RESEARCH & PRACTICUM INTERNSHIP
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR CIVIL DISCOURSE
Research Intern Title: NICD Intern
Duration: Fall Semester, 2015
Number of Internships: Multiple Positions
Honors Credits: 3 – Grading: Superior, Pass, Fail
Research Faculty: Carolyn Lukensmeyer
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Hours of Research/Class: 8-10 hours/week
Salary: Unpaid
SUMMARY: The National Institute for Civil Discourse (NICD) is seeking qualified undergraduate students who are
interested in exploring the role of civil discourse in democratic society. Teams of two students will complete an original
research project to advance the goals of the Institute. Research projects will be tailored to student interests, but could
include topics such as the impact of civil discourse on effective policymaking with state legislatures, communication
and social media, community action teams committed to civil discourse, and fund development strategies. Students
majoring in political science, pre law, or philosophy may find this internship especially applicable to their area of study.
Individuals should have proficient skills with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Additionally applicants
should be able to work independently and take initiative and ownership over projects. To learn more about NICD;
http://nicd.arizona.edu/
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
-Education – Preference given to sophomore and above
-Completed Application (see link above)
-Cum GPA – 3.2
-Resume
-Name of a Faculty Reference
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
-Skill in the efficient operation of Microsoft Office suite programs
-Desire and motivation to continually learn, reflect, improve, and innovate
-Knowledge of social media practice and tools
INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES:
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
-Read all assigned materials and be prepared for
-How to integrate classroom theory with practical applications
discussions
-Meet deadlines on primary research & work projects
-Complete other short-term assignments
-How to articulate an actionable research question from a
general area of interests
-How to use primary research methods
-How to write a concise and cogent summary
-How to make a persuasive presentation of original materials
INTERNSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL
INSTITUTE FOR CIVIL DISCOURSE
Fall 2015
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please submit your completed application early in the semester. Positions are open until filled. Email application and
resume directly to Honors Internship Coordinator Sharon Overstreet at sharono1@email.arizona.edu .
Your application should include the following:
 A completed application, including additional pages to address the six questions.
 Résumé, including descriptions of relevant experience
Complete all demographic and reference information below.
Name:
Student ID#:
Email Address:
Phone Number:
Permanent Address:
Summer Address:
Major(s):
College:
Class Standing:
Cumulative GPA:
Projected Date of Graduation:
Current Career Goals:
Faculty Reference Name:
Faculty Reference email:
Faculty Reference phone number:
Please use additional pages to answer the following questions:
Question #1: Why you are interested in this internship opportunity? (150-word limit)
Question #2: How would you define civil discourse, and why does it matter in American society? How does research
support the goals of the NICD? (250-word limit)
Question #3: How have you contributed to civil discourse yourself, either through out-of-class experiences or through
work in your courses? And how might this internship support you in your pursuit of your future goals? (250-word limit)
Question #4: Describe a research topic or project that you might undertake at NICD. Why is your proposed research or
project important and worth pursuing? (350-word limit).
Question #5: Discuss your current extracurricular activities. (List and describe up to five activities)
In addition to submitting written responses to the five questions above, please attach your one page résumé to this
document.
Please direct any questions to Sharon Overstreet at sharono1@email.arizona.edu or 520-626-5289.