May 5 - Bi-Monthly mailing to PRSSA Chapters

May 16 - Deadline to Register for the PRSSA Leadership Rally in Scottsdale, AZ.

June 2 - Deadline for eight different scholarships and awards. Click here for applications.

Chapter Presidents— make sure you register for the first annual PRSSA Leadership Rally.

The Leadership Rally offers you the opportunity to attend workshops designed to improve leadership skills along with informational sessions about PRSSA member benefits. You will attend breakout sessions titled "Leading and Managing Your Board," "Professional Development" and "PRSSA Member Benefits."

PRSSA will pay for two nights lodging in a quad room (room and tax for Chapter Presidents only) at the Chaparral Suites Resort. This will be for the nights of Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8. Any incidental charges will be the responsibility of the individual. Chapter Presidents who choose not to stay at Chaparral Suites Resort will be responsible for their hotel bill.

Please contact PRSSA 2007-08 National President Melissa Csuhran with any questions. Meet me in Arizona— I look forward to seeing you in June!

Michigan State University's PRSSA Chapter hosted a career fair and networking event called “PR Links” in February. More than 90 students, which included people from all majors and grade levels, attended the career fair during the afternoon. Students were able to network and discuss possible internships with more than 30 public relations firms and professionals.

*Share your Chapter's best practices by e-mailing Allison Tomei, Vice President of Member Services. One Chapter will be recognized in each Bi-weekly e-mail for demonstrating and sharing its innovative and creative ideas with the Society.

Allison Tomei, Vice President of Member Services:

Looking for ways to earn some extra cash for next semester or recognition for all your accomplishments this year? June is the biggest month for PRSSA scholarships—and you are eligible and qualified! Nearly ten scholarships and awards, including Chapter Teahan Awards, have deadlines on June 1 or 2. Please visit the PRSSA Web site for requirements, applications and details. Contact Allison, vice president of member services, with any questions.

Kelly McFall, Vice President of Regional Activities:

If you haven't attended a Regional Activity this spring, you have two more chances coming your way.

Quinnipiac University is proud to host its first ever Regional Activity, entitled “Truth, Accuracy, Responsibility: Advancing the Honest PR Professional," on April 26 in Hamden, Conn. Students will gain exposure to ethical situations as PR professionals from various fields such as entertainment and sports, corporate PR and crisis communications, expand on their personal experiences with ethics in public relations. Contact Timothy Smith for more information.

Also on April 26, Edinboro University's event "In Support of The Ivory Tower: PR At Colleges And Universities," will take place in Edinboro, Pa. The conference will address a wide range of specific topics including crisis communication, website design and maintenance, managing media coverage, and the development of effective managerial and leadership strategies. For more information, please click here.

For more information on Regional Activities, please contact Vice President of Regional Activities Kelly McFall.

Ryan McShane, FORUM Editor-in-Chief:

The final issue of FORUM has been sent to the printer and will arrive in your hands shortly. You will also have access to FORUM online, so be sure to check the Web site for updates. Members who want to get involved with the Society's national newspaper next year should contact the 2008-09 Editor-in-Chief, Cindy Washburn. E-mail Cindy with the subject line “FORUM.”

Brandi Boatner, Vice President of Advocacy:

As the end of the semester draws near many college campuses are having spring elections for a variety of student organizations (Student Government/Senate, Greek organizations, AMA etc). Get your Chapter involved before the semester is over and in the fall semester by promoting the FEC Initiative. Identify any and all campus elections at your college or university and encourage candidates to sign the FEC pledge stating they will uphold professional values when dealing with public trust and public opinion as they run for office.

The FEC Resource Guide covers the purpose of the Initiative, benefits and scope of the program, PRSSA/PRSA core principles, a Q&A section and a sample press release about the Initiative to send to local media. In order to track your success, the Vice President of Advocacy will provide Chapters with a tracking sheet once the program is launched on your campus. Please contact Brandi Boatner to receive this information and if you have any additional questions.

Ryan Matejka, Vice President of Chapter Development:

Join the PRSSA 40/40 Club! Donate forty team service hours recognizing the fortieth anniversary of PRSSA. Let us know how your Chapter has served your school or local community. This is an opportunity to receive national recognition for the community service your Chapter provides.

The Chapter Development Session application deadline is coming up! Send a 1-2 page outline of a 20-25 minute session involving a creative, beneficial and interesting theme. Selected sessions will present at the PRSSA 2008 National Conference in Detroit.

The National FUNdraising bowl is in its last month. Three schools have been selected and there is only one more monthly winner. Make sure your application is in for a chance to win two free registrations to the PRSSA 2008 National Conference.

Send National FUNdraising Bowl, Chapter Development Session and 40/40 Club submissions to Ryan Matejka by this Friday, April 25.

Brenda Schulze, Vice President of Public Relations:

After a year of developing your Chapter through new initiatives, ongoing programs and fundraisers, creating an annual report to document accomplishments of the past year will truly benefit current and future members. It also shows professionalism and gives credibility to your Chapter!

As the Society's 2007-2008 annual report is currently being created, I hope each Chapter sees the numerous benefits and begins crafting one as well. Go online to to view past PRSSA annual reports and keep your eye out for this year's posted soon!

Denise Kreft, Vice President of Internships and Job Services:

Do you plan on interning or working in New York City this summer? The Educational Housing Services has announced an update to its website. Among the new features on the site are a student blog and links to help residents with transportation. Take a moment to check out the new site at www.studenthousing.org

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The Public Relations Student Society of America
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