Summary
The US onAir Network will be working with volunteers from Maine universities, colleges, and nonprofit organizations to oversee the curation and moderation of posts, aircasts (online discussions), and in person events for the Maine onAir Hub … related to federal, state, and local elections and government.
Our first outreach will be to University of Maine partly because of its proximity to the state capital. We have identified many of University of Maine’s civic engagement, academic, internship and research programs related to making democracy and civic responsibility a focus of higher learning on their campus … for students, faculty, staff, and local community. This post, over time, will have similar information on other collaborating organizations in the state.
Contact ben.murphy@onair.cc for more information on how to involve your organization.
About
The University of Maine’s onAir chapter will initially focus on training interested undergrad and graduate students on how to curate Maine onAir content especially submitting Top News articles, events, videos, and information and moderating forums in each post they curate.
Student curators will also work with state senate and house committee chairs to produce aircasts on issues being discussed and bills being proposed in their committees.
During election season, students with other other organizations like the League of Women Voters, will coordinate and produce aircasted debates with candidates.
University of Maine
Source: About UMaine
Founded in 1865, the University of Maine is a land, sea and space grant institution, and the flagship campus of the University of Maine System. Located in Orono along the banks of the Stillwater River, this vibrant and dynamic university serves Maine, the nation, and the world through its teaching, research and outreach mission. UMaine students come from every county in Maine, more than 49 other states and more than 75 countries. UMaine offers more than 100 degree programs through which students can earn graduate certificates, master’s, doctoral or professional science master’s degrees. Opportunity for all members of the University of Maine community and its constituents is a cornerstone of our mission.
The University of Maine offers a strong traditional education at an affordable price. UMaine is one of New England’s premier universities. We help students create success stories — with a wide variety of programs and opportunities — and we do so with world-class faculty members, internationally recognized research, first-rate facilities, and a friendly, safe atmosphere located near some of the best year-round recreation sites in the nation.
The University of Maine and its regional campus, the University of Maine at Machias, are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as part of the Commission’s accreditation of the University of Maine System.
We want you to visit our campuses, explore our website and discover UMaine’s unique opportunities.
- Mission
- Land acknowledgement
- Strategic Vision and Values
- Quick facts
- News
- Calendar
- Research
- Innovation and economic development
- Cooperative Extension
- Alumni and giving
- 150th anniversary
Civic Engagement Programs
Source: Political Science Department
The University of Maine Political Science Department engages with the community in a variety of important ways. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching defines community engagement as “…collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.” This means that our faculty and students do not simply study politics from afar, but actively engage with the community to understand and address contemporary challenges.
Student Government
Source: University of Maine Student Government, Inc.
About UMSG
The University of Maine Student Government Inc. (UMSG) is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation built with the intention of improving student life here on campus. UMSG is a distinct entity from the University of Maine, but maintains a special cooperative relationship as a direct-funded organization. With a yearly budget of roughly $750,000 assessed by the undergraduate activity fee, this organization works tirelessly to use that money on behalf of students in a manner consistent with or organizing principles, and any professional non-profit .
Money is allocated every week back to the over 200 clubs and organizations on campus recognized by UMSG. Beyond the allocation of money to clubs and organizations, this budget also covers the expenses to host concerts or events at reduced cost to the undergraduate students. UMSG also manages professional legal and risk management assistance for students and clubs.
Senators and Executives strive to represent every student on this campus to the university, the university system, and the wider community.. This organization is the voice of a constituency of students who see problems they want to fix everyday.
Internships
Source: Department of Political Science
For employers: The Department of Political Science is happy to publicize relevant internship opportunities with established organizations of a political nature. To have your organization’s internship added to our listing, please send a full description to Professor Richard Powell at rpowell@maine.edu.
For students: We encourage you to download the POS Internship Informational Sheet for full information about our internship programs and offerings. Also, we will post notices of internships to Facebook and Twitter so please be sure to “Like” and “Follow” us if you haven’t already done so by clicking on the buttons at the top right of this page.
UMaine Congressional Internship Program, founded in 1958, is open to juniors and seniors on a competitive basis. Each spring, several UMaine students are selected to live in Washington DC while working full-time in a congressional office. The program also includes readings and a monthly seminar series with high-level political leaders in Washington D.C. Applications are typically available in the Political Science office starting in late September. Interviews are conducted each fall to fill the spring internship positions. For further information, contact Professor Richard Powell, 243 North Stevens Hall.
The Kenneth Palmer Maine State Legislative Internship Program is open to juniors and seniors on a competitive basis. It involves working two days per week in Augusta for approximately 14 weeks, from early January until early May. Students are assigned to the office of a member of the legislative leadership. Readings and reports are required in addition to performing staff work in a legislative office. Applications are announced and interviews are conducted each fall to fill the spring internship positions. For further information, contact Professor Richard Powell, 243 North Stevens Hall.
The Maine Public Policy Scholars Program is competitive, and is available to all students who will be University of Maine juniors or seniors in the next academic year. The Maine Community Foundation funds the program, which has students from across the University of Maine System investigate a state public policy issue. The policy scholar selected at the University of Maine will undertake a major research project involving some aspect of Maine public policy during the academic year. The scholar will work both with an outside mentor and a faculty member in the UM Department of Political Science in the development of a research project and paper. Scholars from the University of Maine System campuses will meet together to discuss their research in progress several times over the course of the year and convene in the spring to present the results of their research. Six hours of academic credit are awarded under the program. A stipend of $1,000 is also provided in the form of a tuition grant, along with up to $1,000 for travel and other expenses related to the research project. For further information, contact Professor Amy Fried, 130 Stevens Hall.
Political Science Programs
Source: Department of Political Science
Politics – sometimes engaging, sometimes exasperating – is the way people come together to govern collectively.
At UMaine’s Political Science department, you’ll learn from professors who do cutting-edge research and also care deeply about teaching and advising students. Some faculty focus on fundamental ideas about politics, going back thousands of years to contemporary times. Others examine the operations of politics and government today in the U.S. and around the world.
Our faculty foster an open and stimulating intellectual atmosphere that promotes the free exchange of ideas in the classroom and beyond. Our students and faculty come together to discuss political films, watch candidate debates, and talk about politics.
Our faculty are recognized internationally for their expertise and frequently share their views with the public through Maine, national, and international media.
And whether it’s an internship in Washington, DC, the Maine State Legislature, or involvement in the community through engaged policy research, our students learn outside of the classroom. Our graduates follow varied career paths, with many practicing law, running non-profit organizations, and serving in and affecting government.
Learn more about majoring in political science and the opportunities and advantages of doing so at the University of Maine.
Research Initiatives
Source: UMaine Research
UMaine Research Vision and Mission
Vision
To be a world-class research university of global impact and local relevance resulting in maximum socioeconomic impact on Maine and beyond.
Mission
To develop and implement innovative research programs that address global grand challenges and result in effective solutions that enhance the quality of life in Maine and beyond.
