Politics and International Relations Student Organizations
International Relations Organization
This group, open to students of all majors, is home the traveling Model United Nations and Model Arab League Delegations. The MAL and MUN delegations participate in several conferences annually. The delegations have participated in the National Model United Nations Conference in New York City and the invitation only National Model Arab League Conference in Washington, DC. Both delegations regularly earn recognition at these conferences for their negotiation, debate, and writing skills. RWU team members have been invited to participate in international MUN conferences in Great Britain, Turkey, Canada and the Netherlands.
The association also sponsors speakers and discussions on campus to foster greater understanding of global issues, conflict resolution and foreign affairs.
College Democrats
The College Democrats work to encourage political engagement and awareness on campus and in the wider community. Student members work on local and national campaigns and co-sponsor events with the College Republicans to foster civil discourse and political dialogue on campus. However, they aren't just all politics--- Stop by a meeting and see how much fun it can actually be! For more information please contact Professor June Speakman in CAS 113.
College Republicans
The College Republicans work to encourage political engagement and awareness on campus and beyond. The CRs sponsor speakers and roundtables on campus, work on campaigns and elections for national, state and local candidates and, often working together with the College Democrats, do volunteer work in the community. To contact the College Republicans, see Professor June Speakman in CAS 113.
Epsilon Mu Chapter of Sigma Iota Rho, The International Honor Society for International Relations
The Epsilon Mu chapter of Sigma Iota Rho, the international honor society for international relations, was established at RWU in 2008 to promote and reward scholarship and service among students and practitioners. The motto of Sigma Iota Rho is “Synesi, Ideodoi, Rhomi” (meaning “Prudence, Ideals, and Power”) three of the key elements of international affairs. The chapter motto is Episteme Mundi meaning “Knowledge [of the] World.” Juniors who meet the standards of a 3.2 cumulative GPA and a 3.4 GPA in International Relations are eligible for membership. Membership in Sigma Iota Rho is intended not only to enhance the credentials of its members, though public recognition of the best and the brightest students in international relations, but is meant to encourage a life-long devotion to a better understanding of the world we live in and to continuing support for and engagement in education, service, and occupational activities that reflect the highest standards of practice in international affairs. The chapter sponsors co-curricular activities and the National Organization sponsors a journal and other activities for students and practitioners.
For more information, please see Professor Joseph Roberts in CAS 110
Phi Lambda Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, The National Honor Society for Political Science
The Phi Lambda chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, was established at RWU in 1997. Founded in 1920, the purpose of Pi Sigma Alpha is to promote interest and scholarship in the subjects of politics, government, and international relations by providing recognition and support to students who have excelled in the field. Membership is open to juniors and seniors who have completed at least four courses in political science, maintained at least a 3.2 GPA in those courses, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or in the top third of their class. The national organization offers opportunities for scholarships, grants, and awards for academic achievement, and the local chapter sponsors co-curricular activities, which provide a forum for research and the exchange of ideas in the discipline.
For more information, please see Professor Joseph Roberts in CAS 110.