Latest research center updates

Role of higher ed in creating an enduring sense of civic agency

By the People
9 May 2008 | 12:34 pm

"...Who teaches civic agency and how it is taught go[es] to the heart of challenges facing higher education," writes Harry Boyte in the current edition of Change magazine. "The devaluation in the academy of the intelligence and talents of those without degrees and credentials is tied to detachment from place...As the cultures of research universities became detached, higher education lost the connections that teach students how to work in communities."

Read "Against the Current: Developing the Civic Agency of Students" for more about civic agency, technocratic creep, and strategies for institutional change that would make democracy a way of life on college and university campuses.

Will West Virignia and Kentucky Make A Difference for Clinton?

Smart Politics
8 May 2008 | 2:20 pm

Those who have been reading Smart Politics during the past two months should not have been surprised that Hillary Clinton both won the Indiana primary on Tuesday night and also decided to continue her campaign the next day, despite strong pressure by the media, pundits, and some Democratic politicians for her to drop out of the race.

On the near horizon, Clinton can expect two more wins in the states of West Virginia (next week) and Kentucky (on March 20th). Oregon will also hold its primary on March 20th, but, although Obama is projected to win that state, it should be a fairly close race – without any significant effect on the delegate or popular vote counts.

Even Clinton supporters will acknowledge the Senator from New York will not win the pledged delegate count. If she is to make inroads with superdelegates in the coming weeks, she not only needs to string together many more victories to help define her campaign in the media as the one with the momentum, but, equally important, she also needs to close the gap in Obama’s popular vote lead amassed so far in the 2008 campaign.

Obama currently leads Clinton by approximately 415,000 votes – that total includes votes cast in Florida, but not Michigan (which did not have Obama’s name on the ballot). It also does not include vote totals in the Iowa, Nevada, Maine, and Washington caucuses (states in which official numbers have not been released).

Clinton is hoping for big turnouts in West Virginia and Kentucky, where she is currently leading Obama in the polls by about 30 points.

Smart Politics estimates that Clinton can make a significant dent in Obama’s popular vote lead in the next two weeks - perhaps reducing it almost in half. Here is the math:

• Smart Politics calculated the 2004 general election presidential vote total of neighboring states in the West Viriginia/Kentucky region (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina). This amounted to about 21.8 million votes.

• The number of votes case in the 2008 Democratic primaries in these states totaled approximately 8.8 million.

• Thus, in the region, people are coming out to vote in the Democratic primaries at a rate of about 40 percent of the general election turnout in those states in 2004.

• Assuming this 40 percent stays true to form in West Virginia and Kentucky (though the turnout might be higher because of the high profile the states will receive in the coming days), approximately 302,000 will come out to vote for the Democrats in West Virginia, and 718,000 in Kentucky.

• Obama will likely close the gap a bit in these states, so let’s say Clinton only rolls by 20 points in each state, not 30 points. Clinton would then pick up about 144,000 votes in Kentucky and about 60,000 votes in West Virginia.

• That would reduce Obama’s lead in the popular vote by nearly half, from 415,000 to just 211,000.

Clinton is not likely to pass Obama in the popular vote total, but the more she can make the numbers looks “about even," the more she can point to momentum as the key factor in her attempt to sway superdelegates to her side.

Her other mathematical weapon is the Electoral College vote total: Clinton has now won states that have 278 Electoral College votes, compared to just 217 for Obama (Clinton’s total, again, includes Florida, but not Michigan).

New funding will support cross-cultural citizen work

By the People
8 May 2008 | 9:28 am

Through a grassroots online voting process--which many of this blog's readers participated in--a project building on more than 10 years of work at the Jane Addams School for Democracy was selected to receive additional funding from the Case Foundation for a total grant of $25,000! The Crossing Borders proposal was one of 5,000 submitted to the foundation in the first round of selections.

"Through the Crossing Borders project, an intergenerational group of Somali, Mexican, Peruvian, Hmong, Korean, and U.S.-born people will explore how to bring more diverse people into public work and strengthen democratic practices – both at the Jane Addams School for Democracy in St. Paul and in towns throughout Minnesota," says project leader Nan Kari. Among the project’s goals are bi-monthly team discussions, cross-cultural multimedia projects, and training on democratic education and outreach.

