Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Happy Holidays!

As we head into the new year the department blog will take a brief hiatus. We wish you all the best and will be back in January with more opportunities, news, and other tiny bits of interest. For my own part, I will be heading back to Iran on January 1 and may send a post or two from there, time permitting. Happy holidays!

Work for Professor Weinberger

Professor Seth Weinberger is seeking a student assistant to help with the production of his book Restoring the Balance: War Powers in an Age of Terror. The paid work involves proofreading, editing, and compiling the index, and will likely begin in early January, although the specific dates are currently unknown. Any student interested should contact Professor Weinberger directly at sweinberger@ups.edu immediately. 15 hours a week (more or less) @ $9.90/hour.

PDX monthly mag on UPS and PG

From Portland Monthly Magazine's edition on NW colleges, this review of Puget Sound. I like that they quote one of our PG majors:

...“The small classes allow your relationship with the professor to grow,” says Sam Kussin-Shoptaw, a senior politics and government major whose largest class in four years had 31 students. Those relationships can have big payoffs. In 2006, one of Kussin-Shoptaw’s professors, who’d noticed his interest in politics, told him about an opportunity to work on Democrat Darcy Burner’s US Congressional campaign. The then-sophomore parlayed his volunteer position into a more permanent role with the Democratic Party, and this summer he attended the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Kussin-Shoptaw also commends faculty members for their willingness to take time from their own research projects to help students. “Even outside of office hours, they’ll spend time with me,” he says. “I mean, they do what all professors do—they do their research and write their books—but mostly they’re here to teach first. They make us their No. 1 priority.” Which, after all, is how a university should be.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Dissertations should be dancable

Hat tip: Professor Sousa. From the Daily Beast:



Ever asked an academic about their research only to be subjected to 20 minutes of nonsensical droning? Thanks to YouTube, it just got a whole lot easier to explain a complicated thesis at a cocktail party. In early October, Ph.D. students worldwide were challenged by Gonzo Labs/AAAS to re-create their dissertations through interpretive dance and post the videos on YouTube. Dozens of performances were submitted, ranging from tangos to Lindy Hops to night-vision hula-hooping. The choreography was scored on its ability to bridge the gap between art and science, though you should feel free to judge based on levels of jubilation and pure absurdity.

Read and see more here.

Graduating? Paid internship in DC...

Do you know of students who are still trying to decide on a post-graduation career path? The 2009-10 Koch Associate Program may be the perfect opportunity for students looking to gain some valuable experience working and learning in Washington, D.C.

I’ve included some information below that you can easily forward on to any student who may be interested in working for a think tank or policy organization. Many students use winter break to begin planning for their future, so please get this information to them – it may be the exact opportunity they are looking for.

Happy holidays!

Stephen Sweet
Program Coordinator, Marketing and Recruiting
Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation
http://www.cgkfoundation.org
Ph: 202.737.7945


The Koch Associate Program: A Unique Job Opportunity

The Koch Associate Program is a very selective, one year, paid career opportunity for bright, talented young people who are interested in pursuing a career in the non-profit sector. Graduating students often don’t realize the great job opportunities that market-oriented non-profit organizations provide for those interested in advancing the ideas of a free society. The Associate Program is a great way to jumpstart that career, because we help Associates develop the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for a successful future with free-market think tanks, policy institutes, or other non-profit organizations.


While in the program, Associates are placed into a full-time role with a reputable organization where they work four days each week. The positions available to Associates cover various fields such as policy analysis, donor relations, program management, legal reform, public relations, and marketing. A full list of the organizations where Associates work along with some examples of project placements can be found on our website. Then, one day each week, Associates come together in a classroom setting at the Foundation to engage in reading discussions and group projects, network with their peers, listen to guest speakers, and learn how to apply Market-Based Management® in a non-profit setting through interactive exercises and workshops.


Associates range in experience from recent graduates to those with up to ten years of work experience, and they come from diverse fields and academic majors. Project assignments are determined on a rolling basis, so the earlier candidates apply, the sooner they can select their non-profit placement. All applications must be submitted via our website.


