School of Political Science, Public Affairs, Legal & Security Studies

09/17/2026

HAPPENING TODAY!

Join the Archer Center for a discussion of Professional Pathways in the Nation’s Capital

Students from all UT System campuses and majors are welcome!

Washington, D.C., offers an array of professional pathways for students from Texas. Whether on Capitol Hill, in federal agencies, the judiciary, think tanks and nonprofits, or the private sector, University of Texas System students from all academic backgrounds can find exciting opportunities to apply their skills, grow professionally, and make a difference on important policy issues.

Pursuing internships and jobs in the nation’s capital can be daunting. These virtual events welcome undergraduate, graduate, and medical students for a discussion with the Archer Center, The University of Texas System campus in Washington, D.C. A panel of Archer Center faculty will share their insights for learning, working, and thriving in the District during and beyond your academic career.

For Graduate and Medical Students: Professional Pathways in the Nation’s Capital

Thursday, September 17, from 12 – 1:30 p.m. on Zoom

Be sure to RSVP and Register!

09/16/2026

Join the Archer Center for a discussion of Professional Pathways in the Nation’s Capital

Students from all UT System campuses and majors are welcome!

Washington, D.C., offers an array of professional pathways for students from Texas. Whether on Capitol Hill, in federal agencies, the judiciary, think tanks and nonprofits, or the private sector, University of Texas System students from all academic backgrounds can find exciting opportunities to apply their skills, grow professionally, and make a difference on important policy issues.

Pursuing internships and jobs in the nation’s capital can be daunting. These virtual events welcome undergraduate, graduate, and medical students for a discussion with the Archer Center, The University of Texas System campus in Washington, D.C. A panel of Archer Center faculty will share their insights for learning, working, and thriving in the District during and beyond your academic career.

For Graduate and Medical Students: Professional Pathways in the Nation’s Capital

Thursday, September 17, from 12 – 1:30 p.m. on Zoom

Be sure to RSVP and Register!

09/14/2026

Last Saturday, September 12, PPLSS hosted a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) Mixer in Harlingen, bringing together students and faculty for a morning focused on community building, connection, and conversation around the MPA program.

The event provided a welcoming and informal space for students to introduce themselves, connect with one another, and share their experiences and ideas about the program. Faculty members also had the opportunity to introduce students to new curriculum developments, student opportunities, and exciting plans for the future of the MPA program.

We had a great time connecting with our MPA community!

09/14/2026

Last Saturday, September 12, PPLSS hosted the Teen Civics Workshop, bringing together high school students from Lamar Academy for an engaging day of conversation and learning about various forms of civic participation.

During the workshop, students explored important topics related to democratic participation, civic engagement, and voting, while sharing their perspectives and questions with PPLSS faculty. The discussions were led by Dr. Velez and Dr. Ortiz-Garcia, who guided students through thoughtful conversations about the role young people can play in shaping their communities and participating in the democratic process.

It was a great opportunity for students to connect, learn, and reflect on the importance of being informed and engaged members of their communities.

Check out some snapshots from the event!

09/10/2026

UNDERGRADUATE SESSION HAPPENING TODAY!

Join the Archer Center for a discussion of Professional Pathways in the Nation’s Capital

Students from all UT System campuses and majors are welcome!

Washington, D.C., offers an array of professional pathways for students from Texas. Whether on Capitol Hill, in federal agencies, the judiciary, think tanks and nonprofits, or the private sector, University of Texas System students from all academic backgrounds can find exciting opportunities to apply their skills, grow professionally, and make a difference on important policy issues.

Pursuing internships and jobs in the nation’s capital can be daunting. These virtual events welcome undergraduate, graduate, and medical students for a discussion with the Archer Center, The University of Texas System campus in Washington, D.C. A panel of Archer Center faculty will share their insights for learning, working, and thriving in the District during and beyond your academic career.

