State Legislature Internship Program
Eastern Kentucky University
Office of Government Relations and Regional Stewardship
Colonels in Action (CIA) Internship Program Guidelines
There has never been a more important time for college students to gain necessary work experience before competing in what is becoming a super-­‐competitive, global job market. Students who intern or co-­‐op, provide themselves opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom and put it into practice at work. Personal and Professional Benefits of Being an Intern at the State Capitol
Interns will have the opportunity to be engaged in a number of activities in and around Frankfort. In addition to learning more about the legislative process, you will have the opportunity to strengthen your network with representatives of multiple business sectors and organizations, meet influential Kentuckians, work on policy issues facing our Commonwealth, interact with constituents, and learn about the inner workings of state government. Virtually every issue in Kentucky is addressed at some level during the session. Types of Responsibilities
While interning in Frankfort, EKU students will be expected to be engaged and treat the internship like a regular professional position. The interns will likely be responsible for handling professional duties such as: constituent communication, bill tracking, monitoring committee meetings, as well as shadowing the legislator or staff (of their appointment) at different meetings and events. We encourage sponsors to challenge students as if they are analysts, research assistants and communications professionals. EKU interns must adhere to a very professional dress code. Male students must wear dress pants, jacket, collared shirt, tie, dress shoes, and an EKU lapel pin (provided). Female students must wear a professional women’s suit or a skirt with dress shirt, and an EKU lapel pin (provided) while working in Frankfort. Students will be expected to be respectful and courteous to all contacts regardless of party affiliation, views, etc. Who Will You Intern With?
Placements may be with a member of the General Assembly, Administrative Office, or related business. The Office of Government Relations and Regional Stewardship will make all placements and students should not make contact with legislators before selection and placement. Students who pre-­‐arrange an internship opportunity with a legislator in hopes of being accepted into this internship opportunity will NOT be eligible for the CIA internship. Dates
Students will work every Tuesday and Thursday during the session. The session is scheduled to last from early January through mid-­‐April during even-­‐numbered years. During odd-­‐numbered years, the General Assembly meets during the first full week of January and breaks until February. They will then meet until the end of March. Students are expected to keep in touch with their assigned person through the break and up to sine die. Once the Legislative Research Commission has issued the official calendar, it will be distributed to the interns. Selected interns will be required to attend training sessions in Frankfort. Please note that this may be during winter break. The first official day of the internship will be on the first day of the session. 521 Lancaster Ave. Richmond, KY 40475 Ÿ P 859.622.1509 F 859.622.2290 Ÿ [email protected] 2
Attendance
Interns will be allotted a maximum of two excused absences during the legislative session. It is important to be in Frankfort every Tuesday and Thursday during the session to maximize your internship experience. Extreme and extenuating circumstances which may lead to more than two absences must be made known to the program director immediately. Financial Award
Assuming eligibility to receive additional financial support from the university, a financial award will be provided to interns. The award will be made available mid-­‐semester, and will be deposited into the student’s account. If a student does not satisfactorily fulfill the requirements of their internship they may be asked to refund their stipend. Any outstanding university charges will be deducted before any funds are credited to students. Logistics
You are responsible to be in Frankfort for your assignment each day. Each student is responsible for getting to and from Frankfort for his or her internship. The coordinator is not responsible for your transportation. It is also required that you contact the supervisor you are assigned to if you are absent or late. Additional Responsibilities
In addition to your work in Frankfort, from time to time you will be required to attend local events like Caucus meetings in Eastern Kentucky and public policy speakers on campus. These dates will be given to interns as soon as they are made available. The internship will include a wrap-­‐up meeting and a presentation to donors in April. Course Credit: (POL 497A)
Course credit can be managed through Dr. Joe Gershtenson (Internship Coordinator for the CIA) for internship credit POL 497A: Internship in State Government. Other departments may also provide similar upper level credits. Each student will be expected to meet with their department to determine what type of credit and how many hours of credit could be available for this type of experience. Questions
If you have any questions regarding the internship program please contact David McFaddin, Karmen Marcum, or Joe Gershtenson. David McFaddin
Executive Director, Government Relations and Regional Stewardship Eastern Kentucky University P 859.622.6220 F 859.622.2290 [email protected] Karmen Marcum
Operations Specialist, Government Relations and Regional Stewardship Eastern Kentucky University P 859.622.1509 F 859.622.2290 [email protected] Dr. Joe Gershtenson
Professor, Department of Government Eastern Kentucky University P 859.622.2606 [email protected] 521 Lancaster Ave. Richmond, KY 40475 Ÿ P 859.622.1509 F 859.622.2290 Ÿ [email protected] 3