Oakland University’s Nu Omega Chapter has been recognized by Pi Sigma Alpha, the national honor society for political science college students, and will receive one of the Best Chapter Awards for the 2020-2021 school year.

This year marks Nu Omega chapter’s seventh consecutive year receiving a Best Chapter Award. 

According to their official website, each season Pi Sigma Alpha selects chapters across the country to receive the award in order to “recognize local chapters that are particularly active in their departments and universities and exhibit high levels of energy and creativity in furthering the goals of the honor society.”

Cody Eldredge, new advisor of Nu Omega chapter, works with the members and officers to facilitate ongoing programming that is consistent with the mission of the chapter. His role involves organizing various political events, bringing speakers to OU campus and other related activities.

“I’m thrilled to be advising our honorary,” Eldredge said. “Working with this group of talented, engaged and civically minded students is without question the best part of my job at OU.”

The chapter received a $500 award check for dedication throughout the season, despite complications due to COVID-19. The award money is also to be used for future programming, according to the PSA website.

Nu Omega chapter is dedicated to the academic understanding of politics. The chapter promotes excellence in the study of political science through a variety of programs and activities. Every February, a group of students are sent to the Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Research Conference in Washington D.C.

Despite the pandemic, the chapter has inducted 51 new members – its largest cohort to date – and organized several debate-watch parties and panel discussions this season. It has also organized a variety of social functions including a student-faculty game of “Diplomacy,” a popular strategy board game.

The president of the chapter Christina Walker emphasized the importance of collaboration with other members, especially when it comes to accomplishing a project together as a group.

“I feel that leadership and the ability to work with people is essential,” Walker said. “Pi Sigma Alpha has given me, my fellow executive board members and former executive board members the opportunity to work together, build relationships and learn how to plan events and write grants. I think many of these skills are transferable to the job market.”

She also emphasized how supportive advisor Eldredge was to her and the members. She said that Eldredge provides his students the capacity to learn and grow while in leadership positions. 

“Being a member of the Nu Omega chapter opens doors for students to take part in undergraduate research, travel to conferences and network with professors and alumni,” Walker said.

As a group, Walker, Eldredge and the chapter members hope to continue to engage with the OU community on critical matters of politics and policy. They also hope to aid its members in pursuing their desired careers – whether it is in law, graduate school, entry into the policy world or local politics.

“As advisor, I’m amazed by our chapter’s momentum against the backdrop of the pandemic,” Eldredge said. “They truly deserve recognition for their efforts.”