Pi Sigma Alpha (Rho Tau Chapter)

The faculty advisor is Professor Jacob Neiheisel

UB's Rho Tau Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha recognizes student achievement in political science scholarship. Membership in the chapter is based on four requirements. The applicant must:

1. Have completed 12 credit hours of coursework in political science.
2. Hold a GPA of at least 3.0 in his or her political science courses.
3. Hold an overall GPA of at least 3.0 in his or her courses.
4. Pay a one-time initiation fee of $35.

Once accepted, members receive a membership certificate, a Pi Sigma Alpha pin, the right to participate in local chapter activities and governance, and the right to wear a Pi Sigma Alpha honor cord and/or medallion to the graduation ceremonies.

At the initiative of the chapter’s officers, the Rho Tau Chapter normally sponsors several events throughout the academic year. The Spring Initiation Ceremony and Research Presentation is an annual event. Several distinguished political scientists have made research presentations at these ceremonies. Past distinguished scholars include:

• Prof. Jon Bond of Texas A&M University
• Prof. William Mayer of Northeastern University
• Prof. Kenneth Meier of Texas A&M University
• Prof. Paul Diehl of the University of Illinois
• Prof. James Stimson of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Prof. Helmut Norpoth of SUNY at Stony Brook
• Prof. Forrest Maltzman of George Washington University
• Prof. Doug Lemke of Pennsylvania State University
• Prof. Robert Bates of Harvard University
• Prof. Michael Lewis-Beck of the University of Iowa
• Prof. Harvey Starr of the University of South Carolina
• Prof. Paul Wahlbeck of George Washington University
• Prof. Todd Donovan of Western Washington University
• Prof. Arthur “Skip” Lupia of the University of Michigan