Pi Sigma Alpha

Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, was established at the University of Texas in 1920. It is the only national honor society for college and university students of government. There are currently 621 chapters of Pi Sigma Alpha around the United States, including the Kappa Phi chapter at Grand Valley State University. https://www.apsanet.org/~psa/

Initiation into to Pi Sigma Alpha is a prestigious award for upper division students who have demonstrated consistent excellence in political science and related majors and minors. Initiation into Pi Sigma Alpha also establishes one's eligibility to participate in Pi Sigma Alpha scholarship and internship grant programs, and to publish research in the Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics. For information about eligibility requirements and campus activities contact Paul J. Cornish, Advisor to the Kappa Phi chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, at (616) 331-3502 or [email protected].

PLS Alumni Spotlights

Alex Houseman Spotlight

Alex Houseman

Lobbyist, Obsidian Advocacy Group

Selma Tucker Spotlight

Selma Tucker

Principal, GSO Solutions

Jacob Johnston Spotlight

Jacob Johnston

Grant Writer and Case Manager

Erion Veliaj Spotlight

Erion Veliaj

Mayor of Tirana, Albania

Richard Damstra Spotlight

Richard Damstra

Special Advisor to the Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy, NATO

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News

Robach attends the National Conference of the World Affairs Council as a Student Scholar

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

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 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

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

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

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Events

Campus Conversation- IMPACTS OF CHANGE- How is Everyone Doing? (INT 100/201 Approved)

February 4, 2026 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Sharing our Perspectives and Experiences  EVENT REGISTRATION At this moment in our country and world, change is happening at a rapid pace. Some are excited by what they see as positive movement...

Fellowships Information Session: Planning to apply for the Gilman? Exploring Fulbright? Interested in the NSF Goldwater for students planning on graduate research in STEM? Curious about fellowship opportunities generally?

February 10, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Welcome! Join us to explore the world of nationally competitive fellowships. Planning to apply for the Gilman to help defray the cost of GVSU undergraduate study abroad? Exploring Fulbright or another...

Real Talk: Social Sciences Edition

February 10, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Gain inside information on career paths, resumes, interviewing, networking, and other career-related concepts that you can start using TODAY as a student by rotating between stations led by GVSU alumni...

Alumni Webinar: Burnout Proof Your Career with Kali Wolken

February 11, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Every year, more employees report experiencing some form of burnout. Despite all the predictions of how technology would alleviate the stress we all feel, people are more overwhelmed than ever. So...

Drop-In Days of Service

February 13, 2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Drop-in Days of Service are on-campus opportunities for students to "drop in" and complete service projects for service hours.  Click here for additional information

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Page last modified June 21, 2018