All political science majors are encouraged to supplement their coursework with internships in Buffalo, Albany or Washington, D.C. and with study abroad experiences. The Albany internships are offered during the spring semester and include opportunities in a number of legislative offices. Washington, D.C. options include the offices of U.S. Senators and Representatives. Some study abroad programs include internships in Britain's House of Commons, with local government organizations in Australia or participation in a simulation of the European Union in a European nation.
Professor Michael V. Haselswerdt, PhD organizes an annual trip to Washington, D.C. for students. During the three-day program, students meet Canisius alumni who work on Capitol Hill and other government agencies, in lobby and research firms and media companies.
In 2007, the Canisius College Mock Trial team, coached by Marie P. Grisanti '89, an assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of New York, placed third in the national pre-law mock trial competition sponsored by the international law fraternity Phi Alpha Delta (PAD). Robert A. Klump, adjunct professor of political science and assistant director of the Raichle Pre-law Center serves as PAD advisor.
Pi Sigma Alpha, the academic honor society for political science, is another way to extend the study of government beyond the classroom. The Canisius College chapter of this national organization brings speakers to campus and sponsors student forums to stimulate productive scholarship and interest in the subject of government and politics.
The Political Science Department also assists in bringing to campus some of the most renowned figures in American law and politics through the Fitzpatrick Chair of Political Science Lecture Series and Frank G. Raichle Lecture Series on Law in American Society. Past lectures have featured Associate Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.
William H. Fitzpatrick Institute of Public Affairs and Leadership
Created in fall 2008, the institute will also offer political science and interdisciplinary symposia and workshops that deal with issues such as political communication, polling, and public policy in areas such as education.
The institute will include student travel to Washington, DC, the United Nations, and to Europe to participate in European Union simulations (EuroSim). Political participation will be available to students through educational opportunities at the Democratic and Republican presidential nominating conventions and through volunteerism with political campaigns and political parties.
The institute will serve as a clearinghouse for political and governmental internships and other volunteer activities to develop leadership potential in Canisius students.
The Fitzpatrick Institute will also create an interactive Web site devoted to leadership issues and will contain podcasts of lectures and symposia.
Michael V. Haselswerdt, PhD, professor of political science at Canisius, will serve as director of the Fitzpatrick Institute.