GVPT Undergraduate Newsletter

December 7, 2007

 

In this issue:

- Advising Updates

- Study Abroad Opportunity for GVPT Students

- Mock Presidential Debate

- HELP Center

- Mock Trial

- BSOS Scholarships

- Eric Young International Studies Award

- Winter GVPT Courses

- Internship Opportunities


Advising Updates

The Advising Office has hired a new advisor!

 

Please help us welcome Ms. Felecia Commodore to our department.  Ms. Commodore will be handling advising responsibilities on a full-time basis.  She comes to us with experience in higher education from Trinity University.  Her office is located in 3104B Tydings, and she can be contacted at fcommodore@gvpt.umd.edu.

 

New Advising Hours!!

 

Walk-in hours will end on December 11, 2007.  Office hours will be by appointment only starting on Wednesday 12, 2007 (Study Day).  Please email advising@gvpt.umd.edu to schedule an appointment. 


Study Abroad Opportunity for GVPT Students

University of Kent

GVPT students at the University of Maryland are eligible to apply to study for a year at University of Kent in England. Exchange students are enrolled as full-time students at Kent, so applicants are expected to be self-sufficient and highly motivated. As the University of Maryland does not maintain a permanent faculty presence in Britain, students handle their academic and personal lives quite independently. As a result, exchange students have a unique opportunity to truly assimilate into the British culture.

In order to qualify for the program, applicants must be GVPT majors and must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. Students must also plan to study abroad during their junior year.

The University of Kent is located in Canterbury, a small medieval city south-west of London. Canterbury is known for its cathedral, as well as its ancient streets and walkways, packed with second-hand bookshops, craft shops, pubs and restaurants. Located only 56 miles from London, Canterbury is an easy base for travel around England.

Application Deadline: February 15, 2008 

Program Dates

Approximate dates for the 2009-2010 academic year are as follows:

Term I

Beginning of Classes September 24, 2009
End of Classes December 14, 2009

Term II

Beginning of Classes January 7, 2009
End of Classes March 28, 2009

Term III

Beginning of Classes April 28, 2009
Final Examinations June 6, 2009

Program Costs

Tuition

Due to the terms of the arrangement between the universities, University of Maryland students do not pay tuition for their year at Kent.

Other Costs

Students are responsible for paying their own airfare, room & board, and personal expenses while abroad. This total cost is estimated at $9,000 for the year. Visit http://www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad/725 to view application, fees, and more information about the program. 

Financial Aid and Scholarships

UMCP students can use their university, state and federal financial aid towards study abroad expenses.

In addition, the Study Abroad Office offers a limited number of study abroad scholarships to deserving UMCP students. Maryland scholarship applications are available on our website and are due by February 16. Exchange students are welcome to apply for these scholarships.  Visit http://www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad/189 for more information on various study abroad scholarships. 


Mock Presidential Debate

To get ready for the primary elections this coming January, there will be a Mock Presidential Debate here on campus this Thursday. The time that it will run is between 7:00PM to 9:00PM and it will be in Jimenez lecture hall 0220. It is cosponsored by MaryPIRG, UMD Democrats, the College Republicans and the Republican Women. The students will be representing their favorite candidates in a debate on domestic and international issues.


HELP Center

As finals approach and the weather gets colder, many students may be feeling stressed and down in the dumps. The Help Center is a completely student run peer counseling and crisis intervention hotline .  We are 100% confidential and are available to listen to anything you have to say; no issue is too big or too small.  Feel free to call us at 301-314-HELP or walk-in to our office at 3105 South Campus Dining Hall.  Our hours are M-Th 2pm-2am, Fri 2pm-10pm, and Sat-Sun 4pm-12am.  Feel free to also visit our website at www.umdhelpcenter.org


Mock Trial

The Maryland Mock Trial team presents: State v Campbell. A trial about a brutal assault and two lives destroyed by HIV. Saturday, December 8, 11 am   TYD 2106.

 

Come see your fellow students perform a jury trial complete with opening statements, witness examinations and closing arguments. If you are considering law or politics as a career, then you want our championship mock trial team on your resume!

 

Lunch between 2 trials. Reserve your seat now! Email info@marylandmocktrial.com.

www.marylandmocktrial.com

BSOS Scholarships

The BSOS 2008-2009 scholarship information and applications are now available at http://www.bsos.umd.edu/scholarships.html.  Applications are also available in the BSOS Advising Center (2148 Tydings Hall) or the Dean’s Office (2141 Tydings Hall).  Applications are due by 12:00 p.m. on Monday, January 28, 2008.  Please see the application material for mailing address and other specific instructions.  Questions regarding the scholarships or the application process may be directed to: bsosque@bsos.umd.edu.  Please include “BSOS Scholarships” in the subject line when e-mailing.