Live Blog: North Carolina Primary

Smart Politics
6 May 2008 | 7:29 pm

6:30 p.m. MSNBC, Fox News, and CNN all project Barack Obama will win the Tar Heel State. Obama has now carried 27 states, plus the Texas caucus, District of Columbia, Virgin Islands, and Guam. Obama narrowly won Guam last Saturday.

6:40 p.m. New polls were released today in Kentucky, which will hold its primary in two weeks, by Rasmussen and SurveyUSA. Rasmussen's poll of 800 likely voters has Clinton up 56 to 31 percent. SurveyUSA's poll of 595 likely voters has Clinton up 62 to 28 percent.

6:42 p.m. MSNBC is calling Obama's victory in North Carolina "decisive."

7:09 p.m. (5% reporting)
Obama = 65%
Clinton = 34%

7:20 p.m. (9% reporting)
Obama = 64%
Clinton = 34%

Obama has been waiting for good news like he received tonight in North Carolina for weeks. At last the junior Senator from Illinois can bask in some positive media coverage and stand on equal footing again with Clinton, or perhaps even put her on the defensive, pending the margin of victory tonight.

7:30 p.m. (13% reporting)
Obama = 64%
Clinton = 34%

7:44 p.m. (17% reporting)
Obama = 62%
Clinton = 36%

8:05 p.m. (25% reporting)
Obama = 60%
Clinton = 38%

Obama's lead is beginning to decline, as votes come in outside of Obama country (e.g. Durham, Wake, and Guilford Counties). Will Clinton lose by less than 10 points?

8:08 p.m. (28% reporting)
Obama = 59%
Clinton = 39%

8:30 p.m. (46% reporting)
Obama = 57%
Clinton = 41%

8:51 p.m. (59% reporting)
Obama = 56%
Clinton = 42%

9:05 p.m. (69% reporting)
Obama = 56%
Clinton = 42%

9:30 p.m. (80% reporting)
Obama = 56%
Clinton = 42%

9:49 p.m. (87% reporting)
Obama = 56%
Clinton = 42%

12:10 a.m. (99% reporting)
Obama = 56%
Clinton = 42%

Live Blog: Indiana Primary

Smart Politics
6 May 2008 | 6:57 pm

6:00 p.m. (4% reporting)
Clinton = 59%
Obama = 41%

MSNBC, Fox News, and CNN are stating the race is "too early to call."

6:05 p.m. (5% reporting)
Clinton = 59%
Obama = 41%

6:12 p.m. (8% reporting)
Clinton = 56%
Obama = 44%

6:19 p.m. A Clinton win in Indiana, and a strong showing in North Carolina, will certainly keep her in the race for the nomination. North Carolina is one of the last states that Obama is favored to win. Clinton will win big in West Virginia next Tuesday and will win by a very large margin in Kentucky on May 20th. The next opportunity for the Clinton train to lose momentum will be in Oregon on May 20th.

6:22 p.m. (12% reporting)
Clinton = 58%
Obama = 42%

6:27 p.m. (16% reporting)
Clinton = 57%
Obama = 43%

6:33 p.m. (18% reporting)
Clinton = 57%
Obama = 43%

6:38 p.m. (21% reporting)
Clinton = 57%
Obama = 43%

6:43 p.m. (25% reporting)
Clinton = 57%
Obama = 43%

With a quarter of the vote counted in Indiana, Clinton is maintaining a double-digit lead. Only one pollster, SurveyUSA had Clinton winning the Hoosier State by double digits.

6:54 p.m. (32% reporting)
Clinton = 57%
Obama = 43%

7:00 p.m. (35% reporting)
Clinton = 57%
Obama = 43%

7:10 p.m. (39% reporting)
Clinton = 56%
Obama = 44%

7:18 p.m. (42% reporting)
Clinton = 56%
Obama = 44%

7:23 p.m. CBS News has just called Indiana for Hillary Clinton. If that holds, Indiana will be the 16th state carried by Clinton, plus Florida, Michigan (where Obama's name was not on the ballot), and American Samoa.

