Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA) is a national honor society which promotes excellence in the study of public administration and encourages public service. As stated in our Constitution, the purposes of the Villanova University Chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha shall be to encourage and recognize outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in public affairs and administration, to promote the advancement of education and practice in the art and science of public affairs and administration, and to foster integrity, professionalism, and creative performance in the conduct of governmental and related public service activities.
The chapter formally inducts and elects officers every Spring. They sponsor two events annually - a Fall Colloquium and a Spring Seminar.
Election of Officers
One of the most important activities of the Villanova University Chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha involves nominating and electing the Chapter’s two officers, the Chapter President and the Chapter Secretary, following graduation in May.
According to the Chapter Constitution, “All officers shall perform their duties as prescribed by this Chapter and in accordance with procedures established by the National Council of Pi Alpha Alpha.” The President presides at all meetings and serves as the Chapter’s official representative. The Secretary acts as President in the President’s absence, keeps the Chapter’s official minutes, and other duties normally associated with this office. The officers assume office immediately upon election.
Elections of officers are conducted via email and consist of at least two phases: 1) the nominating phase, where qualified members may nominate themselves or others for one office; and 2) the election phase, where the winner for each office will be determined by achieving a simple majority vote. If no winner emerges for either office in the election phase, a runoff election between the two candidates receiving the greatest number of votes will be held whereby the winner will be the candidate who accrues a simple majority of the votes cast. All current dues-paying student and alumni/ae members are eligible to vote, but only current dues-paying student members are eligible for nomination and election to office.
