Student Organizations in Political Science and Public Administration

Graduate sooner. Earn a higher GPA. Enjoy a better college experience with a broader network. Student organizations provide these benefits and more.

Amnesty International at CMU

Amnesty International at CMU (AI-CMU) is the student group for Amnesty International at CMU, providing awareness and activism opportunities for Chippewas who love human rights! For more information, visit the Amnesty International website. For additional information, contact our faculty advisor Dr. Prakash Adhikari.

International City/County Management Association

The Central Michigan University Student Chapter of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) encourages student scholarship relevant to the quality of local government as achieved through the professional management of local public services. The chapter promotes the advancement of student knowledge about public service management by supporting student explorations of the ways public services are delivered on behalf of local communities. The chapter fosters student appreciation for integrity, professionalism and creative performance in the management of local governmental and related public service activities. Membership in the chapter is open to all Central Michigan University students in good standing academically who are interested in local government and the management of local public services. We welcome undergraduates and graduate students. For additional information, contact our faculty advisor Dr. Thomas Greitens.

Mock Trial

The Mock Trial Association at Central Michigan University registered student organization is dedicated to enhancing the legal knowledge of courtroom practices and procedures through preparation for and competition in the American Mock Trial Association intercollegiate competition. The Mock Trial Association works toward the advancement of student engagement in the legal process. The purpose of the organization is to foster the development of both public speaking and critical thinking skills in class and in the courtroom. For more information email the CMU Mock Trial Association or contact our faculty advisor ​Dr. Kyla Stepp.

Nonprofit Leadership Student Alliance of Central Michigan University

The Nonprofit Leadership Student Alliance (NLSA) of Central Michigan University is a registered student organization created in the Fall of 2016. NLSA's purpose is to support students pursuing professional careers in the field of Nonprofit Administration. The alliance supports students in the development of nonprofit leadership skills and encourages community involvement. Membership in NLSA will open doors for future nonprofit leaders by encouraging innovation, implementation, situational awareness, adaptability and verbal ability. Members will have the opportunity to attend the Alliance Management Institute in January to earn the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential and network with experienced nonprofit leaders. NLSA membership is open to all Central Michigan University students with an interest in the nonprofit sector. For additional information, contact our faculty advisor Dr. Emma Powell.

Phi Alpha Delta

Phi Alpha Delta is an academic pre-law fraternity of students who are interested in careers in law. For information regarding Phi Alpha Delta, contact the Pre-Law Center or Phi Alpha Delta. For additional information, contact our faculty advisor Dr. Kyla Stepp.

Pi Alpha Alpha

Pi Alpha Alpha is the National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. PAA recognizes outstanding undergraduates and graduate students in public administration, public policy and public affairs. For additional information, visit the Pi Alpha Alpha website or contact Kay Purtill. There is a one-time membership fee of $50.

Undergraduate student requirements include:

  • Complete 15 semester hours of coursework required for the public policy, public affairs or public administration major or its equivalent.
  • Maintain an average grade of 3.7 on a scale of 4.0 (A GPA of 3.67 or above can be rounded up to qualify).
  • Junior or senior status.

Graduate student requirements include:

  • Maintain an average grade of 3.7 on a scale of 4.0 (A GPA of 3.67 or above can be rounded up to qualify).
  • Complete at least 50% of your coursework at the time of recognition.

Pi Sigma Alpha

Comprised of highly intellectual, motivated, and dedicated students, Pi Sigma Alpha is dedicated to self-development and the development of our discipline, while actively seeking to increase our numbers and the political participation of our peers. Purpose: Pi Sigma Alpha is composed of the top political science students on campus. We are leaders who seek to build morale and membership within our discipline. For additional information, contact Kay Purtill.

Undergraduate student requirements include:

  • Political Science major or minor with junior or senior status.
  • Complete at least 10-semester credits in Political Science/Public Administration coursework, including at least one upper-division course.
  • Minimum of a 3.0 GPA overall, and minimum 3.0 GPA in Political Science/Public Administration courses.

Graduate student requirements include:

  • Complete at least 9 hours of graduate courses in Political Science/Public Administration.
  • Minimum of a 3.0 GPA overall, and minimum 3.0 GPA in Political Science/Public Administration courses.

Refugee Outreach Collective

The goal of the Refugee Outreach Collective (ROC) registered student organization is to bring attention to and advocate for forced migrants around the world as well as the broader issue of refugee crises. As students, we aim to provide voices to the men, women, and children who have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to conflict or persecution. Meetings are open to everyone! Make a Difference in the World. For more information, visit the ROC CMU Facebook page or contact Dr. Prakash Adhikari.