Eric Young International Studies Award

Dr. Erik B. Young wishes to support international travel-study for a group of undergraduates each year through the Erik B. Young, M.D. International Travel-Study Awards. The purpose of the program is to give deserving undergraduate students the opportunity to broaden their international horizons while they hone their academic skills. The procedure for selecting and granting the awards appears below. Each college can submit one undergraduate student nomination for the award. The student should be junior or senior during the 2008-2009 academic year. Each interested student will submit an application form electronically to his/her college dean’s office.Each student will also submit a short proposal outlining the purpose of his/her proposed international study, what he/she hopes to achieve from the program and how the experience will benefit the student in his/her professional career. Proposals will be strictly limited to five (5) pages, double-spaced, in 12-point type.The college nominating the student must submit one letter of recommendation (from a professor who has personal knowledge of the student’s capabilities) in support of the student’s application. Applications will be submitted electronically to college deans’ offices by February 1, 2008. College deans must submit complete nomination packets (including application, proposal and recommendation letter) to Linda Clement, Vice President for Student Affairs, by February 15th at lclement@umd.edu. A decision on the awards will be announced by March 10 , 2008. All recipients of this award will be required to write a summary of their experience for the selection committee to review and to forward on to Erik B. Young, M.D.


Winter GVPT Courses

Will you be staying in College Park this Winter? Behind on your GVPT requirements? Fill up your free time by taking winterterm GVPT courses.

 

GVPT399D- Politics and the Media

The Government and Politics Department will be offering GVPT399D- Politics and the Media taught by Dr. Jenny Wustenberg this Winter Term. This course provides an opportunity to critically evaluate something we consume every day: the media. We will discuss what the role of the media should be in a democracy. Where do they fail, succeed, need reforming, or revolutionizing? Students will also analyze and debate some of the newest trends in news-making and political campaign media strategy. In particular, we will discuss blogging, the use of the internet, and comedy news shows.

 

GVPT449N-Seminar in Political Philosophy: Human Nature and its Tragic Implications: Lessons from the Ancients for the Contemporary World

This class will examine a side of life that is often ignored, whether intentionally or unconsciously: the tragic dimension. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do we believe in a better tomorrow, if history is filled with the contrary? Is there a point in being good or trying for a better future? Or is it wisest to simply accept one's fate, no matter what it is? Is the best we can do as human beings, to accept that we are powerless and our actions meaningless? What are the alternatives?

The ancient poets and philosophers had much to say about such matters, and so do contemporary thinkers. We will read and discuss the works of tragic poets, historians, and philosophers, from 6th century B.C. to 21st century C.E. More time will be spent on reflections and discussions than direct lectures.

Feel free to contact Susan Lee (sslee@gvpt.umd.edu ) with any questions or comments.


Internship Opportunities

 

Intern for Food and Water Watch

Food and Water Watch, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group in dc that fights for clean water, safe food and healthy oceans, is looking for interns for the spring semester and summer. Internships for the spring are unpaid but college course credit can be arranged, and opportunities for continuing employment may be available. Stipends are available for full time summer internships. Contact Sarah Gingold, sgingold@fwwatch.org or 202-797-6527. For more details about the organization, see www.foodandwaterwatch.org.
 
Research Intern
The research team is responsible for providing information, analysis and written materials to support Food and Water Watch campaigns.
 
Responsibilities:
Support research activities through data collection, synthesis, and analysis
Design and carry out an individual project that supports research team goals
Participate in weekly meetings with research team
 
Requirements:
Research experience
Interest in Food and Water Watch issues and campaigns
Strong verbal and mathematical analysis skills
Sense of humor
 
Useful background:
Environmental science and policy, agriculture and natural resources management, food and nutrition, economics, political science, federal policy, Geographic Information Systems, computer database management

 

 

Intern for Democracy Matters

Democracy Matters is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works with and trains college students across the country to do grassroots organizing around efforts to strengthen our democracy, especially with the issue of money in politics and clean elections. We offer a paid, on-campus internship to undergraduate students interested in developing their skills as grassroots organizers and building political awareness and engagement on their campus. To learn more please visit our website at www.democracymatters.org.

Position:
Democracy Matters Campus Coordinator

Compensation:
$750 per semester
Additional financial support for campaign/event expenses

Opportunities:

-Receive training and guidance from a Democracy Matter staff link who will work with you each week to develop your skills as an organizer.

-Attend the annual Democracy Matters student summit where you will meet with hundreds of other students from across the country and attend workshops to build your skills and issue awareness.

