Events

The Department of Political Science hosts a variety of events throughout the academic year to build a social and intellectual community among students, faculty, and staff. From informal gatherings to research presentations and career conversations, these events provide opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate our department community.

 

Ice Cream Social & Open House

Kick off the academic year by meeting faculty, staff, and fellow students at our annual Ice Cream Social and Open House. This informal event is a chance for students to learn more about the department, connect with faculty, and get to know other political science students.

Brown Bag Talks

Throughout the fall and spring semesters, Brown Bag Talks give students and faculty an opportunity to share ongoing research, discuss ideas, and engage in conversation about current projects and topics in political science. These informal gatherings typically take place around lunchtime, and students are encouraged to bring their lunch and stop by to listen, ask questions, and join the conversation.

Teach-Ins

Faculty may host teach-ins throughout the academic year to discuss emerging political events and issues. These informal discussions provide an opportunity for students and members of the university community to engage with faculty expertise and explore current events through a political science perspective.

Career Pathways

Each spring, Career Pathways welcomes political science alumni back to campus to share how they have applied the knowledge and skills gained through their political science courses in their professional lives. Students can learn about a variety of career paths and connect with alumni working in different fields.

 Learn more about Career Pathways HERE!

Pi Sigma Alpha Honors Society

Each spring, the department hosts a dinner to celebrate the achievements of our students. The event includes the induction of new members into Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, as well as the presentation of department awards and scholarships.

Interested in joining Pi Sigma Alpha? Contact the department's faculty adviser to learn more about eligibility and membership.

Pi Sigma Alpha Adviser: Dr. Monti Datta

Senior  Graduation Reception

The academic year concludes with a reception celebrating our graduating political science majors and their achievements.

 

 

Stay Connected

Political science majors are added to the department's student listserv, which provides updates about upcoming events, opportunities, and department announcements.

 

 

Past Department Events

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  • Poli Sci Grad Reception - May 9, 2026

    Political Science Graduates,

    The Political Science Department’s Graduation Reception will be held May 9th, 2026 from 2:30–3:30 p.m. in Weinstein Hall’s Garden of the Five Lions.

    We hope to see you there!

    Poster for Grad Reception

  • Career Pathways 2026 - February 20, 2026

    Are you wondering where your political science degree can take you? Looking for advice from professionals who’ve been in your shoes? Career Pathways 2026 is your chance to connect with UR alumni who have built successful careers in foreign policy, government, public policy, and more!

    Friday, February 20, 2026, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Weinstein Hall, Brown Alley Room

    (Registration Required!)

    At this exciting event, you’ll hear firsthand from alumni ranging from recent grads to seasoned professionals as they share insights on:

    • Networking & Finding Your First Job
    • Deciding on Graduate School
    • Building a Meaningful Career in Public Service and Beyond

    You’ll have the opportunity to attend 2 of 3 engaging alumni panels and wrap up the event with a networking reception to connect with alumni and fellow students!

    Check Out the Alumni Attending! For full bios, visit our website: https://polisci.richmond.edu/career-planning/career-pathways-in-political-science/index.html   

    Career Pathways poster

  • Higher Education & Authoritarianism: Hungary-Russia-Turkey - February 19, 2026

    This panel, moderated by a scholar whose work focuses on authoritarianism, features three speakers examining the escalating threats to higher education and academic freedom in increasingly authoritarian political climates, using Hungary, Russia, and Turkey as case studies. After brief presentations by the speakers on how these states undermine university autonomy, the floor will be open to a question-and-answer session.

    Thursday, February 19th, 2026

    4:00 pm

    Brown Alley Room (313), Weinstein Hall

    Higher Education Poster

  • America First: The Turn in Foreign Policy under Trump - January 21, 2026

    A panel of UR political scientists will explore a range of topics, including recent U.S. actions in Venezuela, the ongoing war in Ukraine, U.S. threats to Greenland and implications for NATO and the EU, and the message sent to countries such as China.

    Wednesday, January 21st , 2026 6:00- 8:00 pm

    School of Law, Classroom 101

    Free Pizza

    America First poster

  • Universities Under Attack and What That Means For You - November 13, 2025

    Why is the Trump administration going after universities? What will this mean for research? And what does that mean for students? Join our experts on higher education policies and academic freedom to understand the impacts of recent changes, now and down the road.

    Carole Weinstein international Center Commons

    November 13th, 2025 @ 5:30pm

    Free Pizza

    Universities under attack poster

  • The 1st Amendment, Censorship, and the Digital Age - October 24, 2025

    Come join Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science honor society, for a conversation about free speech in today’s digital age.

    Dr. Miller and Dr. Kielty will share insights into the constitutional and philosophical meanings of free speech and censorship, and we will discuss current events, both online and in popular culture, through this lens, followed by a Q&A.

    We will be meeting in the Brown Alley Room in Weinstein Hall on October 14, 2025 at 12 pm, where pizza will be served.

    All are welcome!

    Pi Sigma Alpha First Amendment Poster

  • Is the Bellwether Ringing? - October 24, 2025

    Dr. Ernest McGowen will give a talk that focuses on the unique role of Virginia and its off-year elections in predictions about future national politics. Topics will include the unique context of federal workers and their impact on the 2025 election, an enthusiasm gap in polling and fundraising, and the effects of state-level gerrymandering on party mobilization targets in 2026 and 2028.

    Bring your lunch and enjoy the discussion!

    Whitehurst Living Room

    October 24th, 2025 @ 12:00pm-1:15pm

    Is the Bellwether Ringing? Poster

  • Make America Great Again? - October 6, 2025

    Come join us for a panel of political scientists who will look at recent changes in a range of policy areas, including health care, nutrition, immigration, budget priorities, and civil liberties.

    October 6th, 2025 6:00 pm. Jepson 118

    Free Pizza!

    Poster for Make America Great Again?

  • Resisting Authoritarianism - September 17, 2025
    Resisting Authoritarianism: Testimonies of Activists from Cameroon and Nicaragua
    Wednesday, September 17, 2025
    4:30–6:00 PM
    Jepson 118

    Hear the testimonies of two pro-democracy activists from Cameroon and Nicaragua. Learn how authoritarian systems function and discover the tools ordinary people use to resist them. Be inspired by stories of courage and resilience!

    Drinks and snacks will be provided!

    We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful conversation.

    Resisting Authoritarianism Poster

  • PoliSci Ice Cream Social & Scavenger Hunt - September 8, 2025

    Come join us at The Garden of Five Lions in Weinstein Hall for a sweet treat and some PoliSci fun!

    Enjoy delicious DeLuca Gelato, meet the Political Science faculty, explore the PoliSci lounges, and enter for your chance to win UR merch!

    September 8th, 4:30pm-5:30pm! See you there!

    Poster for Ice Cream Social