With everything that’s going on in the world, why are we asking you for money? Because in the weeks and months ahead, our students will need it. Not just our majors; every student in every major.
If you aren’t in a position to give right now, no problem. We understand.
But if you are in a position to give, we suggest helping students experiencing extreme financial hardship, such as trouble paying tuition, rent, or monthly bills. For that reason we are taking the unusual step of encouraging you *not* to give directly to the Political Science Department this year, but rather to give money to one of the following two funds.
Thank you for your commitment to Ball State University.
- Student Emergency Aid Fund: small loans of around $500 paid to a third party (e.g., landlord or utility company. Often used for textbooks, living expenses (e.g., rent, utilities), and some small medical emergencies.
Take Flight Fund: micro grants of $2000 or less to help students enroll in classes or graduate on time.
The Department of Political Science is dedicated to advancing the understanding of the political frontier through teaching and research. Our students are striving to make better sense of the world in order to make a difference in the community by working side-by-side with faculty on important events that are shaping our world today.
Gifts made to the department directly benefit our undergraduate and graduate students from the Political Science and Legal Studies majors as well as Master’s in Public Administration and in Political Science. These benefits allow a wide range of opportunities including scholarships, research assistance, and special opportunities like presenting at conferences. Your gifts will create an immediate and long-lasting impact. Hear from one student who has been with us from the beginning.
“My graduate education in the Political Science program at Ball State has truly helped me define and articulate my unique individual skills. I was fortunate to start the program with an amazing cohort with like-minded goals. With the program’s distinguished and supportive faculty, I have learned a great deal in the classroom and established beneficial networking connections. I had the opportunity to present research papers at conferences and attend events both within and outside the department, which have been beneficial in preparing me for the professional world. I am positive that the knowledge acquired through the Political Science department will be of great value as I move on in my career.” – Yinka Ajibola, Political Science Graduate Student from Nigeria.
“I enjoyed my time at Ball State University as a political science major. Because of this program, I have been able to present research at the Midwest Political Science Association, which was one of my favorite experiences of my college career.” – Jalyn N Rhodes, Bachelor of Political Science Class of 2019. Student at Indiana University Maurer School of Law.
“My experience in the Department of Political Science has been incredible! I have been able to do research, attend professional conferences, meet government officials, and learn more about the community through the opportunities the department curates for its students.” – Lydia Kotowski, President, Beneficence Family Scholars, Inc.
Senior Student, Political Science
and Health Policy
Our proud past allows us to look towards the future where we can see the promise of a new generation of discoveries as students and faculty explore the political frontier. Our students infuse learning and research with their passions and perspectives to understand their world, engage their world, and make everlasting changes in their world. But their success will depend in great measure on the participation of all those who share our aspirations. We invite you to join us in supporting a limitless education, the development of new ideas, pioneering research, and changing the world one student at a time.
