Life Outside the Classroom

PASA is composed of the entire Glenn graduate student body, and conducts regular professional development, social and community service programming to foster a sense of community and mutual support among classmates. Some regular PASA events throughout the academic year include Career Conversations, happy hours, the Glenn Gala, and weekend service events. PASA leadership is made up of elected, appointed, and volunteer graduate student representatives that serve as liaison between the students, faculty, and staff of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. As a graduate student in the Glenn College, you are automatically considered a member of PASA. While active attendance at meetings and participation in events is encouraged, there are no requirements to maintain membership!

Within the Glenn College, PAMSO helps develop and foster community, inspire service, and build awareness about multicultural issues or topics in Public Affairs. Guest speakers, volunteer opportunities, membership meetings, and connection help enhance the student experience through culturally centered programming and cross-cultural interactions.

The ICMA Student Chapter is an organization designed to introduce undergraduate and graduate students to the local government management profession. Events are organized throughout the year to facilitate networking between members and professional managers throughout the state. The cornerstone of the chapter is the nationally recognized Shadowing Program that offers students the chance to shadow Ohio city managers for real‐life, field experience in local government.

The Council of Graduate Students (CGS) is the official branch of student government that represents every graduate student on campus and its main purpose is to work towards continual improvement of the graduate student experience at Ohio State. CGS Officers and Delegates serve as advocates during university policy-making decisions. It has competitive funding programs and "graduate-only" social events support the personal and professional development of any graduate student.

The university's most involved and notable students participate in executive level functions of the university by serving as delegates to the Council or as senators to the University Senate. Glenn College students have done quite well in filling these positions. CGS delegates are elected from every graduate program and are responsible for communicating concerns and representing the opinions and interests of their constituents at their monthly meetings. Great delegates serve as key contacts and sources of information for the students within their departments.

University Senators are elected from each of 10 academic areas and are responsible for crafting, debating and voting on legislation that governs the university through committees and regular meetings of the Senate. Senators should strive to be aware of the issues affecting their college and to fully understand the impact of policies that are enacted by the Senate.

Students are encouraged to join professional associations in relevant career fields of interest to them. For example, some students have chosen to join Ohio Women in Government (OWIG), Ohio City/County Management Association (OCMA), Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM), American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), the Central Ohio Chapter of ASPA, American Planning Association (APA), National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO) and the National League of Cities (NLC).

Below are links to websites that include opportunities for getting involved on campus:

• Student Activities/Ohio Union (Discount tickets/student organizations, and activities)
• Student Organizations
• OUAB Grad/Prof Student Committee (Programming specifically for graduate and professional students)
• Wexner Center for the Arts
• Athletic Events and Teams
• Recreation Facility and Sports
• Office of International Affairs (Programs and services)

Below are links to various activities and events in Columbus

• Experience Columbus (guide for events)
• Columbus Commons (riverfront park, restaurants, and entertainment)
• The Short North (shopping and restaurants)
• Arena District (sporting events, concerts, restaurants)
• North Market and Farmer’s Markets
• Gateway (shopping, restaurants, movies)
• Columbus Blue Jackets (Hockey)
• Columbus Clippers (Baseball)
• Columbus Crew (Soccer)
• Columbus Fury (Volleyball)
• Easton Mall and Polaris Fashion Place (shopping, entertainment, and restaurants)
• Columbus Zoo
• Columbus Museum of Art
• COSI (Center of Science and Industry)
• Franklin Park Conservatory and Columbus Metro Parks