Washington Mentorship Program: Frequently Asked Questions

 

Questions?

  • Washington Mentorship Program
    202-895-4936
    mentorship@american.edu

    Farkanda Haseen

Mailing Address

Is AU offering financial aid for the fall semester?

No. You may be eligible for private loans. Suggested list is attached please click here (link to Student Loan Information 2009)

Can WMP students use AU facilities?

You will have full access to all AU facilities and activities on both the Tenley and main AU campuses. These include computer labs, library, fitness center, swimming pool, clubs, etc.

Deadline for acceptance and enrollment?

The official deadline for reserving your spot in this program is May 1 2009, along with a program deposit of $600; however, places in the program are based on a first come-first enrolled basis.

Will freshmen be rooming with upperclassmen?

While living on Tenley Campus freshman will be living with other WMP students; however, once they move on to main campus, they may be living with upperclassmen.

Is there a cafeteria on Tenley campus?

You will reside in a triple room on the Tenley Campus. You will eat most of your meals at the Tenley Campus cafeteria, though you may use the main campus dining facility if you prefer.

Can freshmen bring cars?

Freshmen are not allowed to bring cars. But they can bring cars only under special circumstances, which must be arranged with campus transportation services.

How are students placed in their field practicum?

Within the first week, their internship coordinator and professor will work with them to update their resumes, identify their career goals, and help them secure MFP’s, however, the university DOES NOT place students in their practicum.

How does the field practicum help freshman students?

Students will make contacts, build credentials, and gain real-world experience through the mentorship field practicum (internship). Field practicums (internships) are available in areas of interest ranging from politics and justice, communications, international affairs, psychology, and arts & sciences. For more information about the Mentored Field Practicum, click here (link to “Mentored Field Practicum”)

How many students are admitted to the program?

We will admit people on a first serve first come basis, and generally take around 100 students.

Who is the students’ financial aid contact?

Concerning their financial aid package: Undergraduate financial aid officers, in the financial aid department, 202-895- 6100.

How will credits transfer to main campus?

All credits will transfer towards their AU degree. They will not be behind other freshman. Some credits will be General Education credits, Mentored Field Practicum credits will be elective credits, College Writing will fulfill an American University Freshman requirement, and depending on the elective students chose, the credits might apply to the intended major, General Education requirements, the University math requirement, or simply serve as elective credits.

What is the seminar like?

Will rotate between two professors, one focusing on politics in the United States or Introduction to Systems of Justice and one focusing on Cross Cultural Communication. The seminar is modeled after the renowned Washington Semester Program.

What is a typical weekly schedule?

Seminar- Monday morning and afternoon, Tuesday and Friday mornings
Practicum- Wednesday and Thursday
Elective- Tuesday and Friday afternoons
College Writing- Monday and Thursday nights

What are the student health care options?

DC law states that all students must have health insurance – they may secure it through their parents or through AU. Students can waive AU Health Insurance through their my.american.edu portal until August 14, 2009. All medical paperwork will “travel” with students back to main campus.

What requirements must be met for the practicum?

There are no prerequisites for the Mentored Field Practicum.

Can students still double major?

Yes, however, this is something they should wait until October/November to discuss with their main campus advisor.

Who will be the professors?

Highly qualified faculty from School of International Service and School of Public Affairs. In addition, main campus College Writing professors will teach the College Writing classes.

What are the meal plans available?

All freshman are required to have the 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 in both Tenley Café and the Terrace Dining Room.

How will Fall Semester housing assignments be done?

By our staff. Students can pick a roommate if they know someone participating in the same program. Housing applications include roommate questions. Students will receive their roommates' names and information over the summer – it will be posted on their my.american.edu accounts.


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