Conferences and Other Research Opportunities

Undergraduate research is a hallmark of the Political Science Department, as many of our students have received awards and distinctions for their outstanding conference papers and published work. As VSU’s Undergraduate Research Council (URC) explains “students who engage in research activities are able to build relationships resulting in enhanced learning with their faculty mentors, are more likely to be retained, are more likely to pursue advanced degrees, have an increased knowledge base of research methodology, and are more likely to promote an innovation-oriented culture.” The opportunities below provide more information for our students interested in extending their research projects to other areas.

*Funding is available for students presenting papers at conferences*

 VSU Research Think-Tank:

Sponsored by the Undergraduate Research Council and VSU's Graduate School. Think-Tank is an opportunity to create a space to promote all levels of research at VSU. This opportunity is open to all VSU community members and welcomes accomplished and researchers. The community will meet monthly to consider ideas, ask questions, discuss issues, collaborate, and share active research projects. To learn more, please visit the site linked in the title above.    

The state of Georgia maintains one of the largest, active political science associations in the country. Every November, the GPSA holds its annual academic conference where faculty and students deliver research presentations. There are several student awards given out for research excellence each year as well. The deadline to submit conference proposals is typically 1 July. For more information, contact Dr. Robbins.

The Southern Political Science Association is one of the oldest and largest political science organizations in the United States. The SPSA’s annual conference is held in January in cities such as New Orleans, San Juan, Austin, etc. The deadline to submit conference proposals is typically in early fall. To learn more about this conference and the SPSA itself, please visit the site linked in the title above or contact Dr. Robbins.

 

Each spring, the Council on Undergraduate Research hosts an annual undergraduate poster session on Capitol Hill. At this event and its related activities, members of Congress and their staff members learn about the importance of undergraduate research through talking directly with the student researchers involved in these programs. More information is available on their website.