To learn more about the program and the Foundation, please visit http://www.cgkfoundation.org.

Monday, December 08, 2008

Legislative Reporting Internship--PAID, 12/15 deadline!

The WNPA Foundation, a non-profit group dedicated to journalism education, offers a paid internship appropriate for political science and journalism students. 2009 is the third time it has been offered (it is offered in alternate years).

We are working to broaden the base of applicants, and I have attached a description/application. Please take a look and consider recommending it to your top students. It is an invaluable opportunity for a student interested in the legislative process, open government, and communications.

The challenge for students is the schedule, which ideally includes being in Olympia for three days a week during the legislative session. Previous winners have been PLU students, but it is open to upper level students at any college in Washington.

If you have a strong candidate, please have him or her send an e-mail to me confirming their interest in applying. They can send the requested materials by Dec. 15. We expect to offer this opportunity again in 2011, so keep that in mind as well.


WNPA Foundation announces
ZUBROD LEGISLATIVE REPORTING INTERNSHIP


Washington State Legislative Session Dates: Jan. 12 – April 26, 2009
Applications due Dec. 15, 2008 The WNPA Foundation invites Washington state colleges and universities to nominate third- or fourth-year students for the Zubrod Legislative Reporting Internship. In addition to journalism students, the internship is open to students majoring in communications, law or political science. The recipient will receive a stipend of up to $1,000.

To nominate a student, professors are asked to write a letter of nomination and provide the student with a copy of this announcement as guidance to the application process. By Dec. 15 the student must send the following to the WNPA Foundation: a letter of interest, a resume, the professor’s letter of nomination and a letter of recommendation from one other faculty member. Applications may be mailed to the address above or faxed to (206) 634-3842.

Requirements for the Zubrod Legislative Reporting Internship

This internship requires a high level of self motivation and strong interest in learning about legislative issues of concern to newspapers in Washington state. Applicants should expect to spend up to three days a week in Olympia during the legislative session, and should have a basic understanding of the legislative process prior to the start of the session.

The intern will work with Rowland Thompson, Executive Director of Allied Daily Newspapers of Washington, on bills of interest to members of Washington Newspaper Publishers Association and Allied Daily Newspapers. Activities may include researching information through the bill room or caucuses, attending committee hearings, interviewing sponsors of pertinent legislation, and possibly writing stories on bills and their history. The student will also write a blog on what they observe about how the media is faring in Olympia. Intern selection will be announced in December.

The internship was established in 2005 in honor of Jerry Zubrod, who died in 2001. After 23 years of service, he retired as executive director of WNPA in 1988.
If you have questions about the application process or the internship, please contact Mae Waldron at (206)634-3838.

Friday, December 05, 2008

Holiday Function Today at 5

The Political Science Association let us know that they're holding a PG shindig today at five pm in the Wyatt foyer (that space on the second floor). There will be food, drinks and Professor Sousa will be dressing up as Santa for you to have your picture taken (just kidding, but wouldn't that be fun?)

Writing Excellence Awards: Deadline 1/29

PG students: wrote a good paper? Submit it, and get recognized (and cash, to boot):

Writing Excellence Awards

To encourage and reward good writing in all disciplines, the Writing Excellence prizes will be awarded again this year.

A total of nine prizes ($250.00 each) will be awarded:
Two prizes in each category: Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences and Mathematics; one prize each for Freshman Seminars, Connections, and Graduate Programs

Rules for the Contest

Papers written as part of the requirement for courses taken at the University of Puget Sound during the most recent Spring, Summer, or Fall 2008 are eligible. Papers of any length may be submitted; short papers are as likely to win as long ones.

