Student Organizations

Student organizations are a great way to get involved in the LBJ School and broader UT community. LBJ School student organizations are open to all LBJ students. 

Sponsored Student Orgs

Graduate Public Affairs Council (GPAC)
The Graduate Public Affairs Council (GPAC) is the university-recognized student government body of the LBJ School. GPAC's purpose is to serve the students of the LBJ community. GPAC facilitates student initiatives; fosters discussion and decision-making; and represents and engages in advocacy on behalf of students and their concerns.

Registered Student Orgs

The Alexander Hamilton Society
The Alexander Hamilton Society is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting constructive debate on basic principles and contemporary issues in foreign, economic and national security policy. Each semester, AHS brings in numerous highly respected policy experts to discuss and debate foreign policy and global issues with UT professors.

Alliance for Energy Policy (AEP)
The Alliance for Energy Policy (AEP) seeks a multidisciplinary approach to meeting our energy needs. Energy presents one of the biggest policy challenges facing the United States, and an all-out effort is required to secure the future. Across the UT campus, AEP hosts and sponsors events to help all students plug into the energy revolution. Be it oil and gas exploration, nuclear energy, renewable energy research, energy efficiency or distributed generation, AEP seeks input from all important stakeholders in the energy field.

The Baines Report
The Baines Report is an approved LBJ student organization composed of and governed by students of the LBJ School of Public Affairs. The Report is dedicated to publishing student op-eds, blogs and media related to current policy.

Criminal Justice Student Coalition (CJSC)
The Criminal Justice Student Coalition is an organization dedicated to supporting graduate students from all corners of UT Austin with an interest in criminal justice issues and policy. We are an inclusive coalition that aims to unite students through opportunities to engage in justice-related research, service, and politics in Austin and nationwide.

Feminist Policy Alliance (FPA)
The Feminist Policy Alliance is an inclusive community for LBJ School students focusing on policy issues affecting women. FPA brings education and advocacy to the LBJ School, the University and the Austin community.

Pride Policy Alliance
The Pride Policy Alliance is an inclusive LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual +) organization. We aim to increase the visibility of LGBTQIA+ issues at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, create community, and advocate for policies that advance equality at the LBJ School, UT and the greater Austin community. While focusing on the queer community, we welcome all to participate in our programming. PPA is a part of the UT Austin Gender and Sexuality Center Affiliate Program and organizes social, advocacy and educational events throughout the semester.

Policy Alliance for Communities of Color (PACC)
The mission of the Policy Alliance for Communities of Color (PACC) is to promote awareness and understanding of policy issues affecting communities of color by initiating dialogue, activities and programs within the LBJ School community. PACC's programming endeavors to reach out to the LBJ student body, the greater UT campus and the community of Austin.

Social Policy Network of Students and Alumni (SPN)
Reducing poverty and social and health inequities is a big reason many students enter public affairs, and why they specifically come to the LBJ School. The LBJ Social Policy Network (SPN) encourages all students and alumni whose interests and work intersect with the myriad of interconnected social policy issues to be a part of SPN and their sponsoring research center, the Center for Health and Social Policy (CHASP). Social policy includes issues related to: social mobility, public education, criminal justice, early childhood, child welfare, food insecurity, mental health, healthcare, aging and more.

Technology and Innovation Policy Society (TIPS)
Austin is a hub for technology, and UT has a history of supporting tech innovation. The Technology and Innovation Policy Society (TIPS) is for students interested in exploring how technology can be applied to public policy issues. TIPS works to connect students with faculty and professionals in tech policy through professional networking, speaker series and events in Austin. Activities include: dinner with tech policy professionals, technical workshops, campus/company visits, publishing of student work and interactive panels.

Unidos
The LBJ School's first Latino organization, the student-run Unidos is proud to be sponsored by Dr. Angela Valenzuela, a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy at The University of Texas at Austin. The founding of this organization reflects a growing Latino population among the school's more than 300 students. Unidos believes Latino students have unique perspectives and needs that should inform the school's culture and goals and serves as a platform for student leaders to advocate for solutions that enable Latino students to thrive.

Veterans in Public Policy
Veterans in Public Policy assists former service members' transition to civilian life. The group values all types of military service, no matter the occupational specialty or length of commitment. The community bolsters togetherness and belonging by helping each other navigate new professional spheres through counseling, academic assistance and networking. Via monthly get-togethers and activities, the group will develop friendship, familial togetherness and social inclusivity—traits common in the military but uncommon elsewhere.


Learn more about the difference between sponsored and registered student organizations.