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 your campus advisor, Sharon Parks, or the UCCS Educational and Internship Director, Joaquin Feliciano.
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The UCCS Experience for UC Irvine 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?
UCCS Scholar Interns from UC Irvine participate in two main activities during their residence in Sacramento: an eight unit professional internship for 3-4 days per week with an organization or office that fits with their academic or professional interests and a 4-unit public policy research seminar. Participants can also enroll in a 4-unit elective seminar that complements the public policy research seminar. Participants work at their internships Monday-Thursday and attend class on Fridays. On the weekends interns explore the Sacramento area, study, host visiting family and friends, and take occasional trips back home.
During the summer, 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 vary from student to student. However, recent UCI alumnae and alumni report that the cost of participating in UCCS for a quarter was approximately $380 more than a quarter spent on the UCI campus. Virtually all students find that this increase in cost is more than offset by the valuable training and networking opportunities they receive in Sacramento.
Click here for a detailed ACADEMIC YEAR budget estimate.
Click here for a detailed SUMMER budget estimate
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 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?
Absolutely. UCI students earn at least 12 units of academic credit for the quarter they spend in Sacramento, depending on whether they participate in the optional elective seminar. Students enroll in UNI STU 185 (8 units) for the internship, UNI STU 184 (4 units) for the public policy seminar, and UCR ECON 190 (4 units) for the elective seminar. The internship is taken on a P/NP basis and the seminars are taken for a letter grade. Students register for these classes on their home campuses prior to coming to Sacramento. The classes and grades will appear on your UCI transcript and can be counted toward your graduation requirements. Consult with your departmental major advisor to see if these units can be used as substitutions for your Major or Minor requirements. Contact your UCCS campus advisor, Sharon Parks, or the UCCS Educational and Internship Director, Joaquin Feliciano, if you need assistance with any Major or Minor substitutions.
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 college, 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?
Although not required by the Program, most UCCS Scholar Interns elect to live 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.
Scholar Interns may also elect to live with friends or family members in the Sacramento area, commute each day from Davis, or make their own living arrangements in Sacramento.
Click here to learn more about the Guest Suites Adagio Apartments.
Click here to learn more about your other housing options in Sacramento.
Who is eligible to participate in the UC Center Sacramento Scholar Intern program?
UC Irvine students from all majors are welcome to apply to participate in the UC Center Sacramento. Applicants must have completed at least 84 units and be in good academic standing by the quarter of participation. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred.
Interested students should consult with Sharon Parks to verify their eligibility.
Click here to learn about upcoming application deadlines and to download an application.
How do I apply?
Each campus manages the UCCS admissions process for their students. The UCCS campus advisor for UC Irvine is Sharon Parks. 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.