Students in the Bush School have a rich set of opportunities from which to choose, both within the School and among a host of Texas A&M student organizations, where they can pursue a range of interests and projects. The School’s Public Service Organization, Student Government Association, the Public Servant newsletter and “Bushwhacker Athletics” are just some of the ways students serve and gain valuable experience in leadership, communication, and team building — all of which enhance their educational experience while also benefiting the public. Through these organizations and other volunteer opportunities, students demonstrate their desire to serve their School, their community, and their country.
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University has a long tradition of valuing “the other education,” the learning and insights that come from participation in student activities and student life. Students in the Bush School have a wide range of opportunities to become involved in University life, in addition to student organizations at the Bush School.
Search for TAMU Organizations
Professional Organizations
American Society for Public Administration (ASPA)
- All public administration students are strongly encouraged to join the American Society for Public Administration, or ASPA, the leading professional association in the field. ASPA offers numerous opportunities to network with other public servants and provides a forum for the practicing professional working in the same field. ASPA offers 19 national special-interest sections, which address a variety of public administration issues. With a diverse membership made up of more than 10,000 practitioners, faculty, and students, ASPA has become the primary venue for linking theory and practice within the field of public administration.
- More on ASPA
National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA)
- The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration, or NASPAA, is an institutional membership organization, which exists to promote excellence in public service education. The membership includes 245 U.S. university programs in public affairs, public policy, public administration, and nonprofit management. Each year special student research programs are presented at the NASPAA annual conference, and they provide resources for current and prospective students interested in public affairs and administration.
- More on NASPAA
Pi Alpha Alpha
- Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA) is the national honor society formed to recognize and promote excellence in the study and practice of public affairs and administration. In its constitution, the organization dedicates itself to
- encouraging and recognizing outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in public affairs and administration,
- promoting the advancement of education and practice in the art and science of public affairs and administration, and
- fostering integrity, professionalism, and creative performance in the conduct of governmental and related public service activities.
- PAA membership identifies those with the highest performance levels in educational programs, preparing them for public service careers. PAA honorary membership identifies those whose careers have best advanced the ideals of “integrity, professionalism, and creative performance” in public service.
- The mission of PAA is advanced through the national organization and through the work of local Pi Alpha Alpha chapters established by collegiate programs in public affairs and administration and affiliated with the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. The Bush School PAA chapter holds an induction ceremony once a year in the spring semester to recognize outstanding student accomplishments, which typically include a 3.7 GPA or higher after at least 50% of coursework is complete.
- More on Pi Alpha Alpha
Association of Fundraising Professional (AFP) – Collegiate Chapter
- A newly established chapter with Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) was developed in the spring of 2018. Through Bush School student leadership, the chapter will reach out to undergraduate students who may have an interest in development and philanthropy. The group will be a recognized student organization of Texas A&M University. Activities will include inviting professional speakers and organizing an annual fundraising event.
