Clubs and Competitions

South Carolina Student Legislature

• Who may join the South Carolina Student Legislature (SCSL)?

  Any undergraduate student may become a member of the class (POSC 3120) and the SCSL organization. There are no course prerequisites. Students must demonstrate a commitment to attend and participate in class meetings, complete required out-of-class assignments and contribute to class simulations.

• May I earn course credits for participating in SCSL?

  Yes. POSC 3120 is a one-credit course. It is possible to earn a total of six credit hours from POSC 312. The three credit hours of SCSL are equivalent to one regular political science course and may be applied toward the political science major (please refer to Clemson’s Undergraduate Announcements catalog for specific regulations on using SCSL credits toward the political science degree).

• Do I have to be a declared political science major or minor to join SCSL?

  No. You may be a major in any program offered on campus.

• Do I need to meet a minimum grade point ratio to participate in SCSL?

  No minimum GPR is required.

• How often are the meetings?

  Weekly classes are scheduled during each semester, meeting once a week for one hour.

• Would certain course work be helpful before joining SCSL?

  Yes. While not required, SCSL members tend to benefit from taking American National Government (POSC 1010), State and Local Government (POSC 3020) and Constitutional Law (POSC 4370 and 4380). Communication courses (such as COMM 2500) and introductory courses in economics and history are also helpful. It is also helpful to keep up with current state events and national affairs on your own by reading appropriate newspapers and newsmagazines.

• What about the state plenary sessions?

  Clemson’s SCSL usually sends a delegation to the state plenary sessions in Columbia in the fall and in Myrtle Beach in the spring. Every class member is encouraged to attend; however, in cases when the number of students we can send is limited, delegates are chosen on the basis of interest and work in and outside of the classroom. Since attendance at the plenary sessions involves missing classes, each participant is required to clear anticipated absences with course instructors.

• Do I have to attend the state plenary sessions in the spring and fall semesters?

  No, but it is strongly encouraged.

• Should I expect expenses at the conferences?

  Yes. Our budget does not cover out-of-pocket expenses. Generally, each delegate is guaranteed delegate fees and hotel costs while accepting responsibility for travel and meals.

• How early should I get involved?

  Since experience is the best teacher, you should become involved as early in your college career as possible. Many students remain active in SCSL for four years.

• Who is the SCSL faculty advisor?

  Students interested in participating in SCSL should contact Michael Cunningham.

Clemson International Relations Association

Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society

• Benefits of Membership

  Membership in an honor society is a worthy distinction, and as a measure of academic achievement can provide a tangible advantage in a competitive world. All Pi Sigma Alpha members, regular and honorary, receive a certificate of membership and permanent enrollment in the society’s membership rolls, maintained by the National Office. Upon request, the National Office will provide letters verifying membership to prospective employers or graduate schools. Because Pi Sigma Alpha is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies, the United States Office of Personnel Management guarantees a higher entry-level grade to Pi Sigma Alpha members entering government service. Members are entitled to wear the Pi Sigma Alpha key at any time or the medallion with cap and gown at graduation and on other official occasions.

  Pi Sigma Alpha gives students the opportunity for valuable administrative experience as chapter officers or organizers of chapter activities.

• Qualifications for Membership

  The purpose of Pi Sigma Alpha is to stimulate scholarship and interest in the subject of government and politics by providing tangible recognition to students who have excelled in the field. Minimum standards for undergraduate admission, established by the national constitution, are:

  • Junior or senior standing
  • Overall GPA of 3.5 or higher
  • Completion of at least ten credit hours of work in political science, including at least one upper-division course (3000 or 4000 level), with a grade of B or higher in all political science courses

  Students who satisfy these criteria will be contacted by the faculty advisor, typically after the conclusion of the fall and spring semesters, about admission into Pi Sigma Alpha.

• Programs

  The life of the honor society is carried on mainly at the chapter level with coordination by the National Office. 

  Programs for Chapters and Students

  • Annual Chapter Activity Grant Awards
  • Scholarship for Graduate Study in Political Science
  • Student membership in the American Political Science Association (APSA) (one per chapter per year)
  • Best Chapter Awards
  • Best Chapter Advisor Awards
  • Best Undergraduate Class Paper Award
  • Best Undergraduate Honors Thesis Award

  National Programs

  • Publication of Pi Sigma Alpha newsletter
  • Franklin P. Burdette Award, for the best paper presented at the APSA annual meeting
  • Pi Sigma Alpha Best Paper Awards, for the best papers presented at regional Political Science Association annual meetings
  • Pi Sigma Alpha Lecture at the APSA annual meeting
  • Pi Sigma Alpha Lectures at regional and state Political Science Association annual meetings
• Contact Information

  Executive Board: clemsonpsa@gmail.com

  Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stephen C. Phillips - scp@clemson.edu

  National Office: pisigmaalpha.org