Formed in 1920, Pi Sigma Alpha is the National Political Science Honor Society. Students who have taken a) at least four political science courses at Wake Forest, b) have a 3.3 GPA in those courses, and c) have a 3.0 overall are eligible for membership. Wake Forest’s Nu Zeta chapter has been active since 1981, acknowledging academic achievement while also furthering the interests of its members and the Department of Politics and International Affairs through a variety of activities.
Each year the society hosts a variety of events. Past events have included forums on graduate school and internship opportunities. In previous years, the organization has also sponsored receptions welcoming newly declared majors and encouraging faculty-student interaction. Pi Sigma Alpha partnered with College Democrats and Republicans to host a campus debate before the 2012 presidential election. Additionally, the society co-hosted a presidential debate viewing event for students. Every spring, Pi Sigma Alpha holds an induction banquet to honor new members and present them with their certificate of membership. At this time students are also honored for their contribution to academic papers, assistance to the Department of Politics and International Affairs, and attendance at academic conferences.
The officers for the 2012-2013 academic year are Emily Earle (President), Thomas Walker (Vice President) and Ken Meyer (Secretary).
The faculty advisor for Pi Sigma Alpha is Professor John Dinan.
PSA Initiative: Connecting Students and Alumni
Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society began an initiative with Mr. Karl Haigler (Class of 1970) and his wife, Rae Nelson, to provide career insight to students majoring in Politics and International Affairs. Utilizing Mr. Haigler and his wife’s fourteen years of combined experience in federal and state policy positions, the project exposes students to the options available to them outside of Wake Forest. In unison with the Department of Politics and International Affairs, the Pi Sigma Alpha initiative will offer students a broader perspective on occupations and internships within the public service sector.
Mr. Haigler believes that this student-alumni initiative will develop “a long-term relationship with both the students and faculty of the Politics and International Affairs department as part of a growing network of alumni and friends who share interests in American public policy, civic engagement, and leadership.” Pi Sigma Alpha is excited about this opportunity to work with Mr. Haigler and his wife and looks forward to building further relationships with alumni of the Politics and International Affairs Department.
Click here for internship and job contacts in the field of public policy. Please email Dr. John Dinan for the password to the database.
Helpful links for job/internship search:
http://career.opcd.wfu.edu/find-an-internship/
http://career.opcd.wfu.edu/find-an-internship/where-to-look-for-an-internship/
http://career.opcd.wfu.edu/find-a-full-time-job-2/
http://career.opcd.wfu.edu/write-a-resume-or-cover-letter/
Other helpful links:
http://career.opcd.wfu.edu/find-your-major-or-career/political-science/