The department faculty sponsor such organizations as the Political Science Association, the UTPA Pre-Law Society; the College Republicans and the College Democrats.

The Political Science Association :

The Political Science Association provides students with a chance to take what they’ve learned in the classroom and apply it in the real world. PSA is involved in a number of campus activities, including luring members of the faculty into debates on controversial subjects and sponsoring appearances by candidates for local, state, and national office.

For more information contact:
Dr. Alianak, Sonia                              SBSC 224/#3343               alianak@panam.edu     
Dr. Mounce, Gary                              SBSC 200H/ #3343           gmounce@panam.edu

UTPA Pre-Law Society :

The Pre-Law Society is open to students of all majors. The only requirement is an interest in the law and, perhaps, a desire to attend law school. The goals of the society are to provide interested students with opportunities to explore as many facets of the law and the practice of the law as possible. Activities include guest speakers from among the leaders of the local legal community including prominent attorneys and judges as well as field trips to law schools and the law related forums in other parts of the state.

For more information contact:
Dr. Jerry Polinard                           SBSC 208A/ #3342               polinard@utpa.edu 

The College Republicans :

The College Republicans is composed of students who identify with the ideas and policy positions of the Republican Party. The organization provides a forum in which conservative students can organize politically and discuss issues with like minded colleagues and involve themselves in local, regional, and national political affairs.

For more information contact:
Dr.Turk, William                             SBSC 227 / #3345                turk@utpa.edu 

The Young Democrats :

The Young Democrats are students who gravitate toward the policy positions of the Democratic Party. Like their more conservative Republican counterparts the Young Democrats provide an opportunity for politically motivated students to get involved in partisan politics.

For more information contact:
Dr. Adam J. Mcglynn                      SBSC 208                        mcglynnaj@utpa.edu

Dr. Jessica Lavariega Monforti        SBSC 228                        lavariegaj@utpa.edu

Students for Peace :

Students for Peace is a student organization at UTPA dedicated to providing an open forum for students to become aware of domestic and international peace and justice issues. The organization's primary aim is to raise social, political, and economic consciousness, while promoting tolerance, within the University and local communities. In order to achieve these goals, Students for Peace organize forums, meetings, and presentations that feature a diverse array of guest speakers and cover a variety of topics, directly and indirectly related to peace and justice issues. Past topics have included: American foreign policy and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; the conduct of U.S. intelligence agencies; border and immigration issues; the peace movement; religion and war; and comparative social and political analyses of public policy abroad, among others. Guest speakers/presenters have included: University faculty; local and statewide leaders of the peace movement; Viet Nam and Iraq war veterans; family members of those who have served in military combat, former intelligence agency officers; and local political leaders and candidates for political office. In addition to the University community, Students for Peace meetings generally are open to the public. In an attempt to promote unity among the UTPA student population, Students for Peace have branched out and formed alliances with other student organizations. The group also participates in pro-peace demonstrations (sponsored by the local People for Peace and Justice organization). Membership is open to all members of the UTPA community, irrespective of political or ideological orientation. Students for Peace thrive on the diversity of their members.

Students for Peace meet twice a month on Thursdays, from 12-1pm, in SBS 101.
Spring 2008 meeting schedule: February 7, 21; March 6, 20; April 3, 17; May 1.
email address: studentsfrpeace@aol.com