Students may submit no more than one paper in each category, and each paper must be accompanied by a description of the assignment and an entry form. (Entry forms are also available at http://www.ups.edu/writingexcellenceawards.xml) Students should submit the original paper in person with the professor’s comments, or a photocopy of it, to the Center for Writing, Learning, and Teaching by 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2009.
Questions

If you have any questions about the process or the prizes, please call Julie Neff-Lippman (253.879.2696) or send an e-mail (neff@ups.edu).

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Global Youth Connect: Rwanda and Bosnia

We have had a student do the Rwanda program before and really enjoyed it. Read on:

Greetings from Global Youth Connect!

We are writing to ask for your assistance in sharing information regarding our summer 2009 international human rights training programs with young leaders (ages 18-30) in your network who may be interested in participating in one of our upcoming human rights delegations to Bosnia or Rwanda. Brief information on each program can be found below and more detailed application information is available on our website at: www.globalyouthconnect.org/participate. The deadline to receive applications is January 30, 2009.

Global Youth Connect is an international human rights organization which is building and supporting a community of youth who are actively promoting and protecting human rights, and educating and inspiring the next generation to work for peaceful change. We have been organizing international human rights delegations since 2001. Please visit our website to learn more about our work: www.globalyouthconnect.org.

We greatly appreciate your help in making sure we get the word out to talented and motivated young leaders who might be interested in this unique international opportunity for learning, service and connection for human rights, conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Best wishes,

Kendra Penry
Interim Executive Director
Global Youth Connect
www.globalyouthconnect.org
Acting together for compassion, human rights and responsibility

Human Rights Delegations for Young Leaders -- Summer 2009

Program Locations: Bosnia & Rwanda

Application Deadline: January 30, 2009

Global Youth Connect, an international human rights organization, is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications from young leaders (ages 18-30) for our Summer 2009 international human rights delegations. Program locations will be Bosnia and Rwanda.

Human rights delegations are a unique, first-hand opportunity to cross cultural boundaries and learn about the daily reality of human rights as experienced in a complex and increasingly globalized world. Each delegation weaves together three core sets of activities: site visits to local organizations, hands-on fieldwork projects, and a human rights training workshop with local youth activists.

Bosnia (June 30 - July 17, 2009)
Program Tuition: $2,750

This delegation will explore the roots of the conflict and the dynamics of justice, reconciliation and peacebuilding as experienced in Bosnia. Participants will gain experience in conflict resolution and transformation and deepen their understanding of the post-conflict challenges faced by Bosnians today, especially youth. Participants will have an opportunity to meet with Bosnian NGOs working on issues of human rights, community development, youth empowerment, and conflict resolution. The program will also include a workshop with Bosnian youth and the opportunity to work hands-on with local organizations to assist them in their daily activities.

Rwanda (June 27 - July 19, 2009)

Program Tuition: $2,250

This delegation will explore the roots of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, how this legacy of violence has impacted the country and its people, particularly Rwandan youth, and also how the country is attempting to rebuild today. We will examine issues of truth, justice and reconciliation in the context of post-conflict Rwanda and what is needed to strengthen local institutions and programs dedicated to promoting a culture of respect for human rights. Participants will connect with young Rwandans and get involved in a variety of collaborative projects aimed at promoting human rights as well as meet with leading human rights defenders, government representatives, international institutions, youth and others from local communities to learn more about the political, economic and social challenges faced by Rwandans today.

Application Deadline: January 30, 2009

How to Apply: We invite interested young leaders to apply. We are looking for participants who are between the ages of 18-30 and who possess U.S. citizenship or residency as well as international students studying full-time at a U.S. college or university. Most importantly, applicants should wish to expand their knowledge and understanding of human rights and social justice. Participants will become part of a growing global movement of youth acting together for compassion, human rights and responsibility.

For detailed information on program activities, costs, fundraising/financial aid, and application information, please visit our website: www.globalyouthconnect.org/participate, or contact me directly at kendra@globalyouthconnect.org.


