GVPT Undergraduate Newsletter

1. Advising Updates

The advising staff would like to remind students that registration season is almost upon us! Please log on to Testudo to check your registration status. If you have any blocks, be sure to take action to remove these as soon as possible. Don't forget that it is always best to register on time for the most selection of GVPT courses. As a reminder, GVPT students are limited to 3 GVPT courses per semester.

Attention Graduating Seniors! Are you interested in teaching English in Spain, France or Austria in 2009-10? Please come to one of the following NSO information sessions to learn more and for advice about preparing a strong application:

Wednesday, November 19, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Thursday, November 20, 12:00 - 1:00pm
Friday, November 21, 12:00 - 1:00pm AND 4:00 - 5:00pm

All workshops will be held in the National Scholarships Office, 2403 Marie Mount Hall. Please RSVP to scholarships@umd.edu to let us know which session you plan to attend. If you cannot attend one of these workshops but would like to learn more,
please contact the National Scholarships Office at scholarships@umd.edu.

2. Cooke Scholarship for Graduate Study

The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship provides substantial support for graduate studies to outstanding students with strong evidence of financial need. Applicants should demonstrate significant financial need as well as excellent academic achievement and critical thinking ability, the will to succeed, leadership accomplishments, and a breadth of interests and activities. All graduate study fields and degrees are eligible for support. Cooke Scholars may use the award to attend any accredited graduate school in the US or abroad beginning in the fall of 2009.

The National Scholarships Office has scheduled information workshops for students interested in the Cooke Scholarship - please write to scholarships@umd.edu to let us know which workshop you plan to attend. (If you are unable to attend any of the scheduled sessions send a note to the same email address.)

Wednesday, November 12 from 4-5 pm - 2403 Marie Mount Hall
Friday, November 14 from 12-1 pm - 2403 Marie Mount Hall
Tuesday, November 18 from 4-5 pm - 2403 Marie Mount Hall

IMPORTANT: All applicants for the Cooke Scholarship must be nominated by their university. Applicants for Maryland nomination must demonstrate significant financial need. In order to be eligible for Maryland nomination, potential applicants must complete the Cooke financial need estimator - available at this website: http://facreps.jkcf.org/nomination/financial-needs-estimator/ - with a score of "1" or "2."

The deadline to apply for Maryland nomination for the Cooke Scholarship is February 2, 2009.

3. Check out Law School with the Pre-Law Society

Interested in law? Come see what a law school is all about!

Pi Sigma Alpha is sponsoring a trip to the George Washington University School of Law, ranked in the top 20 law schools by US News & World Report in 2008.

You'll get a chance to take a tour of the school and talk to one of their admissions officers. It's a great opportunity to get your pressing questions answered!

We will go on Friday, Nov. 21, leaving at 12:30 p.m. for the Metro station. We should be back on campus around 5 p.m.

If you've ever even thought about law school, this is a great way to get more information and see if this is the path for you.

If you are interested in attending, please reply to Mitch Zuckerman, Board Member at Large, at mitchz19@umd.edu, by Wednesday, November 19th.

4. Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities at START

START has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to launch a scholarship and fellowship program for undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Maryland, College Park, who are interested in pursuing careers related to homeland security. Students receive tuition reimbursement, stipends, and professional development opportunities.

For more information on undergraduate opportunities: http://www.start.umd.edu/announcements/announcement.asp?id=116

5. Submit your paper for Publication

Columbia University’s Journal of Politics & Society

The submission deadline for the Spring 2009 Journal is Saturday, January 24, 2009.

The Journal of Politics & Society is an interdisciplinary journal of undergraduate scholarship in the social sciences, published by the Helvidius Group of Columbia University. Founded in 1989, the Journal provides a forum for young scholars to contribute to the global dialogue on a diverse range of issues, including problems of political theory, economics, public policy, international relations, and law.

In 2007, the Journal became the first commercially distributed undergraduate periodical in the nation. The 2009 edition will be distributed among academics worldwide and sold in Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores.

