Photocopier Malfunctions & Stipend Paperwork

The Fed Sem photocopy machine is temporarily down.

What this means to you: we can't make the copies of your forms of official ID and Learning Contract. So, if you plan on coming in to process your stipends, kindly make photocopies of your official ID and Learning Contract BEFOREHAND.

We'll post here to notify you when the machine is up-and-running again.

Sorry for the inconvenience...and thanks for your patience!

Internship Credit Reqs, Drop/Add Deadline, Internship Contracts

Happy New Year, Fed Sem’ers!

Many of you have had questions about the internship course credit requirements, drop/add deadlines, and the Internship Contract. Please find info below and drop me, Joey, an email if you have any questions.

Federal Semester Course Hour Requirements

The credit hours for UNIV 349 work as follows. Students generally work at least 10 hours a week for 3 credits and at least 20 hours a week for 6 credits. How you decide on your specific weekly schedule is for you and your supervisor to decide. Remember, that over the course of the semester, you must earn the minimum total hours contracted in order to receive credit. Find minimum total hours listed below:

• 3 Credits: work at least 135 total internship hours
• 4 Credits: work at least 180 total internship hours
• 5 Credits: work at least 225 total internship hours
• 6 Credits: work at least 270 total internship hours
  

Visit a previous blog post at http://federal-fellows.blogspot.com/2009/11/update-univ349-information-action-point.html for more information.

University of Maryland Drop/Add Info

The final drop/add deadline for the spring ’10 semester is February 5^th. Beyond February 5^th, you may not alter the number of internship credits scheduled.

Please note that a $20.00 late registration fee begins on January 25^th.

Visit http://www.testudo.umd.edu/acad_deadlines/spring_2010.html for more detailed information.

Internship Contract Reminder

Your Internship Contract, which can be found in your Federal Semester Binder, is due to Federal Semester by the conclusion of the first week of the Federal Semester Internship Class. The Contract must be signed by both you and your supervisor.

Update: UNIV349 Information / Action Point for Internship Contract

Credit Hours of UNIV349
The credit hours for UNIV 349 work as follows:

• 3 Credits: work at least 135 total internship hours
  
• 4 Credits: work at least 180 total internship hours
• 5 Credits: work at least 225 total internship hours
• 6 Credits: work at least 270 total internship hours

Students generally work at least 10 hours a week for 3 credits and at least 20 hours a week for 6 credits. Note the total hours for the semester of work at the internship site is the essential number.

The total internship hours need to be specified in contracts, as signed by you and your internship supervisor.

The credit hours you sign up for can be changed up to the University deadline for adding courses/credits.

Emails from Dr. Burton

Hi everyone,

Just a quick note to ask that if you have not been receiving group emails from Dr. Burton that you should email us ASAP so that we can get you on her list.

Thanks!

Questions about Stipends

We've gotten a couple questions about stipends in the past few days, so here's a quick primer:

As part of the program, this semester you have to attend at least two events that are related to either public policy or your topic area. For doing this, you'll get at least $500.

Do more work, and you'll get more money.

If you attend four events this semester, all of which have to be related to federal policy, and apply to at least two federal agencies for internships, you'll get $1,000.

Enhanced Stipend Requirements: Applying to Federal Agencies

To be eligible for the enhanced stipend--in additional to the other requirements--students must apply to two federal agencies (they must be agencies).

This particular requirement was designed to be a learning experience. The student need not be awarded such an internship or take it if offered; the student just must apply in good faith--turn in a good application (learn how to do that); then in future the student will know how to apply for such a position if he or she wants down the road.

Updated Federal Semester Open House Hours

Resume and cover letter workshops, 12-4 p.m.:
Friday, September 11th
Thursday, September 17th
Friday, September 18th

Also, remember, you are always welcome in the suite! We have an open door policy! You are, of course, sure to find help if you drop in during grad assistant Joey Manfredo's drop-in hours, or schedule an appointment with Joey or the new coordinator, Priya Kumar (see below for hours and contact information):

• Open door: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday (except when trips occur). Please come use our new office space during work hours from 10am-4pm, Monday through Friday. We have a library of books on applying for federal internships, a computer, etc. Come in and brainstorm! Consult our staff!
  
• GA Joey's Drop-In Hours:
  Monday: 2-4pm
  Tuesday: 12-2pm
  Wednesday: 10am-12pm
  Friday: 10am-12pm
  
• Make appointment with GA Joey: manfredo@umd.edu; 301.314.0689.
• Priya Kumar, the new coordinator, is available too!
  Monday through Friday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  pkumar12@umd.edu; 301-314-0261
• Contact the director, Dr. Joan Burton: jburton1@umd.edu; 301-314-1920
  
• We are happy to give advice and help!