So in my quest to make this fellowship less opaque to future potential Assembly Fellows I am posting the most recent piece of correspondence we got about the Assembly Fellowship. I am really excited to start the fellowship and have been waiting for several months for more information of what to expect.
This memo goes over the first part of the fellowship: the seminars. In this period, approximately the first 6 weeks of the fellowship, students are in seminars where they do group projects, give presentations, and moreover learn the ins and outs of the California State Government.
There are three books we have to buy and read before the fellowship starts. They are:
1. Power and Politics in California (9th edition) DeBow/Syer
2. The Third House- Lobbyists, Power and Money in Sacramento Michael/Walters
3. A Party of One- Anrold Schwarzenegger adn the Rise of the Independent Voter Weintraub
I am getting pretty excited. Some of the Northern California based future fellows are meeting up this week in Sacramento.
Here is the memo in its entirety (with the professor's name and contact info omitted):
8/20/09
Memo To - 2009-2010 Assembly Fellows
From – Omited, Academic Advisor
RE: Information and General Comments Regarding the Upcoming Academic Seminars
Hello to All – PLEASE READ THIS MEMO CAREFULLY
First, I’d like to echo Consuelo’s message of congratulations on your selection to the Assembly Fellowship. You have prevailed over very strong competition. You also are being given a unique opportunity that, I believe, will benefit you for the rest of your life.
Our first meeting is less than 2 months away. I look forward to meeting with you again, and to your contributions to the academic seminar component of the Assembly Fellowship.
You’re about to enter a dynamic legislative environment that is often a roller coaster of activity and emotions. It’s a structural, policy and political environment that is often driven by the quest for power, strong partisanship and the complex “game” of politics.
The Assembly Fellowship is named after one of California’s seminal political figures, Jess Unruh. Speaker Unruh was perhaps most famous for coining the phrase “money is the mother’s milk of politics.” To this end I also want you to familiarize yourself with the basics of California law as it relates to campaign finance and lobbying activities.
Consuelo’s Memo contained several websites and resources that I would like you to peruse. The California Voter Foundation, www.calvoter.org is especially valuable with a wide variety of government related links. Also, it is very important to develop your understanding of legislative terms and the fundamentals of the legislative process contained in the www.leginfo.ca.gov website.
In addition I would like you visit the Secretary of State’s website, www.ss.ca.gov, specifically the Campaign and Lobbying Information link, and the Fair Political Practices Commission site, www.fppc.ca.gov. Finally, anyone who desires to keep current on California politics and policy is a daily reader of www.rtumble.com and www.capitolweekly.net.
In additional here are blogs to obtain partisan perspectives.
http://www.flashreport.org/blog
http://www.camajorityreport.com/
Fall Academic Component – Government 294A
The fall component of your Fellowship emphasizes your orientation to the legislative process. The academic component is also driven by this theme. There will be 2 papers required of you during the fall seminar. The first will be a legislative analysis and oral presentation of specific bills that I assign to you. The second paper will require you to choose an executive department to profile. It also contains an oral presentation component. You will receive a course syllabus at our first meeting.
Both fall seminar papers and oral presentations are researched and written in partnership with another Assembly Fellow. I will assign you a partner at our first meeting for the legislative analysis paper. This means that partnerships will often mix republicans and democrats. Partnerships may change for the second paper, depending on your policy and executive department interest.
Please Note – I emphasize quality research, writing with clarity and purpose, and aggressive research and documentation.
Your fall orientation component will also include opportunities to meet with lobbyists and discuss issues such as campaign finance, term limits, and the initiative process.
Remember, this is a graduate seminar, not a lecture. You will be required to come prepared and engage in constructive debate and commentary as we explore various issues that relate to the legislative process, politics and policies of state government. I also want to emphasize that I expect graduate level discourse that reflects your partisanship and passion, however, also respects the opinions, partisanship and passion of other Assembly Fellows.