Best wishes,

Kendra Penry

Interim Executive Director
Global Youth Connect
www.globalyouthconnect.org
Acting together for compassion, human rights and responsibility

IPE hosts Foreign Service Alum on 12/9 (DATE CHANGE)

From the IPE Blog, a very cool opportunity:

Are you interested in a potential career in the U.S. State Department's Foreign Service. If so, be in the Diversions Cafe at Noon on December 9 to have coffee with Amanda Jacobsen. (Note change of date).

Mandy Jacobsen (IPE Class of 1999) recently finished her first Foreign Service tour of duty in Togo. She and her husband Cort Weber (also IPE 1999) are now headed to Nepal after some months of training in Washington DC.

Mandy and Cort are happy to talk with any interested students about Foreign Service opportunities during their brief visit to Tacoma.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Summer law program for undergraduates

Interesting opportunity:

The 18th Summer for Undergraduates Program is scheduled for May 18-June 12, 2009.

Overview

The Summer for Undergraduates Program at Florida State Law is the largest of its kind and has become a model for other law schools nationally. Sixty undergraduate college students will be chosen from the applicant pool to participate in the four-week long program. During those four weeks, we focus on three main components:

* Classroom Experience — Daily classes are taught by law school professors and writing instructors. Lectures simulate first-year law classes and familiarize students with the functions of the American legal system. Writing workshops help students to develop their writing and communication skills.
* Law School Admissions Process — Students are given the opportunity to talk to the admissions staff and committee regarding the important aspects of the law school application process. This includes practical workshops on completing the application, writing personal statements, LSAT exam preparation, writing resume and cover letters, financing law school and individualized career planning.
* Careers in the Law — While the program is academic in nature, there are a number of exciting and enjoyable activities that take place outside of the classroom, such as: visits to the Florida Supreme Court and local law firms, moot court oral arguments, and visits from prominent attorneys in a variety of practice areas.

Eligibility

College students enrolled at two-and four-year institutions, in all majors and from all backgrounds, are invited to apply following their freshman year. We particularly welcome students from groups historically underrepresented in the legal profession. Because one purpose of the program is to help students direct their remaining time in college to best prepare for law school, freshmen, sophomores and juniors are given preference in the admissions process. Students who will have earned their degree prior to the start of the program will not be eligible for admission.

Program Costs

There is no tuition or room and board charge for this program. Florida State Law provides room and board in residence-hall accommodations, course materials and a $500 stipend to all participants. Students are responsible for their travel expenses to and from Tallahassee.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted after October 1, 2008 and must be postmarked by Friday, March 27, 2009. In order to apply, students must complete and sign the two-page application for admission. Applicants are also required to submit a resume, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement and a current official transcript. Each application is carefully reviewed in its entirety by the program's admissions committee.

For more information about the 2009 Summer for Undergraduates Program, please contact:

Florida State Law
Office of Student Affairs
425 West Jefferson Street, Room 206
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1601
850.644.7338; Fax: 850.644.4358
E-mail: saffairs@law.fsu.edu

What if we held college and no one showed up?

From the New York Times (hat tip: Associate Dean Ferrari):



The rising cost of college — even before the recession — threatens to put higher education out of reach for most Americans, according to the biennial report from the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education.

Over all, the report found, published college tuition and fees increased 439 percent from 1982 to 2007, adjusted for inflation, while median family income rose 147 percent. Student borrowing has more than doubled in the last decade, and students from lower-income families, on average, get smaller grants from the colleges they attend than students from more affluent families.

“If we go on this way for another 25 years, we won’t have an affordable system of higher education,” said Patrick M. Callan, president of the center, a nonpartisan organization that promotes access to higher education.

“When we come out of the recession,” Mr. Callan added, “we’re really going to be in jeopardy, because the educational gap between our work force and the rest of the world will make it very hard to be competitive. Already, we’re one of the few countries where 25- to 34-year-olds are less educated than older workers.”

Read the whole thing here.; on study behind the article here.

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Japan-America and Korea-American Student Conferences

Excellent opportunities, and there may be funding to attend through Asian Studies. Contact Professor Fields if you are interested. Deadlines are February and March. Find out more here.

