POIR Graduate Student Association

President: Miguel Hijar Chiapa

Vice-President: Jessica Walker

Treasurer: Yana Demeshko

Senator/DGSA Representative: Shenali Pilapitiya

Communications Director: Stephen Schick

Forms

Do you have conference travel expenses? Do you plan to transfer previous graduate coursework? Interested in doing an independent research seminar with a particular faculty member?

Directed Research 790

Before submitting this form, students must submit a proposal to the POIR Program Office for review and approval by the DGS. This proposal should outline the justification for a Directed Research and include the total units for the course. Students must also have the faculty member notify the Program Administrator with their approval to conduct the 790.

Course Transfer Request

Before submitting this form, students must obtain the field director’s approval for the course transfer. A separate form is required for each course you wish to transfer. Requests to transfer previous graduate work should be submitted no later than the second semester of study.

Conference & Travel Award Requests

Students may apply once each academic year for travel funds. Applications should be submitted at 1-2 months prior to planned travel. For more information, visit the Conferences & Travel Awards website.

POIR Reimbursement Guidelines & Form

Students must submit the POIR Reimbursement Form, itemized receipts, and proof of participation within 10 days of their return. Please submit these to Aurora Ramirez and Danielle Ballard.

USC Graduate School

POIR Advising

Reading Lists

Please contact the Field Director for any questions about the reading list.

American Politics:
Comparative Politics: Jefferey Sellers
International Relations: Saori Katada
Methods & Research Training:

American Politics

Comparative Politics

International Relations

Methods & Research Tools

Campus Resources

  • Student Services
  • Health, Wellness, & Safety
  • International Students
  • Research & Professional Support
  • Student Affairs
  • Living in Los Angeles

Student Services

USC has resources for academic accommodations, financial aid, and free software for students.

Please consult the links below for information on degree progress for the PhD, working as a TA/RA, and taking a leave of absence.

Health, Wellness, & Safety

The university has many resources to support student’s mental and physical well-being.

International Students

Find information on GLACIER, verifying your immigration status and degrees, setting up identification for tax purposes, and taking the ITA exam for teaching assistants whose native language is not English.

Research & Professional Support

Below are links to research resources in the libraries, databases of external funding sources, and support for writing, teaching, and academic success.

USC has partnered with National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity to provide curriculum and mentoring for PhD students and early career academics, including Dissertation Success, a publishing bootcamp, and a job market webinar. Register for a free account.

For those pursuing careers outside of the academy, USC has partnered with Versatile PhD to help you navigate the process.

Student Affairs

At the university, the Graduate Student Government manages student resources and represents the graduate population at USC. In addition, there are many identity-based and interest-based organizations students can join.

Living in Los Angeles

Need help finding housing? Get started with these sites.

Who to contact?

 
TA/RA payroll: Cathy Ballard (ballardc@usc.edu)
 
Classroom Scheduling: Karin Amundsen (kamundse@usc.edu)
 
Reimbursements & Travel: Aurora Ramirez (aurora@usc.edu)
 
Facilities & Tech Support: Edgar Rodriguez (edgarr@usc.edu)