Student organizations are an integral part of the SPP community – they recruit policymakers and scholars to speak at the school, provide a forum for students to discuss shared policy interests, raise money for deserving charities, promote international perspectives and more. Both graduate and undergraduate students are invited to participate in student organizations!
Fill out the Student Group Interest Form and our student leaders will reach out!
Policy Student Government Association (PSGA)
The Policy Student Government Association (PSGA) represents the needs and interests of all registered University of Maryland School of Public Policy students before faculty, staff and the administration. PSGA works to build community among policy students through regular social gatherings, service opportunities and networking socials. The Executive Board members are elected by the student body each year.
Visit: Policy Student Government Association (PSGA)
Black Students in Public Policy
Black Students in Public Policy (BSIPP) was established in 2017 for the express purpose of creating a stronger sense of community among Black students at the School. BSIPP provides a safe space for Black students and other students of marginalized identities in both the graduate school (masters and PhD students) and undergraduate public policy major. BSIPP also exists to serve our community through volunteering, educational programs, and advocacy throughout campus.
Contact: UMDBSIPP@gmail.com
Find us on: Facebook
Sustainability, Environment, and Energy Council (SEEC)
The Sustainability, Environment, and Energy Council (SEEC) is a student-led organization open to all students within the School of Public Policy who are interested in incorporating sustainability into their policy careers. SEEC engages in projects and activities that enhance environmental well-being, facilitates network-building through communication and social engagements, and provides scholarly opportunities to improve professional development and representation at the School. In addition, the Council makes an effort to develop a strong sense of community for sustainably-minded students with a variety of social events. Some examples of past SEEC events include: fireside chats with university faculty, a sustainability masterclass, documentary nights, happy hours and networking nights, and volunteering excursions.
Contact: umdseec3@gmail.com
Find us on: Facebook
International Policy Council
The International Policy Council (IPC) is a student organization that works to enhance the academic, professional and social experience of ISEP and IDEV students at the School. The IPC is a forum for students to discuss relevant issues and acts as a liaison with the School’s faculty and administration. It organizes social, networking, professional development, and educational opportunities for the SPP community and sends a bi-weekly newsletter of upcoming events and international news. The ICP seeks to foster a stronger sense of community between ISEP and IDEV students, alumni, and faculty.
Contact: ipcouncilumd@gmail.com
Social, Health, Education Policy Student Council
Social, Health & Education Policy Council (SHEP) is a student organization open to both graduate and undergraduate students within the School of Public Policy. The purpose of the Social Policy Council is to engage students, regardless of specialization, in social, health, and education policy. Social Policy Council provides a forum for students to discuss current social policy issues, relevant social policy research, and also works with faculty and staff to promote social policy at UMD. We aim to work with community organizations both through volunteer opportunities and professional development.
Contact: social-policy@umd.edu
Find us on: Instagram | Facebook
Queer Policy Terps
Queer Policy Terps is a group for those connected to the University of Maryland who are interested in the intersection of the field of public policy, and the LGBTQIAP+/queer communities. Undergraduate and graduate students, including but not limited to those in the School, as well as alumni, are welcome! Our goals include holding discussions about current events; creating a network of LGBTQ+/queer students and professionals working in the fields of public policy; organizing panels, guest lectures, and other networking events; and anything else that furthers our goals as we decide going forward. We are always excited to collaborate with other groups, both in and outside of the School. Also, allies are absolutely welcome! Interested students please email about participation and executive leadership opportunities.
Contact: jmckay8@terpmail.umd.edu
La Gente
La Gente in Public Policy is a student-led organization aimed at building community, creating connections, and empowering students who identify as Latin/a/o/é/x. Undergraduate and graduate (master's and PhD) students and alumni, including those not in SPP, are welcome! La Gente will host networking, professional development, and guest speaker events; community building activities and discussions to foster unity. We will also include an international lens in recognition of the diversity within our community. If you are passionate about advocating and developing policy solutions for the issues that face Latin/a/o/é/x in the diaspora – join La Gente.
Contact: lagenteumd@gmail.com
Find us on: Instagram
The Policy Hatch
The Policy Hatch is the University of Maryland's student-run publication dedicated to analyzing the policies that shape our world. Founded by passionate students who believe in the power of informed conversations, we provide in-depth analysis of critical policy issues across five key areas: foreign policy, educational policy, health policy, social policy, and environmental policy.
Contact: policyhatchumd@gmail.com
Women in Public Policy
Women in Public Policy (WiPP) was established in 2002 to promote women’s leadership in policy and increase awareness about issues affecting women and girls around the globe. The organization provides leadership, networking, professional development, education and service opportunities to the SPP community. WiPP is looking for students who are passionate about and interested in advocating, volunteering and developing policy solutions for issues affecting women and girls.
Contact: umdwipp@gmail.com
Find us on: Instagram | LinkedIn
Asian American Policy Union (AAPU)
The Asian American Policy Union is a group aiming to provide a space for all APIDA and Middle Eastern Students at the School of Public Policy. AAPU aims to engage our Asian students’ identities and cultures with political activism, awareness, and consciousness. Through collaborating with the wider campus community, our organization hopes to contribute to the larger racial and social justice movement by uplifting liberation struggles globally, nationally, and locally.
Contact: umdaapu@gmail.com
Find us on: Instagram
Kappa Omega Alpha (KOA)
Kappa Omega Alpha (KOA) is the premier co-ed public policy professional fraternity at the University of Maryland. The UMD chapter was established in 2018 by Jacqueline Ford (’20 and ’21). We are open to everyone, regardless of year, major or background. However, passion about doing good in the world is a must. KOA members enjoy events ranging from professional development and networking to community service and social opportunities. KOA members have worked on Capitol Hill, in Annapolis, on campaigns and for non-profits and private corporations around the world. For more information about joining KOA, please visit our website linked below.
Contact: koa.umd@gmail.com
Find us on: Instagram | Website | Facebook | YouTube
Maryland Student Legislature (MSL)
Founded in 1989, the Maryland Student Legislature (MSL) is a statewide, student-run organization that provides a model simulation of the Maryland State Government. Through this program, students draft and debate legislation, and bills that pass are forwarded to the Maryland General Assembly for consideration, giving college students a direct voice in state policy discussions.
MSL fosters a community for students passionate about public policy, debate, and governance by hosting distinguished guest speakers, networking events, legislative sessions, policy-writing workshops, and trips to Washington, D.C. Members also enjoy regular social activities and gain access to valuable internship and career opportunities within the Maryland General Assembly and the U.S. Congress. MSL is open to UMD undergraduate and graduate students of all majors and we hope to see you at our upcoming GBM! (Monday's at TMH0301 from 6-7PM)
Contact: umdmslegislature@gmail.com
Find us on: Instagram | GroupMe
SPP Student Council Funding Process
UMD Internal Sources:
- Pepsi Enhancement Fund
- Sustainability Fund
- Research centers (e.g. Do Good Institute Mini-grants, CISSM, CGS, etc.)
External Sources
Other possible sources of funding might include:
- An external sponsor
- Fundraising
SPP and SGA funding may NOT be used for the following:
- Alcohol
- Gifts of sentiment (e.g. flowers for a funeral or a thank-you gift)
- Anything that is not directly related to the operation of the council
- Anything that directly benefits a council member (e.g. hiring a relative)
- Any event that does not adhere to current university restrictions regarding in-person events (e.g. size of events, social distancing requirements, etc.)