GVPT Undergraduate Newsletter

February 1, 2008

 

In this issue:

- Advising Updates

- Teach for America

- Presidential Candidate Forum

- Become a HELP Center Counselor

- Summer LGBT Course

- Maryland Pride Day

- ODK Applications

- Koch Associate Program

- Student Worker for ICONS

- Parliamentary Debate Team

- Elder Law Firm Job Opening

- Real Estate Law Job Opening

- Internship Opportunities   


Advising Updates

 

    GVPT Departmental Policies

      We would like to remind all students of our departmental policies:

 

     Course Restriction Policy

        Government and Politics majors may only register for three GVPT courses per fall and spring semester. We make no exceptions.

 

    Oversubscription Policy

        Government and Politics does not oversubscribe students to any GVPT course. Students are encouraged to sign up for all courses on their

        registration date, and must complete any mandatory advising or remove any other registration blocks before their registration appointment.

        Students should remain on the waitlists and remember to check in every day during schedule adjustment to ensure they do not lose their spot

        on the waitlist

 

    Pre-Requisite Policy

        The Government and Politics department enforces all pre-requisites. Students must have successfully completed a pre-requisite the semester

        before registering for any class. The Government and Politics department reserves the right to drop students who are missing the pre-requisite

        from the course without notice

 

    Honors Course Policy

        Any GVPT class designated with an H is reserved for only Honors Students.

 

    Academic Deadlines for Spring 2008

        Jan 25- Last day to cancel Spring registration

        Jan 28- First day of class

        Feb 8- Last day of schedule adjustment

        April 11- Last day to drop a class with a "W"

        May 13- Last day of class

        May 15-21- Finals

        May 22-23- Graduation

 

    Walk-in Hours for Spring Semester

    Walk in hours will be held this semester every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1-5pm and every Tuesday from 1-3pm. Students can schedule

    appointments every Monday-Thursday from 9:00-11:30am and every Friday from 9:00-4:30pm.


Teach for America

 

Teach For America, the national corps of outstanding recent college graduates and professionals who commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools and become leaders in the effort to expand educational opportunity, is seeking individuals who have the leadership skills to change the prospects of students today and effect fundamental changes in our society.

Top candidates have:

*High levels of past achievement in academics, extracurriculars, and/or work

*Perseverance in the face of challenges

*Strong critical thinking skills

*The ability to influence and motivate others

*Organizational ability

*The desire to work relentlessly in pursuit of our mission

As a member of Teach For America you will commit two years to teach in one of our country's urban or rural public schools, reaching students who have tremendous potential but don't have the educational opportunities they deserve. Corps members salaries range from $25,000- $44,000 along with full benefits, depending on placement region. You can teach in cities such as New York, Greater New Orleans, Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Teach for America also engages in Graduate school, Corporate , and Law School partnerships that offer special benefits specifically to Teach For America alumni.

The Final Application deadline for interested applicants is February 15, 2008. To learn more visit www.teachforamerica.org.


Presidential Candidate Forum

The Student Government Association is hosting a Candidate Forum in preparation for the presidential primaries Thursday Feb. 7 at 7:30 in the Prince George's room of Stamp Student Union.  Each campaign will be sending a representative to debate on behalf of their respective candidate. Please come out to understand your options and cast an educated vote in the primary on Tuesday Feb 12!

Become a HELP Center Counselor
Train to help people dealing with roommate issues, relationship dilemmas, rape, thoughts of suicide, confusion, and other life issues.
Training begins soon, so call to set up an interview!!!
DEADLINE TO CALL: February 29th, 2006
Must be available March 24th (in the evening) and March 29th and 30th.
Requires 1-2 semesters of on-the-job training.
Freshman and Sophomores preferred.
For more Information,
Call 314-HELP or stop by 3105 South Campus Dining Hall


Summer LGBT Course

The University of Maryland is offering a 3 week, 3 credit course on International LGBT Human Rights.  The dates are July 14, - August 4, 2008 and will be based one week each in Washington D.C, Geneva and Stockholm, the site of this year's EuroPride celebration.  Applications are now being accepted at http://www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad/5010

Students will examine the current international human rights framework from the perspective of the legal and political challenges encountered in extending human rights protections to at-risk, LGBT (and same-sex-practicing) communities. 

In Washington, D.C., the focus will be on exploring programming strategies, including various models of direct service provision, policy advocacy and political organizing with a special focus on the upcoming Presidential election. While in Geneva, students will meet with United Nations representatives to discuss integrated HIV/AIDS prevention strategies and LGBT human rights initiatives. In Stockholm, both before and during the EuroPride celebrations, they will explore European diplomatic and development strategies that extend support and protection to LGBT communities in hostile environments, and compare both Swedish bilateral and EU-led efforts with the efforts of the US government to extend similar diplomatic, financial and technical support to LGBT communities overseas.

