GVPT Undergraduate Newsletter

April 9, 2007

 

In this issue:

- Advising Updates - Check out the Schedule for Walk-In Students

- Check out our Summer Courses

- Study Abroad in Berlin Fall 2007

- The Washington Center for Internships

- Events around Campus

- NEW Internship Opportunities for the Summer, Fall, and Job Openings!

 


ADVISING UPDATES

 

Walk-In Hours for Spring 2007

Walk-in hours are posted online at the GVPT website:

The advising office (1147 Tydings Hall) will be implementing walk-in advising based on credit level beginning this week. The advising schedule will be:

 

        March 27 - April 2 : Special Populations (Athletes, AAP, etc.); 90+ credits earned prior to Spring 2007

        April 2 - April 6: 60+ credits earned

        April 9 - April 13: 30+ credits

        April 16 - April 20:  15+ credits

        April 22 - May 10: All students

 

If you would like to meet with an advisor at a time not listed as walk-in, you can email advising to schedule an appointment.  Please include times you are available to meet in the request email.

 

Applications to the Public Policy Internship and the Capitol Hill Internship Programs for Fall 2007 are now available on our website.  If you would like more information, feel free to email advising office or stop by during walk in hours.

 

Summer Courses

Planning on sticking around College Park this summer?  Why not get a few of your GVPT requirements out of the way?  The summer semesters are a great time to take GVPT courses because the class sizes are smaller and topics are unique, most summer courses are not offered during the fall or spring.  Check Testudo for a complete listing of all the courses being offered this summer in the GVPT Department.

 

Public Policy Internship

The Public Policy Internship Program will be offered for the Summer 2007 Session II.  The course will be taught online, enabling students to participate in internships across the country, or even around the world.  The normal requirements for the program remain (minimum of a 3.0 GPA, student must be a registered GVPT major with Junior status, and the internship must be concurrent with the course).  You must intern at least from July 16 - August 26.  For an application to the program, or for more information, email advising or stop by the Advising Office.

 

This Week's Featured Summer Course

GVPT 409C - Politics and Policy of Sustainable Development
Summer Session II: July 16 - August 26
*This course will be taught online*


COURSE DESCRIPTION

The importance of environmentally sustainable development has been established as much in practice as in academic literatures across academic disciplines such as Political Science, Economics, Environmental Studies and Sociology. Sustainable development is far from a mere technical domain. Indeed, it is a classically political competition among multiple interests with distinct ends, means, tactics, ideas, and time horizons. Related political questions include the following: Who sustains what, for whom, why, when and how? How, if at all, do political systems and specific political institutions adjust to ecological systems? What, if any, are the legitimacy ramifications of and requirements for such adjustment?

 

If it is the case that “it's the economy stupid,” then politics is fundamentally implicated in a debate explored from the outset of the course: Does sustainable development mean continuous industrial growth, post-industrial growth or steady-state development without physical growth? The course will distinguish policy choices contingent on the debate between weak/relaxed and strong/strict sustainable development, and will explore the political roles of ideas (cognition and norms) and material interests. In the policy dimension, we will read and discuss policies for sustainable development. We will openly devote more depth to strong/strict sustainability given that it is currently the more directly political approach and the one for which the UMD curriculum does not otherwise prepare undergraduate students. In the political dimension, we will read and discuss the political evolution of sustainable development and the political requirements for a shift toward strong/strict sustainable development. Knowledge of political, ecological, sociological or economic theory is not a prerequisite for this course.

 

Check out the course's syllabus on the GVPT wesbite, http://www.bsos.umd.edu/gvpt/courses/summer2007/index.html


Study Abroad in Berlin next semester

The Study Abroad Office is still accepting applications for the Maryland-in-Berlin program. We accept students on a rolling basis and spots are beginning to fill. Once the program is full it will be closed. This program is our first with the Free University of Berlin, and is open to all undergraduate students. Please take a moment to look at the web site for the program:   Maryland-in-Berlin Fall 2007  (http://www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad/3790)

The program is an excellent option for students hoping to pursue a minor or major in German. The program is open to students regardless of German language ability, and students have homestay options and participate in experiential field trips throughout the semester.

