nys internship word.8.18.11

8/6/2019 Nys Internship Word.8.18.11

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NEW YORK STATE SENATEDEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE

CONTENTS

Summary 3

Eligibility 4

Placement ... 5

Application 6

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Student Intern Agreement Form . 8

Program Policies ..... 9


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SUMMARY

ACCREDITED INTERNSHIP AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Both the Accredited Faculty-Sponsored and the Volunteer Internship provide the New York State

Senate Democratic Conference and its members with highly motivated interns who bring a creativeoutlook, an eagerness to learn and are passionate about having the opportunity to participate in the

Legislative process. The program provides students with a unique learning experience through

participation, observation and application of knowledge in a practical setting, while enhancing their

career preparation by providing real professional experience.

The internship program requires the student to obtain appropriate faculty sponsorship and confirm

their eligibility status for off-campus studies. S/he must be confirmed by college/university authorized

personnel before applying to the internship program. The student must contact his/her on-campus

evaluator to determine the requirements and the amount of credits he/she may receive for participating

in the program.

Once accepted into the program, the students on-site work is supervised and evaluated by Zairita C.

Penaherrera, Program Director, and Senate staff. The on-campus faculty is responsible for granting

credit to the student intern. Such faculty is responsible for accrediting the student based on the facultys

academic planning and tracking, as well as a written evaluation by the internship director of the

students participation and performance in the program.

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Applicant Requirements

Resume

Program application

Personal statement describing abilities and

interest in the internship

Research the Senators committees and

biography

A list of Senators and/or Senate Central

staff offices placement preferences

A short explanation for each choice

Intern office requirements

Attend at least two Conference meetings,

and at least two Legislative Sessions, if

applicable

Research prospective policy initiatives

Assist with committee tasks, if applicable

Assist with constituents legislative

inquiries

Assist with typical daily office

responsibilities (i.e.. answering phone,

making copies, and filing)

Deadline

To be determined

Eligibility and Application

Process

Student must be matriculated full-time in an

undergraduate/graduate program with a

minimum 2.5 GPA.

The program accepts sophomores, juniors,

seniors and graduate students.

Students must have a United States legalstatus.

The program welcomes all majors in

accredited disciplines.

Students will be interviewed by the

program director.

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Placement

The Internship and Volunteer Program provides research and policy development experience. Students

have the opportunity to observe and understand the legislative process within New York State government,

while gaining valuable experience applicable to a wide variety of career choices.

Every attempt is made to provide the student interns with their preference, so that their placement

enhances their academic experience. However, it is also imperative that placements are compatible with the

Democratic Conferences needs. While the main placements are in a Senators office, some placements are

made in central staff (i.e. office of the Senate Minority Leader, Minority Finance Committee, Minority

Counsel/Program, Minority Communications, etc.).

Orientation

The orientation is intended to provide students with a broad introduction to the Senate. It will include:

Personnel processing

Student placement

Expectations

Professional and office etiquette

Senate Chamber Rules

Computer training of the Legislative Retrieval System (LRS)

Legislative bill files

Tour of the Legislative library, the Capitol, and the Conference room

Review of program policy

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_________________APPLICATION__________________

Applicants must complete the following information. Carefully read the application, secure the

necessary approval of the on-campus evaluator and/or faculty sponsor. Submit this form with

attached supporting material.

(Print Clearly In Dark Ink)*

Name______________________________________________________________

Local Address________________________________________________________

(City)_________________(State) _______________ (Zip Code) ____________________

Phone # (____)_________________ Cell# (____) ____________________________________

E-Mail______________________________________________________________Name of School _______________________________________________________________

Major _______________________________________________________________________

Degree ______________________________________________________________________

Expected Date of Graduation ____________________________________________________

Faculty Sponsors Name ________________________________________________________

Department __________________________________________________________________

Campus Address ______________________________________________________________

Office Phone # _______________________________________________________________

Faculty Sponsors E-Mail________________________________________________

OVERALL GPA_____________________________________________________

TERM APPLYING FOR

Fall ( ) Spring ( ) Summer ( ) (2O_____) Year.

CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR OFF CAMPUS STUDY

Credits received at completion of the program _______________________________________

Weeks needed to complete program requirement for credits ____________________________

Hours needed to complete program requirement for credits _________________________

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Attach a written personal statement describing yourself, your abilities and the reason for your

interest in the internship program. What will you add to the internship and what are your

expectations?

Attach a list of Senators and/or Central staff offices placement preferences, with an

explanation for each choice. Go to www.nysenate.govfor more information on Senators in

the Democratic Conference. (A list of the Democratic Conference Senators is attached).

Attach a completed faculty letter detailing the academic component agreement (to be

completed by the student with their faculty sponsor).

Faculty Sponsor________________________

Signature _________________________ Date____________________________________

Student _______________________________

Signature _________________________ Date____________________________________

The N.Y.S. Senate Internship and Volunteer Program seeks to attract qualified persons of

diverse backgrounds; no applicant is discriminated against because of sex, race, ethnicity,

age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship, ancestry or physical or

mental disability.

Zairita C. Penaherrera, Director of Senate Minority Internship Program

Mail to: AESOB, Suite 1630, Albany NY, 12247

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (518) 455-2539

Fax: (518) 426-6839

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http://www.nysenate.gov/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.nysenate.gov/


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Student Intern Program Agreement Form

My signature below indicates that I have read and understood the Internship Programs policy andexpectations.I am representing myself and_______________________ (College/University).(School name)I am expected to put my best foot forward and make the most that I can out of this learning experience.I understand that it is my responsibility to clarify any questions I may have of the program policy orexpectations so that I can meet and/or exceed the expectations of the Internship Program.I understand that I am expected to be honest, punctual, cooperative, and willing to learn. I am expectedto notify the Office Supervisor and the Program Director at least 24 hours in advance if I am to beabsent. I will notify the Office Supervisor and the Program Director immediately if Im going to be late.I understand that I will be held to the same standard as all other paid employees and will abide by thesame Code of Conduct throughout the program.I understand that the program director has the right to discontinue my Internship for any policyviolations that I commit and to notify my college/university immediately of my Internship status.I understand that at the end of the Internship, or if I am eliminated from the Internship, I am to return allproperty of the New York State Senate.

Student Intern___________________________________

Signature __________________________________Date ___________________________

Program Director___________________________

Signature __________________________________Date ___________________________

NEW YORK STATE SENATE DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE ACCREDITED INTERNSHIPAND COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM

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N.Y.S. SENATE DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE

*Any violation of the intern policies instituted by the Senate Democratic Conference may

result in termination of the internship. 9

Internship & Volunteer Program Policy

Policy Prohibiting Fraternization

Interns are here to learn about the legislative process, assist in research, bill drafting and

interact professionally with the public. The Democratic Conference takes great pride in

providing this invaluablepractical experience in the students academic life. In most, if not all

circumstances, student interns come to the Democratic Conference from institutions which

themselves have policies prohibiting fraternization between students and administrators/faculty.

The Democratic Conference recognizes its role in developing a mentor-student relationship free

from inappropriate interpersonal relationships.

Accordingly, it is the policy of the New York State Senate Democratic Conference that interns

are prohibited from engaging in personal relationships with Senators of the DemocraticConference and all Democratic employees. Personal relationships may be defined as romantic

and/or otherwise intimate relationships.

Time and Attendance

Each intern is expected to follow his/her weekly schedule commitment. Interns must sign-in and

sign-out on the attendance sheet. The attendance sheet will be collected weekly. If there are more

than three unauthorized absences disciplinary action will be taken .

Status

While interns are considered to be an integral part of the Senate office, interns are not Senate

employees. Student Interns are here to learn, observe, assist and participate.

Dress

The rule is that on Session days (i.e., days when the Senate is in session) appropriate

professional business attire (suit/jacket, tie, etc.) is a must. On Non-Session days business

casual (slacks, collared shirt, sweater etc.) is the standard requirement.

Political Activity

Interns are enrolled in this program to learn and experience life in the New York State Senate.

Interns may have the opportunity to observe how politics plays a role in the policy making

process; however, actual participation in overt political activities is prohibited.

nys internship word.8.18.11

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