FAQs
"Be ready to learn. Be ready to keep an open mind. Be ready to take on challenges."
Listed to the right are the most commonly asked questions students have about the UC Center Sacramento. The answers provide a quick snapshot of what UCCS has in store for you. Feel free to email Educational and Internship Director Joaquin Feliciano for any questions not answered here.
Have more questions about the UC Center Sacramento? Send them to the UCCS Educational and Internship Director, Joaquin Feliciano.
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The UCCS Experience for UC Graduate and Professional Students
Click on any of the questions below to get more information about the UC Center Sacramento Scholar Intern Program
What will I be doing in Sacramento?
How much will it cost?
Where will I intern and how will I find my internship?
What will I be doing in the Public Policy and Elective Seminars?
Will I be getting academic credit for the internship and classes?
What will I gain from being a UC Center Sacramento Scholar Intern?
Who is eligible to participate in the UC Center Sacramento Scholar Intern program?
Where will I be living in Sacramento?
How do I apply?
What will I be doing in Sacramento?
UC graduate and professional students have two choices when participating in UCCS: the full academic and professional program, or the internship only program. In the full program, students enroll in a variable unit professional internship for 3-4 days per week with an organization or office that fits with their academic or professional goals, and one or two 4-unit public policy seminars. Participants work at their internships Monday-Thursday and attend class on Fridays. In the internship only program, students are required to participate in the internship but attendance at the seminars is optional. No academic credits are awarded in the internship only program.
During the summer, graduat and professional students can also choose to apply for the prestigious UCCS Journalism Program. Click here to learn more.
Click here to see the syllabus for the Winter 2009 Public Policy seminar
Click here to see the UCCS academic calendar for the current and upcoming quarters.
How much will it cost?
The cost to participate in the UCCS Scholar Intern Program will depend on whether you receive academic credit for participating in the program. Students participating in the full academic and professional program will be charged tuition and fees as if they were in residence on their home campuses. If you are eligible, financial aid can be used to offset these costs. Student in the internship only program will not be charged campus-based tuition or fees. All participants, regardless of program will be charged a non-refundable $300 (per Quarter or Summer) or $400 (per Semester) UCCS Program Fee and should also budget for room, board, transportation, and personal expenses.
Where will I intern and how will I find my internship?
As part of the UCCS application process, you will create a resume, submit letters of recommendation, and indicate what types of internships you're looking for. The Sacramento Center staff will use these documents, in addition to a series of telephone and email advising sessions with you, to help you find an internship that meets your needs. You will most likely interview with a number of interested organizations by telephone or in-person during your first week in Sacramento before you make your internship choice.
What will I be doing if I decide to participate in the Public Policy and Elective Seminars?
Students attend weekly classroom sessions, panel discussions, and lectures given by invited speakers to learn about the history, process, and context of California politics and policy analysis. As part of the Public Policy seminar students write a 30-page policy analysis on the public policy of their choosing. The Public Policy seminar meets once a week on Fridays and elective seminar events are scheduled throughout the week.
Click here to see current and recent seminar topics and syllabuses
Will I be getting academic credit for the internship and classes?
Yes, if you choose to do so. If you would like to receive academic credite for your participation in the Scholar Intern Program, the UCCS staff will work directly with you and your graduate or professional program to set up the appropriate course number and units.
Click here to see current and recent seminar topics and syllabuses
What will I gain from being a UC Center Sacramento Scholar Intern?
UCCS Scholar Interns gain valuable professional and academic skills to prepare them for life after graduate or professional school, wherever life might lead. The internship provides an intense, invaluble, and relevant professional experience while the academic component of the program exposes students to the ins and out of the California public policy process as well as giving them an in-depth mentored research experience.
Click here to read what former Scholar Interns have thought about their experiences with UCCS.
Where will I be living in Sacramento?
Most UCCS Scholar Interns are housed in the Guest Suites Adagio Apartments, located a short 10-minute bus or car ride from the State Capitol. Students live in two-bedroom suites with three other Scholar Interns from across the UC system. Daily room service, pool and exercise facilities, and a fully furnished kitchen are included. Students may also apply to participate in the UCCS program but make alternate housing arrangements. The housing exemption form is due with the program application. Students who are approved for this option are still expected to participate in all UCCS activities.
Click here to learn more about the Guest Suite Adagio Apartments.
Who is eligible to participate in the UC Center Sacramento Scholar Intern program?
All students currently enrolled in a UC graduate or professional school are welcome to apply to participate in the UC Center Sacramento at any time during their program. Applicants must be in good academic standing by the quarter of participation. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred.
Interested students should consult with Joaquin Feliciano to verify their eligibility.
Click here to learn about upcoming application deadlines and to download an application.
How do I apply?
Gradate and professional students should email or post their applications directly to Joaquin Feliciano, the UCCS Educational and Internship Director. The application process comprises an application form, resume, short essay, letters of recommencation, transcript, and interview.
Click here to learn about upcoming application deadlines and to download an application.