The Institute for Public Service conducts activities to close the gap between the academic world and the broader world of politics, and to inspire undergraduate students to inter careers in politic public service. Public service is defined broadly to mean not only governmental service but also international humanitarian non-governmental organizations.

To these ends the Institute sponsors lunch and dinner visits by public officials and candidates, public affairs conferences and exhibits, career forums, internships in local government, and subsidies for the annual Sacramento Legislative Seminar. Preparing for these events also serves as training for student aides who work in the Institute.

The Institute Room is the nerve center for organizing these activities, most of which take place in the Forum. The Institute Room also functions as a place for quiet study for political science majors during the evening hours.