The Honors College

PAID Undergraduate Student Research Assistant Position

Project: USGS Cooperative Research Units Program Evaluation

Join a research team working towards understanding the relationship dynamics of the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units (CRU) program and characterize responses to changing natural resource management needs. Students with an interest in network analysis, conservation organizations, human dimensions, and spatial analysis are encouraged to apply.

The 2022 Graton Prize in Constitutional Law

Endowed by Claude Dewing Graton, Class of 1900, the Graton Prize is awarded annually to the best essay responding to a current question in constitutional law. This year’s prize will award up to $8,000 to the best response to each of five questions:

1. Does the Supreme Court need more justices? What constitutional authority would permit expanding the Court? Which constitutional values would be served by doing so? Which would be threatened?
2. Under what circumstances and to what extent is it constitutionally permissible for the federal government to require mandatory vaccinations?
3. Is there a constitutional right to birth control? What are the broader constitutional stakes involved? E.g. how does the question implicate the class of rights ostensibly protected by substantive due process, or the common law doctrine of stare decisis?
4. Is the judiciary the appropriate branch of government to guarantee individual rights and liberties? Or are rights sometimes best defended by the political branches? What distinguishes these cases? Were they anticipated by the Framers?
5. Is executive privilege a power from which only a sitting president can benefit? Can a former president invoke executive privilege even when a sitting president has waived it?

Notes and directions:
Any regularly enrolled undergraduate student may enter the contest. A qualifying essay must respond to only one of the set questions and should illustrate its answer by drawing (where appropriate) on the intent of the Framers, actions of Congress and/or the executive; and landmark decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. Essays must be submitted in hardcopy to the Office of the Administrative Assistant, Department of Political Science, 229 North Stevens Hall, no later than Monday, 21 March 2022 by 12:00 p.m.

The essays must be between 2,000–5,000 words in length and have two cover sheets: one with the title only, the other with the student’s name and contact information. Adherence to the Style Manual for Political Science, APA, or other standard style reference is highly encouraged. A complete bibliography must accompany the essay and proper citation be followed throughout.

Judging criteria include:
• Clarity of issue identification and thesis
• Strength of argument and analysis
• Quality of research
• Coherence of organization and grammar

The evaluation committee reserves the right not to award any prize money if it determines that no essay meets its standards. Questions about the contest may be directed to Robert Ballingall, Assistant Professor of Political Science, robert.ballingall@maine.edu. Extra copies of this announcement are available in the office of the Administrative Assistant, Department of Political Science.

The Dirigo Leadership Conference

The Dirigo Leadership Conference will be held on the University of Maine’s campus on March 26th. 2022. This year, our sessions will focus on the following topics: 

• Social Justice and Social Change
• Leadership in different contexts
• Resilience
• General leadership for new students