Southern Connecticut State University Political Science Department

10/16/2026

Friday Feature: Meet Emma DeFelice

"My name is Emma DeFelice and I am a transfer student here at SCSU majoring in Journalism with a Political Science minor! At 23 years old I decided to go back to school to pursue my bachelor's degree after working professionally as a makeup artist and spray tan artist since 2019. I have been completing my degree little by little while also actively building my career as a makeup artist. I have always had a passion for beauty and fashion as well as politics, so I decided a degree in journalism will allow me to pursue both of my passions!"

Southern Connecticut State University I Southern Connecticut State University College of Arts & Sciences I 🦉

10/14/2026

The Buckley Institute is pleased to announce that our annual Supreme Court Review will take place Thursday, October 8, at 4:30pm.

SCOTUSblog’s Amy Howe and AEI’s Adam J. White will join and break down some of the biggest Supreme Court cases from the term, including tariffs, birthright citizenship, presidential power, and more!

The location will be announced at a later date.

10/02/2026

Friday Feature: Meet Jayla Hooks

"Hello, my name is Jayla Hooks. I came to Southern as a transfer student in 2025. In May I will be receiving my bachelor's degree in Sociology Criminal Justice & Criminology with a minor in Political Science. I plan to take a gap year after graduation to study for the LSATs, then attend law school with hopes of becoming a criminal defense attorney."

Southern Connecticut State University I Southern Connecticut State University College of Arts & Sciences I 🦉

09/30/2026

https://buckleyinstitute.com/events/supreme-court-review-tariffs-birthright-citizenship-presidential-power-and-more/

The Buckley Institute is pleased to announce that our annual Supreme Court Review will take place Thursday, October 8, at 4:30pm.

SCOTUSblog’s Amy Howe and AEI’s Adam J. White will join and break down some of the biggest Supreme Court cases from the term, including tariffs, birthright citizenship, presidential power, and more!

The location will be announced at a later date.

09/30/2026

09/29/2026

Spring Internship Opportunity for Environmental Activists!

The Active Voice (TAV) is a student leadership program that combines civics, journalism, and environmental advocacy by mentoring motivated high school and college students to: 1. Understand the legislative process; and 2. Advocate for progress addressing climate change through journalism and writing or legislative advocacy. Through hands-on work with Connecticut’s leading environmental advocacy groups, access to the halls of power at the State Capitol, and publishing with a leading political journal, interns will help “move the needle” on climate change. We are striving to deepen public education, widen civic engagement, and acknowledge the realities of climate despair.

Website: https://theactivevoice.blog/

Application deadline: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.

Application link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJFaswmxzf5rJKXiFhqLVhxM5SEytI68aFYAGoGqfXjfu0Kg/viewform

09/28/2026

Applications are now open for U.S. Senator Murphy’s Spring 2027 Internship Program!

All applications are due Friday, 11/13 at 11:59 pm.

To apply, students must use this link to set up an OAM account and be considered for the Spring 2027 application cycle: https://oampluspublic.senate.gov/public/login/89e311b5-0c74-4296-a20c-8989f348f040
This application is also live on Handshake!

Application Instructions
Resume:
First Year and Sophomore students may include relevant experiences or activities from high school, but should not include bullet points/descriptions, only titles and dates.
Juniors and Seniors should not include experiences or activities from high school.

Cover Letter:
Answer the question: Why do you want to work for Senator Chris Murphy specifically?
Please do not include a generic tour of your resume.

Writing Sample:
One page maximum.
It can be anything you believe shows your writing skills.
Interns often write congratulatory letters and emails to external agencies, so the writing sample is essential.

About the Employer:
Chris Murphy (D-CT) is the junior United States Senator for Connecticut. His offices are located in Hartford, Connecticut. Please see his website for details about his career in public service: https://www.murphy.senate.gov/about

About the Internship:
Interns will work closely with Senator Murphy’s Hartford staff and Connecticut constituents to attain a broad understanding of the interaction between citizens and their government.

