PRSSA

In 1968, 20 years after its own establishment, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) founded the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). The declared purpose of PRSSA is to cultivate a favorable and mutually advantageous relationship between students and professional public relations practitioners.

The student society aims to foster the following:

•  Understanding of current theories and procedures of the profession
•  Appreciation of the highest ethical ideals and principles
•  Awareness of an appropriate professional attitude
•  Appreciation of Associate Membership in PRSA and eventually accredited membership

Today, the Public Relations Student Society of America has more than 8,000 members in 248 chapters on college campuses across the country.

PRSSA Mission

To serve our members by enhancing their knowledge of public relations and providing access to professional development opportunities;

To serve the public relations profession by helping to develop highly qualified, well-prepared professionals.

PRSSA Structure

PRSSA Headquarters - The Society's headquarters is located in New York City, under the direction of the PRSSA director and other support staff.

National Committee - The PRSSA National Committee is comprised of 14 members: the National President, the Immediate Past President, six Vice Presidents, the FORUM Editor-in-Chief, the National Webmaster, the PRSA Board Liaison, the PRSSA Director, the National Faculty Advisor and the National Professional Advisor. The student members are elected (National President and Vice Presidents) or appointed (FORUM Editor-in-Chief and National Webmaster) at the National Assembly and serve a one-year term from June 1 to May 31 of the following year. As a member of the society, you have the opportunity to run for an office on the National Committee; not only is this a phenomenal leadership development opportunity, but you will also be contributing to the continual success of PRSSA. [more information]

PRSSA Communications

PRSSA provides dozens of media for communication between individual members and the Society's national leadership. Please take advantage of these resources to stay abreast of the many opportunities made available to you through your membership. Here are some ways to connect with PRSSA's leadership:

The PRSSA Web site is the information link between the National Committee and local chapters. Members should turn to the site as their first source for PRSSA information, as most every document that is mailed to chapters is published online. In addition to important PRSSA news and information, the site provides professional development resources such as job and internship listings, links to other public relations resources, and contact information for other PRSSA chapters.

Association with PRSA

An underlying strength of PRSSA is its relationship with its parent society, PRSA. You will often hear people say that public relations is about 'who you know.' And PRSA is the 'who' to know. With more than 20,000 members in 124 chapters in the major PR markets of America, the PRSA/PRSSA partnership offers you a vast network of potential employers.

PRSA Associate Membership - Taking part in the PRSA Associate Membership program is the greatest benefit offered to PRSSA’s members. As a graduate and member of PRSSA you have the opportunity to become an Associate Member of PRSA for only $60 per year. Associate Membership can be held for only two years and at the special rate. [more information]

PRSA Relationship Building - Each PRSSA chapter has a parent PRSA chapter. As a member, you have the opportunity to be invited to PRSA events, including monthly luncheons and meetings, at little cost. These events open a world of networking and learning.