Pi Sigma Alpha
Recent Events
During 2010-11, the Chi Theta Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha organized several events. Last November, the Chapter sponsored a panel discussion titled “What do the 2010 election results mean?” Our panelists included Dr. Renee Buhr (POLS), Dr. Steven H. Hatting (POLS), Dr. Angela High-Pippert (POLS), Dr. Tom Mega (HIST) and Dr. Debra L. Petersen (COJO). This event was open to all members of the University of St. Thomas community.
On March 9, 2011, the Chapter held its annual initiation banquet for new members. Eight new members were initiated into Pi Sigma Alpha at the banquet, which was also attended by current Pi Sigma Alpha members and political science faculty. This highly anticipated annual event is an opportunity for students and faculty to interact with each other in an informal setting. Dr. Tom Gillaspy, Minnesota State Demographer, was chief guest at the annual banquet. Dr. Gillaspy also delivered a talk on the same day which was a great success. This event was open to all members of the University of St. Thomas community.
Finally, the chapter also organized the second annual Pi Sigma Alpha Research Paper Contest this academic year. Students majoring in Political Science were invited to submit papers to this contest and these papers were adjudicated by the Political Science faculty members. From the submissions, three winners were selected. Prizes were sponsored by Pi Sigma Alpha and winners were honored at the annual banquet. First Prize (cash award of $100) was awarded to Ashley Bailey for her paper titled, “The College Bubble: A Study of Issue Salience, Pessimism and Political Participation among College Voters”. Second Prize (cash award of $75) was awarded to Andre Audette for his paper titled, “Talking without Walking: Are College Students the Social Citizens of Politics?” Third Prize (cash award of $50) was awarded to Chris Kumpula for his paper titled, “Sharing Errors: Misdiagnosis in Intelligence Reform in the Post 9-11 Era”.
PSA banquet to initiate new members (March 2011)
History of PSA:
Founded in 1920 at the University of Texas, Pi Sigma Alpha is the national political science honor society for undergraduate and graduate students of political science. It is the third largest academic honor society in the United States, with over 460 chapters. The Chi Theta chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha was established at the University of St. Thomas in 1999.
The Chi Theta chapter was recently chosen by the national office to receive one of Pi Sigma Alpha's Best Chapter Awards. These awards are intended to recognize local chapters that are particularly active in their departments and universities and exhibit high levels of energy and creativity in furthering the goals of the honor society.
Students are eligible to join Pi Sigma Alpha if they have attained junior standing and have completed at least three political science courses and are currently enrolled in or have taken a fourth. Two of those four courses must be UST political science courses, and one of the four courses must be at least a 300-level course. Further, candidates must have maintained a 3.0 GPA in political science courses and be within the top third of their graduating class. Eligible students are invited to join Pi Sigma Alpha during the beginning of both the fall and spring semesters.
Benefits of membership in Pi Sigma Alpha include a certificate of membership as well as a medallion to wear with your cap and gown at graduation. As far as benefits to joining our chapter, we are a new and growing organization, with lots of good ideas and enthusiasm. Membership in Pi Sigma Alpha provides many opportunities for students and faculty to discuss their shared interest in the study of government and politics.
For more information see National Political Science Honor Society or contact the Pi Sigma Alpha Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Arijit Mazumdar
JRC 407
arijit_mazumdar@stthomas.edu
