Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, has awarded ONU’s Pi Iota Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, with a Best Chapter Award for the 2012-13 academic year.

ONU was one of just six schools with enrollments of fewer than 5,000 students to be honored with the Best Chapter award that is given to only a select few in each of the four size categories.

Robert Alexander, professor of political science and chairman of the Department of History, Politics and Justice Department, is the chapter advisor and serves on the national executive council of Pi Sigma Alpha. 

Alexander noted that “recognition as an outstanding chapter is a real testament to the high caliber students we have at ONU.  Recipients of this award are truly in exclusive company.”  

The award carries a cash prize of $250 and the winners will be announced in both the fall 2013 issue of the Pi Sigma Alpha Newsletter and in the American Political Science Association’s quarterly journal PS: Political Science and Politics.

The award recognizes local chapters that are particularly active in their departments and exhibit high levels of energy and creativity in furthering the goals of the honor society.

The Pi Iota chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha at Ohio Northern University was quite active in the 2012-13 school year.  Members procured a Civic Engagement Grant ($800) from Ohio Campus Compact to help stimulate interest and involvement in the 2012 election.

The Pi Iota chapter sponsored three campus-wide debates that focused on the presidential candidates’ stances on the economy, foreign policy, and health care; sponsored political activities associated with the C-SPAN bus visit to campus and voter registration night; and sponsored three debate watch parties and an election night watch party.

Members also conducted a survey of the 2012 Electoral College by gathering addresses of presidential electors, refining the survey instrument, and mailing two waves of surveys to members of the 2012 Electoral College. The survey was funded by a Pi Sigma Alpha Activity grant.