-Receive Democracy Matters materials - banner, fliers, DVD, t-shirt, stickers, and pins - to spread across your campus.

Responsibilities:

-10 hours per week

-Organize at least four campaigns/events each semester

- Establish a Democracy Matters campus chapter that is officially recognized by the school

- Communicate with your staff link at least once a week

Apply today! Send your resume and a cover letter to Dr. Joan Mandle, Democracy Matters Executive Director, at joanm@democracymatters.org.

 

Intern for Senator Russ Feingold

Senator Feingold’s Progressive Patriots Fund is seeking qualified and motivated interns to work in the DC campaign office beginning January 14, 2008. Interns will be given a wide array of tasks and are guaranteed to learn a great deal about fundraising and multi-candidate political action committees.  Strong communication, research and organizational skills are required, and knowledge of computers is also appreciated.  The schedule is flexible, but requires a commitment of 12-16 hours per week. This internship is unpaid.

Primary responsibilities:

 

  • Assist the Campaign finance staff with a variety of tasks and projects including, but not limited to fundraising, event/trip planning, data entry and research.

 

  • Perform daily office functions, such as answering phones, sending and receiving mail, relaying messages, and compiling daily news clippings.

 

  • Occasionally attend and assist with campaign fundraising events.

Please send resume and cover letter to:

Emily Dreke

Progressive Patriots Fund

513 Capitol Court NE, Suite 200

Washington, DC  20002

dreke@progressivepatriotsfund.com (Email preferred)

 

Intern for NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland

NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland is seeking Spring interns to work on a wide variety of issues. An internship may be tailored to meet your interests.
Areas we work on include:
1) Comprehensive Sexuality Education
2) Reproductive Health Care Equity for Women of Color
3) Access to emergency contraception
4) State family planning laws
5) Local and statewide elections
Responsibilities:
-Work with staff to develop and implement a grassroots-organizing plan and establish goals relating to that plan
-Help with acquisition of new members and updating membership information
-Planning and implementing Roe v. Wade anniversary event and annual spring fundraiser
-Help staff conduct educational outreach activities about relevant choice issues including, but not limited to, tabling events, job/volunteer fairs, campus rallies, etc.
Qualifications:
-Self starter and Self-motivated
-Strong writer, researcher, and editor; familiar with Microsoft Word, word processing, and the Internet
-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 10 hours per week is required; however, a commitment of 15-30 hours per week is preferred. Start date: January 14, 2008.
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 .

 

Intern for Senator John Kerry

John Kerry for Senate currently seeks undergraduate or graduate students for part-time, unpaid campaign finance internships. Senator Kerry is up for reelection in 2008 and has a busy fundraising schedule. Responsibilities will include assisting professional staff with research, event planning, database management, and administrative tasks. The internship will also include the potential to attend DC-area fundraising events. The ideal applicant will be enthusiastic, well-organized, and detail-oriented. Hill or campaign experience preferred but not required.

The internship can begin immediately or at the beginning of the Spring Semester. It will last for the duration of the semester. Though scheduling is flexible, a minimum commitment of fifteen hours per week is suggested. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in political campaigns, particularly campaign finance, and the campaign is committed to providing our interns with a valuable learning experience.

Please send resume, cover letter and availability to sstout@johnkerry.com.

 

Intern for US Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Department of Homeland Security HS-STEM Summer Internship Program. Apply now for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) HS-STEM Summer Internship Program that will support students during summer 2008. This program provides 10-week summer internships at federal research facilities for undergraduate students majoring in homeland security related science, technology, engineering and mathematics (HS-STEM) disciplines. Students receive a $500/week stipend and travel reimbursement. Complete information is available online at www.orau.gov/dhsinternships. The deadline for submitting an application is December 14, 2007. Questions regarding the DHS HS-STEM Summer Internship Program can be sent via e-mail to dhsed@orau.org.

 

Intern for Thomas B. Fordham Foundation

The Thomas B. Fordham Foundation, based in Washington, D.C., provides internships throughout the year. The foundation supports research, publications, and action projects of national significance in elementary/secondary education reform, as well as significant education reform projects in Dayton, Ohio and vicinity. The Thomas B. Fordham Foundation believes that all children deserve a high quality K-12 education at the school of their choice. Nationally and in our home state of Ohio, the foundation strives to close America's vexing achievement gaps by raising standards, strengthening accountability, and expanding education options for parents and families.

