Want to make a difference for the next generation of landscape architects?
The Southern California Chapter of ASLA is looking for our next Student Liaison to join our Executive Committee and serve as the connection between the Chapter, our student chapters, and the faculty who support them. This is volunteer leadership position open to a “Full Member”—and a great opportunity to build relationships, strengthen your professional network, gain Board experience, and help shape the student experience across Southern California.
What does the Student Liaison do?
Think of this role as part connector, part cheerleader and part facilitator for our student chapters.
You would:
🤝 Build relationships with student chapter presidents, faculty advisors and university representatives at Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, UCLA and USC.
📣 Keep students connected to ASLA SoCal opportunities, programs, events and resources.
👋 Welcome new student leaders each year and help them understand how their university chapter connects with ASLA SoCal
🗺️ Create a simple student leadership network, making it easy for student leaders at different universities to connect, share ideas and collaborate.
📅 Attend monthly SoCal Executive Committee meetings and serve as the student voice on the ExCom.
🎓 Visit student chapters when possible, attending an introductory meeting or event at each university.
🚌 Co-host the annual Student Board Field Trip—a “by invitation only’ opportunity for students from across Southern California to meet one another and experience the profession together.
🏆 Coordinate the Student Honor & Merit Awards, including helping select juries, coordinating jury day, facilitating the scoring process, preparing award materials and presenting awards alongside the SoCal Chapter President.
📸 Help showcase student accomplishments through the SoCal website and social media.
💡 Encourage collaboration between schools through shared lectures, office visits, field trips, ideas, photographs and other opportunities.
What does the year look like?
The role has a steady rhythm throughout the year, with a few busier periods around student awards and the annual field trip. Early in the school year, the focus is on connecting with faculty and student leaders and getting everyone off to a good start.
January brings preparation for the Student Honor & Merit Awards, followed by jury coordination and award presentations during the spring and fall. And in April 2027, we’ll bring student leaders together for the annual Student Board Field Trip.
You won’t be doing it alone. SoCal ExCom members, the chapter Executive Director, former student liaisons, and university faculty advisors will be important partners throughout the year.
Why take on the role?
Because students are the future of our profession—and they should have a voice in ASLA today!
By connecting students with one another, with practicing professionals and with ASLA, we can build stronger relationships, encourage leadership and create a greater sense of community across our universities.
If you enjoy connecting people, organizing meaningful experiences and helping students find their place in the profession, this could be a great role for you.
🌿 Interested in becoming our next Student Liaison? Reach out to (communications@socal-asla.org) to learn more about the role and how you can get involved.
Help us build the bridge between today’s profession and tomorrow’s landscape architects.
