Political science has always been and continues to be at the forefront of modern society. It plays an integral role in the lives of people across the nation from picturesque, small towns to bustling cities and even lively college communities. In recent years, there has been an influx of hungry, new political parties and figures breaking into the scene; this year the University gained an important new addition: the Political Science Society.
The Political Science Society is a group of individuals who are passionate about the inner-workings of government and politics on a local, state, national and international level. The club acts as a liaison between students and the Political Science department while serving as a hub for rising leaders and activists who are looking to harness their unique abilities in the world of diplomacy. The skills these students learn to harness through the organization will help guide them to their future careers as figureheads of society.
The idea for the club began last year when University students recognized the need for a safe space to talk about the current political atmosphere. Political Science Society President Kate Ketterer said, “We thought that students deserve to place to talk about their political opinions perhaps outside the classroom setting.” Since the current political climate continues to escalate at such a rapid rate, the club feels students should use their voices to spread awareness about the most pressing issues in society. Furthermore, they encourage students to interact with people outside their friend groups who have diverse and differing political opinions.
Community engagement is also an important part of the Political Science Society. The club includes the next generation of politicians, diplomats and activists which means that community outreach is paramount to success. Since the University has such a diverse population of students, the society is dedicated to making sure that every student feels heard and valued.
Raising awareness about the society and the politics that play a part in the everyday lives of students and faculty are two of the group’s main goals for the upcoming school year and beyond. When more students join, it cultivates an atmosphere of acceptance and respect. Students will have the opportunity to listen and understand one another’s opinions which may lead to an educational community that is more aware of the world around them. In order to raise more awareness, the club has created and maintained an active Instagram account. The group posts about significant diplomatic events happening around campus and highlights the political perspectives of students both in and out of the organization. University students can follow them @pace_pss.
For those who are wondering if Political Science Society is an exclusive organization meant only for political science majors, rest assured that the club welcomes all students. The club holds bi-weekly meetings on Mondays in room W521 from 9:10 p.m. to 10:10 p.m. The group stresses that all opinions are welcome and respected and encourage everyone to get involved. They also ask that existing members of the club bring their friends to each meeting and spread the word throughout the University.
Although the Political Science Society is primarily focused on government and politics, the group is planning several other events for new and lasting members. One of them will be a schedule planning event where students are welcome to get to know one another, enjoy a delicious meal and plan their schedules for next semester. They are also in the process of planning a holiday party towards the end of the semester in celebration of a successful first semester on campus. For potential members hoping to get a taste of life as a politician, the club is planning a trip to Washington, D.C. next semester. University students who attend the trip will get the opportunity to visit the major museums, the iconic monuments and even the seasonal cherry blossoms that accentuate the Potomac Waterfront every spring.
Ever since becoming an active student organization on campus, the Political Science Society has already become involved with several activities around the school. One event that took the campus by storm was the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol event that took place on Oct. 18 in response to the University’s actions.
In a letter to Career Services, the Dean of Students, and the President of the University, the Political Science Society expressed their extreme disapproval of the decision to invite U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to recruit students for jobs and internships through campus resources. Following the release of the letter, the University held a webinar where students could speak and share their opinions. Although the decision to include U.S. Customs and Border Patrol still stands, the Political Science Society and the Student Government Association continue to fight for the beliefs and safety of the students. Despite the conflict, the University’s relationship with the Political Science Society will not change moving forward.
Ketterer explained, “Our relationship with the University and it’s administration is, and has always been as follows: the University and it’s administration can always count on PSS to bring to light the concerns of the students.”
The Webinar Forum is just one of the many events that the society intends to take part in. The Political Science Society plans to continue as an active part of the University community. They will work tirelessly to ensure that every student in the halls of the University feels safe, valued, heard and respected.