Students participating on the summer study abroad course may request assistance with locating an internship in Washington D.C. before the start of the course. Students may register through UM's summer school with the proper prerequisites. No guarantee of a placement is provided

Maryland Pride Day

All students, faculty and staff are invited to attend the annual TERRAPIN PRIDE DAY RALLY, an opportunity to show our support for the University to the members of the Maryland General Assembly as they begin to discuss the University's budget.  The rally and buffet lunch will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2008, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m., in the President's Conference Room East, Miller Senate Office Building, 11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD.  Free UM shuttle buses will leave from the front of Cole Field House at 11:00 a.m. and drop off at Lawyer's Mall.  Shuttle buses will return from Lawyer's Mall at 1:30 and 2:00 p.m.  Please register to ride the bus at http://www.president.umd.edu/LCR/TPD/

For more information, contact:
Sapienza Barone
+1 301 405 5790
sbarone@umd.edu
www.president.umd.edu/LCR/TPD/


ODK Applications Now Available

Omicron Delta Kappa applications are now available on the web.  Students should visit www.odk.umd.edu <http://www.odk.umd.edu/> to begin the application process.  Applications must be received electronically no later than 4:00 p.m., Friday, February 15, 2008.


Koch Associate Program

The 2008-09 Koch Associate Program is a year-long, paid program designed to develop promising leaders and entrepreneurs interested in liberty and the non-profit arena.  Associates range in experience level from recent graduates to those with up to a decade of work experience, and come from diverse fields and academic majors.  More information about the program is included below.  You can also learn about the Koch Internship Program and the Koch Foundation at www.cgkfoundation.org.

 

Non-Profit assignments are distributed on a rolling basis so the sooner students apply the better! 


Student Worker for Icons

The ICONS Project is looking for a Student Worker.

The ICONS Project, located within the Center for International Development and Conflict Management, at the University of Maryland is an experiential learning program that uses customized Web-based tools to support educational simulations and simulation-based training and policy analysis programs.

The ICONS Project is seeking a student worker to work 10 hours per week on a variety of projects related primarily to our international education programs.

For more information about the ICONS Project, please visit
www.icons.umd.edu.


Parliamentary Debate Team

Like to argue?  Want to improve your public speaking skills?  Interested in competing against students from schools across the country?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, come check out the Maryland Parliamentary Debate team!  Our first meetings of the semester will be Monday, January 28th and Thursday January 31 at 7 pm in Jimenez 1226. We welcome everyone from seasoned veterans to absolute beginners.
Contact John Mathias at jmathias@umd.edu for more information


Elder Law Firm Job Opening

A small Elder Law firm seeks a full-time Client Liaison. Because the job requires little experience but excellent interpersonal and academic skills, it is an ideal first job for recent graduates who seek to build career credibility. This is a substantive legal support or paralegal position that offers not only a thorough and precise grounding in admin work, but also an in-depth familiarity with our cases and clients, a close-knit interactive relationship with coworkers, and extensive experience with professional communication. The job will evolve to match the skills you bring to it. We seek applicants who enjoy interaction with people, who have a good sense of humor, an instinct for family dynamics, and who know how to read between the lines when communicating. A college degree is required; any major is acceptable, but background in law, language, history, or psychology might give you an advantage. Before submitting a resume, applicants should call 301-762-7473 11am-3pm M-F for an initial telephone interview.


Real Estate Law Job Opening

A terp alumni is looking for a UMD student to fill a part-time position in a Real Estate Law Office. The position requires 16-20 hrs/wk at $12/hr. The schedule is flexible with either 2 full days or three 5-7 hour days. The office is located downtown above Farragut North Metro. If you are interested, please email your resume to steve@districttitle.com.


Internship Opportunities

 

Communications Interns for Governor O'Malley

Governor O’Malley’s Communications Office is currently accepting intern applications for the spring of 2008. 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. Full-time preferred, but willing to work with schedule. Must be able to do at least 3 full days. Interns would need to start right away. This internship is unpaid. Please submit a cover letter and resume to Christine Hansen at chansen@gov.state.md.us No phone calls, faxes or drop-ins please.

 

International Development Economic Council

Interested in a career in economic development , urban and regional planning, community development, public policy or local politics and government? Looking for more hands-on research experience? Want to network with experts in economic development and related industries? Considering graduate school in economic development or urban studies & planning and want an insiders view on career opportunities? Then consider an internship with the International Economic Development Council. Internship positions for the 2008 Spring semester are currently available.

Through a range of projects, interns will have the opportunity to survey various areas related to economic development. This internship is geared for undergraduate students who wish to learn new subjects and expand current knowledge while gaining valuable work experience. While internships are unpaid, interns have the opportunity to attend IEDC’s Federal Forum, brown bag lunches and professional development webinars.