The Editorial Board of the Helvidius Group is seeking submissions of scholarly research from UNDERGRADUATES (class of 2008 or later) in colleges and universities around the world. In addition, the Journal of Politics & Society will award the PETER AND KATHERINE TOMASSI PRIZE OF $250 to the author of the article judged most worthy by the Editorial Board in conjunction with faculty at Columbia University.

The Journal of Politics & Society is seeking original, topical, and rigorous articles including, but not limited to:

Students from ALL SOCIAL SCIENCE DISCIPLINES are encouraged to submit their work.

There is no absolute length requirement; however, published articles are typically 20–50 double-spaced pages long when submitted. Papers selected for publication undergo an intensive peer review and editing process, which involves significant communication between the Editorial Board and the author. Work previously written for classroom or individual use is welcomed.

Please send all general inquiries and manuscripts to helvidius@columbia.edu Please use Microsoft Word (.doc) or Rich Text (.rtf) format for submissions and include the line “[2009 Submission]” in the subject field of your email. For further details, please visit us at www.helvidius.org

6. Governor’s Appointments Office Internship

The Governor’s Appointments Office is responsible coordinating the appointments of qualified individuals to over 700 state boards, commissions, task forces, and other positions throughout the state. The Appointments Office maintains detailed information on vacancies and term expirations for all of these positions and coordinates with State Agencies, the General Assembly, and the Governor through the process of finding and appointing highly qualified candidates.

The internship program provides a rewarding experience for college students engage in the mechanics of State Government. Successful internship candidates should expect to work between 15-20 hours per week in the downtown Annapolis office. Interns’ duties may include assisting with a variety of daily office activities, reporting on Legislative Committee Hearings, attending swearing-in Ceremonies with the Governor, and completing periodic special projects designed to compliment specific areas of interest.

To apply please e-mail a cover letter, updated resume, and three references (at least one academic) to jtowles@gov.state.md.us If you would like more information or have any questions please feel free to contact Justin Towles at (410) 974-2611.

7. Internship in Baltimore County

Thank you for your interest in interning for Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith. The Baltimore County Government Affairs Internship provides an opportunity to experience day-to-day life at the General Assembly, while working on a variety of tasks and projects in Annapolis.

In addition to normal office duties, interns attend weekly delegation meetings, legislative bill hearings, staff the County Executive at special events, assist legislators with constituent issues, prepare letters, emails and briefing materials, and other duties as required. The Baltimore County Government Affairs Internship is an unpaid position and participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation. Mileage will be reimbursed.

We invite you to apply before November 21, 2008 for the 2009 Legislative Session. The position will be filled by the applicant who best demonstrates their interest in public service to Baltimore County, and the State of Maryland.

Applicants must be:

At least 18 years of age on or before the first day of the internship

Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a college or university, or graduated the previous semester

A United States citizen

Available for the 2009 Legislative Session. Internship Dates are January 5- April 17, 2008.

Please send your resume and cover letter to Erika Jones, Legislative Assistant in the office of Baltimore County Government Affairs, at PRIVATE HREF="mailto:ejones@baltimorecountymd.gov" MACROBUTTON HtmlResAnchor ejones@baltimorecountymd.gov on or before the following deadline: November 21, 2008.

Again, thank you for your interest in the Baltimore County Government Affairs Internship. We look forward to hearing from you.

Internship in Congressman Steny Hoyer's Personal Office

1705 Longworth HOB
Supervisor: Ruth McDonald

Description:
Interns will work in a fast-paced Congressional Office, gaining valuable experience and knowledge of the United States Congress. Unique opportunity to learn the particular role and responsibilities of the U.S. House Majority Leader in Congress. Interns will gain practical experience while assisting personal office staff, and have the opportunity to acquire a working knowledge of the day-to-day operations of the Legislative branch. Intern responsibilities include greeting constituents, handling constituent phone calls and emails, assisting staff with administrative tasks, sorting faxes, leading Capitol tours, conducting research, and assisting with correspondence. Opportunities to attend Capitol Hill briefings, congressional hearings, receptions, and press events.

Qualifications:
Interns must be sharp, have good inter-personal skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills. Successful interns will be able to find information with little assistance, be observant and self-aware, require minimal supervision, and be able to both work independently and coordinate with others as necessary. Applicants should have working knowledge of current events and policy topics, as well as a willingness to do mundane tasks as needed, as well as have an interest in public service or government. Strong attention to detail and instructions a must. Maryland residency a plus.

