2026
February
European Security: The Changing Landscape
Date: Tuesday, February 25
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: FUSE 1324 (Global Studio), Mason Square
Featuring: Szabolcs Takács (Hungarian Ambassador to the U.S.); Desmond Dinan (Schar School Professor); Moderator: Ellen Laipson (Schar School Professor, CSPS Director); Welcome Remarks: Mark J. Rozell (Schar School Dean)
Contact: csps@gmu.edu
Open to: Public
RSVP to: csps@gmu.edu.
March
POGO 511 Exam
Date: Friday, March 13, 2026
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Open to: Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master's in International Security, and Master's in Political Science students
Contact: schargss@gmu.edu
Register for the March 13, 2026 POGO 511 exam
From Cartels to Combatants: The Intense Militarization of America’s Drug War — Wise Strategy or Lawless Venture?
Date: Monday, March 23, 2026
Time: 1 to 6 p.m.
Location: FUSE Building, Mason Square
Contact: contra@gmu.edu
Open to: Public
Register for From Cartels to Combatants.
April
POGO 511 Exam
Date: Friday, April 3, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Fairfax Campus, Aquia Building, Room 336
Open to: Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master's in International Security, and Master's in Political Science students
Contact: schargss@gmu.edu
Register for the April 3, 2026 POGO 511 exam
May
2026 Schar School Undergraduate Research Assistant Program & Internship Fair
A showcase of posters and presentations by Schar School students who participated in hands-on research alongside faculty over the course of Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. This event also features presentations by students who held internships this year with Washington DC agencies, firms, and organizations.
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, 1204
Open to: Public
Contact: apage24@gmu.edu
2026 Schar School Honors Presentations
Schar School Honors students give their capstone presentations.
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Location: Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, 1203
Open to: Students, Faculty, Family, and Friends
Contact: apage24@gmu.edu
POGO 511 Workshop and Exam
Date: Friday, May 8, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Mason Square, Van Metre Hall, First Floor, Room TBD
Open to: Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master's in International Security, and Master's in Political Science students
Contact: schargss@gmu.edu
Register for the May 8th POGO 511 workshop and exam
POGO 511 Exam
Date: Friday, May 8, 2026
Time: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Mason Square, Van Metre Hall, First Floor, Room TBD
Open to: Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master's in International Security, and Master's in Political Science students
Contact: schargss@gmu.edu
Register for the May 8, 2026 POGO 511 exam
June
POGO 511 Exam
Date: Friday, June 12, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Mason Square, Van Metre Hall, Room 502
Open to: Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master's in International Security, and Master's in Political Science students
Contact: schargss@gmu.edu
Register for the June 12, 2026 POGO 511 exam
July
POGO 511 Exam
Date: Friday, July 10, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Fairfax Campus, Aquia Building, Room 336
Open to: Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master's in International Security, and Master's in Political Science students
Contact: schargss@gmu.edu
Register for the July 10, 2026 POGO 511 exam
August
POGO 511 Workshop and Exam
Date: Friday, August 7, 2026
Time: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Open to: Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master's in International Security, and Master's in Political Science students
Contact: schargss@gmu.edu
Register for the August 7th POGO 511 workshop and exam
POGO 511 Exam
Date: Friday, August 7, 2026
Time: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Open to: Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master's in International Security, and Master's in Political Science students
Contact: schargss@gmu.edu
Register for the August 7, 2026 POGO 511 exam