PRSSA Logo

Public Relations Student Society of America

Colorado State University Chapter


PRSSA Officers

The best way to contact us is to e-mail the appropriate officer listed below. If you don't know who to contact, send us a general e-mail and your message will be forwarded to the appropriate officer. Send all correspondence to:

PRSSA-CSU Officers 1998-99
Officer Name Phone
Area Code (970)
except where noted
President Robin Phillips 568-0601
Vice President Cara Taylor498-9204
Secretary/Historian Heather Turnwall 419-1157
Treasurer Tessa Anderson 495-5214
Director, Ram PR Lora Morehead 493-3366
PRSA/National Liaison Rosemary Schleuter 224-0706
Chapter PR Director Kim Smith 490-1509
Editor, PRogress Dana Lombardi 419-1055
Webmaster . .
Faculty Adviser Kirk Hallahan 491-3963
Professional Adviser Laura Sandell 484-7500

 


History & Mission

 National PRSSA History

Colorado State University Chapter History

 

 

 

 

Colorado State University Chapter History

 


Membership Services

Conferences

Scholarships/Awards

Publications

Professional Development

CSU Menbership

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

The PRSSA annual conference offers an exciting opportunity to learn about the world of public relations. Students from across the country convene for four days of workshops, seminars, networking and social events. The PRSSA National Conference, which is held simultaneously with the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) National Conference, is an opportunity to meet other public relations students, master new skills and learn from some of the profession's top practitioners. Students are invited to attend all of the General Sessions offered at the PRSA Conference. A Chapter Development Conference designed to assist chapters with leadership and chapter development, and a Student Firms Conference, which teaches tudents how to establish and maintain a student firm, are part of the conference program.

 

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

This event is the governing body of PRSSA, composed of one delegate from each chapter and the National Committee. The assembly meets every spring to discuss Society business, vote on candidates for national offices and determine the future direction of PRSSA.

 

REGIONAL CONFERENCE AND LEADERSHIP CAUCUS

Similar to the National Conference, Regional Conferences are held in the spring and are very important to maintaining the cohesiveness of the district and reinforcing the individual professional development of members. Many districts also offer a fall Leadership Caucus that provide an opportunity to discuss district goals and share information.

 

PRIDE

PRIDE (Public Relations Internships to Develop Expertise) is the PRSA/PRSSA public relations internship program coordinated by PRSA chapters. PRIDE is an academic/job experience designed, supervised and evaluated jointly by the participating sponsor and faculty intern adviser, during which qualified students carry out public relations assignments at the sponsor's place of business for a specific period, receiving academic credit and a PRIDE certificate.

 

Awards/Scholarships and Competitions

 

BATEMAN CASE STUDY COMPETITION

This competition offers a challenging experience for participants. Teams of students, who represent their chapters, analyze, research and solve a specific public relations problem. The competition allows students to exercise the analytical skills and mature judgment that are instrumental in public relations problem-solving. Cash prizes are awarded and Friends of PRSSA present plaques to the top winners.

 

BETSY PLANK/PRSSA SCHOLARSHIP

This unique scholarship program recognizes academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, practical experience, and commitment to public relations. Three scholarships are awarded annually. Also honored are the winners' faculty and professional advisers.

 

NATIONAL CAMPAIGNS

PRSSA members have the opportunity to prepare and implement campaigns on their campuses. Organizations have asked students to assist with public relations campaigns. This is a fine example of the confidence professionals have in PRSSA members.

 

DR. FREDERICK H. TEAHAN CHAPTER AWARDS

Sponsored by the Friends of PRSSA, this annual program recognizes outstanding achievements by chapters nationwide for activities carried out during the previous year. There are 10 categories, and entries are judged by Friends of PRSSA. The winners are announced and cash awards are presented at the PRSSA National Conference.

 

GOLD KEY AWARD

The National Gold Key Award is the highest individual honor bestowed on members of PRSSA. It recognizes members who demonstrate academic excellence in public relations, leadership qualities in PRSSA and dedication to the field.

 

MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS SCHOLARSHIP

Offered by PRSA's Multicultural Affairs Committee, this scholarship was established to recognize academic achievement of minority undergraduate communications students. Awards are presented annually to two eligible student who maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA.

 

PROFESSOR SIDNEY GROSS MEMORIAL AWARD

Presented in memory of the late Sid Gross, a respected practitioner and educator, this cash award is presented annually to the PRSSA student who demonstrates superior understanding of ethical principles in public relations.

 

RACHEL PR SERVICES LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP

This national scholarship recognizes one student each year for outstanding leadership at the chapter level. One eligible member may be nominated from each PRSSA chapter. Rachel PR Services sponsors the cash award.

 

Professional Development

 

TACTICS

Tactics is PRSA's "how to" newspaper and it is mailed to PRSSA chapters September-April. Tactics provides PRSSA members with "nuts and bolts" information that will help students perfect the day-to-day tasks performed by public relations professionals.

 

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP IN PRSA

Associate membership is a unique opportunity for PRSSA members who wish to join PRSA. It is offered at a significant discount to individuals who have received their degree and who are members of PRSSA at the time of graduation.

An Associate Member has full voting right privileges in PRSA and receives all membership services. Applications for Associate membership must be submitted within two years following the date of graduation and can be held for a maximum of two years.

 

MENTOR PROGRAM

Graduating seniors request a mentor to assist in their job search. A mentor is a resource for information and advice.

 

Publications

 

FORUM

Each PRSSA member receives FORUM, the national newsletter. FORUM provides tips on writing, job hunting, career planning, PRSSA events and many other topics of concern to students. Articles are written by PRSSA members and professionals. FORUM is published three times a year by a PRSSA chapter chosen annually by the National Committee.

 

EXCHANGE

These regional newsletters, published on the district level, inform members of progress and activities within their respective district.

 

THE PROCLAIMER

Official publication of the PRSSA National Conference. Compiled by the hosting chapter this newsletter contains the latest conference information and fund raising ideas.

 

Colorado State University State Membership Services

Why Should I Join PRSSA?

  • To start building up a resume and portfolio early with press releases, brochures, flyers, public relations plans, PSAs, etc.
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  • So when I graduate from CSU I can join the Public Relations Society of America at a lower price and begin searching for a job through the PRSA Job Bank.
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  • It's a good place to start networking with professionals in the public relations field at PRSSA meetings, luncheons, and participating in Shadow Day
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  • To learn from PRSSA workshops which include: an Internet workshop, a resume and portfolio workshop
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  • To become a member of RAM PR, CSU's student-run public relations firm, where it is easy to gain quality hands-on experience.
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  • To become a part of an CSU organization where officer positions are available for students.
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  • To start building friendships, learning to work as a team, and to begin learning about public relations
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    Fall 1999 Events

    Any questions or comments please e-mail Myke Madsen.