Requirements:
College-level students or recent college graduates. Ability to commit at least two full days a week, 9-6pm from January through May. Proficiency in MS Office. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to hoyer.internships@mail.house.gov . Please include in the cover letter the days of the week you are available to come in to the office from 9am to 6pm.

The Office of Congresswomen Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) is seeking qualified interns for the upcoming spring semester to serve in the Washington, D.C. office. Applicants should have a familiarity with the legislative process, have a desire to learn while being a part of a hardworking team, and be dedicated to serving the citizens of Maryland.

The Washington, D.C. intern experience is designed to immerse interns in all areas of a Congressional work environment. Interns are required to exhibit strong written and verbal communication and will be expected to conduct capital tours, research, and assist with administrative duties. In addition, they will respond to constituent letters and requests, attend hearing and briefings, and complete projects in specific issue areas as requested.

In addition to many of the responsibilities above, press interns will work primarily with the Communications Director. Responsibilities include assisting with research, preparing talking points, remarks, and press releases. Communication interns typically have strong knowledge of communication or media background. Students or recent graduates with communication or journalism degrees preferred but not required.

Programs intern

Responsibilities:
- Assist with lobbying efforts during state legislative session
- Help with acquisition of new members and updating membership information
- Planning and implementing social networking events and frequent fundraisers
- Work with staff to develop and implement a grassroots-organizing plan and establish goals relating to that plan
- Help staff conduct educational outreach activities about relevant choice issues including, but not limited to: tabling events, job/volunteer fairs, rallies, etc.
- Help staff with day-to-day operations

Qualifications:
- Self starter and Self-motivated
- Strong writer, researcher, and editor; familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Publisher
- Equipped with strong organizational/multi-tasking skills and have an ability to meet deadlines
- Able to work well alone and in cooperative decision-making settings
- Must support the full range of reproductive options for women including birth control, bearing healthy children, adoption, and safe, legal abortion.

Scheduling is flexible based on applicant’s schedule. A minimum of 12 hours per week is required; however, a commitment of 15-30 hours per week is preferred. The position is unpaid. Start date: January 19th, 2009. State date negotiable.

Application instructions: Send a current resume and letter of interest by December 12th to Melissa Kleder, NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland, 8121 Georgia Ave, Suite 501, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or email melissa@prochoicemd.org.

Communications Intern

Responsibilities:
- Compile, write, and distribute summaries of daily clips of choice-related news
- Assist with the creation of annual newsletter and monthly e-newsletters
- Maintain MySpace and Facebook profiles and track membership details
- Update website
- Write press releases
- Expand internet outreach efforts
- Help staff with day-to-day office operations

Qualifications:
-Self starter and self-motivated
-Strong writer, researcher, and editor; familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Publisher
-Equipped with strong organizational/multi-tasking skills and have an ability to meet deadlines
-Able to work well alone and in cooperative decision-making settings
- Must support the full range of reproductive options for women including birth control, bearing healthy children, adoption, and safe, legal abortion.

Scheduling is flexible based on applicant’s schedule. A minimum of 12 hours per week is required; however, a commitment of 15-30 hours per week is preferred. The position is unpaid. Start date: January 19th, 2009. Dates negotiable.

Application instructions: Send a current resume, writing sample (2-3 pages) and letter of interest by December 12th to Melissa Kleder, NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland, 8121 Georgia Ave, Suite 501, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or email melissa@prochoicemd.org.

The Global Terrorism Database (GTD) is an open-source database including information on terrorist events around the world since 1970 (currently updated through 2004). The database is maintained by researchers at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), a Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence.

