitz Union Car Circle at 7:45 AM to ride together to St. Augustine for this. I know it's early, but its well worth your time to give a little service to the community, and enjoy the beautiful beach, and a SPA beach BBQ. If you want to meet SPA there, you can follow the attached directions below. We will be starting at 10 AM. Hope to see you there.

View Larger Map

T-Shirt Design Competition

2007-09-05T10:28:00.000-04:00

Hey,

A T-Shirt Design Competition has been opened for the 2007-2008 year. Last year, our department developed our Student Planning Association T-shirt. This year, we would like to develop a tradition of developing a new T-shirt for the new year. Please submit designs to myself, in my mailbox, or boperez@dcp.ufl.edu. Submissions are accepted through September 14th, and the winning design is TBD at the SPA General Body meeting on September 18th. More details, send inquires again to my email. Winning Designer will receive a free T-shirt and lots of PRAISE and FAME.

Mellow Mushroom Mondays

2007-09-05T10:22:00.000-04:00

Hey DURP'ers

As a opportunity to have fun all semester long, we are having Mellow Mushroom Mondays. This is Trivia Night at Mellow Mushrooms at 1209 W University Ave with telephone of (352) 367-0012.

Come on out for some drinks, kick back, and enjoy some awesome trivia. Put your thinking caps on, for SPA is going to turn tables when it comes to Trivia Madness.

This will be weekly on Mondays, starting September 17th, at 7:30 PM. Come out for some food, drink, or just for Trivia, which kicks off at 9 PM.

Beginning of the Year Social

2007-09-05T10:17:00.000-04:00

Hey,

As a kick-off social, we will be having a Happy Hour at Lillian's on Thursday September 13th, at 6 PM. Lillian's is at 112 Se 1st St, Gainesville with Telephone of(352) 372-1010.

Get to meet your peers and faculty in a more relaxed and social setting.

Be there or be square.

SPA Meeting Notes from 4 September

2007-09-05T09:32:00.000-04:00

NEXT SPA Meeting on September 18th at 12:30 PM in ARC 339

(Dean's Conf. Room)

SPA Meeting Minutes

September 4, 2007

I. Benito Call’s Meeting to Order:

Meeting was called to order at 12:35pm by the President Benito. Other Officers present were: Lauren, Alexandra, Allison, and Steve. After Benito introduced himself, SPA members and officers introduced themselves.

II. Message from the Treasurer:

Benito read a message from Marcus, the Treasurer stating that SPA funds totaled 611.00 and that he was pursuing SGA reimbursement for SPA members attending the FAPA Conference in Orlando September 5-8^th. He had also placed a request with ACC for partial reimbursement for conference fees and is waiting for approval. Upon reading Marcus’ message, Benito passed around a sheet of those who were on the list to attend the conference and asked for those going or not going to add or scratch out their names from the list as appropriate.

III. Update from the FAPA Representative—Lauren:

Lauren presented her update focusing on the upcoming FAPA conference which will begin on Wednesday Sept. 5^th. She organized the Student Reception on Thursday night which would be held in Town Tavern in Celebration. She encouraged SPA members attending the conference to drive to the reception, utilize the resume building workshop, and attend the Career Fair on Saturday Sept. 8^th. Other conference announcements included the UF Alumni Reception to be held at the Royal Plaza at 7:30 pm on Friday night and any questions regarding the conference should be directed to Benito or Lauren. She also announced that SPA needs a first year student to serve as Associate FAPA Representative.

IV. Update on the ACC:

As the ACC representatives were absent from the meeting, Benito announced the ACC Organization Fair was to be held in the Architecture Building atrium on Thursday, September 6^th from 5-7pm. SPA’s goal regarding involvement with the ACC is to reconnect with the organization and foster interdisciplinary involvement within the college.

V. Update from the GSC Representative—Alexandra:

Alexandra announced that SPA needed a first year student to serve as Alternate GSC Representative in the case that she cannot attend the monthly GSC meetings that are tentatively scheduled for the third Thursday of every month.

VI. Update from the Secretary—Allison

Allison announced that she was/will working in with Benito on SPA Blog and an on-line newsletter. The blog address was given to members as: ufurpspa.blogspot.com. She also announced that SPA will need a first year to serve as Reporting Secretary to record meeting minutes during SPA meetings.

