What is PAC?

PAC is the political awareness committee. We are a nonpartisan group that tries to foster understanding and activism and awareness through the presentation of a balanced perspective. Our committee does not take stands on political issues; we provide the information so that you decide. Our committee is small, consisting only of executive members. However, our meetings and events are always open to all St. Olaf students. We meet every Monday night at 5:30 in BC110. To learn about PAC’s events, e-mail Janine (wetzelj) to be added to the "getpolitical" alias.

What are PAC Dinners?

PAC Dinners occur almost every Tuesday night at 6:00 PM in the Valhalla dining room. Students bring their caf trays and listen to speakers who address issues of relevance and/or current events. Dinner speakers include faculty, politicians, and activists. Past dinner topics include the relevancy of the U.N., MN’s conceal and carry gun law, and academic diversity. Our goal in having dinners is to present a balanced viewpoint of issues that concern you in a very informal environment that encourages discussion and understanding. Posing questions to the speakers is always a component. All are welcome! To read about future PAC dinners, check out the events link.

What does PAC do besides bring in speakers?

We help other organizations on campus bring in speakers. (See next point.) We provide the following magazines in Fireside for students to read: The Nation, The National Review, US News and World Report, The Guardian? We also provide one Star Tribune per hall, located at the front desk, for students to share. Newspapers are also available in Fireside, the Pause, and the Office of Student Activities. Get on the pacheadlines alias to get weekly headlines! We also hold forums on issues and sponsor/coordinate student debates.

Can PAC help me bring in a speaker?

Of course! We can help in two ways. If you have a great suggestion, but don’t have any money to sponsor the event, let us know! E-mail any of the committee members; we love to hear what you want. Or, if you have a speaker in mind, but can only partially fund their coming, submit a co-sponsorship application. Applications are available in the Office of Student Activities.

When are PAC’s meetings?

Every Monday night at 5:30 in BC110. Everyone is welcome!