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.

As a reminder, the GVPT Advising Office, and all University Offices, will be closed on November 26th and 27th. Happy Thanksgiving! (There will be no newsletter next week.)

2. National Udall Scholarship for Environmental Studies

Are you a Sophomore or Junior committed to making a difference in environmental issues through your studies, community service and career plans? Learn about the Udall Scholarship in Environmental Issues, a program that seeks to identify future leaders in environmental fields including public policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, and economics. Students from all majors are eligible. The Udall Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for tuition, room and board, or other educational expenses. The University of Maryland campus deadline to apply for Udall Scholarship nomination is February 6, 2009.

Learn more about the Udall Scholarship in Environmental Issues by attending an information workshop at the National Scholarships Office. Please review the brief description below and plan to attend one of our informational workshops:

UDALL SCHOLARSHIP INFO WORKSHOPS - FOR SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS

Thursday, December 4, from 12 to 1 pm - 2403 Marie Mount Hall
Friday, December 5, from 4 to 5 pm - 2403 Marie Mount Hall

Please let us know if you plan to attend by replying to udall@umd.edu - thanks! If you are unable to attend these sessions but would still like to receive information about this award, please send an email to the same address - udall@umd.edu

3. Information Sessions for Students Interested in IR Fellowships

Are you interested in helping advance the science, technology and national security mission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)? The DHS Scholarship and Fellowship Programs seek students interested in pursuing basic research and innovations that can be applied to the DHS mission. DHS Fellowships and Scholarships provide financial support for graduate study (and two years of undergraduate study also for sophomore applicants), as well as summer research internship placements. Sophomores, Graduating Seniors, Recent Grads and First-Year grad students who are US Citizens are eligible to apply. Both awards have national deadlines of January 6, 2009.

PLEASE NOTE: Successful DHS Fellowship and Scholarship candidates are obligated to complete a minimum term of service in an appointment with the Department of Homeland Security. See details below.

Learn more about the DHS Fellowships and Scholarships by attending an information workshop at the National Scholarships Office. Please review the brief descriptions below and plan to attend one of our informational workshops:

DHS FELLOWSHIP INFO WORKSHOP - For Graduating Seniors, Recent Grads, First-year Graduate Students

Tuesday, December 2 - 12 to 12:30 pm - 2403 Marie Mount Hall
Thursday, December 4 - 4 to 4:30 pm - 2403 Marie Mount Hall

DHS SCHOLARSHIP INFO WORKSHOP - FOR SOPHOMORES

Tuesday, December 2 - 12:30 to 1 pm - 2403 Marie Mount Hall
Thursday, December 4 - 4:30 to 5 pm - 2403 Marie Mount Hall

Please let us know if you plan to attend by replying to scholarships@umd.edu - thanks! If you are unable to attend these sessions but would still like to receive information about these awards, please send an email to the same address - scholarships@umd.edu

Are you interested in joining the Foreign Service of the US Department of State? The Pickering and Rangel Fellowships seek young men and women who are dedicated to representing America's interests abroad. Pickering and Rangel Fellowships provide financial support for two years of graduate study (and two years of undergraduate study also for sophomore awardees), as well as summer internship placements and mentoring programs. Sophomores, Graduating Seniors and Recent Grads who are US Citizens are eligible to apply; interested Freshmen and Juniors are encouraged to attend our workshops as well. To learn more about the Foreign Service, visit the State Department's careers website at: http://careers.state.gov/officer/index.html

PLEASE NOTE: Successful Pickering and Rangel candidates are obligated to complete a minimum term of service in an appointment as a Foreign Service officer. See details below.

Learn more about the Pickering and Rangel Foreign Service Fellowships by attending an information workshop at the National Scholarships Office. Please review the brief descriptions below and plan to attend one of our informational workshops:

PICKERING GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP INFO WORKSHOP - FOR SENIORS AND RECENT GRADS

Monday, December 1, from 4 to 4:30 pm - 2403 Marie Mount Hall
Wednesday, December 3, from 12 to 12:30 pm - 2403 Marie Mount Hall

PICKERING UNDERGRAD FELLOWSHIP INFO WORKSHOP - FOR SOPHOMORES

Monday, December 1, from 4:30 to 5 pm - 2403 Marie Mount Hall
Wednesday, December 3, from 12:30 to 1 pm - 2403 Marie Mount Hall

Please let us know if you plan to attend by replying to pickering@umd.edu - thanks! If you are unable to attend these sessions but would still like to receive information about these awards, please send an email to the same address - pickering@umd.edu

4. Reinvention – A Journal of Undergraduate Research is Calling for Contributions.

Reinvention is an academic journal for the publication of undergraduate research. It is peer-reviewed and published twice a year. The publication is run collaboratively by staff and students and the University of Warwick and Oxford Brookes University. Research undertaken by undergraduate students and staff and papers written jointly by undergraduate students and staff will be accepted. Reinvention welcomes submissions from ALL subject areas and ALL undergraduate students. For more information, visit www.warwick.ac.uk/go/reinventionjournal or email reinventionjournal@warwick.ac.uk.

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. Congressional Internships

(1) Rep. Steny Hoyer (D - MD)

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.

(2) Rep. Donna Edwards (D - MD)

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.

Press Internship

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.

If interested, please send a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to veronica.hernandez@mail.house.gov

(3) Rep. Rob Andrews (D - NJ)

Moderate Mid-Atlantic Democrat is seeking highly motivated interns to work full and part time starting right now and for the 2009 Spring semester in his Washington office. The internship is unpaid but students may receive credit. Intern duties are primarily administrative, and include answering phones, opening and sorting mail, scheduling tours of various federal buildings, conducting tours of the Capitol building, attending hearings, and some legislative research. This opportunity offers an exciting inside glimpse into how a congressional office operates, and familiarizes the intern with Capitol Hill.

Interested applicants should email their resume and availability to: Stephen.Hunter@mail.house

(4) Rep. John Sarbanes (D - MD)

Maryland Democrat is currently seeking part-time and full-time interns for the winter/spring semester. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, leading Capitol tours, answering phones, opening and sorting mail, attending briefings and hearings, and assisting legislative staff with research. Candidate must possess strong writing and oral communication skills. Ideal candidate will also be detail oriented, able to multi-task and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Maryland ties are a plus but not required and all applicants will be considered. Interested applicants should e-mail a cover letter, resume, and two brief writing samples (1-2 pages) to linda.ko@mail.house.gov.

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.

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.

Maryland State Senator Paul G. Pinsky's legislative office in Annapolis is looking for interns for the 2009 legislative session. Interns will have the opportunity to see the legislative process up close. Students may receive class credits (up to 6) and must be available to work at least 2-3 days per week. Responsibilities include: legislative research, writing, constituent service, and other office support as needed. Qualified applicants should be at least a junior (undergraduate), have a 3.0 GPA or higher, have reliable transportation, and an interest in the political process. Please submit resume, cover letter, and writing sample to: Paul.Pinsky@senate.state.md.us or via fax: 301-858-3144/410-841-3144.

11. 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.