7:28 p.m. (50% reporting)
Clinton = 55%
Obama = 45%

7:33 p.m. Britt Hume of Fox News just stated that although they cannot call Indiana yet, Clinton "probably has won."

7:35 p.m. (52% reporting)
Clinton = 54%
Obama = 46%

7:43 p.m. (56% reporting)
Clinton = 54%
Obama = 46%

8:00 p.m. (65% reporting)
Clinton = 53%
Obama = 47%

8:12 p.m. MSNBC now classifies Indiana as "too close to call." None of the cable networks have followed CBS and called the state for Clinton.

8:14 p.m. In Obama's victory speech in North Carolina, he states it "appears" Clinton has won Indiana.

8:31 p.m. (73% reporting)
Clinton = 52%
Obama = 48%

8:52 p.m. (78% reporting)
Clinton = 52%
Obama = 48%

9:03 p.m. (81% reporting)
Clinton = 52%
Obama = 48%

As the percentage point advantage of counted votes declines for Obama in North Carolina and Clinton in Indiana, only the Hoosier State is in doubt. Should Obama win North Carolina by less than double digits, that will be lost in the media focus (and rightfully so) on what appears to be a very close race in Indiana.

9:43 p.m. During the first ten minutes of her speech, Clinton referred to the price of gas three times - a not so subtle reference to the difference between her and Obama; Clinton and John McCain support 'gas tax relief,' while Obama sees it as political pandering.

9:50 p.m. Clinton has peppered her speech with several references equating herself with Obama - that they are both fighting for change, that they are each winning states. Clinton is clearly trying to paint a picture that the race for the nominee is also 'equal' - thus legitimating her staying in the race through June 3rd.

12:10 a.m. (99% reporting)
Clinton = 51%
Obama = 49%

Clinton is declared the 'apparent winner' of the Indiana primary by NBC News.

October conference in Austin, Texas, on public engagement

By the People
5 May 2008 | 3:21 pm

The National Conference on Dialogue and Deliberation is hosting a conference in Austin, Texas, in October on "Creating Cultures of Collaboration." The conference will bring together leaders and future leaders in public engagement, conflict resolution and related fields to share resources and strategies, build lasting relationships, and initiate collaborative projects.

Complete conference information is on the NCDD web site. A special registration rate is available through May 16.

Green Chemistry in Minnesota: Opportunities and Challenges for Leadership

Policy Catalyst
5 May 2008 | 12:18 pm

Wednesday May 28, 2008
8:30-5:00
Cowles Auditorium
Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
University of Minnesota
Registration required, $25 to attend

The concept of “green chemistry” is becoming increasingly significant nationally and internationally. Minnesota’s natural, intellectual and business resources give the state an enormous potential advantage in becoming a recognized leader in green chemistry, as well as contributing to national efforts. This conference will bring together researchers, teachers, business leaders, policy advocates and policy makers to discuss Minnesota’s opportunities and challenges in becoming a significant green chemistry contributor. We will ask representatives of three sectors – business, academia and public policy – to identify what their organizations could contribute to advancing green chemistry in Minnesota and what they need from other sectors to reach their goals.

The conference program will include panel presentations, participant discussions, and a video conference roundtable with three national leaders in green chemistry.

The registration deadline is May 23rd
To register visit: http://www.hhh.umn.edu/centers/stpp/events/green_chemistry

Students may contact Sophia Ginis (gini0003) with questions about financial assistance.
________________________________________________________________________
As defined by the University of Massachusetts, a leader in this field:

Green Chemistry is the utilization of a set of principles that reduces or eliminates the use or generation of hazardous substances in the design, manufacture and application of chemical products. Green chemistry is a revolutionary philosophy that seeks to unite government, academic and industrial communities by placing more emphasis on tending to environmental impacts at the earliest stage of innovation and invention.

Do you have questions about nanotechnology?

Policy Catalyst
30 Apr 2008 | 4:45 pm

Most people do. In a recent paper published by Jennifer Kuzma and colleagues Paradise, Wolf, Ramachandran, Kokkoli and Hall, they address rising concerns about the need for regulation of nanotechnologies.

