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 students of Political Science as well as any other
students interested in Political Science. 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 race or Kosovo’s declaration of independence) 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 a board devoted to International “hot spots” such as Kosovo and Tibet), we
have participated in or planned:
*Constitution Day programming in September 2005 and 2006
*Talks or presentations about careers in Political Science
*Issue-based panel discussions with faculty presenters, such as the most recent panel
discussion titled “CNN Doesn’t Have All the Answers: Examining the Elections.”
*Relay for Life in 2008
*The ”Rock the Vote” voters’ awareness concert 2008
The PSA typically meets every week on Wednesday at 5pm in Coleman Hall room
2140. 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 (rawandling@eiu.edu) or the Executive Board of the PSA:
Nathan Polak (President): nmpolak@eiu.edu
Michael Baird (Vice President): mpbaird@eiu.edu
Allisyn Gray (Treasurer): amgray@eiu.edu
Nick Wingard (Secretary): nkwingard@eiu.edu
