Political Science

Varner Hall, Room 418
371 Varner Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-2352

A woman standing at a podium with the words Pi Alpha Alpha on it and a graphic image of a domed capitol building.

Student Organizations

The Political Science Department is home to several award-winning and active student organizations. Our Nu Omega Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honorary society, has been named the most outstanding chapter in the United States in six of the last seven years.

Oakland University Model United Nations team routinely wins top honors at both regional and international Model UN competitions, and every year organizes and hosts a Model UN conference on the Oakland University campus for area high school teams.

There are also organizations for our Public Administration & Public Policy students, such as Pi Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for the field of Public Affairs and Administration. The Association for Fundraising Professionals provides opportunities for students interested in careers in the non-profit sector. There are also student chapters of the International City/County Management Association and the Student Alliance of Healthcare Leaders.

Pi Sigma Alpha
Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, is open to graduate and upper level undergraduate students in political science who have achieved the required level of academic excellence. Membership is possible only through local chapters such as the one in this department.

Pi Sigma Alpha was founded in 1920 and is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies. There are nearly 600 chapters nationwide, with over 6500 new members added annually.

Our local chapter rules and the conditions established by the national organization require that students have declared political science or public administration as a major or minor, have attained at least junior standing with at least a 3.0 overall GPA, and have completed a minimum of 12 semester credits in political science or public administration courses at Oakland University to be considered for membership.

For more information, including meeting times and dates, consult the Nu Omega chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha at Oakland University.

If you are interested and have met the requirements for admission, please email Professor Cody Eldredge.

The faculty adviser for the Oakland University chapter is Professor Cody Eldredge, 218 Anibal House, 248-370-2351.

AFP

AFP provides professional opportunities for any Oakland University student interested in a career in the non-profit area. We are connected to the Michigan Nonprofit Association, and through our membership are able to offer students a variety of networking and professional development opportunities.

Other responsibilities that AFP has taken on include:

  • Helping to find internships and project ideas for Master of Public Administration (MPA) senior capstones.
  • Linking up with local non-profit organizations
  • Networking with area non-profit professionals
  • Bringing in guest speakers

The faculty advisor for the Oakland University chapter is Assistant Professor, Dr. Sung-eun Kim.

If you are an OU student or MPA alumni interested in joining, please view the AFP GrizzOrgs Page and like us on Facebook!

Pi Alpha Alpha
Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA) is the national honor society for the field of Public Affairs and Administration. Its purpose is to encourage and recognize outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in public affairs and administration.

The chapter of PAA at Oakland University hosts functions for the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program and social events. These events are open to all students and are  a great way to meet fellow students, faculty, and PAA members. We encourage all students to  participate, even if he or she has not yet completed the requirements for national membership.

Advantages to joining Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA)
  • Build your resume. PAA is nationally recognized as an honor society.
  • Demonstrate your dedication to your coursework and public service ethic.
  • Network. The chapter of PAA at Oakland University hosts networking events and is in touch with alumni of the MPA program. The national organization also hosts conferences that provide networking opportunities. 
Visit the National Website for Pi Alpha Alpha for more information.
Join OU's PAA Chapter through the  Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA) GrizzOrgs page.
SAHL
The integration of Oakland University (OU) into the Higher Education Network of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), an international professional society of more than 40,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems, and other healthcare organizations, led to the establishment of the OU Chapter of SAHL. The Midwest Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (MCACHE) is the local chapter of ACHE for this Southeast Michigan area.

SAHL is the central link for those students interested in healthcare leadership, connecting them with a wealth of career resources and professional development tips, industry information, and professional connections along with educational and networking opportunities.

The only requirement to be a SAHL member is to be an OU student.

Stay Updated:

A seat on the SAHL Executive Board allows one to improve connections with OU students and faculty, enhance resume and leadership skills, and form ties with local healthcare leaders. If you have any interest in forming part of the SAHL Executive Board please reach out to sahl.oakland@gmail.com.
ICMA
International City/County Management Association (ICMA) is an organization for students interested in local government management. If you're interested in being part of a profession dedicated to the ethical delivery of public services to communities worldwide, consider joining ICMA as a student.

ICMA provides opportunity for members to network, learn, and participate in webinars. Everyone is welcome to join.

Some benefits are:

  • Free registration for annual conference
  • Knowledge Network profile on ICMA.org with access to information on best practices, interviews, fellowships, internships, networking, and much more! 
  • Access to the ICMA job board
  • Webinars and podcasts exclusively for chapter members
College Democrats

The College Democrats invite students to join the cause of political engagement and progressive action. The group meets monthly for political discussions and organized events, often inviting guest speakers to join and offer perspective and expertise from specific fields. The organization aims to raise awareness of policy issues, facilitate communication, and encourage political responsibility on campus. For more information please contact oaklandcollegedems@gmail.com.

College Republicans

The College Republicans offer students an opportunity to network and interact with Republican elected officials and others involved in the political process. The group works to “bring together like-minded, young professionals who are self-driven and who want to be personally involved in our efforts to bring a better future for our country by establishing and reinforcing conservative principles.” For more information, contact Professor David Dulio.

Model United Nations

Model UN is a national organization in which students participate in simulated United Nations debates. Team members are assigned to a country to thoroughly research in order to debate national issues, negotiate and solve problems. The team participates in a regional conference competition with the possibility of advancing to the national level. Participants may enroll in PS 3605 - Model United Nations, which provides two elective credits for the preparation time. For more information, contact Professor Cody Eldredge.