The application deadline is Monday, April 16th.


The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars www.twc.edu

**Maryland Scholarship for permanent residents to participate in The Washington Center has been recently increased to $4,500!!!**

 

Roshni D. Lal will host an open information session to inform students about unique academic internship opportunities in Washington, D.C. for all majors. Due to the newly increased scholarship of $4,500 for Maryland residents, the summer application deadline has been extended to April 13th.  Please note, if you can not attend the information session, you may contact Ms. Lal at roshniL@twc.edu to arrange an alternate meeting time on campus that day.

 

The Washington Center for Internships & Academic Seminars offers college & university students and recent graduates throughout the world the opportunity to intern full-time and earn academic credit in Washington, D.C. We offer hundreds of internships and numerous courses every fall, spring, and summer for students of ALL majors. Participants are provided with optional fully-furnished apartments throughout Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland. Participants may intern at such prestigious agencies as The White House, CNN, PBS, Amnesty International, Department of Defense, The Smithsonian, US Attorney’s Office, Red Cross, Merrill Lynch, the National Institutes of Health, the EPA, and hundreds more. Students also complete an academic course (selected from over 40 offered) and participate in a variety of career and professional development programming and other activities through our Leadership Forum.

 

The Washington Center has a strong affiliation with UMD and many students participate in our program every semester. Attend our information session and discover the life-changing experiences that your fellow classmates have had.

 

Maryland State Funding – Increased to $4,500 Scholarship

Given our relationship with the state government of Maryland, students attending public schools in Maryland and who are permanent state residents are now eligible to receive $4,500 dollars from the state to go toward our program fees and TWC will give students an additional $2,000 to go toward our housing fees (housing is optional). For more information, please visit: http://www.twc.edu/students/financial_state.shtml


GVPT EVENT

 

Prospects of Peace in the Middle East

On Wednesday, April 11 at 3:30pm, the Center for American Politics and Citizenship will host a panel discussing the "Prospects of Peace in the Middle East."  Esteemed professors from the Government and Politics department, Dr. Shibley Telhami and Dr. Jillian Schwedler, along with PhD Candidate Guy Ziv will be participating in the panel.  The discussion will focus on the identity of the Middle East as a whole, foreign relations with the U.S., the current political scene in Israel and Jordan, peace talks between the Middle East nations, and Islamist social and political movements.  Following the panel, a question and answer session will convene.  Refreshments will be served.  For more information, please contact Elizabeth at ebentley@gvpt.umd.edu.


Campus and Local Events

 

FOR THE CHILDREN: STATE OF THE WORLD'S CHILDREN
sponsored by Georgetown-UNICEF/SCCS, Student Campaign for Child Survival and the United Nations Foundation

Saturday, April 21, 9am-5pm, Georgetown University
REGISTRATION IS FREE
Register online at http://www.supportchildsurvival.org/conference/index.php

A conference bringing together DC-area student leaders to get excited about child issues, starting new child-focused chapters and incorporating child advocacy in pre-existing groups. Students can bring justice to a child's life…
*lunch and breakfast provided
*view the agenda: http://docs.google.com/Docid=dhg2gb6p_17d2z277
*for more info or to get involved email Amanda Gant at amanda.gant@gmail.com, Nidhi Bouri at nidhi.bouri@gmail.com, or Aminda Brown at amina.brown@gmail.com

 

Student Honor Council

First, the Student Honor Council is holding an event this month called "What Matters to Me and Why." The Honor Council has invited Hollis Weisman, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, to come speak to our university students about what ethics means in her law profession. The event is on Thursday, April 19th at 7 PM in the Atrium of the Stamp Student Union. Students will have a chance to ask questions and meet Ms. Wesiman after the speech. The session will be particularly informative for those students interested in going into law. For more information, students can visit the Honor Council's website: http://www.studenthonorcouncil.umd.edu/wmtmw2007.html.

