Summary
The US onAir Network will be working with volunteers from South Dakota universities, colleges, and nonprofit organizations to oversee the curation and moderation of posts, aircasts (online discussions), and in person events for the South Dakota onAir Hub … related to federal, state, and local elections and government.
Our first outreach will be to University of South Dakota partly because of its proximity to the state capital. We have identified many of University of South Dakota’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 South Dakota’s onAir chapter will initially focus on training interested undergrad and graduate students on how to curate South Dakota 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 South Dakota
Source: About USD
We’re USD – the state’s flagship university: The big-time university with a small-college feel. We’re memorable mentors and lifelong friends. We’re world-class academics and out-of-class opportunities. We’re innovative technology and long-standing tradition. We’re your university. We Are South Dakota.
Accreditation and Consumer Information
Civic Engagement Programs
Source: Chiesman Center for Democracy
Chiesman Center for Democracy
The Chiesman Center for Democracy supports research and civic education activities addressing on-going challenges to American democracy. It is dedicated to facilitating public dialogue, active civic engagement and the promotion of civic values.
At USD, the Chiesman Center is housed within the Department of Political Science and collaborates closely with the W.O. Farber for Civic Education and the Government Research Bureau. These organizations bring the expertise of USD faculty to the broader South Dakota public, from the private citizen to the state’s elected leaders.
The Chiesman Center is led by Shane Nordyke, Ph.D., the Allene R. Chiesman Distinguished Professor of Democracy and faculty member in the Department of Political Science.
Among its goals, the Chiesman Center strives to:
- Support research and civic education activities addressing the issues of democracy, democratic principles, and active civic engagement;
- Fund research and studies on the on-going problems of American democracy including but not limited to citizen participation; civic engagement; civic values and education; public dialogue; and policy analysis;
- Fund the study of issues concerning democracy in South Dakota in particular and the United States in general;
- Support activities that encourage citizens to be actively engaged in the democratic process as educated, informed participants;
- Promote civic competence and responsibility among South Dakota’s citizens and leaders; and
- Make contracts and grants to other organizations promoting these same goals and objectives.
- Be mentored by an experienced faculty member
- Be challenged in the classroom
- Receive real-world experience through study abroad opportunities and internships
- Have opportunities to attend seminars, lectures and conferences
Undergraduate
Graduate
- Policy Analysis
Our research team will help you evaluate policy alternatives in order to achieve a given set of goals. We can also analyze the outcomes of current policies and help to predict the outcomes of policy change. - Strategic Planning
We specialize in helping clients create a vision for their organizations by crafting a series of steps that will help them to achieve long-term success. - Community Development
From small planning sessions with community leaders to large-scale community assessment surveys, our research teams can help your community identify and achieve its goals. - Program Evaluation
Our teams are trained to help your organization set goals, create a program to achieve them and understand the degree to which those goals have been met.
Student Government
Source: Student Government Association
As the liaison between students, administration, faculty and the South Dakota Board of Regents, Student Government Association (SGA) works to enhance communication, understanding and cooperation throughout the university.
One of the responsibilities of SGA is to allocate money to student organizations each year which provide cultural, recreational, educational and social opportunities outside of the classroom. At the same time, we work with university faculty, administration and students to address important campus issues. Contact us to learn how you can be involved with SGA at SGA@coyotes.usd.edu.
Internships
Source: Political Science Internships
We encourage our students to seek internships during their college careers. The opportunities for practical learning are enormous. The benefits for career training are obvious. The department will assist students in identifying appropriate internship opportunities, preparing application materials and assessing assigned academic materials for credit hours.
Our students have had great success in securing internships at local, state, federal and international levels, in all branches of government, in the private and public sectors. When academic requirements are met, you can earn academic credit for substantive internships.
Political Science Programs
Source: Department of Political Science
The Department of Political Science offers nationally prominent programs that allow students to choose degrees spanning multiple areas while focusing on specific areas of study.
With a degree in political science, criminal justice or international studies, you can have a career in multiple areas of society. As part of the Department of Political Science, you will:
Whether you envision yourself arguing in a courtroom, leading the charge on a campaign trail or exploring the world around you, you will find what you are looking for in the Department of Political Science.
Explore Our Programs
Research Initiatives
Source: Government Research Bureau
The Government Research Bureau (GRB), established in 1939, has a distinguished history of conducting applied research on public policy and administrative issues affecting the State of South Dakota, local governments and American Indian Reservations and nonprofits.
The bureau employs the most modern and innovative analysis tools. Technical expertise is used to assist state and local government officials in the areas of economic development and policy formation.