TODAY: For Undergraduate Students: Professional Pathways in the Nation’s Capital

Thursday, September 10, from 12 – 1:30 p.m. on Zoom

NEXT WEEK: For Graduate and Medical Students: Professional Pathways in the Nation’s Capital

Thursday, September 17, from 12 – 1:30 p.m. on Zoom

Be sure to RSVP and Register for the discussion that best meets your needs!

09/09/2026

Join the Archer Center for a discussion of Professional Pathways in the Nation’s Capital

Students from all UT System campuses and majors are welcome!

Washington, D.C., offers an array of professional pathways for students from Texas. Whether on Capitol Hill, in federal agencies, the judiciary, think tanks and nonprofits, or the private sector, University of Texas System students from all academic backgrounds can find exciting opportunities to apply their skills, grow professionally, and make a difference on important policy issues.

Pursuing internships and jobs in the nation’s capital can be daunting. These virtual events welcome undergraduate, graduate, and medical students for a discussion with the Archer Center, The University of Texas System campus in Washington, D.C. A panel of Archer Center faculty will share their insights for learning, working, and thriving in the District during and beyond your academic career.

For Undergraduate Students: Professional Pathways in the Nation’s Capital

Thursday, September 10, from 12 – 1:30 p.m. on Zoom

For Graduate and Medical Students: Professional Pathways in the Nation’s Capital

Thursday, September 17, from 12 – 1:30 p.m. on Zoom

Be sure to RSVP and Register for the discussion that best meets your needs!

08/31/2026

Dr. Richard T. Longoria was featured in the Minnesota Star Tribune discussing the celebrity political candidate Michele Tafoya. Dr. Longoria has published a book titled Celebrities in American Elections and has multiple academic journal publications in the area of celebrity politics. He also teaches a course on celebrity politics, and his research has been featured in the New York Times.

From Jesse Ventura to Al Franken, famous names have found an unusually receptive electorate in Minnesota. A political scientist dissects the impact on the race between Tafoya and Peggy Flanagan.

08/26/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our Fall 2026 PPLSS interns! 🎉

This semester, 15 students enrolled in POLS 3393 and POLS 3190 are gaining valuable professional experience in legislative offices, local government agencies, legal organizations, and faculty-led research.

🏛️ Legislative Internships

• Miranda Barajas — Office of State Rep. Terry Canales, District 40
• Oscar Gutierrez — Office of U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, District 34
• Julissa Ramirez — Office of State Rep. Erin Gamez, District 38

🏢 Government Internships

• Isabella Chavez — Cameron County District Attorney’s Office
• Mariela Cumpian — Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office
• Jaylen Gonzalez — City of Edinburg Municipal Court
• Liliana Gonzalez — Hidalgo County Bar Association
• Samuel Hernandez Howard — Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office
• Kassandra Olvera — Cameron County Elections Department
• Mayrin Salinas — McAllen Economic Development Corporation
• Lauren Tharpe — Cameron County District Attorney’s Office

🔬 Research Internships

• Francisco Da Cunha — Dr. Mi-son Kim
• Vivian Lopez — Dr. Tyler Coleman

⚖️ Legal Internships

• Melanie Acuna — Law Office of Audra Palacios Cruz
• Samantha Jiang — Law Office of Audra Palacios Cruz

These internships offer our students an extraordinary opportunity to connect classroom learning with public service, research, law, and government while developing the professional skills that will prepare them for their future careers.

We are grateful to our community partners and faculty mentors for investing in our students and creating these meaningful learning opportunities. Please join us in congratulating our Fall 2026 POLS interns and wishing them a rewarding semester!

08/25/2026

🎉 Welcome to our 166 new Political Science students and to 151 students who joined us at the Vaquero Roundup Political Science session on both campuses! 🎉

We are excited to have you as part of our dynamic and growing Political Science community. Whether you're just beginning your academic journey or exploring all that our program has to offer, we are here to support your success every step of the way.

A special thank you to the members of our PPLSS Student Advisory Board for sharing information about student organizations and helping our new students connect with the many opportunities available on campus. Your leadership and enthusiasm are invaluable!

Welcome to the Vaquero family! We look forward to learning, growing, and achieving great things together. 💙🧡