Second, the Student Honor Council is holding its annual Terp Honor Essay Contest. Students have to submit a 2 page, double-spaced essay answering one of three questions, which are included on the website listed below. Prizes in the form of gift cards will be presented in denominations of the following: 1st place-$200, 2nd place-$150, 3rd place-$100. Prizes will be awarded based on your choice of a gift card to Target, Amazon.com, or the University of Maryland Bookstore/Barnes & Noble. Students can visit the following website for more information: http://www.studenthonorcouncil.umd.edu/Essay%20Contest%2007.html. The due date is April 20th by 5 PM to the Office of Student Conduct (2118 Mitchell Building), and winners will be contacted by April 25th.

 

The United States Model House of Representatives will bring Student Representatives from across the Nation to Washington, D.C. for a five-day model congress simulation. This prestigious event will be held within the Halls of Congress at the Capitol Complex.

The United States Model House of Representatives is scheduled for May 28 - June 2, 2007. Registration for the 2007 session is now available online. Students over the age of 18 from across the United States are invited to register for this valuable once in a lifetime experience.

Check out http://www.modelcongress.org/ for more information.

 

Seniors - are you graduating this May? Check out the “SLAM Fair!"

Surviving Life After Maryland Fair
Prince George’s Room – Stamp Student Union
Wednesday, April 11
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Everything you’ll need for Commencement and beyond in one place! Join us for free food and information about alumni association memberships, career/resume advice, graduation regalia, commencement information, official class rings, student loan consolidation, senior week activities, and much more!

Plus free food and a chance to win an official class ring, Terp gear, and more!

Questions - contact 301.314.GRAD or seniors@umd.edu
 

 


Internship Opportunities

	
 
 

John McCain 2008 Presidential Campaign Internship Opportunity
John McCain 2008 is looking for interns to work in the communications department, starting as soon as possible.  Major responsibilities will include media monitoring, research, and writing. Those who are accepted will gain experience in the highest level of politics and an understanding of how a national presidential campaign is operated. Writing and research experience is a plus.  For those interested, please send your resume and a writing sample to gopcampaign@gmail.com.

 

Intern Needed

California Democratic office seeks a full-time unpaid intern for spring 2007. Responsibilities include daily front office operations, conversing with constituents, giving tours of the Capitol and helping conduct research for legislative staff. Ideal applicants will be self motivated, hard working and eager to gain a first-hand experience in the federal legislative process. The position would start immediately. Interested applicants should e-mail a cover-letter and resume to CaIntern2007@yahoo.com . Please no calls, faxes or walk-ins.  

 

 

High Gas Prices, Conflict in the Middle East, Global Warming.  It's Time to Kick the Oil Habit and start an energy revolution!
Get a free trip to Washington-help lead a national advocacy group and bring the energy security debate to your campus.

2020 Vision is committed to engaging the public on how America's dependence on oil is undermining our security, environment, and economy. Our advocacy, media and web outreach campaigns bring these issues home to vast audiences across the country and activate tens of thousands of people each month.

An Opportunity of a lifetime
In 2005, 2020 Vision launched an innovative new program to create a student-led Regional Director's Council to bring energy security and global warming to campuses across the country. 10-15 energetic participants from colleges and universities across the US will be chosen as Volunteer Regional Directors to come to Washington, D.C. in July of 2007 free of charge for an intensive week of hands-on training in non-profit advocacy and field organizing. During this one school-year term, participants will be our point of contact for a non-partisan debate on energy security policy and related issues on their campus.

Leadership, not internship
Unlike most internships, this is real work experience with a minimal time commitment. Instantly, you will become one of our top people in the field bringing new interest into the organization on the issues you care about. We understand that students like you are busy people and cannot always commit to a full-time internship. This promises to be fun and exciting leadership opportunity and you will learn skills that will benefit you in virtually every career track.

The PowerShift National Tour (http://www.power-shift.org) is just one campaign our current Regional Directors are heavily involved with. Our group has also passed many initiatives from Hawaii to Florida and currently with several United States Senators, Members of Congress, celebrities and experts on the issue.

Learn and use valuable skills
While in Washington, we will provide you with training from nationally recognized professionals and our seasoned staff at 2020 Vision. You can expect to walk away with skills in the following areas Media relations, Community organizing, Organizational development, and Issue advocacy.

