From term papers to planning: an examination of the disconnect

between planning education and practice

Mark Seasons, PhD, FCIP, RPP

School of Planning

University of Waterloo

Argument

Many new planners entering the workforce have little or no understanding of legislation or administration

Agreed! It’s sad but often true.

However, all is not lost

Some solutions to ponder

Discussion

What do new planners need to know to be efficient and effective practitioners?

How do university planning programs prepare them?

What should universities do?

What should employers do?

What planners need to knowPlanners need to know something about quite a

lot

Planners need to be good generalists and specialize in something

Ideally, need to know – and understand how to apply:Planning lawAdministrative procedures and processesFinances and economicsEnvironmental issuesUrban design, etc., etc.

How do universities prepare them?Each program has a different emphasis on content

and unique teaching style/culture

Some programs – very big on design (urban, architecture, systems, etc.)

Other programs – social science offshoot (e.g. geography, northern studies, etc.)

Some – integrative and interdisciplinary

Weakness – public administration, finance, law

Key point: while all CIP-accredited programs meet basic credential criteria, degree of emphasis varies

How do universities prepare them?Some (but not many) universities focus on small

towns and rural (e.g. Guelph)

Many located in urban areas with an urban/regional emphasis

Argument: BA/BES (Planning) better prepared than MA candidates for small town/rural practice

Tension: between traditional academic/research culture and practice/applied education

Reality: most Planning faculty have little “real world” experience; they may consult, but rarely in offices

What should universities do?Acknowledge Planning is a profession and an

academic discipline

Listen to and work with clients and end-users

Hire faculty with experience in the profession (easier said than done – the PhD requirement)

Incorporate work terms, internships, practica in curricula

Improve basics in public administration, law, finance

What should employers do?Communicate training expectations to university

planning programs – build + maintain that relationship

Work with CIP and affiliates to require practice-based education

Provide in-house skills enhancement programs

Be realistic in expectations of new planners