The Internship

We are currently seeking graduate students and exceptional undergraduate students with an interest in terrorism research and public policy for a number of data analysis and data collection projects. Such projects include geo-spatial patterns and terrorism, state failure and terrorism, desistance patterns of terrorist organizations, IED analysis, historic and contemporary terrorism data verification, terrorism incident research, terrorism data archiving, dynamics of the terrorism milieu, and etiology of eco-terrorism. In addition to the BSOS credits received, there are several advantages to be gained from this internship experience including acquiring knowledge regarding the problem of terrorism and the nature of global terrorist violence, working with students and faculty who specialize in the study of terrorism, and directly participating in research that is having a policy impact. Interns will also experience what it is like to be a member of a large, multi-year social science research project through working with a team of homeland security practitioners and researchers in a supportive working environment. GTD internships will also be relevant for those planning graduate school applications or anyone interested in gaining employment in the United States homeland security, defense, law enforcement or intelligence communities.

In addition to the qualifications regarding specific projects, applicants should be self-motivated and responsible; any regional expertise or language skills would be a definite asset. Applicants must also have a minimum of 60 credits, a record of academic achievement, a strong interest in research, and be willing to sign up for the BSOS internship program. Preference will be given to those in the University of Maryland terrorism minor program. Upon selection, interns will also be required to attend relevant training and biweekly meetings (every other Monday at 2pm), to commit 9-10 hours a week of their time to projects, and to communicate frequently with their assigned project manager.

How to Apply

To apply, please send a copy of your resume and unofficial transcripts as well as a cover letter outlining why you would like to work on the Global Terrorism Database, what particular project(s) you are interested in, and what qualifications you hold specific to this particular project(s) to Jennifer Varriale at jvarriale@crim.umd.edu or to the address below by Monday, December 1st. Please see www.start.umd.edu/education/internships for more information on project descriptions and associated qualifications.

The Global Terrorism Database Internship
National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START)
3300 Symons Hall, University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742

Spring 2009 Semester Projects

Qualifications: Attention to detail, willingness to learn new skills, familiarity with Excel and use of the internet, Geography or other related discipline, and familiarity with ArcGIS

Tasks: Data collection (country-level variables for as many countries and years as possible), possible data entry (getting info from existing data sets collected for other purposes and entering it in a country-year format dataset), possible research into countries (splits, dates of independence, geo-coding of cities at time of incident)

Qualifications: Ability to work independently but to ask questions, ability to understand how to work with data in entry/collection, geo-coding experience as a plus

Tasks: Collection of data on terrorist organizations (for example, "birth" year, countries of origin, ideology, goals, counter-terrorism efforts, supporting contextual information)

Qualifications: Interest in terrorist organizations and their historical patterns of activity, attention to detail, insatiable curiosity; familiarity with accessing multiple types of information resources (including texts, journal articles, media sources, web sites, etc.)

Tasks: Assess data on pre-existing, open source terrorist incidents to determine whether the incident involved improvised explosive devices IED, and determine and code the types of IED attacks based on predetermined criteria

Qualifications: Interest in terrorist tactics and weapon choices and use of IEDs, attention to detail, ability to interpret complex directions and think independently, excellent written and oral expression, experience with electronic data and analysis as well as a knowledge of terrorist use of explosives and weapon choice is desirable but not necessary

Tasks: Systematically investigating errors or inconsistencies in the historical data (particularly as they are identified by analysts), proofreading text in the GTD and correcting typographical, spelling, and grammatical errors, and researching individual terrorist events as needed to verify data.

Qualifications: Interest in maintenance and improvement of large databases, attention to detail, excellent spelling and grammar skills, familiarity with accessing multiple types of information resources (including texts, journal articles, media sources, web sites, etc.)

Tasks: Researching individual terrorist events as needed to verify data and expand extant and incoming terrorism data and impromptu assignments (given the dynamic nature of terrorism, student should be prepared to assist in the data collection and analysis of present-day—and heretofore unexpected—developments in the terrorism milieu)

Qualifications: A strong interest in the dynamics of terrorism, general familiarity with electronic and hard-copy research methods, interest in maintenance and improvement of large databases, attention to detail, excellent spelling and grammar skills, proficiency with Microsoft Excel.

