Student Educational Policy Committee (SEPC)

The political science Student Educational Policy Committee (SEPC) is a self-governing, elected body of student representatives that works to improve student experiences within the political science major and the wider Grinnell community.

What does the Poli Sci SEPC do?

An extension of the Student Government Association (SGA), its mission is to improve academic quality and equity by liaising between the department, the student body, and the administration. The SEPC therefore works to:

Create a comfortable and welcoming space within the major
Plan events for majors to attend
Guide majors and intended majors to useful information
Coordinate student feedback on faculty reviews, new hires, and course evaluations
Advocate against harmful patterns in the classroom

How do I contact the Poli Sci SEPC?

To contact the Poli Sci SEPC, please email polsepc@grinnell.edu.

How do I run for the Poli Sci SEPC?

Elections take place every academic year (AY), usually in the spring semester, and are coordinated by the outgoing Poli Sci SEPC.

The Poli Sci SEPC will email students within the major with instructions about how to apply. All candidates must complete a questionnaire and provide a candidate statement.

Students within the major subsequently vote for their representatives.

Who are my current Poli Sci SEPC representatives?

The 2021–22 Poli Sci SEPC consists of the following representatives:

Returning members:

Antonella Diaz ’23

New members

Nick El Hajj ’24
Allie Gibson ’24
Paddy Haley ’23
Nicki Kreutzian ’23
Mairenys Ramos ’24
Chris Stuckart ’24

Class Year: 2023

Meet Antonella

Major(s)/Concentration(s): Political science, with a licensure in education

Where are you from? Quito, Ecuador

Years of Service on SEPC: AY 2021–22 & 2022–23

Why do you think students should major in political science?
I believe that majoring in political science is a great path for students who are passionate about unraveling systems of injustice and ideating ways to resolve them.

Why did you decide to get involved in SEPC?
I joined the SEPC with hopes of advocating for international students, helping them to feel welcome and heard. I am delighted to be part of the Political Science SEPC and am eager to work on making the department as accessible as possible.

What are your hobbies? I enjoy going out for coffee, riding my bike, and listening to music.
Class Year: 2024

Meet Nick

Major(s)/Concentration(s): Political science and economics, with a concentration in global development studies.

Where are you from? Beirut, Lebanon

Years of service on SEPC: AY 2022–23

Why do you think students should major in political science? Political science is one of the majors that is most up to individual interpretation. Everyone’s path is unique and personalized from the get-go, and the skills you learn are applicable to almost every aspect of your professional and academic career.

Why did you decide to get involved in SEPC? I want to play my part in further elevating a department that is dear to me and that I believe is in invaluable to the broader Grinnell community.

What are your hobbies? I like writing, fishing, biking, stargazing, and sleeping.
Class Year: 2024

Meet Allie

Majors/Concentrations: Political science

Where are you from? Scottsdale, Arizona

Years of service on SEPC: AY 2022–23

Why do you think students should major in political science? Majoring in political science gives students a solid foundation with which to participate in civic and political systems around the world.

Why did you decide to get involved in the SEPC: I want to build connections within the political science community at Grinnell and help strengthen the relationships between faculty and students! I was also looking for a way to get more involved in the major.

What are your hobbies? I love reading, cooking/baking, and listening to music!
Class Year: 2023

Meet Paddy

Major(s)/Concentration(s): Political science and English

Where are you from? Mankato, Minnesota

Years of service on SEPC: AY 2022–23

Why do you think students should major in political science? I think students should major in political science because of the major’s versatility; it can prepare you in meaningful ways for a variety of different career paths (we don’t ALL go to law school!).

Why did you decide to get involved in SEPC? I wanted to help ensure that our major was working as effectively as possible for our students, as well as doing all it can to attract students from a host of different backgrounds to join our community.

What are your hobbies? I love reading, working out, and listening to music!
Class year: 2023

Meet Nicki

Major(s)/Concentration(s): Political science and German

Where are you from? Omaha, Nebraska

Years of service on SEPC: AY 2022–23

Why do you think students should major in political science? I think the political science department at Grinnell offers a variety of classes and there’s something to suit a whole variety of interests. The professors are really passionate about what they do and help develop your writing and critical thinking skills.

Why did you decide to get involved in SEPC? I wanted to help create more of a community in the political science department and help support and welcome new students to the department.

What are your hobbies? I’m a violist in the Grinnell Orchestra, and in my free time, I love to read and crochet.
Class year: 2024

Meet Mairenys

Major(s)/Concentration(s): Political science

Where are you from? Bronx, New York

Years of service on SEPC: AY 2022–23

Why do you think students should major in political science? I think students should major in political science because of the analytical, research, and oral and written skills developed that can be applied to other classes and/or a career. I also think it’s important to be informed about political processes in order to identify issues and participate in them to influence change.

Why did you decide to get involved in SEPC? I decided to get involved in the SEPC because I want to create a community in the major as well as create a space where students’ concerns can be heard, and tangible changes can be made to address those concerns.

What are your hobbies? I like reading, playing video games, and listening to music.
Class year: 2024

Meet Chris

Major(s)/Concentration(s): Political science, intended Spanish or philosophy

Where are you from? Portland, Oregon

Years of Service on SEPC: AY 2022–23

Why do you think students should major in political science? Political science is a great major for understanding how the world works on numerous levels, and hearing a lot of different perspectives. There is a lot of variety in the courses offered, and I am hoping that in my time on SEPC we can work to make course offerings even more diverse.

Why did you decide to get involved in SEPC? I ran for SEPC because of my love for the department, my interest in building a closer departmental community, and to help ensure the department reflects the interests and needs of its students, majors and non-majors alike.

What are your hobbies? I play ultimate frisbee for the Grinnelephants, and love to watch soccer and debate with others on a variety of topics.