Urban and Regional Planning Program
Program Goals

1) The Urban and Regional Planning Program provides an integrated curriculum with courses that complement and build upon each other in developing a full range of planning knowledge and skills.

Objectives:

1.1 Develop an integrated approach to student curriculum that incorporates recommended and suggested general education courses, planning major requirements, students' selected minor programs, and suggestions for university (free) electives.

1.2 Work with general advising to improve advising for students expressing interest in the planning program and develop a sample/suggested course of study that students may follow as a guide. Periodically update this guide as needed.

1.3 Enhance planning program offerings through addition of full-time, tenure-track faculty dedicated to the Urban and Regional Planning Program. Wherever possible, new faculty positions shall help address issues of faculty and curricular diversity.

2) The Urban and Regional Planning Program maintains relationships with other programs and departments in the University in order to supplement the planning curriculum, and to enhance the student experience in planning-related areas.

Objectives:

2.1 Develop stronger curricular ties with geography and earth science programs within Geography & Geology Department.

2.2 Adjust planning elective offerings to include a range of courses from other departments across campus (Political Science/Public Administration, Sociology, Economics, Construction Management, etc.) as appropriate to expand breadth of planning offerings.

2.3 Develop and maintain a listing of recommended general education and university elective courses appropriate as enhancements to the planning major.

2.4 Periodically review EMU minor program offerings and assess their suitability as planning-related "specializations." Incorporate this information with student advising.

3) The Urban and Regional Planning Program maintains contact with other planning programs and with professional planning organizations and practitioners in order to enhance academic and professional opportunities for students during and immediately following their academic preparation.

Objectives:

3.1 Provide students with opportunities for cooperative and intern placements to complement academic training and facilitate student entry into professional practice.

3.2 Planning practitioners are routinely brought into the program as guest lecturers/speakers and as adjunct faculty to teach specialized planning courses.

3.3 Students and faculty actively participate in activities with planning programs at other institutions.

3.4 The Urban and Regional Planning Program provides preparation, guidance, and support for graduate study in urban planning and related areas for students desiring to continue their education.

3.5 Students and faculty maintain an active presence in the state professional planning organization -- Michigan Association of Planning, and participate in APA activities through membership, conferences, etc. as possible.

3.6 The EMU Urban and Regional Planning Program maintains a strong connection with its alumni, and encourages students to interact and develop networks with program alumni and other planning professionals throughout the region.

4) The Urban and Regional Planning Program prepares students with life-long skills that are needed in the planning employment market, including skills needed for professional certification, and that will give them a broad base to adjust to market changes.

Objectives:

4.1 Develop connections between students and professional planning organizations including the Michigan Association of Planning, the American Planning Association, and the American Institute of Certified Planners. Also, acquaint students with the State of Michigan Professional Community Planner certification.

4.2 Physical facilities and equipment are maintained and are similar to what graduates might expect to find in professional practice.

4.3 The EMU Urban and Regional Planning Program maintains a strong connection with its alumni and encourages students to interact and develop networks with program alumni and other planning professionals throughout the region.

4.4 A Professionals Advisory Board composed of 7-9 active program alumni meets as needed to consult with program faculty and administration on academic and professional practice matters.

4.5 Encourage all planning students (majors and minors) to participate in the student club PLACE (Planning Awareness Club of Eastern) and its various activities such as field trips, World Town Planning Day, social events, etc. (PLACE also manages the Robert M. Ward Scholarship, which is the only student-created and managed scholarship fund at Eastern Michigan University.)

5) Urban and Regional Planning Program faculty enhance their teaching through participation in professional planning activities and organizations, applied research activities, and planning-related service to the University and the broader community.

Objectives:

5.1 Faculty maintain an active presence in various professional and academic organizations, including Michigan Association of Planning, American Planning Association, American Institute of Certified Planners, Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning, and other appropriate professional organizations.

5.2 Urban and Regional Planning Program faculty are actively involved with teaching and professional enhancement activities.

5.3 Enhance connections between program faculty with EMU's various research and outreach institutes and centers such as the Institute for Geospatial Research & Education, the Institute for Community and Regional Development, the Center for Community Building and Civic Engagement, the Institute for the Study of Children, Families and Communities, and others as appropriate to planning faculty interests.

5.4 Engage students with faculty research and outreach efforts whenever possible.