The internships bring diverse and challenging responsibilities, including:

1) Assisting with the Foundation's numerous education-related programs, nationally and in Dayton, Ohio. The Thomas B. Fordham Foundation is devoted exclusively to the reform of K-12 education. A few examples of projects currently under development:

  • weekly publication of the e-bulletin, The Education Gadfly, for an influential national readership
  • a lively, interactive web site
  • appraisals of state standards, textbooks, and teaching
  • support for school choice reforms, including charter schools and a private scholarship program, for Dayton, Ohio low-income students

2) General research. Primary topics of interest to the Fordham Foundation are: high standards, assessments and accountability systems; charter schools and school choice; curriculum and pedagogy; teacher quality; and the federal role in education. We are seeking interns with experience and interest in the education field who can perform high-quality research and write clearly and convincingly.

3) Clerical duties. The Fordham office is a busy one, and, in addition to substantive responsibilities, an intern will be expected to help out by answering phones, opening mail, making copies, faxing documents, answering e-mail queries, helping with the web site, and other daily office duties.

We seek resourceful, intelligent, hard-working individuals who are capable of excelling in an intellectually stimulating, and often intense work environment. Internet experience is greatly welcome. Please browse our website (http://www.edexcellence.net) for more information about our organization. A modest stipend will be available.The deadline for internships is rolling.The Thomas B. Fordham Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.Individuals interested in a fall, winter, spring, or summer internship should send a cover letter, resume and 3-5 page writing sample to: Liam Julian Thomas B. Fordham Foundation 1701 K Street, NW, Suite 1000Washington, DC 20006 ljulian@edexcellence.net

 

Intern for Greenberg Quinlan Rosner

Greenberg Quinlan Rosner has immediate openings for interns in our Washington, DC office. Greenberg Quinlan Rosner is an internationally recognized survey research firm specializing in polls, focus groups, and strategic communication across the globe working for varied political, non-profit, progressive, and corporate clients. You can learn more about us at www.gqrr.com.

 

Greenberg Quinlan Rosner hires full-time interns with exceptional research and organizational skills. Past office experience and ability to handle multiple tasks are necessities. Familiarity with MS Office required and an interest in public opinion research/campaign management is greatly appreciated. Foreign language proficiency is a plus. Part-time availability may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

We are currently accepting applications for internships in our Washington, DC office. We are also currently in need of an intern to start IMMEDIATELY and stay through the WINTER semester. If you would like to be considered for an internship opportunity, please email both your cover letter—which should include your availability and areas of political interest, and resume to internships@ gqrr.com. You can also fax it to us, Attn: Brandy Delahoussaye, at 202-478-8301. No calls please.

 

Intern for George Stephanopoulos

ABC News' "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" is seeking an intern for the spring semester.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: We rely on and expect our interns to quickly become fully integrated into the life of the broadcast, assisting with research, production, and other preparation for "This Week." Our interns are also encouraged to participate in our editorial meetings, pitch story ideas, and write for abcnews.com.
An interest in politics is a must, as is an interest in national political journalism. If you read abcnews.com's The Note, or know the difference between Josh Bolten and John Bolton, you'll probably be a good fit for our show. We offer a PAID internship. Starting in January 2008, our interns make $8.50/hour. You can also receive academic credit if you wish. Finally, we work odd hours, and we expect you will, too. (That includes working weekends, with a very early start on Sunday mornings). Ideally, we are looking for an intern who can work full 8 hour days Thursday through Sunday.

QUALIFICATIONS: Open to all majors; Prior journalism experience is preferred but not required; Must be at least a sophomore in college

INTERNSHIP DATES: Spring interns work mid-Jan. through May; applications due Dec. 1

Please note that all hiring decisions are made on a rolling basis, which means it's better apply sooner than later. HOW TO APPLY: Please send a resume and a cover letter indicating your interest in the internship to Lindsay Hamilton at lindsay.c.hamilton@abc.com. You must write "INTERN" in the subject line of any application or message.

 

Intern for Hillary Clinton for President Campaign

The Research Department on the Hillary Clinton for President Campaign is looking for spring interns at the candidate's Arlington , VA headquarters. Duties will include transcribing speeches, assisting in candidate research, and performing other tasks as assigned. Interested candidates must have a knowledge of basic search engines such as LexisNexis. Good judgment, a positive attitude, independent thinking and enthusiasm for Democratic politics are also a must. Previous campaign experience is a plus. Interns able to work five days/week are preferred, however, exceptions will be made for outstanding candidates. All internships are unpaid. This is a great opportunity to gain research and presidential campaign experience. Interested applicants should download an internship application here (http://hillaryclinton.com/files/pdf/internapp.pdf), and email or fax a completed copy to Lida Masoudpour at lmasoudpour@hillaryclinton.com  or 703-962-8605. Deadline for applications is December 10, 2007.

 

 

 


Rules for the GVPT Newsletter

The newsletter is sent out each Friday before 12 pm 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.