STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS A CONVERSATION

Students:

Allison Gomez (ArchGSA, AIAS), Andrea Harder (GPSA), Alessandra Santarosa (GPSA), Hannah Ruth (APX), Joshua Stolber (AIAS), Carter Topol (AIAS), Petreen Thomas (AASAP, NOMAS)

Moderator:

Madeleine Sophie Sutton

Student Advocates

Student organizations bring a layer to the School of Architecture and Planning that is not visible through coursework. They extend their reach to networks outside the classroom to involve themselves with local firms, volunteer work, and community groups. On campus, they hold events encouraging students to take advantage of the resources students organizations offer; new friendships, career opportunities, and support systems.

As a result of the pandemic, many student organizations dwindled in numbers. Over the last year, resilient students have brought these groups back, as they play a critical role in student engagement. Insightful and candid responses demonstrate how student organizations keep active participation alive at UB, and why it is imperative to keep these organizations up and running.

Working For Future Students

Madeleine Sophie Sutton: Where have you seen themes of care progress during your time at UB, within your organizations and at the School in general?

Andrea Harder: The Graduate Planning Student Association (GPSA) is very active both inside and outside the classroom. On campus, we advocate for better curriculum changes that align with students, as well as their needs and passions. We also work with a nonprofit called Fillmore Forward on the East Side of Buffalo to spur economic development and increase the quality of life.

Allison Gomez: Since the Architecture Graduate Student Association (ArchGSA) hasn’t been on campus for a couple years, we are actively trying to bring it back, which has had its own difficulties. Faculty engagement has been helpful for getting us back on our feet. We’ve also partnered with the American Institute of Architecture scratch. I think what really united our passion for rebuilding was the fact we didn’t have anything coming in as first-year students. During our freshman year there wasn’t anything happening as far as student life or School events. As those things started to slowly come back, we noticed how much we were missing, feeling disconnected and isolated. We are really passionate about making sure nobody else has to go through that.

AS: Having a group that at the end of the day is focused on supporting each other and creating partnerships in planning provides a sense of security.

AG: Having gone to undergrad at UB as an environmental design major, the whole idea of architecture was very intimidating at first. However, I saw how quick everyone in my studio got very close to each other and how great of a support system that was. One thing I have noticed is that people don’t know many other people in other studios, and that’s why ArchGSA seemed like such a good idea.

MSS: I think when we as students partner with other student organizations, it’s a great way to generate new ideas, as well as ways of working and thinking. I am also interested in where each of you would like to see even greater involvement of students organizations and the student body.

JS: I think showing what being a part of a student organization can really do for you is something that all student organizations sometimes struggle with. Getting our message out there to the

Students (AIAS) for a lot of events. One of our main goals is to help students prepare for their professional career. These groups are all meant to bring students together, so our overall mission is care.

"On our firm tours for AIAS, you get to show students that you may be competitive at times now, but you will be working together the rest of your life."

- Joshua Stolber

Carter Topol: Another benefit about these firm tours is learning about what makes you comfortable, because every workplace is different.

MSS: Going back to Allison’s earlier comments about bringing some of these groups back in a post-Covid world, why do you think these groups are so important?

Hannah Ruth: Going into the Fall semester of last year, Alpha Rho Chi (APX) was basically starting from student body, for them to realize the kinds of opportunities student-run organizations can open.

AH: GPSA has shared similar challenges described by other student organizations in terms of getting students involved. It would be great to get more support from faculty, to advertise that these student groups are here, they’re a support system, they’re in your network. It would be great to see all these student-run organizations come together, so there’s more of an interconnection between architecture and planning.

Petreen Thomas: Prior to the pandemic, a lot of us had spaces where we could keep archives from past students. Now, coming back postpandemic and with the construction of Crosby Hall, trying to not only recall my own memories, but also trying to work those memories into a hybrid space like we have now, has been challenging.

AS: One thing I’ve noticed through these conversations is that we as students and student leaders, have put in a lot of effort for our colleagues. As we move forward, demonstrating our effort and showing how much we care about these organizations, it can help the individuals who will step into our place when we move on.

HR: Our main role as student organizations is setting the precedent and being able to hand it down to those up and coming. Right now we can set the standard of the needs we see and how they should be met by students and faculty. We’re making those observations and taking whatever actions are necessary now to then carry it forward to the future classes.