Political Science Society
The Society has been formed to provide a non-partisan arena for all members of the Siena College community to participate in lively and meaningful endeavors in the encompassing realm of politics. The Political Science Society sponsors several events each semester such as:
- The annual student voter registration drive. Unregistered students are able to fill out registration forms at a table stationed by the Political Science Society.
- The Political Science student and faculty socials which take place in the fall and/or the spring. This is a good chance for students to take a break with free food. Students also get a chance to interact with other Political Science majors and get to know their faculty.
- The Society issues fair trade t-shirts for Political Science Society members, Political Science majors, minors, and faculty. The shirts are also available at some events toward the end of the school year. The Political Science Society works to increase knowledge of fair trade issues on campus and partner with the Fair Trade Committee at Siena College, among other student clubs and departments.
Visit the Political Science Society Club page.
Study Abroad
Through the Office of International Programs, students are able to engage in semester, summer and short-term study abroad and service opportunities throughout the world. Students generally study abroad during their junior year or first semester senior year and must have a minimum GPA of 2.75. Popular destinations are England, Ireland, Italy, Spain, France, Australia and Ecuador. Students also study in Greece, China, India, Nicaragua, South Africa, Jordan, South Korea, Botswana, Belgium, Brazil and Colombia. For more information, see the International Programs webpage.
Summer Legal Fellows
A unique experience for qualified pre-law students who have completed their junior year, Siena Summer Legal Fellows places selected students with Albany Law School, American University Washington College of Law, Fordham Law School, Northeastern University Law School, Pace University Law School, and Western New England College School of Law. The fellows are under direct supervision of a law professor and undertake original legal research alongside second– and third– year law students. Their work may be published by the respective law school sponsor or provide the basis for legal action in state and federal jurisdictions.
Travel Courses
Travel Courses are offered on an occasional basis by full-time faculty members to integrate experiential learning opportunities into the larger curriculum. As an academically oriented field experience, a travel course offers credit for a semester-long course that includes an extended study program in selected geographical areas. Students have enjoyed the opportunity to travel to various countries in Latin America and Europe in the past. Lectures, supervised research, and orientation meetings prepare students for an informed experience abroad.
Washington Semester Program
The Washington Semester Program is offered by Siena College in a cooperative arrangement with American University. The Program includes special seminars conducted by prominent Washington decision-makers, a research tutorial, consisting of working with a mentor to produce a research paper or alternatively (depending on the specific track) a regular course offered by American University, and an internship experience, which could include an assignment to a congressional committee or office, an executive branch agency, an interest group association, a think tank, a private company or firm or to a media group. Area tracks include programs in: American Politics, Foreign Policy, Global Economics & Business, International Environment & Development, International Law and Organizations, Journalism, Justice & Law, Peace & Conflict Resolution.
Community Policy Institute
The Community Policy Institute (CPI) is a student-led public policy research organization whose mission is to build policy capacity of non-profit organizations in the Capital Region. CPI provides policy research and analysis to non-profit partners and the community, enabling them to implement best practices and advocate for policies to address the challenges across a range of issues– including Education, Healthcare, Homelessness, Hunger, and Justice. Housed in the Center for Academic Community Engagement (ACE) and supported by the Political Science Department, the CPI is made up of a specialized group of undergraduate fellows who exhibit strong interests in social justice, the nonprofit sector, research, and policy. CPI Student research important issues facing the community and provide community partners with in-depth policy analysis and research services.