USU political science group named best in the nation
For three out of the last seven years, Utah State University’s Pi Sigma Alpha chapter has received the Best Chapter award.
Pi Sigma Alpha has been located at the university since 1962 and has been offering opportunities for students to advance and achieve in the political science arena.
It was founded at the University of Texas in 1920 and has spread throughout the United States. There are currently 621 chapters established at universities and colleges, its national Web site stated.
The purpose of the organization is “to stimulate scholarship and intelligent interest in political science,” according to the site.
Some of those involved in the orginzation say this is exactly what the Utah State chapter has done.
“Pi Sigma Alpha provides experience to high-achieving students,” said William Furlong, an adviser for the group and professor in the political science department. “Our members get the chance to meet with high-quality individuals and learn from them.”
Each year, they bring two or three guest speakers to share their experience or insight with members, he said.
“We invite people who will share their insight with our students. Recently, we had an individual from the Middle East share what it was like politically over there,” Furlong said.
In addition to the visiting lecturers, the group also focuses on broadening the scope and understanding of members through other activities, he said.
From a summary of the 2004-05 school year, the organization lists activities ranging from conducting exit polls in conjunction with other Utah chapters to a publicity campaign.
The chapter was present at the annual Day on the Quad. They also managed a booth at A-Day, which he said allowed them to actively recruit other students.
“We have students who come into this organization and do extremely well with themselves,” Furlong said. “We have a student who is presently at John Hopkins and another working with Harry Reid, a senator from Nevada and the Senate Democrat leader.”
Pi Sigma Alpha is designed and specified as a national political science honor society, and is registered with the Association of College Honor Societies. It is designated “as a ‘Specialized, Upper-Division’ society by ACHS,” states the national Web site.
In addition to the many events held by the group, members have the opportunity to research various topics and present papers for recognition and publication.
Students can compete for awards and prizes by writing papers on political issues.
Recently, Pi Sigma Alpha was responsible in the research conducted on the Golden Key Honor Society and its real function as a national honor organization, Furlong said.
Currently, there are about 10-40 members who attend meetings and there is always something for them to learn, he said.
“Depending on the activity, we see a difference in the numbers. When there is going to be a speaker coming, we get around 40 people. When the pizza is involved, we hope for around 10. It helps to keep the budget good,” Furlong said, jokingly.
Unlike some organizations, the budget for Pi Sigma Alpha is helped along by the national organization, Furlong said. Most of the money sent to headquarters is returned to help in the running of the group.
The national organization requires a minimum grade level in political science-specific classes. The university also has the option of upping that standard.
Currently, an applicant is required to have 12 hours of political science courses and a 3.2 GPA in the department.
“We want the best out of these students and they often don’t let us down,” Furlong said.
-nebulter@cc.usu.edu