Interns at IEDC play an integral role in our organization and are treated as such, with content-based activities significantly outweighing administrative tasks. Applicants should be available to commit to a regular schedule of 15 hours per week, preferably during regular working hours, however we are flexible to accommodate class schedules.

To apply, please send a copy of your resume and a cover letter including your availability to Anne Berlin at aberlin@iedconline.org. Applications are requested by January 31st, however applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until all positions are filled.

 

Congressional Budget Office

 

CBO provides the Congress with the objective, timely, and nonpartisan analyses needed for economic and budgetary decisions.  Interns contribute to CBOs work in program areas such as budget and tax policy, health care, national defense, the environment, education, retirement and other income assistance, regulation, and public investment.


Summer internships typically last for 10 weeks and include compensation based on academic level and work experience.

Ideal candidates are pursuing graduate academic programs in:
          Economics
          Public policy/Administration
          Health policy
          Financial management
          Mathematics
          Statistics
          Physics
          Engineering

Because the internship are project based, current college junior and seniors are also eligible to apply in the event that CBO offers projects based to their skill and experience level.

Information about the internship and the application procedure is available on CBOs Web site,
www.cbo.gov/employment/intern.cfm.  The application period for the 2008 Summer Internship Program is December 17, 2007 through March 3, 2008.  Students provide general information and submit their cover letter, résumé, references, and  unofficial transcripts or course information online.  Students who register at www.cbo.gov/vas_index.cfm will get an e-mail notifying them when CBO begins accepting applications in future years and when we post new jobs.

Selections will be based on academic achievement, the relevance of  academic work to CBOs responsibilities, and work experience and should be completed by April 4, 2008.

 

U.S. Senator Russ Feingold’s (D-WI) Progressive Patriots Fund

 

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)

 

Washington Mystics

The Washington Mystics are currently accepting applications for spring & summer internship positions in the following departments:

1. Game Operations & New Media
2.
Marketing & Partnership Services
3.
Public Relations
4.
Community Relations
5.
Guest Services

Please submit your resume and cover letter to the following address or via e-mail at srobinson@washmystics.com

Washington Mystics
c/o Internship Coordinator
627 N. Glebe Road, Suite 850
Arlington, VA 22203

 

John Kerry for Senate

 

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 will begin immediately and last for the duration of the semester. Though scheduling is flexible, a minimum commitment of ten 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.

 

DC Office of Attorney General

 

The Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia (OAG) seeks highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students to work as volunteers during the academic year and summer vacation. The internship program is designed to provide students with a challenging experience that reflects the demands and rewards of public service. OAG selects well-rounded undergraduate and graduate students from colleges and universities across the country who have exhibited academic excellence and have a strong interest in public service.

Interns will be assigned to one of the nine practice groups within OAG where they will be asked to help Assistant Attorney Generals on a variety of matters. Assignments may include drafting legal documents, interviewing witnesses and case preparation. Interns will also gain a thorough understanding of how OAG works by accompanying staff and attorneys to court, meetings, hearings, and conferences. The Internship work experience is supplemented by rewarding educational opportunities provided by OAG, including field visits and guest speakers.

An OAG internship is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students who aspire to careers in public service and/or the law, including paralegal studies.

OAG seeks talented, promising individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds. OAG is proud that its staff reflects the racial, cultural, and ethnic diversity of Washington, DC. OAG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Learn more about the program from the following:

 

Selection Criteria and Process

Internships are open to undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing. The selection process for the Internship Program is highly competitive. Candidates are selected based on scholastic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and interest in their area of concentrations.

Internships are unique and tailored to each student's needs, interests, and schedule. We will talk with you to learn of your interests, skills, experience, preparation, and training. After receiving the completed application and supporting documents, the internship coordinator will contact you to arrange a suitable placement that is mutually beneficial. You may be sent additional forms to complete the process.

 

How to Apply

To apply for the OAG Internship Program or the Summer Associate/Law Clerk Program online, select the appropriate form from the Online Application column below, fill in the information, and select the submit button. If you do not wish to fill out the form online, select the specific application from the Printable Form column and fill it out by hand. You will still need to submit other documents with the applications, listed below this chart. After processing your application, the OAG will contact you for any additional information needed.

 

White House

We are looking for those who would like to serve something greater than themselves. A White House Internship provides an opportunity for current students and recent graduates to experience everyday life at the White House while working with high-level officials on a variety of tasks and projects.

Strong applicants should exhibit:

Sound academic credentials

A demonstrated interest in public service

Solid written and verbal communication skills

A history of community involvement

Strong character and leadership skills

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND AN APPLICATION PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: www.whitehouse.gov/intern

SUMMER 2008 INTERNSHIP May 20th – August 15th APPLICATIONS DUE FEBRUARY 26 , 2008

FALL 2008 INTERNSHIP August 26th – December 12th APPLICATIONS DUE JUNE 3 , 2008 PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TO intern_application@whitehouse.gov

 


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.