There are a number of professional organizations that support and provide guidance
for the disciplines of geography and planning. The national geography professional
organization is the
American Association of Geographers (AAG) which holds an annual conference during the spring of each year (see our home page
under 'News and Upcoming Events' for this year's conference location). West Chester
University department faculty have held prestigious positions in the AAG. The
Biogeography Specialty Group of the AAG promotes interactions between biogeographers, stimulates active research
and tests development in biogeography, and facilitates the exchange of ideas.
The Middle States Division is the regional professional organization of the AAG. The annual meetings are held
in the fall of each academic year. The regional meetings are accessible to students
who have both presented research papers and participated in the Geography Bowl as
well as benefited from interaction with other Geography faculty and students. West
Chester University's Geography faculty are past officers and presidents of the MSAAG.
There is a local chapter of the AAG, the Delaware Valley Geographical Association (DVGA), which has more than a 50-year history of bringing the discipline's leaders to speak
at the fall and spring dinner meetings, and memorable field trips. Many of the AAG
past presidents have spoken to the DVGA, which is a great opportunity for students
to attend a professional event to meet other geography faculty and students. The spring
dinner is also an awards ceremony where the top geography students of the departments
in the Delaware Valley receive recognition for their achievements.
The American Planning Association (APA) provides national leadership for planning professionals and academics. The APA national
conference is held in the spring. The state chapter is the Pennsylvania Planning Association (PA APA) which holds an annual conference in the fall. The local chapter, the Southeast Section Council, regularly organizes and sponsors interesting programs some of which offer professional
development credits. West Chester University faculty have been elected to serve on
the Southeast Section Council.
There are two additional professional organizations that provide leadership and guidance
to the discipline of geography. The Pennsylvania Geographical Society (PGS) has as its mission to promote the discipline of geography in Pennsylvania and holds
its annual meeting during the fall and the National Council for Geographic Education works to enhance the status and quality of geography teaching and learning.
