Dorothy Sewe
Aids Refugee Relocation Efforts
Study Abroad
Political Science students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of GVSU's many study abroad opportunities.
Click here for our helpful Study Abroad Guide for PLS
Also, check out GVSU's Padnos International Center an incredible resource for students contemplating study abroad.
The GVSU Political Science department has recently developed a GVSU Partnership Student Exchange program with two universities in Perugia, Italy, the sister city of Grand Rapids. Students are expected to have completed the equivalent of four semesters of Italian language to participate. Click here for more information.
PLS Alumni Spotlights
Ted Woodcock
City Planner/Zoning Administrator for the City of Norton Shores, Michigan
Amanda Fortino
Director of Leadership Giving at Farm Sanctuary
Patrick Miller
Teaching at United States Military Academy
Megan Koops Fisher
Community Outreach Program Manager for Ready for School
News
Robach attends the National Conference of the World Affairs Council as a Student Scholar
Olivia Robach (PLS and IR double major) earned a scholarship to join student scholars from around the US to attend the annual conference of the World Affairs Council in Washington, DC in November 2025.
Dec 3, 2025
Kilburn Publishes New Book
This spring, Dr. Whitt Kilburn, Associate Professor of Political Science at Grand Valley State University, published Introduction to Political Analysis in R through Chapman and Hall/CRC.
Sep 12, 2025
PLS and IR Alumni Starting Law School
PLS alum William Thompson is attending law school at the University of Michigan
Sep 12, 2025
Diven Honored with Award
Professor Polly Diven received the 2025 Hillman-Orr Award from the World Affairs Council of West Michigan.
Jun 23, 2025
Avabella Madison awarded the Batchelder Political Science Scholarship
The Political Science Department is pleased to recognize Avabella Madison as our Batchelder Scholar for the 2025-2026 academic year.
May 13, 2025
Events
GVSU Occupational Therapy Department's Summer Speaker Series - session 1 - RSVP
June 10, 2026 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
For our 30-year anniversary of the Occupational Science & Therapy department, we are hosting a Summer Speaker Series. Our first guest speaker will be Denise Hoffman, Michigan's Occupational...
GVSU Day at Kalamazoo Growlers and Bell's Brewery Tour
June 11, 2026 5:30 PM
Enjoy an evening of baseball, food, beverages, and Laker connections as the Kalamazoo Growlers take on the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders. It is also Military Appreciation Night, and you can enjoy a post-game...
From Skill to Business: Trades, Food, and Service Entrepreneurs
June 17, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
FROM SKILL TO BUSINESS: TRADES, FOOD, AND SERVICE ENTREPRENEURS Wednesday, June 17th | Northwest Activities Center | 4:00pm – 6:00pm Facilitator: Vaughn Arrington, President of Human...
Alumni Webinar: Ask an Advisor with Katie Cwiakala and Meghan Veltri
June 23, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Join us for a virtual “Ask an Advisor” session designed specifically for alumni seeking general career support and guidance. This open Q&A format offers the opportunity to ask questions...
Laker Summer Social in Traverse City
June 23, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
President Philomena V. Mantella and Shannon Owen, director for the GVSU Northern Region, invite alumni, parents, and friends of Grand Valley State University to the Laker Summer Social. Enjoy...