The Senate Undergraduate Session Assistants Program offers approximately 30 talented undergraduate students an opportunity to experience state government and the legislative process, through their participation in an on-site, academic enriching, and career building work experience. The Program runs about four months, beginning in early January and ending in late April. The Program was designed for college juniors and seniors, though exceptional sophomores are occasionally selected. Freshmen are ineligible. Majors in all accredited disciplines are accepted and encouraged; pursuit of a degree in history or political science is neither a prerequisite nor an advantage to selection. However, academic initiative, an avid interest in learning, maturity, and a strong work ethic are all essential for success.This program was created to foster an appreciative understanding of New York State’s legislative process, which includes, but is not limited to: the development of legislation and public policy; resolving constituent problems and concerns; the understated procedures and dynamics of legislative session; and problem solving in state government. The New York State Senate offers undergraduate students an unparalleled opportunity to observe government in action and to learn how legislatures operate.
Specific Eligibility Criteria
- The Applicant must be a United States Citizen, enrolled and matriculated in an accredited undergraduate degree program at a college or university located in New York State.
- The program is designed for college juniors and seniors, though exceptional sophomores may occasionally be selected.
- Freshmen are ineligible.
- Students must be enrolled full time in the previous spring and current fall semester/trimester, possess a 3.0 grade point average or better, and meet their college/university requirements for off-campus study.
- A student’s eligibility status must be certified by their Campus Liaison Officer, Academic Advisor, Chairman, Dean or other duly authorized campus personnel.