STUDENT AFFAIRS
As well as offering a wide variety of classes in the different fields
of political science, the Department also offers several channels through
which students can become involved in the study - or even the practice -
of politics outside class, or further their study of politics.
Political Science Students Association
(Polsa)
POLSA is a group that brings IUPUI students together to learn and talk
about politics. It is open to all students, regardless of their major or
political affiliation, and organizes regular events and meetings at which
visiting speakers make presentations, recent graduates talk about job
possibilities, faculty and student panels debate critical issues of the
day, or students just get together with faculty for a pizza.
For more information, check the POLSA page.
Student Complaint Procedure
If you have a concern or a complaint about a faculty member, there is a procedure to follow. First, you should talk with the faculty member and try and resolve the concern directly. If this does not work, then you should contact the chair of the department and arrange a meeting, or present your concerns, with all relevant supporting material. The chair will then investigate and let you know the outcome. If this is still not to your satisfaction, then you can take your concerns to the Associate Dean of Students of the School of Liberal Arts (currently Prof. Richard Ward). Under no circumstances should you contact the administration of the school or the university unless you have completed all earlier steps.
Internships
Internships give you valuable job experience, let you learn hands-on,
give you direct exposure to politics, and help you make contacts that
could be useful when you graduate. Many of them also pay, and you can
undertake an internship for 3-6 hours of political science credit.
There are literally hundreds of internships available in politics every
year throughout the United States, and many more overseas. Our students
have worked with city-county government in Indianapolis, as legislative
interns in the Indiana state legislature, in the United States Congress,
and even in the White House. They have spent time with local, national
and international interest groups, lobbying legislators, making contacts
in the media, and helping raise funds and public awareness. They have
worked with legislators in programs organized at foreign legislatures,
including the British Parliament. And in election years, they have worked
on the campaign staff of candidates running for office, right from local
government to president of the United States.
Here's what we recently heard from one our alumni, Darrick Smith,
about his experiences as an intern:
"The Political Science department's internship program was the
launching point for my career in government. I interned for two semesters
for US Senators Lugar and Quayle in their joint state office. The
experience paid off as I was offered a full-time, paid staff position
within six months of graduation, and spent nerly ten years as constituent
services director and military affairs specialist for three US Senators
and a Congressman. The education I received through your department
well-equipped me for the diverse issues I worked on throughout Indiana and
Washington. I'd encourage every PoliSci major to participate
in the program".
Some students find internships for themselves, but we also have information at the IUPUI Career Center here on campus that keeps details of current
internships, and can give you advice on finding a position. Once you have
been placed, you can enroll for credit through the Department of Political
Science, taking 3-6 hours under Y481: Field Experience in Political
Science, with the department faculty member of your choice. For more
information, contact Prof. Ramla Bandele.
For other opportunities, click on the following:
Awards and Scholarships
Our Pre-Law Program
Careers in Political Science
Graduate School in Political Science
