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?
- Proposals from Campus Units Due November 14th
- Internship Opportunities Posted by January 5th
- Student On-line Application Due February 18th
- Interviews March-April
- Internship begins Fall 2009
CUIP Guidelines 
Resources for Current
Interns
Resources for Current
and Prospective Mentors
Information for Student Applicants
CUIP Success Stories