University of Cincinnati’s PRSSA

The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) was founded by its parent organization, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), in 1968. Today, PRSSA has more than 9,600 members in 284 universities across the country.  The purpose of PRSSA is to cultivate a favorable and mutually advantageous relationship between students and professional Public Relations practitioners.

Our 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

The University of Cincinnati Chapter gained their charter in 2005 and has since grown to more than 100 local members and nearly 50 National members.  The Chapter also has a growing relationship with the local Cincinnati PRSA Chapter.  Last school year, the UC Chapter sent representatives to the National Conference in Philadelphia, PA, and National Assembly in San Diego, CA.

PRSSA meetings are held monthly, featuring local PR professionals speaking on special topics in the field or professional development workshops.  If you would like to be added to our listserv for updates on meetings and events, please email ucprssa@yahoo.com.

Campaigns:

In the past few years, PRSSA has participated in real-life campaigns held on campus during the school year for an exciting and unique challenge- usually against other colleges throughout Ohio or sometimes, nationwide.  The competitions and campaigns provide PR students an excellent opportunity for professional learning experiences while enabling them to have fun and get involved on campus.  One of the most recent campaigns was for Debunkify, for which the Chapter won “Best Creative Execution”.  Our campaigns this year include:

• Donate Life Ohio- Do It Now!™ College Challenge: Competing with colleges across Ohio to see who can best reach the goal of increasing the number of designated organ, eye and tissue donors in their area.
• 2009 Bateman Case Study Competition: Presented by PRSSA, this nationwide competition gives members an opportunity to exercise the analytical skills and mature judgment required for public relations problem-solving. The Consumer Bankers Association (CBA) College Bound Aid public awareness program, Hit the Books Running…the more you know, the less you’ll owe, is this year’s client.

2008-09 Executive Board:

President- Ryan Schatzman                       shatzr@email.uc.edu

Vice President- Chris Gilbert                    gilbercr@email.uc.edu

Secretary- Nicole Merz                            merznm@email.uc.edu

Treasurer- Emily Porta                  portaem@email.uc.edu

PR Director- Jenna Stoll                           stolljs@email.uc.edu

Historian- Kelley Ujvary                           ujvarykt@email.uc.edu

Graduate Assistant:

Kelly Gade                                                   gadeka@email.uc.edu

Advisor:

Dr. Maribeth Metzler                                  metzlems@email.uc.edu