Sandra Via, '04

Political Science and International Studies majors and minors, as well as students interested in politics, are getting the opportunity to participate in an organization that has been on hiatus for the past two years. Under the supervision of Dr. Frederic Torimiro, the Political Science Association (PSA) is beginning to meet and develop innovative ideas beneficial to prospective and current students, and the entire Ferrum College community.

The PSA has many focuses and objectives for the upcoming academic year. For instance, it is the hope of the members and advisor to sponsor and co-sponsor campus activities, such as the Model UN, the Arthur Owens Lecture, and SGA debates. It is also the hope of the PSA to revive the tradition of the Oxford style debates at Ferrum. Another objective of this organization is to host and also correspond with prospective political science students who have an interest in the program at Ferrum College. Members of the PSA would give tours to perspective students, as well as send an informative letter concerning the political science programs on campus.

Community service will be a primary focus of this organization. The PSA hopes to sponsor service-learning initiatives in Franklin County. Similar service opportunities are under consideration in partnership with the community in McDowell County, West Virginia, and the PSA hopes to broaden the scope of these endeavors.

One of the primary goals of the PSA is to establish a chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha at Ferrum College. Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, was founded in 1920 at the University of Texas. The purpose of the honor society is to promote the academic study and appreciation of political science. The PSA hopes to have Pi Sigma Alpha up and running by May 2004.

As the President of the PSA, I am looking forward to an exciting future for the organization. It is a future that will offer a wide variety of opportunities and benefits to its members, the college, and the larger community. For our alumni, we hope you will see the PSA as a your link to your college years and memories. The PSA looks forward to welcoming prospective students and serving as your mentor throughout your academic development and enlightenment.