Q&A about the Topeka Public Service Internship Program
What is the Topeka Public Service Internship Program?
The Topeka Public Service Internship Program is KU students working with state
elected officials, agency administrators and lobbying organizations to learn
more about state government and public service. Internships are offered during
the spring semester of each year.
Who is eligible?
KU Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible and all majors are welcome.
Do I receive compensation
for my internship?
The Topeka Public Service Internship is not a paid internship. Students can,
however, be compensated for mileage expenses for commuting to Topeka by the Legislatures.
For students wishing to work with agency administrators or lobbyists, they should
check with them to see if compensation or travel expenses are available.
Can
I receive course credit for my internship?
Yes. Students can earn up to six hours of course credit for their field work
depending on the amount of time dedicated to their internship. Fieldwork is graded
as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory based on evaluations by your internship
advisor. Fieldwork counts toward your political science major credits. Students
can earn three hours of credit for enrolling in the seminar. These hours do not
count toward your political science major credits. Seminar participants are given
a letter grade based on their research paper and participation in seminar meetings.
Can
I arrange my own internship?
Students should talk with Professor Loomis about all internships if they
want to receive course credit. There may be some problems with receiving credit
for some internships.
Who can I talk to for more
information?
Professor Burdett Loomis
515 Blake Hall
785.864.9033
bloomis@ku.edu
THE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Internships take place during the spring semester of each year at the
State Capitol in Topeka. They generally begin the second week in January
and run though the end of April. Students should plan a minimum of two days
a week in Topeka.
- Students are matched with legislators, agency administrators and lobbyists.
They have the opportunity to learn how state government works through research
on public policy issues, constituent correspondence, committee work, bill
tracking, and helping the citizens of Kansas in various capacities.
THE INTERNSHIP ADVANTAGE
- Students ordinarily earn up to six hours of course credit by participating
in the program, but nine hours of credit is possible for full-time internships.
- Students network with elected officials, agency administrators and lobbyists
from all over the state of Kansas. Future job opportunities and internships
may develop from this experience.
- Students further develop their research and communication skills during
their internship.
- Students learn first hand about the legislative process.
INTERNSHIP APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- A completed State Legislature Application Form
- An internship journal for all field work
- An evaluation from your internship supervisor for all field work.
- A research paper (15 to 20 pages) for the seminar
- Attendance at all meetings and active participation for the seminar (for
those enrolled in the seminar).
ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES
- STUDENTS MUST OBTAIN A SPECIAL PERMISSON CARD FROM PROFESSOR LOOMIS
TO ENROLL.
- Students should enroll in Topeka Field Work, POLS 497 and the Topeka Intern
Seminar, POLS 495. The seminar is not required, but is recommended. Students
have the opportunity to participate in a continuing discussion of the fast-paced
development of the 90-day session. Meeting with other interns on a weekly
basis to share experiences, as well as heading from outside speakers allows
for a more complete picture of the operations of state government. The seminars
are held on Thursdays from noon to 1 PM at the Capitol.
Contact:
Professor Burdett Loomis
515 Blake Hall
785.864.9033
bloomis@ku.edu
Copyright ©
2008
by the University of Kansas
