UNC Charlotte, in collaboration with other area colleges, universities and civic organizations, has launched a unique community engagement and learning initiative.
The 49er Democracy Experience offers an unprecedented array of educational opportunities leading up to the 2012 national presidential conventions in Charlotte and Tampa. The 49er Democracy Experience is a nonpartisan activity with practical value for anyone interested in the American political process.
The experience features forums, seminars and for-credit courses, internships, scholarships and other volunteer opportunities. A list of internships, scholarships and volunteer opportunities for spring 2012 are posted online.
"UNC Charlotte is using the occasion of the presidential nominating convention in Charlotte to launch a program of innovative civic education," said Joan Lorden, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. "The experience will enhance student knowledge of the democratic process, promote the University’s intellectual capital and leave a lasting legacy among students, faculty and the greater Charlotte community."
In November, the University launched a website for the 49er Democracy Experience. It was developed by members of the public relations and Web communications teams in University communication, as well as the Office of Constituent Relations and the Political Science Department.
– Joan Lorden, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
The 49er Democracy Experience also will offer many types of educational programming, led by UNC Charlotte faculty and others from area colleges and universities, including Davidson College, Johnson C. Smith University and Queens University of Charlotte. Scholarships through The Washington Center will be available that include activities for students at both the Republican National Convention in Tampa, and the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte.
The academic portion of the experience includes a "Political Convention Curriculum" for the spring 2012 semester, with plans to do the same for the summer and fall semesters. More than 100 courses will be offered.
"UNC Charlotte is North Carolina’s urban research university and deeply committed to the region’s social and civic life," Eric Heberlig, associate professor of political science and co-chair of the experience, stated. "By taking a leadership role in this special initiative,
we’re providing an exceptional new dimension in civic education."
