HiPO

The University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation's non-profit Historic Preservation Organization (HiPO) was founded by historic preservation graduate students in 2004.

HiPO seeks to enhance the historic preservation graduate program by providing lectures, site visits, and social events for its students. Brown-bag lunches held throughout the academic year provide contacts in the preservation field, exposure to current preservation topics and issues, as well as insight on future job opportunities. Site visits throughout the metropolitan Washington, DC area provide first-hand preservation education and historical knowledge. Departmental gatherings help create a comfortable environment and facilitate a close working group of peers; these events also facilitate interaction with students in other programs in the School such as planning and architecture.

While it is an academic association committed to scholastic excellence, HiPO's low-key, relaxed atmosphere allows first- and second-year students to interact and have fun while learning. Members in the organization work closely with the faculty and administration to address curricular, social, and service issues, as well as provide a "face" for the academic program.