VII. Update from the Social Chair—Steve

Steve and Benito announced that there were currently five SPA social events planned for the Fall Semester including: a Welcome Student Event at Lillian’s downtown on Thursday September 13^th at 6pm, Mellow Mushroom Mondays starting on September 17^th at 7:30 pm where SPA members can come and relax on trivia nights, a Winter Social event scheduled for the first weekend in December, a joint picnic with the local professional FAPA chapter at Lack Wauburg in early-mid November, and a Beach clean-up weekend still in the planning stages. Steve also announced SPA needed a first year student to serve as Associate Social Chair.

VIII. Greeting and Announcement from the Department Head—Dr. Peng:

Dr. Peng introduced himself to the students and encouraged them to attend the monthly faculty meetings the first of which is scheduled for September 14^th from 2-4pm. He stated his commitment to facilitating faculty-student interaction socially and academically and to support students in securing funds from university sources to attend conferences. He welcomed students to come by his office anytime.

IX. Other Announcements—T-Shirt Design/APA Conference

Benito announced that the Design Competition for the new SPA T-shirt deadline was September 14^th by 5pm. The design must include “University of Florida” and “Student Planning Association.” The winning design would receive a free T-shirt. Secondly, Benito announced the dates for the APA Conference in Las Vegas as April 27^th-May 3^rd.

X. SPA Goals/Member Ideas:

Benito stated the goal of SPA this year would be to increase student participation and representation as well as encourage cooperation with URP faculty, ACC/DCP, and the outside community. He opened up ideas for what SPA members not on the executive committee would like to see SPA do. Benito encouraged anyone with specific ideas to contact the appropriate representative on the executive committee or himself. Ideas included the following:

· Field trips to planning firms/planners/job shadowing

· Interdisciplinary Mixers

· Community Service Projects

· Increase communication to incoming students

XI. Website Update:

Benito updated SPA members on the progress of the SPA/URP website. A mock-up of the website was completed in the spring. The current goal is to have the updated website up and running by the end of the semester with a link to the SPA Blog.

XII. Current Open Positions on the Executive Board:

Benito summarized the list of open positions on the SPA Board and encouraged first-year students to express their interest to him or in reply to an email that would be sent out shortly regarding the subject. The open positions were:

· ACC Representative

· FAPA Representative

· Alternate GSC Representative

· Recording Secretary

· Webmaster

· Associate Social Chair

· Historian

XIII. Immediate Upcoming Events:

Benito announced that the ACC was attempting to create an organization “DCP Ambassadors” to increase interdisciplinary interaction within the college. A meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, September 5^th in the Architecture Building to create a team to work with the Dean on DCP issues. Benito also announced that there was an opening for a student to attend lunch with the Board of Trustees Thursday, September 6^th at 12pm along with two other student representatives.

XIV. Proposed Agenda for Next SPA Meeting:

The next SPA meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, September 18^th at

12:30 pm in Rm. 339 of the Architecture Building. The agenda would include the entries and voting of the proposed SPA T-shirt designs and an Executive Board Proposed Budget of SPA funds.

XV. There being no other news to discuss the meeting was adjourned at 1:30 pm.

Dear Students and Prospective Students:

2007-08-25T12:00:00.000-04:00

On the behalf of the Student Planning Association, we would like to personally welcome you to the University of Florida, and our Urban and Regional Planning family. The University of Florida is nationally and internationally recognized for its excellence in academics and research, and the Department of Urban and Regional Planning is no exception. The program is staffed with distinguished professors who are recognized as experts in their field, and involve students of a diversity of backgrounds. Your experience with our program promises to be rewarding. As a student here in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, you are automatically a member with all privileges of the Student Planning Association (SPA), an organization that fosters professional, academic, and social interests of its members. It is through this organization where our students gets involved with the community, our professional colleagues in Florida and nationally, and we join together socially. As members of Student Planning Association, you are privy to the work your fellow colleagues are involved in, have the opportunity to listen in on prominent planners and issues relating to the Planning field, be informed of upcoming job and conference opportunities, and engage in socials our organization puts on for you. The planning field is a daunting field that lies ahead of you if you are considering a career in planning. Through organizations such as the Student Planning Association, we strive to help you foster a good social and professional network in which you can turn to. With that, welcome to the Student Planning Association, where Planner’s Do It….Comprehensively. Student Planning Association Executive Board