Frequently Asked Questions and Resources for Interns, Mentors and Applicants

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
CUIP is an opportunity available to continuously enrolled undergraduate students in good standing (academic and conduct) in any major with at least one quarter at UCSC.

WHAT IS CUIP?
CUIP provides on-campus internships in administrative departments throughout campus. Interns work with a mentor to develop personal and professional skills, and take a lead role in producing a product or result in their one year internship, e.g., campus-wide recycling program; department newsletter or web page; policy recommendation report. Interns also attend a two unit leadership seminar led by the Dean of Undergraduate Education during both Fall and Spring quarters (Mondays 5-7 pm).

COMPENSATION?
CUIP pays a stipend equivalent which covers $8200 of the intern's academic year student FEES directly to the student account. Students who already have these fees covered by a grant still receive the equivalent funding. Students who are not California residents pay an additional tuition and educational fee differential which are not covered by the stipend. Please refer to the Registrar's web site for the breakdown of fees.

WILL MY CUIP INTERNSHIP CHANGE MY FINANCIAL AID?
Probably, because it relieves your need to pay fees. Financial Aid may reduce the amount of loans you have (money you have to pay back with interest), then adjust a work study award if necessary (money you work to earn), and lastly consider adjusting any grant you have (money you do not have to pay back). See your financial aid counselor to determine how this will work for your individual case.

HOW MUCH TIME WILL THE INTERNSHIP REQUIRE?
Three academic quarters, fall through spring. Interns work an average of 15 hours per week, 150 hours per quarter. Precise work schedules, tasks and deadlines are negotiated between the mentor and intern.

Interns are also required to attend a 2 unit course led by the Dean of Undergraduate Education. The Leadership and Institution Building course is required of all CUIP participants. The course is held on Monday evenings 5-7 PM during both Fall and Spring quarters.

Fall quarter is devoted to skill building focusing on proposal writing, presentation skills and University decision and planning processes.

Spring quarter focus on learning about leadership skills, and how leaders work with constituent groups to reach consensus, create solutions, and develop plans.

Through a series of lectures by senior administrators and student-led discussions, students will be introduced to the problems faced in building an institution such as the University of California and specifically, UC Santa Cruz. They will learn about leadership skills, and how leaders work with constituent groups to reach consensus, develop solutions and implement plans. Students will have the opportunity to discuss current issues with campus leaders and suggest solutions. Course requirements include: attendance at all classes, required readings, assigned projects, and formal presentations of Project Proposal in Fall and the results of the CUIP project at the CUIP Presentations in Spring.

WHAT DO INTERNS LEARN?

The 2004-05 CUIP Class brainstormed a list of skills they gained during CUIP.

WHAT DO CUIP ALUMNI DO WITH THE EXPERIENCE?

Interns gain skills in the internship and in the Leadership and Institution Building Course which they apply in their careers. A list of examples is available.

WHAT ARE THE INTERNSHIPS LIKE?

Internships are available in units across the campus. Each year different internships are proposed. The student page and the mentor page both have lisings of current and past internships including descriptions listed by year. In addition, there are success stories written about numerous interns especially over the past five years.

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION TIMELINE?

CUIP Guidelines 

Resources for Current Interns

Resources for Current and Prospective Mentors

Information for Student Applicants

CUIP Success Stories