How many students are admitted to the program?
We will enroll applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.
What is the deadline for accepting the admission offer?
The official deadline for reserving your spot in the Washington Mentorship Program is May 1, 2013. Please note that space is limited; we can only enroll a limited number of students. To reserve your space, you need to complete an Enrollment Agreement and Housing Application form and submit a $600 deposit.
Is my child eligible for financial aid for the fall semester, while in the Washington Mentorship Program?
Unfortunately, no, but you may be eligible for private loans.
What is the contact information for the Financial Aid Office?
Concerning financial aid packages, please contact: Undergraduate financial aid officers, in the financial aid department at 202-885-6100.
Can WMP students still double major?
Yes. However, this is something you should wait until October/November to discuss with your degree program advisor.
Who will be the professors?
The professors are American University faculty with dual-appointments to the School of Professional and Extended Studies and by AU's School of International Service (for Cross-Cultural Communications) and School of Public Affairs (for Politics in the U.S.).
In addition, College Writing professors hold appointments in the College of Arts & Sciences and teach the College Writing courses. Elective professors all hold appointments in their respective schools.
What is the seminar like?
The seminar courses, Cross-Cultural Communications and Politics in the U.S., are each two-part courses. The first class meeting each week will be in the classroom, and will be a combination of lecture and discussion in classes of between 20-30 students. The second class meeting of the week will be a site visit and/or a guest speaker.
What requirements must be met for the practicum?
There are no prerequisites for the Mentored Field Practicum.
How are students placed in their Mentored Field Practicum (Internship)?
WMP does not place students in internships; students are given the tools to place themselves in an internship. Over the course of the summer students are given access to resume builder software and then work with program staff to fine-tune their resume. Students are then given access to the SPExS Internship Database, which has the largest collection of internship offerings in the DC area. Students may then start applying to internships posted on the database over the summer, though this is optional. On the first day of class students attend our annual Internship Bazaar, where we typically have over 100 organizations come to AU in search of interns. Many students get their internship through contacts made at the bazaar. Finally, students can work with the WMP office and their MFP professor to secure an internship.
How does the internship help freshman students?
You will start to make contacts, build credentials, and gain real-world experience through the mentored field practicum (internship). Internships are available in areas of interest ranging from politics and justice, communications, international affairs, psychology, and arts & sciences.
How will credits transfer?
All credits received will transfer to a student’s American University degree. WMP students will not be behind other freshman. Politics in the U.S. and Cross-Cultural Communication count towards General Education credits; Mentored Field Practicum credits will be elective credits; College Writing will fulfill an American University Freshman requirement; and the elective credits, depending on which elective the students take, may apply to the intended major, General Education requirements, the University math requirement, and/or simply serve as elective credits.
Can Mentorship students use AU student services?
You will have full access to all AU facilities and activities. These include computer labs, library, fitness center, swimming pool, clubs, etc.
Can first year students bring cars?
First year, including WMP students, are generally not allowed to bring cars. Under special circumstances students may be granted permission, but this must be arranged with campus transportation services.
Is it mandatory to have a meal plan freshman year?
All freshman are required to have a minimum 150-block meal plan, however, you may also opt to have a larger 200-block meal plan, or the super plan, which has unlimited meal swipes at the Terrace Dining Room. Students living off-campus are not required to have a meal plan.
What are the student health care options?
D.C. law states that all students must have health insurance - through their parents or through AU. If you have insurance by way of your parent’s plan, you can waive AU Health Insurance through your myAU.american.edu portal.
How will Fall Semester housing assignments be made?
The Housing & Dining Programs office at AU will determine housing assignments. You will receive roommates' names and information over the summer when it is posted on your myAU.american.edu account. Requests can be made on your housing applications or by e-mailing housing@american.edu.