{"id":44,"date":"2026-08-07T18:51:13","date_gmt":"2026-08-07T18:51:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/political-science-and-public-service\/?p=44"},"modified":"2026-08-07T19:20:06","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T19:20:06","slug":"spring-2026-january-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/political-science-and-public-service\/2026\/08\/07\/spring-2026-january-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring 2026: January Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A Note from the Editor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Welcome back, PSPS! I hope you had a restful and refreshing winter break and are ready to begin the spring semester. We are glad to have everyone back and look forward to the weeks ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This edition of the newsletter is shorter than usual, but it is an important one. Several upcoming events and key deadlines are included, so please be sure to read carefully and mark your calendars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s to a strong start to the semester- we\u2019re happy to have you back!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Upcoming Departmental Events<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These are events our department is hosting in the near future, so keep an eye out!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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PSPS Open House<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

January 23th \u2013 PSPS Office Suite, 2nd Floor of 540 McCallie \u2013 1-3pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All PSPS students are invited to stop by the PSPS Open House! This is a great chance to connect with your professors and fellow students, learn more about PSPS-related student organizations, and spend some time in the department space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll have refreshments, games, and PSPS swag- so come hang out, ask questions, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon with the PSPS community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PSPS-related student organizations have been invited to host tables. If you\u2019re an organization officer and didn\u2019t receive the invitation but would like to participate, please contact Ms. Dubendorfer at elizabeth-dubendorfer@utc.edu.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\u00a02026 Undergraduate Civics Symposium<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

March 20-21st – hosted in Knoxville by the UT Institute of American Civics<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PSPS students are encouraged to apply to participate in the 2026 Undergraduate Civics Symposium, hosted by the UT Institute of American Civics in Knoxville. This two-day symposium will bring together undergraduate students from across Tennessee to engage in thoughtful dialogue on the meaning of patriotism and its role in American civic life\u2014especially timely as the nation approaches its semiquincentennial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participant Support Includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

$100 travel stipend, Hotel accommodations, Two meals provided, and PSPS van transportation (departing the afternoon of 3\/20 and returning the evening of 3\/21)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note: this event takes place at the end of Spring Break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Apply: Interested students should complete the application form, which asks how attending the symposium would support your academic, professional, and\/or civic goals. Applicants may also describe prior experiences- such as work, volunteering, student leadership, or research- that reflect a commitment to civic engagement. Students with limited prior experience are still strongly encouraged to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due by: January 29th<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apply Here<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sweet Research Series<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Be on the lookout for an announcement of Sweet Research dates soon!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Faculty Features<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our faculty are not only dedicated to providing a world-class education to our students, but are also committed to their own research projects, workshops, journals, and more!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Dr. Saeid Golkar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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We\u2019re proud to highlight the recent national and international engagement of UC Foundation Associate Professor Saeid Golkar. Dr. Golkar\u2019s expertise on Iranian politics and civic unrest continues to inform public discourse and deepen understanding of critical global issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Golkar was featured in Newsweek<\/a> in a piece analyzing political developments in Iran, offering expert insight on the ongoing situation there. He also contributed to a Wall Street Journal story<\/a> about protests in Iran, providing perspective grounded in his extensive research on authoritarian regimes and social movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to media appearances, Dr. Golkar has written for major platforms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n