Well, one academic year is over and another to come.  A new president has been selected and he is eager to increase both membership and visibility.  That being said, we'd like to hit the Fall semester running.  So... here are a few things you should do between now and late August.

One, if you'd like to continue your membership, you should (a) email the advisor so that you'll continue to be on the email list for announcements (If you've graduated, let the advisor know to move your name to the alumni email list), and (b) sometime before the beginning of the Fall semester, print and fill out the application located online <http://www.sjsu.edu/polisci/studentresources/psa/psaapplication/> -- even if you're only renewing your membership -- and bring it and your dues to the advisor's office once the semester starts.  If you do not qualify for the full -- nationally recognized -- membership, you can sign up for the associate membership; if you have the GPA for full membership but lack the units, talk to / email the advisor.  There are benefits to full membership, not the least of which is the opportunity to compete for the national office's various scholarships.

Two, consider running for office within the organization.  This looks good on your resume.  However, only run if you're serious about following through with all the responsibilities of the office.  Positions available are:  vice president, secretary, treasurer, public relations chair, fundraising chair, historian, events/social chair, membership recruitment chair, scholarship chair, and special projects chair.  The only caveat is that the person holding the VP position must be a nationally recognized member, all the rest listed can be held by people who are solely associate members. The organization has an office in Clark Hall for the officers; if you are elected, you'll have access to the PSA office -- with its computer.

Three, think about what you'd like to see PSA do next year.  One of the activities the organization has put on in the past is Plato Club, which is a gathering of the current and past members -- think networking opportunity -- for food and conversation.  The national office also has funds for activities that involve the theme of the year (which has not yet been announced); in the past, the organization has put on a dinner talk on a hot political topic and invited chapters from around northern California -- it was a hit. 

Four, consider being a representative to the Leadership Conference.  One of Student Involvement's requirement for continued recognition of the organization is that two members must attend the conference in October.  One of the members must be an officer, but the other can be any member of the organization.  See <http://www.sjsu.edu/getinvolved/studentorgs/programs/solc/> for details.  If you're interested in attending, let the advisor know.

That's it for now.  Enjoy your summer.