Below are 3 texts that I have chosen to help prepare you for your Fellowship and the academic seminar. Please recognize the Fellows are selected from a variety of backgrounds and undergraduate majors. Some already have strong foundations in California politics and policy. However, others may not be government majors. These texts are intended to provide you an overview of California government. They are:
Power and Politics in California – DeBow/Syer – 9th
ISBN: 0321355997
The Third House – Lobbyists, Power and Money in Sacramento - Michael/Walters – ISBN 0-87772-397-4
A Party of One – Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Rise of the Independent Voter – Weintraub – ISBN – 978-0-9794822-2-9
You will need to purchase these texts and read them BEFORE our first meeting. Also, bring them to our first seminar meeting.
Seminar Attendance
I want to take this opportunity to emphasize that attendance at all academic seminars is mandatory. Aside from sudden illness or accidents, I expect each of you at every seminar. You are required to be on time, contribute to discussions and not leave early unless you have made prior arrangements with me. Roll is taken at each seminar.
If you have a compelling need to be excused from seminar, there is a simple mandatory protocol to follow. It is:
1. First, contact me as soon as possible to make your request.
2. As a matter of courtesy, also contact Consuelo to let her know.
In the past, a few fellows have felt that they only need to leave a message on my voicemail, or the Director’s, that they won’t be attending. Please remember that this approach is not acceptable. You will certainly find me to be reasonable. Simply make the request and I will advise you immediately.
The key element here is communication. Keep the lines flowing with Consuelo and me. Both of us have a strong desire to make your Fellowship as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.
Again, congratulations. I’m excited, and I look forward to your arrival in Sacramento.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
FAQs for Incoming Fellows
This was emailed to incoming Assembly Fellows on 8/6/09. I was able to get a lot of this information from '08-'09 Assembly fellows, but it was nice to officially get this information from the program administrators.
Hello again and welcome to the 2009-2010 Jesse Marvin Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program. For eleven months, beginning in late October, you will be given the opportunity of a lifetime, to serve as professional staff to the California State Assembly.
START AND END DATES
The fellowship is scheduled to begin on October 26, 2009. We will be meeting that day at Sac State. I will be sending you more information about the first day of orientation later this summer. I will let you know then where we will be meeting, what time and appropriate dress. The complete orientation schedule will be distributed at the first day of orientation. As of now, the fellowship program will tentatively conclude on Friday, September 10, 2010; one week after the Legislature adjourns.
ORIENTATION
Orientation will run from October 26, 2009 to December 4, 2009. It will consist of presentations and seminars that provide you an overview of California’s Legislature and current public policy issues. You will have the opportunity to speak with legislators, Capitol staff, lobbyists, journalists, former fellows and others. You will learn about the many aspects of the State Assembly. Before interviewing with legislators’ offices, you will know the ins and outs of the California State Assembly.
Your placement in the member’s office will begin on Monday, December 7, 2009.
OFFICE PLACEMENT PROCESS
Prior to your arrival, the fellowship program contacts all Assembly Member offices and invites them to interview fellows for potential placement in their office. Typically, 65 of the 80 Assembly offices request fellows. During orientation, you will receive a list of offices requesting fellows. You can select from that list the offices with which you would like to interview. You will have one week to interview with Assembly offices. I encourage you to interview with several offices so that you can see the variety of opportunities available to you.
After your interviews you will rank the offices where you would like to be placed. Similarly, the offices will rank the fellows that they believe would best suit their needs and fit well in the office. I will then tentatively match you with an office. Final placement decisions are made after I consult with each fellow and the Assembly leadership.
You will begin working in your offices on Monday, December 7, 2009.
ACADEMIC SEMINAR
The academic component of the Assembly Fellowship Program consists of two courses: Government 294A (Seminar in California Government and Politics, 3 units) and Government 294B (Seminar in State Policy Choices, 3 units). The remaining 6 units are attributed to Government 295, which is the internship portion of the fellowship. Application, enrollment and student fees are fully paid for by the Assembly Fellowship Program.
