GVPT Undergraduate Newsletter

10. Distinguished Scholar- Professor Lecture with Jonathan Wilkenfeld *New*

1. Centralized Student Career Experience Program (CSCEP)

The US Marshals is currently recruiting for the Centralized Student Career Experience Program (CSCEP). The CSCEP program is a great opportunity for those interested in becoming a US Marshal. Upon successful completion of the CSCEP program and degree requirements, students may be converted to a Deputy US Marshal position. The CSCEP position is paid; students are paid at the GS-4 grade level. Given the time it takes to complete a background check, students will probably not begin their internship before May 2010. The CSCEP program last for approximately 16 weeks. For more information visit the US Marshal website: http://www.usmarshals.gov/careers/cscep.html.

2. Communications Internship with Governor O'Malley

Governor O’Malley’s Communications Office is currently accepting intern applications for the FALL of 2009. Hardworking, organized and self-motivated college students and graduate students interested in working in State politics are encouraged to apply. We are looking for interns who have a superb writing ability, who learn quickly, can articulate ideas, and are enthusiastic about learning about State government. Some duties of the internship include writing press releases, writing talking points, writing briefings, doing research, coordinating press events and other administrative tasks as assigned. Must be able to do at least 2 full days, but willing to work around schedules. Opportunity to stay on beyond Fall semester. This internship is unpaid. Please submit a cover letter, resume and 2-3 writing samples to Christine Hansen at chansen@gov.state.md.us. No phone calls, faxes or drop-ins please.

3. Center for American Politics and Citizenship

The Center for American Politics and Citizenship (CAPC), with the Department of Government and Politics, is launching the Maryland Internship Program, a comprehensive program focused on State government that will allow students to integrate what they learn in the classroom with real world experience in the political process. 15-20 highly-qualified undergraduate students will be placed in internships in State government offices. Course credit and stipends will be earned by participants for attending weekly seminars and completing various assignments, aside from their internship responsibilities. For more information, or if you are interested in participating, please contact Michael Charlebois at mcharleb@capc.umd.edu or by phone at 301-314-2736. You can visit the program's website at http://www.capc.umd.edu/MIP/

The Summer '09 edition of In The Public Interest, the official newsletter of the Center for American Politics and Citizenship (CAPC), has recently been released. It contains updates on recent and current CAPC projects, as well as information on the Center's Advisory Board, staff, and student research assistants. The newsletter can be found here: http://www.capc.umd.edu/newsletter/InThePublicInterest9_1.pdf

4. Annapolis Delegate Roger Manno seeks Fall 2009 Interns

Delegate Manno's office in Annapolis, MD is in need of interns for the Fall 2009 interim session.

Responsibilities: Interns will be answering phones, facilitating constituent and interest group correspondence, attending events, aiding the Delegate in developing legislation, and assisting the Delegate and his staff in various other projects.

Requirements: Interns must be able to multitask and be comfortable working in a fast-paced office. Applicants must have a desire to do legislative work and make a difference. In addition, the Delegate is seeking full-time interns for the 2010 General Session from January through April of 2010 in Annapolis. Experience with Microsoft Applications is recommended.

Application Process: Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to MannoInternships@gmail.com.

5. Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. seeks Fall 2009 Interns

The office of Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) is looking for interested students to fill internship vacancies for the Fall 2009. The start date would be immediate, and the internship would continue throughout the fall semester, dependent on the students’ availability. The office is looking for undergraduate students, specifically with ties to NJ and the 6^th Congressional District, who are interested in the legislative process and enhancing their knowledge of the nation’s government.

Duties: Interns will help answer phones, sort mail, draft constituent correspondence, attend hearings, help with legislative research, and assist in daily office administrative duties.

The office is hoping to have students fill open spots on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Application Process: Interested applicants should send their resume and cover letter to Stephanie Albanese at Stephanie.albanese@mail.house.gov.

6. Terrorism Discussion at International Spy Museum

Terror Media: Free Speech or Dangerous Weapon?

Terrorist groups like Al Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, the PKK, and others have used their own media outlets to glorify suicide bombings, incite violence, recruit terrorists, and fundraise online. Should governments shut down terror media or shield it as "protected free speech?" And how can new media be used against violent extremists? The distinguished panel exploring these issues will include: Juan Zarate, former deputy national security advisor for combating terrorism and former assistant secretary of the Treasury for terrorist financing and financial crimes; Mark Dubowitz, executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, who has helped shut down Hezbollah and other terrorist owned-media around the world; Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, who has spoken out in support of free speech regardless of viewpoint; and Todd Stein, legislative director for Senator Lieberman, and author of the congressional document exposing how terrorist organizations use online media.

Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Time: 6:30 pm

Location: International Spy Museum
800 F St., NW
Washington, DC 20004

RSVP: To reserve a complimentary ticket, please provide your first name and email address to David Weisman, David@DershowitzGroup.com or 202.250.6144

7. Alumni Connection Series: Professions in the Field of Law

Thinking about going into the law profession? Need tips on getting into law school? Wonder what careers are out there in the field of law? We have the perfect workshop for you!

The A. James Clark School of Engineering, College of Behavioral & Social Sciences, College of Chemical and Life Sciences, Maryland Alumni Association, College of Letters and Sciences Pre-Law Advising Office, Student Government Association and University Career Center and the President's Promise are proud to present Alumni Connections: Professions in the Field of Law on Oct. 9. Use this opportunity to gain insight into what it takes to get into law school, explore the numerous professions available to those with a law degree and network with alumni who work in the field.

