Undergraduate Student Organizations

Participating in student organizations or clubs develops your leadership skills and expands your social and career networks. Becoming involved as an officer often leads to connections within the department as well.

There are two, non-partisan, student groups affiliated with our department that allow you to meet and connect with students who have similar interests. There are also many other unaffiliated groups that are organized around political action and career fields related to political science.

Multicultural Undergraduate Political Science Coalition (MUPSC)

MUPSC is not currently active due to lack of student interest. If you are interested in joining MUPSC, email [email protected] to discuss the next steps.

What is the Multicultural Undergraduate Political Science Coalition (MUPSC)?

We are a multicultural student group that seeks to provide non-partisan community service, advocacy, and efforts that center on multicultural voices. We want to foster meaningful relationships between students, staff, and faculty in the Department of Political Science. We also aim to create opportunities for networking and professional development for political science students, but all students are welcomed.

MUPSC is dedicated to making the political science department—and our campus—a safe and welcoming place for students of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, abilities, and ages. Our goal is to create a space in which these students can feel comfortable discussing topics of mutual political interest and heard by their fellow peers.

For more information:

Email us at [email protected]
Follow us on social media
- Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat @MUPSC_UMN

MUPSC Non-Partisan Statement:

The Multicultural Undergraduate Political Science Coalition (MUPSC) is a non-partisan student organization. Student Unions & Activities (SUA) defines partisan political student groups as "organizations affiliated with and in support of registered political parties or candidates for election." Therefore, MUPSC shall make no endorsement for political candidates or political parties as a non-partisan Campus Life Program sponsored by the Department of Political Science. Likewise, MUPSC shall not work alongside groups who fit the definition of partisan political student groups. All opinions shared by MUPSC members and members of guest organizations are their own and not representative of the viewpoints of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities' Department of Political Science. The group's purpose is to center and uplift the voices of multicultural undergraduate political science students by facilitating discussion of political topics of mutual interest. This is clearly articulated within the MUPSC constitution. Students may choose to discuss politically salient issues regarding immigration, civil rights, international human rights, race, gender, sexuality, ability, etc. These topics do not inherently evoke a partisan or ideological bias. A group of multicultural students does not inherently evoke a partisan or ideological bias. Topics are chosen based on the mutual interests of MUPSC members. Open discussion is welcome. However, MUPSC executive board members reserve the right to moderate discussions to ensure the collective feels safe, respected, and heard during these discussions.

The inception of the Multicultural Undergraduate Political Science Coalition fulfills the vision of a diverse and prosperous campus codified by the Board of Regents Equity, Diversity, Equal Opportunity, and Affirmative Action Policy adopted on September 7, 1995. A guiding principle of this policy reads “In partnership with community groups, the University is committed to serving the state, the nation, and the world through its outreach and public service.” The mission of the Multicultural Undergraduate Political Science Coalition is congruent with the guiding principles of this policy. Additionally, the policy states “The University shall advocate and practice affirmative action consistent with the law . . . to enhance participation of racial minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans.” MUPSC is a realization the values and actionable measures outlined within the Equity, Diversity, Equal Opportunity, and Affirmative Action Policy.

The aforementioned examples assert the Multicultural Undergraduate Political Science Coalition's meaningful contribution to the Department of Political Science and the broader University as a non-partisan Campus Life Program (CLP) for multicultural political science students.

Equity, Diversity, Equal Opportunity, and Affirmative Action Policy

View the Regents' policy.

Undergraduate Political Science Association (UPSA)

What is the Undergraduate Political Science Association (UPSA)?

The Undergraduate Political Science Association is a non-partisan group of undergraduate students comprised of political science majors, minors and undeclared students interested in the field. Our goal is to create a community of well-rounded and well-prepared political science students. We want to ensure every student has the resources and knowledge they need to be successful in the field of political science. Everyone is welcome, regardless of their political ideology or future plans!

Our members have a wide variety of experiences in political science, from research opportunities to internships with elected officials. UPSA is highly politically involved and assists our members in creating connections and finding opportunities in the political science world.

We have meetings about every two weeks on Thursday evenings, focusing on topics like job-internship-related skills, political science-related careers, study abroad, current issues, scholarships, and studying! UPSA occasionally hosts larger events, such as Alumni Night, internship panels, and the Women in Politics panel. We hope to see you soon!

For more information:

Contact UPSA at [email protected]
Follow UPSA on Instagram
Connect with UPSA on LinkedIn

Other Groups of Interest to Political Science Majors