Government 294A meets for 9 hours per week during the first five weeks of the program (including research hours); and Government 294B meets on Friday afternoons from January until May.
Your graduate student fellowship requires full participation in the weekly seminar and completion of all assigned work. Attendance at seminar is mandatory. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded 12 units of graduate level credit by the Sac State Department of Government.
STIPEND
As an Assembly Fellow, you are a Sac State employee and student. You commit to participation in academic seminars and are assigned to work in an Assembly Member's office. You will be paid a monthly stipend of $1,972. Standard taxes and deductions are taken out of your paycheck. Social Security will not be deducted but you will be required by federal law to participate in a retirement plan that takes approximately 7.5% of your salary. After the program ends, you will be eligible to receive a lump sum distribution of your contributions to the retirement plan.
Your first paycheck will be distributed by mid-November for those days you worked in October. You are paid monthly and are eligible for direct deposit. Payroll information will be sent to your home address before orientation begins. Please remember to bring it with you on the first day. You will not accrue sick leave or vacation although fellows may get time off when needed for justifiable reasons.
EMPLOYMENT AND BENEFITS
In mid to late September, I will forward to you more details of the orientation, as well as a payroll and benefits packet. Please bring the completed packet with you on Monday, October 26. In order to process the required employment paperwork, you will also need to bring an original Social Security card and a picture ID. If you plan to enroll a spouse or child for health benefits, you must have your spouse’s or child’s Social Security number and a marriage or birth certificate.
You will complete all necessary employment and benefits forms at Sac State. Payroll and benefits personnel will be available to go over the information to help you with the required paperwork. You will receive medical, dental and vision coverage. All benefits will begin on November 1 and will remain in effect through October 31, 2010 for those who end the fellowship in September.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Sacramento Regional Transit provides public transportation in and around the Sacramento area. During the fall, you will be able to purchase a discounted bus pass as an employee of Sac State at $10 per semester. In the spring, you can receive a student sticker that allows you to ride at no cost. These passes will be available to you on the first day of orientation.
LOAN DEFERMENT
The fellowship entitles you to deferment of student loans for the entire period of the fellowship. Please send paperwork pertaining to loan deferment to the program assistant and she will forward it to the appropriate office on campus.
FINAL TRANSCRIPTS
If you have not already done so, please arrange to have your final transcript sent to us ASAP so that we have an official copy on file indicating your undergraduate degree and graduation date. To be eligible for the program we must receive verification of your graduation date and degree by September 11, 2009. If you are unable to provide your transcript by that date please contact us immediately as you may not be able to participate in the program.
CAMPAIGN OR POLITICAL WORK
Campaign or political work on state time and during normal business hours is prohibited by law and will not be permitted while you are working as a fellow. You are free to pursue civic, volunteer, campaign or political activities on your own personal time.
Hello again and welcome to the 2009-2010 Jesse Marvin Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program. For eleven months, beginning in late October, you will be given the opportunity of a lifetime, to serve as professional staff to the California State Assembly.
START AND END DATES
The fellowship is scheduled to begin on October 26, 2009. We will be meeting that day at Sac State. I will be sending you more information about the first day of orientation later this summer. I will let you know then where we will be meeting, what time and appropriate dress. The complete orientation schedule will be distributed at the first day of orientation. As of now, the fellowship program will tentatively conclude on Friday, September 10, 2010; one week after the Legislature adjourns.
ORIENTATION
Orientation will run from October 26, 2009 to December 4, 2009. It will consist of presentations and seminars that provide you an overview of California’s Legislature and current public policy issues. You will have the opportunity to speak with legislators, Capitol staff, lobbyists, journalists, former fellows and others. You will learn about the many aspects of the State Assembly. Before interviewing with legislators’ offices, you will know the ins and outs of the California State Assembly.
Your placement in the member’s office will begin on Monday, December 7, 2009.
