Hosted on the Second Saturday of every month, SUPSO holds an event to gather SUP students together to hangout outside of the classroom. These events range from happy hours, museum tours, hikes, and even group bike rides. Stay up to date on the newest event as they are released two weeks in advance of the next Second Saturday event. Event times will vary depending on the activity, and we hope you can join us!

Hosted in the month before the Fall semester begins, the Welcome Back Bash is the first event of the academic year. This event serves as a networking and bonding point for students, faculty, staff, and alumni to reconnect after a long and well-deserved summer break. 

All SUP students will be required to complete their capstone project prior to graduation. The Capstone Showcase serves as the final step in students' experience in SUP. Steps on how to begin the capstone the process can be found on the Students page. Students should plan accordingly, and be prepared to present their projects at an in-person gathering (open to the public) during their last semester in the program. 

Offered every Fall semester, the Studio in Sustainable Urban Planning course gives students the opportunity to work on a project for real stakeholders and gain experience in professional planning. This course is typically taught by Program Director, Dr. Whitehead. In Fall 2023, the Studio class worked with Beyond Granite's community engagement.

Two symposiums take place throughout the academic year, bringing in speakers from across the country to discuss the theme of each symposium. Last year, our Climate Justice Symposium brought an impressive turnout featuring Deneine Powell from Positive Communities at ecoAmerica. 

Hosted annually across the country, Park(ing) Day takes place during the month of September to reimagine parking spaces in urban areas and transform them into "parklets" for people. Our parklet is always filled with fun games, activities, and education on the importance of sustainability in urban planning.

Hosted a week before Halloween, SUPSO brings together students from our program and other local DMV student planning organizations to develop network opportunities long after graduation. In 2022, Virginia Tech's Capital Area Student Planning Association (CASPA) joined SUPSO for a night of spooky festivities!

Giving thanks! Our students come together a week before Thanksgiving Break with our own version of "Friendsgiving" festivities. Traditionally held as a potluck-style event, our students come together and feast for a night full of food and fun!

Hosted at the end of the Fall semester, SUPSO comes together to celebrate the end of a long semester and give kudos to our Fall graduates! This event usually takes place the day after the Fall Capstone Showcase and the beginning of Finals week in December.

The National Planning Conference (NPC) is hosted by the American Planning Association (APA). This annual event brings urban planners from across the country to one city for a 4-day event highlighting the newest trends and ideas in the urban planning profession. NPC 2024 will take place in Minneapolis.