Ideas shape power, and power shapes society. The question is, who gets to be part of that process? The Public Policy Student Association (PPSA) at Simon Fraser University creates a space where students confront complex social, political, and economic issues through collaboration, dialogue, and critical engagement.

What is the PPSA?

The Public Policy Student Association (PPSA) is a multidisciplinary community of undergraduate students who explore policy implications and solutions through collaboration, discussion, and engagement. While the PPSA represents the School of Public Policy and the Public Policy Minor program, it is open to all students across SFU, regardless of their faculty or area of study. As a result, the PPSA is rapidly growing into a diverse network of students with access to a wide range of programs, professors, resources, and opportunities.

Our mission is multifaceted. Each objective is designed to enhance the visibility of public policy while fostering an environment rooted in discussion, education, critical thinking, and, most importantly, a closely connected community.

Our objectives

1. Strengthen the visibility and reputation of the union and the Public Policy Minor program through outreach, marketing, and community engagement initiatives.
2. Encourage informed discussion and civic engagement on public policy, political, economic, and social issues affecting students and society.
3. Foster an inclusive and collaborative community that supports leadership development, teamwork, and student participation.
4. Strengthen the union’s role as a central hub for policy engagement, academic enrichment, and professional preparation.

As the PPSA continues to grow, it remains committed to expanding opportunities for student involvement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and meaningful engagement with policy-related issues. The association aims to evolve in response to student interests and emerging societal challenges, ensuring its programming remains relevant, accessible, and impactful. In doing so,the PPSA strives to support students academically and professionally while fostering a generation of informed and engaged contributors to public life.

What makes the PPSA unique?

What sets the PPSA apart is its multidisciplinary and open community structure. The association is not limited to students enrolled in the Public Policy Minor–it actively welcomes students from all faculties across SFU. This creates a unique environment where diverse academic backgrounds come together and examine complex issues from multiple perspectives.

PPSA members come from a diverse range of disciplines, including economics, political science, health sciences, communications, business, environmental sciences, and education. The association is also expanding its network of partnerships across SFU, working with student unions and organizations across multiple faculties and departments to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement.

Our executive team provides opportunities to explore SFU’s diverse programs for students considering their future fields of study, alongside hands-on involvement in events, initiatives, and collaborations that connect academic learning with real-world policy, leadership, and professional development experiences.

Why join the PPSA?

By joining the PPSA, students get the opportunity to engage in an interdisciplinary community while developing both academic and professional skills. Members gain exposure to diverse fields of study, build meaningful connections with peer, faculty, and professionals, and participate in our events.

Some PPSA Events Include:

• Policy Workshops

Interactive sessions designed to build students’ understanding of public policy concepts, tools, and real-world applications. These workshops may include case studies, policy analysis exercises, and group discussions that help students develop practical, analytical skills.

• Career Nights

A Career Night is a professional development event that connects students with professionals in public policy and related fields such as government, non-profits, consulting, and the private sector. Students gain insight into different career paths, required skills, and post-graduation opportunities while engaging in networking and discussion.

• Study Session

Collaborative academic support events where students can work together on coursework, share resources, and strengthen their understanding of policy-related material in a supportive environment.

• Social Events

Community-building events that allow students to connect in a relaxed environment. These may include mixers, game nights, or casual meetups that strengthen relationships within the PPSA community.

How to join the PPSA

Joining the PPSA is simple and open to all SFU students. Students can become members by signing up through our registration form and following our official communication channels for updates on events, opportunities, and initiatives. From there, members are encouraged to attend events, participate in discussions, engage in executive meetings, and stay active in our Discord community.

Students interested in joining the PPSA executive team can run for a position during our annual or bi-election recruitment periods. The process typically involves submitting a short application outlining your interest, experience, and the role you are applying for. Running for a position is a valuable opportunity to develop leadership experience, shape PPSA initiatives, and play an active role in building the student policy community at SFU. Additionally, executive members are eligible for Co-Curricular Record (CCR) recognition, which helps strengthen their experience and articulate the impact of their contributions.