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Department of Political Science
Student Organizations

Pi Alpha Alpha – Dr. Kelly Krawczyk, Advisor

Pi Alpha Alpha is the Global Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. There are more than 160 chapters located around the world at NASPAA member schools. Pi Alpha Alpha is run by NASPAA: The Global Standard in Public Service Education and is directed by the NASPAA Pi Alpha Alpha Special Ad Hoc Committee.

The purpose of Pi Alpha Alpha is to encourage and recognize outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in public affairs and administration. Its objectives, such as fostering integrity, professionalism and effective performance, promote the advancement of quality in the education and practice of the art and science of public affairs and administration. PAA membership identifies those with the highest performance levels in educational programs preparing them for public service careers.

 

Nu Lambda Mu – Dr. Kelly Krawczyk, Advisor

This international honor society was established by the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC) to recognize students dedicated to the study of nonprofit management, philanthropy and social entrepreneurship/enterprise. Its mission is to advance the study of nonprofit organizations and their function in society and to promote scholarly achievement among those who engage in these academic pursuits.

In order to become a member of Nu Lambda Mu, the student must:

  • Be a current graduate student or possess a graduate degree or certificate from a NACC-affiliated program
  • Have completed a minimum of 50% of their required degree-program coursework, or all required coursework for a graduate certificate
  • Hold a minimum 3.70 GPA
  • Pay the one-time application fee of $40

 

More Than Auburn – Dr. Kelly Krawczyk, Advisor

More Than Auburn is a  student-led service group dedicated to raising awareness, and providing advocacy and support for the work of international NGOs. MPA students who join More Than Auburn take the knowledge and skills they gain in the MPA classroom, and put them to work planning and executing innovative charity events that support the work of INGOs across the globe. In the past three years, More Than Auburn has: held a virtual 5K, had a footgolf fundraiser, and completed its first annual MPA Master Chef International competition. These unique events raise funds for worthy INGOs, allow MPA students to apply classroom theory in the real-world, and provide fun networking and social events for MPA students, faculty, and staff.

 

ICMA – Dr. Jonathan Fisk, Advisor

ICMA’s vision is to be the leading association of local government professionals dedicated to creating and supporting thriving communities throughout the world. They do this by working with more than 11,000 members to identify and speed the adoption of leading local government practices in order to improve the lives of residents. ICMA offers membership, professional development programs, research, publications, data and information, technical assistance, and training to thousands of city, town and county chief administrative officers, their staffs and other organizations throughout the world.

The goals of the ICMA student chapters are to introduce and integrate students into local government and the management profession. Through chapters, they also establish connections between ICMA, schools, students, state associations and managers.

 

Alabama Chapter of ASPA– Dr. Jonathan Fisk, Advisor

The American Society for Public Administration (APSA) is the largest and most prominent professional association for public administration. It is dedicated to advancing the art, science, teaching and practice of public and non-profit administration. The value of professionalism is promoted through chapters, through which members have an opportunity to advance their careers by becoming involved in their local public administration community.

Members also gain exposure to major public service issues by joining ASPA’s topic-based sections. These sections focus on finance, budgeting, human resources, health and human services, ethics and more. Sections provide additional networking opportunities through conferences and other professional development activities. They also have a variety of award and scholarship opportunities.

 

Pi Sigma Alpha 

Pi Sigma Alpha is the National Political Science Honor Society. Membership is open to undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in programs of political science in institutions where chapters are located.

Graduate students must have completed 9 graduate credits in political science with no grade lower than a B and be pursuing a degree in political science to qualify for membership.