Korea America Student Conference
The second annual Korea-America Student Conference (KASC) is set to begin this coming July 2009. We will be kicking off our opening ceremonies in Seoul and continuing on through three other regional sites in Korea.

Building on our successful Conference this summer, we are expanding our program to include a total of 50 students from both Korea and the United States. These students will have the opportunity to discuss their own research on bilateral and international issues, attend academic and business lectures by leaders in the field, and engage in intensive cross-cultural discussions while traveling and living as one group. Rotating yearly between host countries, this year's events will be held in the Republic of Korea.

University students of all schools and levels of education (Undergraduate and Graduate alike) will convene to discuss the most current issues, ranging from the environment to science and beyond. Not only do conference participants learn about one of the world’s strategic bilateral alliances, they also have the opportunity to directly help reinforce the bonds between countries by sharing knowledge and experiences while making memories and friendship with other future leaders.

Japan America Student Conference
Each summer, nearly 80 students from universities across Japan and the United States convene to discuss some of the hottest topics facing the two nations. The program alternates host countries each year giving students the rare opportunity to see places, whether at home or abroad, and learn about their culture through the eyes of others.

From politics to pop culture and everything in between, JASC offers motivated university students of all levels an outlet for ambition, intellect, and cultural stimulation.

Not only do conference participants learn about one of the world’s most strategic bilateral alliances, they also have the opportunity to directly help reinforce the bonds between countries by sharing knowledge and experiences while making memories and friendships with other future leaders.

$15 an hour this summer--paid internships at the Port of Tacoma

This is a really good opportunity that can mix politics, business, and international relations. The Port has a Government Relations office that might also be open to interns, and PG has a contact there if you want to explore that opportunity more directly.

The Port of Tacoma internship opportunities are designed to offer students an opportunity to participate in meaningful work experience to compliment and enhance their learning and growth within their programs of study. These work experiences are a chance for students to apply their classroom learning in a real work setting. More importantly, interns gain access to knowledge and expertise of the talented people that we have at the Port, which we feel will be beneficial to their career development.

In return, the Port benefits by having capable and enthusiastic students assist in normal work activities and/or special projects and events, while making a valuable contribution to the next generation of an up and coming creative, energized and educated workforce.

The types and the number of internship opportunities vary year to year. Opportunities can range in all types of departments such as IT, Finance, the Port’s Lines of Businesses, Human Resources, Communications, Marketing, Operations, Engineering, Environmental, Maintenance, etc. Most of the internships are full-time during the summer months, but occasionally there may be opportunities during the academic year on a part-time basis. All of our internships are paid with an hourly rate as follows:

College $15.00/hr
Graduate $18.00/hr

To be eligible to participate in the Port’s internship program, candidates must be enrolled in an accredited school, college or university. Students will be considered for internships based on qualifications and course of study for each opportunity.

Recruitment for internship opportunities generally begins in January and February for internship opportunities for the following summer, however, internships may arise anytime throughout the year. Listings may be sent to major universities and local community colleges and associations. Students can also contact the Port’s Human Resources Office to find out what opportunities may be available or should send a cover letter and resume to hr@portoftacoma.com for consideration of open opportunities. Please direct any questions pertaining to internships to Christina Kim, Manager, Employment services, at 253.592.6757 or send an e-mail to the above e-mail address.

Monday, December 01, 2008

Garrett Heilman '09 summer research talk on Iran

Garrett Heilman '09 will be presenting his summer research on Iran's nuclear program today if you are interested. Wyatt 301 at 4:30 pm. A good opportunity to find about more about the topic and also to see what kinds of things students do with a summer research award.

Professor Kessel talk on Thursday (correction)


The Political Science Association presents:

“Questioning,

Authority,

and

Questioning Authority”

How can AUTHORITY be compatible with DEMOCRACY?

a lecture by:

Professor Alisa Kessel

Politics and Government

Thursday December 4th at 6pm

Wyatt 101