Student FAQs

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Program
What are the requirements for this exclusive program?
Full-time students who have completed 91 credits or more in Fall 2012, law and graduate students (excluding students of the St. John's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences) with a minimum 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply. Major area of study is not a requirement; in fact, all majors are encouraged to apply, due to the diversity of employment options available in Washington, DC. Students are required to complete an application form, which includes an essay and an interview. Please note that special consideration will be given to students who have previously participated in other Alumni Insider’s View…Programs.

What can I expect to learn at this program?
Students can expect to learn about the many various and diverse career paths in Washington, DC. St. John’s University alumni will share their experiences and current employment roles through panels, one-on-one student interactions and the Student and Alumni Networking Reception. The program provides a real “insider’s view” of jobs and career satisfaction from our alumni, all of whom are willing and available to network with students.

What is the best way for me to prepare for the program?
If accepted, attend the mandatory orientation session in early October. In addition, it is highly recommended that all accepted students visit the Career Center to take advantage of resources on the topics of networking, resume preparation and marketing yourself. Additionally, student should visit the Writing Center for written personal statements and scholarship essay submissions.

How can my professors be officially notified about my three-day absence by participating in this program?
It is the responsibility of each accepted student to discuss their participation in this prestigious program with their professors. If professors have questions, they can contact Elisa Douglas ’05C in the Office of Alumni Relations, call (718) 990-6168 or e-mail douglase@stjohns.edu.

What is the maximum number of students that can be accepted?
This premier Alumni Insider’s View…U.S. Capital Program can only accommodate up to 50 students due to transportation, overnight accommodation and site visit capacity restrictions.

Is there a waiting list?
Yes. Although students receive notification of acceptance, sometimes they cannot attend at the last minute for various reasons. If an accepted student declines, someone from the waiting list will be contacted to fill the position. If you are called from the waiting list you are required to attend the orientation session in early October at which time the $50 program fee is due. If you are called after the orientation date has passed, you will be required to speak to an administrator in the Office of Alumni Relations to review necessary information and bring the $20 program fee.

When can I expect an interview?
Upon receipt of your student application, you will be contacted immediately for an interview.

How will I know that I’ve been accepted?
A representative from the Office of Alumni Relations will notify you by e-mail during the week of October 1, 2012. Students who have previously participated in AIV programs will be given priority.

Upon Acceptance
What will the $50 fee be used for?
This program fee is to subsidize expenses for bus transportation to and from Washington, DC and overnight accommodations. The majority of the program expenses are absorbed through the generous support of our alumni and the Office of Alumni Relations.

Will my fee be refunded if I cannot attend at the last minute?
Fees cannot be refunded within one week of the departure date, Wednesday, October 10, 2012.

What do I need to bring with me?
Student participants should bring notebooks/pads and pens/pencils for note-taking, overnight necessities, casual and business attire, comfortable shoes and rain attire. Casual attire should be worn during the evenings when students have free time. It is required that business attire be worn during the day and at the Student and Alumni Networking reception. Walking is common throughout the program, so you are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes suitable for that purpose.

Who will I be rooming with?
Student participants can request their own same-gender roommate at the mandatory orientation session in early October. If not, the Office of Alumni Relations will assign a roommate.

Will there be time in the program for sightseeing?
Yes, sightseeing will be part of the program. Students may choose to do additional sightseeing during their free time.

Can I travel to and from the program on my own?
Only under special circumstances can students receive authorization to travel to and from the program, and will need to sign a special release form. It is highly recommended that all student participants travel with the entire group. All students will be responsible to find their own transportation to the Queens campus prior to departure and following the trip to Washington, DC. Opportunities to carpool will be discussed at the mandatory orientation session.

How will we be getting around Washington, DC?
Once in Washington, DC access to many surrounding areas of government buildings is restricted so it is often necessary to be dropped off close to a location, where walking is necessary. In the event there is inclement weather, outer jackets and an umbrella are strongly recommended.