OFFICE PLACEMENT PROCESS
Prior to your arrival, the fellowship program contacts all Assembly Member offices and invites them to interview fellows for potential placement in their office. Typically, 65 of the 80 Assembly offices request fellows. During orientation, you will receive a list of offices requesting fellows. You can select from that list the offices with which you would like to interview. You will have one week to interview with Assembly offices. I encourage you to interview with several offices so that you can see the variety of opportunities available to you.
After your interviews you will rank the offices where you would like to be placed. Similarly, the offices will rank the fellows that they believe would best suit their needs and fit well in the office. I will then tentatively match you with an office. Final placement decisions are made after I consult with each fellow and the Assembly leadership.
You will begin working in your offices on Monday, December 7, 2009.
ACADEMIC SEMINAR
The academic component of the Assembly Fellowship Program consists of two courses: Government 294A (Seminar in California Government and Politics, 3 units) and Government 294B (Seminar in State Policy Choices, 3 units). The remaining 6 units are attributed to Government 295, which is the internship portion of the fellowship. Application, enrollment and student fees are fully paid for by the Assembly Fellowship Program.
Government 294A meets for 9 hours per week during the first five weeks of the program (including research hours); and Government 294B meets on Friday afternoons from January until May.
Your graduate student fellowship requires full participation in the weekly seminar and completion of all assigned work. Attendance at seminar is mandatory. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded 12 units of graduate level credit by the Sac State Department of Government.
STIPEND
As an Assembly Fellow, you are a Sac State employee and student. You commit to participation in academic seminars and are assigned to work in an Assembly Member's office. You will be paid a monthly stipend of $1,972. Standard taxes and deductions are taken out of your paycheck. Social Security will not be deducted but you will be required by federal law to participate in a retirement plan that takes approximately 7.5% of your salary. After the program ends, you will be eligible to receive a lump sum distribution of your contributions to the retirement plan.
Your first paycheck will be distributed by mid-November for those days you worked in October. You are paid monthly and are eligible for direct deposit. Payroll information will be sent to your home address before orientation begins. Please remember to bring it with you on the first day. You will not accrue sick leave or vacation although fellows may get time off when needed for justifiable reasons.
EMPLOYMENT AND BENEFITS
In mid to late September, I will forward to you more details of the orientation, as well as a payroll and benefits packet. Please bring the completed packet with you on Monday, October 26. In order to process the required employment paperwork, you will also need to bring an original Social Security card and a picture ID. If you plan to enroll a spouse or child for health benefits, you must have your spouse’s or child’s Social Security number and a marriage or birth certificate.
You will complete all necessary employment and benefits forms at Sac State. Payroll and benefits personnel will be available to go over the information to help you with the required paperwork. You will receive medical, dental and vision coverage. All benefits will begin on November 1 and will remain in effect through October 31, 2010 for those who end the fellowship in September.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Sacramento Regional Transit provides public transportation in and around the Sacramento area. During the fall, you will be able to purchase a discounted bus pass as an employee of Sac State at $10 per semester. In the spring, you can receive a student sticker that allows you to ride at no cost. These passes will be available to you on the first day of orientation.
LOAN DEFERMENT
The fellowship entitles you to deferment of student loans for the entire period of the fellowship. Please send paperwork pertaining to loan deferment to the program assistant and she will forward it to the appropriate office on campus.
FINAL TRANSCRIPTS
If you have not already done so, please arrange to have your final transcript sent to us ASAP so that we have an official copy on file indicating your undergraduate degree and graduation date. To be eligible for the program we must receive verification of your graduation date and degree by September 11, 2009. If you are unable to provide your transcript by that date please contact us immediately as you may not be able to participate in the program.
CAMPAIGN OR POLITICAL WORK
Campaign or political work on state time and during normal business hours is prohibited by law and will not be permitted while you are working as a fellow. You are free to pursue civic, volunteer, campaign or political activities on your own personal time.
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