
Delta Lambda Chapter (est. 1963)
University of Massachusetts at
Amherst

Who are we?
Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political
science
honor society, is the only honor society for graduate and upper-level
undergraduate students of government in the United States. Founded in
1920, PSA has grown to over 500 chapters on campuses across the country.
The local chapter (Delta Lambda) was established in 1963. Pi Sigma Alpha
programs for
members and chapters include grants for chapter programs, scholarships for
graduate study, best graduate and undergraduate student paper awards, and
best chapter and best chapter advisor awards. Pi Sigma Alpha programs for
the profession include best paper awards for the annual meetings of the American Political Science Association
and the
regional political science associations, and lectures by public
figures or journalists at the APSA, regional, and state association
meetings. Pi Sigma Alpha publishes a Newsletter, a Chapter
Handbook, and a videotaped series of lectures by distinguished thinkers in
the discipline of political science. Pi Sigma Alpha is a member of the Association of
College Honor Societies. For information about membership, please contact the chapter
advisor or visit room 218 in Thompson Hall.
Officers:
President: Jenny DeFrancisco (Email)
Immediate Past President: Allison Ciullo
Vice President: Michael Pantina
Treasurer: Harsha Pulluru
Secretary: Cassie Ambutter
Chapter Advisor: Professor John Brigham (Email)
What do we Do?
Pi Sigma Alpha is more than just an honor society; each year, we
engage in a series of events that contribute to the life of the Political
Science Department.
- Peer Advising: In conjunction with the department's advising staff, student advisors are available in the second
floor lounge of Thompson Hall during the fall and spring pre-registration periods, as well as add-drop. Peer advisors are
primarily responsible for the more "informal" aspects of course selection and recommendations. As always, the department's
advising staff is available to aid students with more technical questions regarding departmental, college, and university
curriculum requirements. Thanks to all the volunteer peer-advisors.
- Pi Sigma Alpha Distinguished Teaching Award: Each year, Pi Sigma Alpha Sponsors the Political Science Department's
Distinguished Teaching Award. This year's award went to Professor Laura Jensen.

Announcements