In addition, you will learn how to take the lead in producing a fully funded event on global energy security on your college campus. We will provide you with all of the necessary resources, several coalition partners, round-the-clock support, and top-notch, nationally renowned speakers for the events. Not only that, but you will be continuing to shape an exciting new program at an innovative advocacy organization in Washington, D.C.

Qualifications
* A demonstrated commitment to global security, renewable energy, the environment, social justice or other progressive causes or ideals
* Strong people skills, a passion for quality leadership, and the ability to multi-task
* An ability to commit to a yearlong program that includes: promoting the organization year-round, attending regular event calls, reporting progress, and managing the project on campus
* Current enrollment in a college or university
* Experience in community organizing, political campaigns, or involvement in campus or local politics

Join us and help enact real change!
Become a Regional Director for 2020 Vision and turn your passion and enthusiasm into an agent for change in America. It's the opportunity you'll remember for a lifetime-work together with others to create a safer, cleaner future; build friendships you'll enjoy for years to come, and gain unique experience in non-profit advocacy. Energy security is one of the most challenging global issues of our times. Be a part of something big as we create a voice for all Americans in this vitally important public policy debate.

Application instructions
* Submit an up-to-date resume complete with at least two references
* Submit a two- to three-page writing sample

Send to:     Email (preferred to save paper): vision@2020vision.org with "RD Search" in the subject line.
US Mail:
2020 Vision
Regional Director Search
8403 Colesville Road
Suite 860
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Fax: 301-587-1848

Application process
2020 Vision is accepting applications until May 15th, 2007. Telephone interviews will be conducted beginning June 1st and we anticipate finalizing our decisions by June 10, 2007. The training in Washington DC will coincide with our Nation Summit on Energy Security held at the National Press Club in Washington DC on July 12, 2007.

Questions, call us at 800-669-1782 or visit our website at http://www.2020vision.org

 

INTERNSHIPS AT THE HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT

 EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE

 

The Hillary Clinton for President Exploratory Committee internship program provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn and serve through first-hand participation in the election process. The program is intended to provide knowledge, skills and experiences that each intern can apply to future challenges and professional pursuits. Although we expect a great deal from our interns, the selected candidates will make a genuine contribution to helping elect Senator Clinton President in 2008.

  

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

To learn about our application process, and download the necessary forms, students can visit our home page at www.hillaryclinton.com, and click on the “Contact Us” page where it is possible to download the application.

 

We welcome all applicants who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to public service. Please complete all sections of the application thoroughly.  Failure to provide complete answers will delay the review and consideration of your application. Based on the information submitted, some applicants will be selected for personal interviews. Upon satisfactory completion of personal interviews, applicants will be offered entry into the internship program.

 

Your application must include all of the following in order to be considered:

  • Internship Application Form (available at above website)
  • Résumé
  • Short statement explaining why you want to be an intern for

      Senator Clinton’s Presidential campaign

  • Two letters of recommendation (photocopies are acceptable)
  • Unofficial transcript

 

Interns are required to work a minimum of 15 hours per week.  Summer interns are required to work a minimum of 40 hours per week.

 

FUNDING

All internships are unpaid.

 

Looking for an exciting campaign internship in Maryland this year? One of the most high profile races in Maryland this year will be the Baltimore City Mayoral election and Mayor Sheila Dixon is looking for hard-working, energetic high school and college students for several internship positions with her campaign.  

 

For two decades in public office, Mayor Dixon has been a champion of neighborhoods and a pioneer for women and minorities. In 1987, she won a seat on the Baltimore City Council representing the 4th Council District, where she served for 12 years. In 1999, she became the first African-American woman elected as City Council President. In January 2007, she succeeded Martin O'Malley to become Baltimore's first female mayor.

 

We're looking for interns to help with all aspects of our growing campaign operation: political organizing, communications, research, fundraising and general office operations. We need student who will be reliable and can commit to a regular part-time or full-time schedule. Students will get hands on experience working with political professionals. Students may also arrange to earn class credit.

 

Interested students should email their resume to dixonintern@gmail.com

 

** ATTENTION SENIORS!** A*VISTA Volunteer Job Listing

 

Through a partnership with PlusTime NH, the Afterschool Alliance seeks to hire a self- motivated, team player, committed to community service in the area of afterschool initiatives.   

