Tag Archives: politics

For Students Archive

Student opportunities to work political events on campus

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Over the next four months, multiple caucus- and political-related events will be occurring at Drake. Media organizations, political campaigns, and advocacy groups organizing events on campus frequently request student assistance during their time on campus. These are typically short-term (one to five days) commitments with professionals from the organization holding the event. In the past, several Drake students who have worked these events have made significant connections, leading to job or internship opportunities.

If you are interested in volunteering as a student assistant for these events, submit your information through this campus-wide survey.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Different events require different skill sets. We will do our best to match students to the needs and requirements of each event.
  • Working on an event does not permit you to miss classes or assigned work for classes. Please keep this in mind when indicating your availability.
  • When an event requires, those who are available and who best fit the needs of the event (i.e. they possess the necessary skills, expertise, and experience) will be notified of the opportunity and will have the chance to accept or decline. Entering your information through this survey does not guarantee that you will work on any event, nor does it require you to work on any event.
  • Generally, these are not paid positions. Nonetheless, individuals chosen to work on these events will provide any necessary support—the work could be very tedious or very exciting.

Let us know your interest today!

—Submitted by Rachel Paine Caufield, Associate Professor of Politics, Associate Director for Citizen Engagement, Harkin Institute

Campus Announcements Archive

CNN coming to campus

Cowles Library is pleased to announce that the Reading Room will be the site of a CNN focus group following the Republican debate on Wednesday, Sept. 16. Portions of the building (including the Reading Room and Atrium) will be closed to public access from Tuesday, Sept. 15, through the morning of Thursday, Sept. 17. All library services and study facilities will continue as normal throughout the event window.

You can learn more about CNN’s visit to campus here.

—Submitted by Marc Davis, Coordinator, Program Staff Services, Planning & Projects

News & Achievements Archive

Get your caucus fix

A new website provides comprehensive information and analysis of presidential campaigns in Iowa leading into the state’s first-in-the-nation caucuses. The Iowa Caucus Project, www.iowacaucusproject.org, is one of the most comprehensive interactive resources ever created for caucus and campaign information, including event listings, candidate bios, voter demographics, original campaign analysis, and multimedia.

Drake University’s Iowa Caucus Project and The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement created the website, which is updated daily by a team of faculty members and students and will continue to expand in the coming months.

—Submitted by Rachel Paine Caufield, Associate Professor of Politics

Campus Announcements Archive

Hosting a political speaker, candidate, or group on campus?

As political visitors flock to Drake’s campus this fall, any faculty and staff interested in planning events or advising student groups that may be planning events need to be aware of Drake’s policies regarding political visitors. Candidates and other political figures may visit Drake may be hosted by Drake-affiliated groups, rent University facilities, or serve as guest speakers in a class.

Drake values the opportunity to engage the political environment while recognizing the importance of each individual’s rights regarding political activities. All Drake employees and groups must adhere to Drake’s political activity policy in order to ensure compliance with IRS guidelines. Therefore, if students or faculty are approached about candidate events or want to plan events, the Political Visitor Team is here to help.

The Political Visitor Team, comprising faculty and staff members from across campus, provides logistical support and ensures institutional cooperation for political events on campus. By keeping this team aware of political events on campus, you can ensure that all candidates, campaigns, parties, and issue advocacy organizations are treated fairly and consistently and that Drake complies with federal law. They can also provide more information about upcoming events.

To reach the Political Visitor Team, contact Rachel Paine Caufield, associate professor of political science and Iowa Caucus Project director, at rachel.caufield@drake.edu or 271-1924.

News & Achievements Archive

Drake to host nationally televised Democratic presidential candidate debate

Drake University and the Iowa Democratic Party will host a live, nationally televised debate among Democratic presidential candidates in Sheslow Auditorium on Nov. 14. The event broadcast by CBS News and KCCI, in conjunction with The Des Moines Register, will be the Democratic National Committee’s only sanctioned presidential candidate debate in Iowa prior to the state’s first-in-the-nation caucuses on Feb. 1.

Additional details of the Nov. 14 debate, including time and moderators, are forthcoming from Drake, CBS News, and the Democratic National Committee. Drake will be working with the DNC, the Iowa Democratic Party, and the debate’s media partners over the coming months to determine how tickets will be distributed. The University will communicate that information to faculty, staff, and students as it becomes available.

In addition, Drake is also set to host a pair of presidential candidate forums focused on issues of concern to minorities. The Brown and Black forum for Republican presidential candidates will be held Dec. 3, and the Brown and Black Forum for Democratic presidential candidates will be held Jan. 11, both in Sheslow Auditorium.