Their paper “Developing Oversight Frameworks for Nanobiotechnology” discusses the need for a regulatory system, especially because “over 500 products advertised as nanotechnology-based consumer products have already hit the market” and that number will only grow since nanobiotechnology can be used to improve a wide variety of sectors from agriculture and medicine to robotics.

But why do we need a new regulatory system? Don’t we already have structures for measuring chemical toxicity and drug safety etc? As Jennifer Kuzma and colleagues explain, nanobiotechnology does not fit nicely into current framework. For example, the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) regulates all “new chemicals” but take carbon nanotubes labeled as synthetic graphite. I do not know about you, but I am usually not concerned with graphite. However, as a carbon nanotube this chemical has a much higher toxicity level, “many nanochemicals are variations of chemicals listed in TSCA Inventory, although at a much smaller size and often with different properties and characteristics.”

The slight differences in nanotechnologys in comparison to other technologies span most fields. Other agencies like the FDA, OSHA, or the USDA have tried to adjust…kinda…The EPA started a voluntary regulatory program and “the city of Berkeley, California has passed a nanotechnology-specific ordinance regarding mandatory reporting procedures”

Kuzma and her colleagues believe that “a coordinated framework among key government agencies” is needed. Currently the hodgepodge of ideas has not resulted in an encompassing system of regulation. While each sector has its own needs, a structure is none the less needed

But maybe the most pressing reason for new oversight framework is the public. As mentioned in this paper the public has very little knowledge about nanotechnology and it applications. My 12 year old sister asked me if nanoparticle could accidently take over your mind. While at that age she is not yet been heavily exposed to biological science, she has the bass knowledge to know that nanotechnology can change things, and maybe not always for the best. While nanotechnology can bring our society many benefits a few mistakes that the media gets wind of could create quite a problem for scientists that all of a sudden have to cope with public outcries against their work. Well maybe that will never happen, but just so it doesn’t, shouldn’t we at least try to “assure public confidence and safety”

They also say debate is needed, so what do you think? And if you are interested in this topic, talk to Jennifer Kuzma about her paper. I was just going to skim it, but I read it word for word.

John Kerry cares about Nanotechnology funding

Policy Catalyst
29 Apr 2008 | 12:36 pm

Most people don't know it, but nanotechnology funding has been a hot topic at the federal level. GAO just released a report that indicated that 3% of funding for the National Nanotechnology Initiative has been directed towards environmental, health, and safety (EHS) questions. In the past few weeks there have been several legislative hearings about EHS and nanotechnology. In a story by the Daily Environment, John Kerry is quoted as saying "Funding for EHS research will be a top priority as we move forward with this reauthorization process" (i.e. the NNI). EHS experts, environmental groups, think-tanks, and many academics have been concerned that 3% is not enough, given the special properties of nanomaterials and their abilities to penetrate and react given their small size. This is a societal question--a policy question about priorities in S&T funding. How much for any technology development program should be directed towards studying the consequences of products? The Human Genome Project directed about 4% for studying Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI), and the NNI has done the same. Is this enough? What is the balance between promoting technology development and ensuring safe and responsible use? This is a difficult question, and answers depend on affiliations, value systems, and social and cultural contexts. In the same Daily Environment article, a call for regulatory certainty for nanoproducts is made. Currently, we do not have a coordinated plan for nanotechnology oversight. Two articles that I co-authored with students and colleagues just came out that address oversight systems for emerging technologies. 1) Talukder, K. and J. Kuzma. ”A multi-perspective analysis for regulatory policy for Bt cotton in India as a case study”. Science and Public Policy 35(2): 121-138. (2008). and 2) Paradise, J., Wolf, S., Ramachandran, G., Kokkoli, E., Hall, R., and J. Kuzma. “Developing Oversight Frameworks for Nanobiotechnology,” MN Journal of Law, Science, and Technology 9 (1): 399-416 (2008). More are on the way...Important work is being done by C. Bosso and W. Kay at NEU. Susanna Priest at UNLV, D. Guston at ASU, D. Baird and J. Besley at USC, B. Herr-Hawthorne at UCSB, and others.
So, the question is how do we get academic ELSI and EHS nano work into the hands of decision makers? Articles from academicsoften go unnoticed. However, academics are largely encouraged to only publish peer-reviewed articles, not policy briefs or other dissemination documents.