Qualifications:
Has an ardent desire to help others
Outstanding communication skills
Outstanding time management skills
Hard-working
Detail-oriented
Currently enrolled undergraduate, any class year
Any major
Minimum 3.0 GPA

Responsibilities Include:
-Assisting staffers with administrative tasks including answering phones and sorting mail
-Connecting constituents with appropriate support
Responsibilities will likely also include more substantive activities such as:
-Drafting responses to constituent inquiries
-Attending meetings, press conferences, and other community events
-Drafting congratulatory letters and certificates for the staff and Senator Murphy

Hours and Location:
Approximately the first week of January to the second week of May, full 5 months, two days/week
Fully in-person
9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Fully in-person at the Office of U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, 120 Huyshope Avenue, Suite 401, Hartford, CT 06106, Phone: (860) 549-8463

Compensation:
$1,500 total stipend

Please see the application for additional details: https://www.murphy.senate.gov/services/internships

09/28/2026

JOIN US FOR CIVICSCON!

The CWCSEO Civics Conference (CivicsCon) on October 8th–10th is a 3-day event that will feature one full day in person (Thursday) and two half days virtual (Friday evening and Saturday morning). Our goal is to ensure access to the event for as many residents as possible.

CivicsCon is a continuation of a long commitment to civic engagement that the Commission has been building alongside Connecticut residents and communities. Throughout 2025, we hosted civic sitdowns, produced a landmark two-day event Commemorating America250 and Exploring the American Dream, and launched the CWCSEO Policy Innovation and Civic Health Podcast — all in service of strengthening Connecticut's civic health.

At the heart of CivicsCon are three pillars our state depends on: Voice, Voting, and Volunteerism (Service). Through interactive panels, activities, and community discussion, CivicsCon will create space for conversations that strengthen communities, bridge divides, and build the civic muscle our state needs. Whether you are a longtime advocate, student or someone just beginning to find your place in civic life, there is a place for you here.

Register now, full agenda to be posted soon.

In-Person, 10/8 - 10am to 2pm
https://bit.ly/CivicsCon_Oct8

On Zoom, 10/9 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
https://bit.ly/CivicsCon_Oct9


On Zoom, 10/10 - 10am to 12pm
https://bit.ly/CivicsCon_Oct10

09/18/2026

Friday Feature: Meet Malati Rossington

"Hi, I'm Malati Rossington, a Political Science major at SCSU. Choosing Political Science was one of the best decisions I've made, and I've truly enjoyed being part of such a supportive and engaging department. My academic interests include international development, migration, humanitarian affairs, and public policy. My passion for public service was inspired by my mother and grandmother, whose dedication to helping others through public service has been a lifelong source of inspiration for me. After graduation, I plan to pursue a Master of Public Policy and continue working toward a career dedicated to helping people and creating meaningful impact, no matter where I am.

Picture: My mother and I in beautiful Venezuela. The woman who inspired my passion for public service and helping others. ❤️"

Southern Connecticut State University I Southern Connecticut State University College of Arts & Sciences I 🦉

09/14/2026

Alumni Feature: Meet Jonathan Santillo

"I earned two degrees at Southern Connecticut State University: first, my BA in History with a minor in Political Science in 2023, and then my MA in History in 2025 (alongside earning my Associate of Arts in Political Science from CT State Community College). In the History and Political Science Departments at SCSU, I developed the analytical skills and research foundation that prepared me to be an effective scholar and public servant. I have never felt out of place in advanced academic settings, which speaks directly to the quality of education at SCSU.

I am currently pursuing my Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership at Northeastern University, where my doctoral research focuses on educational access, career pathways, and STEM teacher recruitment. In addition to my doctoral studies, I am fortunate to stay involved with SCSU through my work with the OwlsTeach Noyce Scholarship Program.

My commitment to service goes beyond my academic commitments and extends to my community at large. I am actively involved with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary as Flotilla Staff Officer – Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program (FSO-PV). I am also committed to charitable work and service through the Knights of Columbus, where I serve as District Communications Director on the Connecticut District staff, Faithful Navigator for John Berry Assembly #97 (Fourth Degree), and Deputy Grand Knight for Mount Carmel Council #3605 (Hamden).

The mentorship and standards set forth by the faculty at Southern helped shape my approach to leadership and civic responsibility, rivaling what you would find at any top-tier institution.

To all the Owls out there: balancing rigorous degree programs, leadership roles, and community service isn't easy, but the discipline you build today will open doors you haven't even imagined yet. Go Owls!"

Photo 1: With Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 3rd Congressional District)
Photo 2: With Connecticut State Senator and current CT governor candidate Ryan Fazio