At the end of the school day, 14.3 million children are unsupervised.  The Afterschool Alliance has a simple mission, making quality, affordable afterschool programs available to all children that need them.  The Afterschool Alliance has one position open for an AmeriCorps*VISTA member to serve full-time for 12 months to help us work towards our goal of afterschool for all. 

The general tasks and activities that will be performed by an AmeriCorps*VISTA member working with the Afterschool Alliance will include:

·      Performing research and preparing written materials about issues in the afterschool field;

·      Organizing communications with experts in the field, including conference calls and conferences;

·      Assisting with the monitoring of afterschool related policy developments at the federal, state, and local levels; 

·      Assisting with communicating changes in federal policy to afterschool providers and advocates;

·      Assisting with the collection and analysis of data and information regarding local, state and federal policies affecting afterschool programs;

·      Supporting events and meetings as needed;

·      Representing the Alliance at events and briefings;

·      Helping to maintain the organization’s database; and

·      Helping with administrative functions, as needed.

Requirements:  Background in child development, education, communications or community development preferred.  Stipend and benefits include:  Monthly living allowance, health coverage, education award, professional development/training and great work experience. 

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled.

To Apply: Send resume and cover letter to:

AmeriCorps*VISTA Member Search
Afterschool Alliance
1616 H Street, N.W., Suite 820

Washington, DC  20036
Fax: (202) 347-2092
E-mail:   info@afterschoolalliance.org 

The Afterschool Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.

 

THE WHITE HOUSE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM - Minority Students are Urged to Apply

The White House Internship Program offers an excellent opportunity to serve the Federal government and explore public service. We are seeking
exceptional candidates to apply for this highly competitive program. In addition to typical office duties, interns attend weekly lectures, tours,
and complete an intern service project.

Interns may serve a term in the Fall, Spring or Summer. Every candidate must be a United States citizen, enrolled in a college or university, and at
least 18 years of age. An application and additional information about the program can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/wh-intern.html


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 U.S. citizen

Strong applications should exhibit:

* Sound academic credentials

* A history of community involvement and leadership

* Solid verbal/written communication skills

* A demonstrated interest in public service

Applications should be submitted to Karen Race, Deputy Director and Intern Coordinator, White House Personnel, at intern_application@whitehouse.gov  on or before the following
deadlines:

* June 26, 2007 for FALL 2007 -- (September 4 to December 14, 2007)

If you have questions you may contact Karen Race at (202) 456-5979 [Voice/Relay] or at intern_application@whitehouse.gov

They look forward to hearing from you!

 

The Riecken Foundation Internship Program
The Riecken Foundation is a non-profit international foundation dedicated to promoting prosperity and democracy in Central America by building and supporting rural community libraries. The Foundation offers internships for undergraduates and graduate students interested in exploring careers in international development. The length of the internship is negotiable, but will be for no less than two months starting immediately or for the summer. An internship with the Riecken Foundation offers a unique experience of working in our DC office, supporting both programmatic and administrative efforts to create dynamic spaces for discovery, learning and social participation in Guatemala and Honduras. For more specific information about the Riecken Foundation, please visit our website at www.riecken.org.

Duties will vary depending on skills of the Intern and the needs of the Foundation. Likely responsibilities include:
- Assist in the development of training materials/manuals—copy editing, design components, and content.
- Coordinate support of scholarship students from Honduras
- Develop learning materials for specific programming.
- Compile information or research.
- Write news releases for website and outside audiences.
- Communicate with field offices.
- Assist with file management.
- Update website content.
- Translate documents.
- Help with travel arrangements.
- General administrative duties.

Requirements:
-Fluency in Spanish
-Strong writing and research skills
-Flexibility, creativity, and initiative
-Ability to work autonomously with little supervision
-Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Illustrator
-Availability to work for at least two months

How to apply:
Email cover letter and resume to intern@riecken.org.   Cover letter should include the following information:
-Any special skills you would bring to the internship
-Dates and hours of availability

 

 


 

Rules for the GVPT Newsletter

The newsletter is sent out each Monday before 5 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.