The Political Science Association

The purpose of the Political Science Association is to provide interested political science students with the opportunity to engage in discussions of political issues, to assist students in learning about political science careers, and to encourage student participation in political activities. This group is open to all majors and minors of Political Science as well as any other students interested in Political Science. In essence, you need not be a major or minor to join the PSA.

It is also a great way to meet others who share an interest in Political Science. Though the organization attempts to analyze events from an objective viewpoint, individual political views inevitably present themselves and have in the past led to some very productive informal debates on the implications of certain events. Thus, this organization should appeal to anyone seeking to analyze events (such as the 2008 Presidential election or the ongoing crisis of Somali pirates) and debate them in an informal setting.

Additionally, the PSA has organized and participated in many events that aim to inform the general student body about various issues in the world of politics. In addition to our monthly bulletin boards (examples include a brief introduction to the 2008 Presidential candidates and various boards devoted to international crises), we have participated in or planned:

  • Constitution Day programming in September 2005, 2006, and 2008.
  • Talks or presentations about careers in Political Science.
  • Issue-based panel discussions with faculty presenters, such as the Spring 2008 panel discussion titled “CNN Doesn’t Have All the Answers: Examining the Elections,” and the Fall 2008 presentation on the Economic Crisis (a joint venture with the EIU Economics Club).
  • Relay for Life in 2008 
  • Attendance at the 2008 Annual Conference of the Illinois Political Science Association, including the presentation of a paper by a PSA member.

The PSA typically meets every week, and dates, times and locations of the meetings are announced in classes and posted throughout Coleman Hall. Once again, the organization is open to anyone who is interested in politics, both domestic and international.

Any student interested in joining may contact the Faculty Advisor, Dr. Richard Wandling or the Executive Board of the PSA:

Nathan Polak (President):
Michael Baird (Vice President):

Click here to view the Political Science Association newsletter (Fall 2008).

Click here to view the first newsletter (Spring 2008 PSA Newsletter)!