Tasks: Assist in compiling a database of ecotage incidents, help recruit participants for qualitative interviews, transcribe interviews

Qualifications: Interest in risk assessment of ecologically motivated groups, proficiency with Excel, detail-orientated, research experience a plus

11. Job Opening at the Embassy of Japan
School Program Coordinator/Office Manager

The Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan, is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented individual for the position of School Program Coordinator and Office Manager. Among various responsibilities that this person will hold are coordinating and presenting an educational program on Japan and Japanese culture and overseeing JICC’s office affairs. Please see below for a complete listing of responsibilities.

The Embassy offers group health insurance coverage, 15 days of paid vacation per year, a number of paid U.S./Japanese holidays, and sick leave. Working hours are from 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday with weeknight and/or weekend events several times a month (paid overtime). Salary is commensurate with experience.

Candidate must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. green card holder. Only successful candidates will be contacted. Screening will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Responsibilities:
-Coordinating and presenting an educational program on Japan and Japanese culture (3rd grade and up)
-Promoting the school program and maintaining a reservation schedule
-Writing reports for each program (Japanese) and compiling data quarterly
-Heading JICC’s participation in culture events held at off-site locations, including the Embassy Adoption Program
-Serving as the liaison between JICC and building management (maintenance, billing, scheduling)
-Disseminating information on Japan to the public; responding to public inquiries on Japan
-Assisting other JICC staff in the preparation of cultural events

Requirements and Preferred Qualifications:
-Experience working with and/or teaching children
-Experience living or working in Japan
-Understanding of Japanese culture
-Strong public speaking skills
-Proficiency in Japanese and English preferred
-Strong computer skills (Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Power Point) preferred
-Superior communication skills
-Flexibility and resourcefulness
-Bachelor’s degree in related field

To apply:
Please e-mail or mail your cover letter, resume (as Word attachments only), and a copy of university transcript to: (university transcripts need not be official)

Kazuo Fukuda
Japan Information & Culture Center, Embassy of Japan
1155 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
jicchr@embjapan.org

http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/

12. The Hispanic National Bar Foundation is seeking Interns!

The Hispanic National Bar Foundation (the HNBF) is a nonprofit Washington, D. C. Corporation organized for charitable and educational purposes. The primary objective of the HNBF is to educate and provide opportunities for Hispanic Americans in the legal profession. The HNBF works to educate the public about the administration of justice for all Americans, foster respect for the law among Hispanics and support the involvement in and understanding of the American legal system by the national Hispanic community.

Program Description

Internships with the HNBF provide students with a unique opportunity to gain comprehensive insight into a National Hispanic organization. Along with gaining hands on experience interning with a Washington, DC charitable institution, this position provides students with the opportunity to network with top U.S. attorneys in diverse legal settings. The goal of this internship is to increase participation in foundation and non-profit settings by giving students exposure to the operation and growth of a not for profit educational organization in a dynamic and changing legal environment.

The position is part-time voluntary position and can accommodate a students flexible scheduling requirements. The Executive Director of the HNBF can coordinate with your college or university if the college or university is willing and approves course credit for this type of community service voluntary work. A commitment one semester or 6 months is preferred. The HNBF Internship Program is an Equal Opportunity Internship Program.

Skills Required

Writing and research, strong organizational skills, ability to handle multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.

Skills Preferred

Interest in or knowledge of education issues affecting Hispanics, an interest in attending law school in the future, and Spanish language skills.

For a full list of intern duties, please visit http://www.hnbf.org/Internships.aspx.

The HNBF offices are located on 1900 K Street NW Suite 100, Washington, DC 20006. To apply, send your resume and a one page cover letter to Cynthia Carrasco at ccarrasco@hnbf.org .

The Congressional Budget Office has had success hiring students from the University of Maryland College Park programs. There are several opening that seem especially well suited to alum or soon-to-be graduates. All can be viewed at www.cbo.gov/employment/jobs.cfm and applications can be submitted directly from that link.

The newsletter is sent out everyday Friday to all current University of Maryland students who have declared and been accepted into the GVPT major. Only information relevant to academic and extra-curricular opportunities for these students will be sent through the newsletter. The government advising office reserves the right to edit and review all submissions to the GVPT newsletter and deny any submissions at their sole discretion.

If you would like to submit information or announcements, please email ADVISING@gvpt.umd.edu. Only those submissions which are denied or delayed will be contacted further.