History Pi Sigma Alpha was founded in 1920 at the University of Texas for the purpose of bringing together students and faculty interested in the study of government and politics. Professor C. Perry Patterson was an early leader of the first chapter and served as national president of PSA from 1920 until 1932. The success of the honor society at the University of Texas prompted other institutions to apply for chapters, with the Universities of Oklahoma and Kansas establishing chapters by 1922. In March of that year the society held its first national convention at the University of Oklahoma.
	The Articles of Incorporation of Pi Sigma Alpha state as one of its purposes "to stimulate scholarship and intelligent interest in political science." The society functions at the national level, sponsoring programs and events of value to the profession and teaching of political science, and at the chapter level. Each chapter is encouraged to provide a framework for enriching the exposure of its members and the wider university community to the study of government and issues of public concern. Growth in the honor society was gradual throughout the 'twenties and 'thirties and accelerated after the Second World War; today there are over 460 chapters throughout the country. There is at least one college or university with a PSA chapter in every state and the District of Columbia and, as of 1995, the U. S. territory of Guam. For more information, go to the Pi Sigma Alpha website.
	On May 21, 1982, political science students and faculty organized a chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha and were granted a charter by the national organization. We were enrolled as the
	Chapter
	The Nu Mu Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha was maintained at Northwestern until last year, when it failed to initiate any new members and was deactivated by the national organization, with the understanding that the organization could be reactivated by initiating members and instituting an active program for 2000-2001. Two enterprising political science majors, Artur Orkisz and Peter Park, independently indicated willingness to reactivate Pi Sigma Alpha at Northwestern. At the end of the winter quarter, they proposed reorganizing the Nu Mu Chapter along these lines:
	Requirements for eligibility A student must complete 6 political science courses Two of which must be at the 300 level Up to two study abroad political science courses will qualify High school AP credit will not qualify for the six course requirement. Rationale We believe that a 6 course requirement is frankly not asking a great deal from Northwestern students who truly demonstrate an interest in the area of political science. It is reasonable to expect our students to take one political science course per quarter, hence making them qualified to join the society by the end of their sophomore year or beginning of junior year. It is our belief that the core of the society will be comprised of ambitious sophomores, juniors and graduating seniors. A student mut attain a minimum 3.4 GPA in all political science courses Members must maintain a minimum of a 3.3 overall GPA Rationale Since this is an honors society, it is our belief that a 3.4 political science GPA demonstrates scholastic achievement and academic aptitude of our members. There is a prestige factor that we hope to maintain through the foundation and existence of this society. We feel that these GPA requirements is consistent with our desire to maintain prestige but also attract and qualify enough members for the healthy functioning and existence of the society in the years to come. Fees $25 initiation fee, to be transfer to national society Such annual dues as the chapter decides   Activities Arranging for speakers Our goal is to have two speakers per year. One in the winter and spring quarters respectively. Arranging a public forum at which seniors in the Honors Tutorial can present their Theses Organizational Meeting The first meeting to introduce the society to the interested student body will take place on January 10th, at TBA time. At the meeting, a brief introduction of the history, goals and functions of the society will take place. Participants will discuss proposed offices and arrangements for elections a week later. Proposed officers President office assumed by the president-elect when a senior to be elected only if no president is returning administrative official represents the society at events and meetings President-elect an elected office only juniors are eligible for election Program Chair an elected office students in any class year are eligible organizes the actitivies for the local chapter Secretary-Treasurer The national society recommends that the faculty-advisor serve as Secretary-Treasurer Maintain membership records Collects initiation fees for transference to national society Collects chapter dues and maintains accoutns