Session Assistants spend about eighteen weeks on site at the Senate, from early January to mid-May. They become conversant with Senate procedures and resources, and familiar with a range of key persons, first, as a product of orientation and the academic component administered through the Student Programs Office. Later, their understanding and ability are enhanced by the activities of placement as they perform side by side among experienced senators and staff. This is a 15 credit, full-time internship. The Session Intern Program offers college students a chance to participate in state government and the legislative process through a well-structured practical learning experience.
Interns complete a comprehensive orientation and a course taught by the program's faculty.
Interns are assigned research and administrative responsibilities in an Assembly office. They receive a practical educational experience and the Assembly benefits from their ideas and energy. The academic component begins with a five-day orientation to state government and the legislative process. Each student must enroll in one of the courses offered. The faculty also provides supervision and research advisement and monitors their progress throughout the semester.