I am attending a small group brainstorming session about these issues May 19-20th hosted by the University of South Carolina. A bunch of ELSI-nano academics will get together to develop strategies for connecting with decision makers and starting a society for ELSI-nano work. In the meantime, we will strive to do the relatively unbiased work (at least conflict-free,as most of us take no money from NGOs or industry) needed to holistically and openly address questions of EHS, ELSI, and emerging technologies.

Post-Secondary Enrollment Options FAQ

School Change Exchange
9 Apr 2008 | 1:43 pm

Post Secondary Enrollment Options For Minnesota High School Students Frequently Asked Questions

What is PSEO?
The Post-Secondary Enrollment Options program, also known as PSEO, allows eligible high school students to take college level classes on college campuses while still enrolled in high school. The Minnesota Department of Education pays for PSEO tuition and books, so there is no cost to PSEO students or their families. Students have an opportunity to receive both high school and college/university credit for PSEO courses that are completed.

Who is eligible for PSEO?
11th or 12th graders in any public, nonpublic, home school or tribal school are eligible. Students must be accepted by a post-secondary institution and may enroll either full or part-time in nonsectarian courses or programs at that post-secondary institution.

Where are PSEO classes offered?
Students can apply to take PSEO classes at any eligible two year or four year college that has a PSEO program.

Around the Minneapolis area these colleges include the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC), North Hennepin Community College, Metro State, and several other public and private institutions.

Why should high school students participate in PSEO?

Lots of reasons!

Get a jump start on your future: earn college credits while still in high school.

Learn more about college and explore interests in classes that may not be offered at your high school.

Save money: tuition and books are paid by the state of Minnesota.

Save time: you’ll be able to enter college with some credits already completed.

How do I apply?

You can get PSEO application materials from your school counselor or visit the website.

When is the deadline to apply for PSEO classes?

Application deadlines vary. Here are just a few:

University of Minnesota:

• Deadline to enroll in classes for Fall Semester 2008: April 1, 2008
• Deadline to enroll in classes for Spring Semester 2009: Oct 1-2008

Minneapolis Community and Technical College:

• Deadline to enroll in classes for Fall Semester 2008: May 19, 2008
• Deadline to enroll in classes for Spring Semester 2009: Nov. 3, 2008

Metro State:

• Deadline to enroll in classes for Fall Semester 2008: June 6, 2008
• Deadline to enroll in classes for Spring Semester 2009: Dec. 14, 2008

North Hennepin Community College:

• Deadline to enroll in classes for Fall Semester 2008: July 1, 2008
• Deadline to enroll in classes for Spring Semester 2009: Dec. 1, 2008

Where can I get more information about PSEO?

First, check with your high school counselor and make sure you are able to fulfill all of your high school graduation requirements.

The Minnesota Dept of Education: Karen Johnson, 651/582-8733 (karen.m.johnson@state.mn.us)

Check out the PSEO students’ blog (a collection of resources and reflections by current PSEO students and recent graduates):

http://blog.lib.umn.edu/cschhh/exchange

This summary is brought to you by the PSEO Communications Council, a group of current PSEO students and recent graduates who want to make sure that all students know that they, too, can take advantage of this great opportunity to experience college while still in high school!

PSEO participant Lebree Perry recognized as Student of the week!

School Change Exchange
2 Apr 2008 | 7:01 pm

Insight News highlights IDDS student and active PSEO participant, Lebree Perry, as the Student of the Week!

Aharon Miencha

School Change Exchange
2 Apr 2008 | 7:01 pm

Aharon Miencha is a 12th grader in Interdistrict Downtown School. He has taken PSEO classes at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities such as English Composition, American Studies, Comparative Literature, Political Science, and Calculus. His Postsecondary/career goal is to complete an as-of-yet undetermined major at Hamline University. Readers should know that Aharon is an open-minded individual and believes that everyone has an opinion based on their own perspective. His message, “I'd like for people to look at everyone's PSEO experiences with an open mind on how it benefit them most.”