In January 2008, the Political Science Department and the Goldstein Program in Public Affairs sponsored Kaitlyn Wedge, Alisha George, Lauren Jakubowicz, and Carin Janet to attend the PLEN Seminar in Washington, DC on Women and Public Policy. Click to enlarge photo.Programs and Conferences
National Model United Nations
Site: Yale University (fall); McGill University, Canada (spring)
Students interested in learning about the United Nations have the opportunity to participate in one of several national models. Participating increases the students' awareness of the role, organization, and performance of the UN. Student delegates participate in the various committees of the UN and represent a member state.
Center for the Study of the Presidency
Each year the department nominates a student to attend the annual Student Symposium sponsored by the Center for the Study of the Presidency - the site varies. Students and professors from the nation's major colleges and universities attend panel discussions and keynote addresses on major foreign policy, economic, security, and social issues by members of academe and government. Students who are accepted as Center Fellows may participate in the conference as panel moderators.
Public Leadership Education Network Seminars
Site: Washington, DC
Each year PLEN sponsors conferences in which women students are able to meet with women professionals in politics, law, and public policy to discuss significant issues and examine professional career opportunities. Conferences focus on Women and Congress, Women and Public Policy, and Women and International Policy. Students who attend these conferences get an insider's view of public issues and begin to make the contacts that will help them to pursue their career goals.
Centennial Conference Research Colloquium
Each year the Centennial Conference sponsors a student research colloquium, hosted by one of the member colleges. Majors are encouraged to present the findings of their senior thesis or other significant research at this conference.
Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference
Site: U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD.
Each spring the department nominates one of its majors to attend the annual Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference. The conference plenary sessions feature speakers of international repute. Delegates attend round table discussions on a special topic area, and are expected to prepare, with the guidance of a designated faculty adviser, a 2500 word paper on some aspect of the year's conference topic.
Student Conference on United States Affairs (SCUSA)
Site: U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY.
Each fall the department nominates one of its majors to attend the annual SCUSA. The conference brings together undergraduates over four days of plenary discussions and addresses to debate major issues of American foreign policy.
United States Air Force Academy Assembly
Site: U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO.
The United States Air Force Academy Assembly is an undergraduate student conference sponsored jointly by the Air Force Academy and Columbia University's American Assembly. Held annually since 1959, this conference provides a unique opportunity for approximately 160 highly qualified undergraduates to discuss a topic of international significance. Prominent academics, business leaders, government officials, and non-governmental organization members serve as speakers, panelists, and roundtable leaders.