Student Associations

Model United Nations

The Model UN prepares students for participation in a simulated United Nations program (the National Model United Nations) in April of each year in New York City or some other simulation of international organization. Travel, hotel, and delegate fees are partially paid by the Student Government Association. Students selected for the course become delegates from a preselected nation and simulate the attitudes and arguments of the real nation’s delegation. Students may enroll in POLS 4163 in the Spring with special permission from the MUN faculty advisor.

For more information visit the Model United Nations website.

North Carolina Student Legislature

UNC Charlotte’s delegation is one of many student delegations from participating colleges and universities in North Carolina. Through participation in a model General Assembly, NCSL provides students with a close-up, practical education and political and legislative processes. NCSL provides students a state-wide forum for expressing their ideas and opinions on current issues to state and national leaders. NCSL also provides networking opportunities to public officials and to other students who are interested in politics and public policy. Students may enroll in POLS 4110 in the Spring with special permission from the NCSL faculty advisor.

Mock Trial

The Mock Trial team is a member of the American Mock Trial Association. They participate in various mock trial tournaments throughout the course of the academic year. Team members can play attorney and witness roles (students with acting experience are encouraged to join!), learning valuable insights into the trial process and the legal system. While this is a great opportunity for pre-law students, we encourage anyone with strong critical thinking and public speaking (and acting!) skills to consider the program. Students interested in the program are strongly encouraged to take the Introduction to the Trial Process course that is taught every Fall semester. Additionally, students participating in the program may receive one-hour of Political Science credit. If you are interested, contact Dr. John Szmer (jjszmer@uncc.edu).

Pre-Law Society

The UNC Charlotte Pre-Law Society is a student organization open to all students interested in a law-related profession or in attending law school, regardless of year or major. It strives to promote an increased awareness and interest in the law by hosting experienced lawyers, law school representatives, professors, and experts in the field of law throughout the academic year. The Pre-Law Society prepares students for law school and their eventual careers by providing them opportunities to become more familiar with the law school admissions process and various legal professions.

Contact Kathleen Nicolaides (knicola@uncc.edu) if you have questions regarding the Pre-Law Society.

Pi Sigma Alpha

The Theta Epsilon Chapter of the National Political Science Honorary Society, Pi Sigma Alpha, is located at UNC Charlotte. Requirements for member­ship are: 1) junior standing; 2) completion of at least three Political Science courses, at least one of which must be at the 3000-level or higher. Transfer students must have completed at least two of the three courses at UNC Charlotte; 3) a minimum of a 3.3 GPA overall; 4) not less than a 3.5 GPA in Political Science courses. Students meeting these qualifications will receive a letter of invitation to join during the Spring semester. An initiation reception is normally held during the Spring semester.