This half-day workshop will begin with Law School 101, featuring a panel discussion on the basics of choosing and applying to law school. After that, attendees will be separated into breakout sessions reviewing the many different life choices—traditional and non-traditional—available to those with a J.D. or working in the legal profession. The workshop will conclude with roundtable lunch discussions with alumni based on students' individual interests.

Ensure you're ready beyond a reasonable doubt when it comes time for law school! Click here to RSVP by Sept 30. Space is limited and priority preference will be given to juniors and seniors. For more information, contact Marcus Afzali at alumni@bsos.umd.edu or 301.405.1694.

8. Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honors Society) Membership Meeting

Pi Sigma Alpha is the only honor society for college students with political science or government majors in the United States. PSA is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) and is designated as a “Specialized, Upper-Division” society by ACHS.

Membership benefits include a chance to further cultivate relationships with your GVPT professors by attending Dinner and Discussion forums; tours of governmental institutions; and potential grant and essay award opportunities.

Eligible and interested individuals are invited to an informational meeting on Tuesday, September 22 at 5:30 PM in the main conference room of 3104 Tydings. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Enrollment forms will be available at the meeting as well as in the GVPT advising office. Those ineligible this semester will have another opportunity to join in the Spring.

Membership Requirements:

1. Registered as a Government & Politics major

2. Completed at least 56 credits

3. Completed at least 10 credits of GVPT coursework and one upper-level (300-400) GVPT class

4. GPA in GVPT of 3.5 or greater, overall GPA 3.4 or greater.

Enrollment also requires dues of $45.00 – this is a lifetime membership payment. Checks should be payable to “Pi Sigma Alpha.” Enrollment forms and fees may be submitted at the meeting or to Ms. Anne Marie Poblador in the GVPT advising office (3104 Tydings Hall) by Monday, October 5, 2009.

Please contact umdpsa@gmail.com with any questions!

9. Alternative Winter/ Spring Break

Want to do something different for break? Alternative Breaks Participant Apps Due 9/28!

Want to do something different this winter/spring/summer break? Well, the Alternative Breaks Program might be just for you! The AB program sends hundreds of students each year on substance-free service-learning trips across the nation and the world. Participants engage in active service to address some of the most pressing social, political and environmental issues of our time. Topics include the Justice System, Native American Immersion, Environmental Restoration and Sustainability, Children's Education, Healthcare, and many more listed on our website (www.csl.umd.edu/asb)! All are welcome to apply! For more information and to fill out an application, check out our website (www.csl.umd.edu/asb). If you have any specific questions, want to meet some of the Trip leaders, or just learn more about AB in general, attend one of our upcoming Information Sessions:

Thursday, 9/17 in Stamp, Thurgood Marshall Rm (6pm)

Thursday, 9/24 in Symons Hall, Rm 0215 (6pm)

This break lasts a lifetime!

10. Distinguished Scholar- Teacher Lecture with Jonathan Wilkenfeld

You are invited to attend the Distinguished Scholar-Teacher Lecture by:

Jonathan Wilkenfeld
Department of Government and Politics
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

"When Things Break Down:
Myth and Reality in International Politics"

Thursday, October 29, 2009
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Stamp Student Union
Charles Carroll Room
Reception to follow

Please RSVP to crussell@cidcm.umd.edu no later than October 15, 2009

11. STAND: Student Taking Action Now Darfur

STAND UMD, Students Taking Action Now Darfur, an anti-genocide coalition will be hosting an information and pledge drive on September 23^rd from 12p-2p in front of STAMP. Come out, learn about the conflict in Darfur, advocacy events, and how you can STAND UP, and help. Come sign a pledge card, to show your support for Darfur. By pledging your support for Darufr your name will also be featured on the official STAND: UMD banner, to be displayed in STAMP prior to each future event.

If you wish to become involved with STAND UMD, please e-mail us at terpsstand@gmail.com , join our facebook group Terps STAND, or attend our weekly meetings. Meetings are held on Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:30 in the Student Involvement Suite of STAMP.

Don’t stand by. STAND UP!

12. ACCIAC Fellows Program

The ACCIAC Fellows Program in Creativity and Innovation is designed to showcase truly outstanding exemplars of student-driven discovery and accomplishment at ACC Universities. The ACCIAC Fellows' projects and results will receive high-profile public recognition throughout the ACC and beyond. The ACCIAC Fellows Program at the University of Maryland, College Park will provide up to four (4) grants of between $2,500 and $5,000 to support research and/or creative projects of great merit to be undertaken between autumn 2009 and summer 2010. The Maryland ACCIAC Fellows Program will be administered by Donna Hamilton, Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Francis DuVinage, Director of the Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research.

Proposal Eligibility Guidelines:

· Must be substantially completed by August 15, 2010

· May be in any field of study or performance

· May be interdisciplinary

· Must be currently enrolled sophomores/juniors/seniors

· May be an individual or a team

· All schools and majors eligible

· Student/project must be nominated by a well-qualified faculty mentor

Proposal Deadline: Complete nominations must be received in full no later than November 15, 2009

A complete nomination will include:

1. Letter of nomination/mentorship from faculty mentor

2. Cover sheet listing the title of the project, name of faculty sponsor(s), and name(s) of nominee(s)

3. Project proposal: no more than two-pages, single spaced, 12 point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins

4. Any necessary attachments, illustrations or other supporting materials (CD’s, DVD’s, etc.)

5. Transcript(s) for each nominee (Maryland and any previous institutions)

6. Resume(s) for each nominee

Electronic materials (MS Word or PDF compatible formats) should be sent to ugresearch@umd.edu and supporting materials (transcripts, etc.) should be delivered to the Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research at 2100D McKeldin Library. Please direct questions to Francis DuVinage at duvinage@umd.edu.