• Spring 2027 NYS Senate Undergraduate Session Assistant Program Application, Part 1 of 3

  • General Guidelines for the NYS Senate Undergraduate Session Assistant Program Application

    The Senate Sessions Assistant Program aims to foster an appreciative understanding of the role of processes, personalities, and problem solving in state government. Through the orientation process, the academic program administered by the Student Program Office, and activities assigned throughout placement, interns become conversant with Senate procedures and resources, and interact with a range of key persons.

    UAlbany students who participate in the Senate program enroll in UUNI 391 for 15 credits (graded S/U) in the Spring term and receive a stipend. Students are strongly discouraged from enrolling in additional courses during Spring term.

    To apply, UAlbany students must use this process and submit all materials by October 15 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. 

    Eligibility Requirements

    • University at Albany student enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree
    • Junior standing (at least 56 credits) at the start of the internship
    • Cumulative GPA of at least 3.00
    • Students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply
    • International students must have practical training authorization to participate

    Application Process

    This is the first of three required forms that UAlbany students must complete to apply for the New York State Senate Undergraduate Session Assistant Program for Spring 2027. The three forms are:

    Part 1: Request Letters of Reference and Release of Individual Student Conduct/Disciplinary Record (this form)

    Part 2: Degree Progress and Advisor's Contact Information Form

    Part 3: Application Materials Form

    To be considered, students must submit all three forms. Applications that do not include all three parts will not be reviewed or processed for consideration.

    In the current form, you will provide some basic information, provide permission for the required Release of Individual Student Conduct/Disciplinary Record review, and request the letters of reference that the application requires.

    All forms must be submitted by October 15 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

  • Instructions for Letters of Reference

    Students are required to provide the name and contact information for three (3) individuals who have agreed to submit letters of reference in support of your application. You must ask permission to list an individual as a reference before providing their name below.

    The Senate Program's instructions are:

    Request three letters of reference from people familiar with your academic abilities and professional aptitude.

     

    Letter Writers

    Two of the letters should come from people familiar with your academic work, such as professors who instructed classes in which you did well.

    The third letter may come from a work supervisor, volunteer supervisor, advisor, or someone else familiar with your skills, experience, work ethic, or professionalism.

    Family members and relatives are ineligible.

     

    The Letter Submission Process

    Professors usually need at least three weeks to be able to write a letter of recommendation. Given the application deadline, it is best to send your references a request for letters of recommendation before September 25. Submit this form after they say yes.

    After you submit this form, we will send an automatic email to your letter writers at the provided email addresses. The letter writers will submit the letters to us directly. Please confirm that their email addresses are correct before submitting the form.

    When a letter writer submits a letter, you will receive an email informing you of the submission. Keep track of these emails, as they are the best way to know whether your letters have been submitted.

    Letters of reference will only be accepted through the approved online submission. No paper letters or emailed letters will be accepted.

    In order to be guaranteed inclusion in your application materials, letters of reference must be submitted by October 19 at 11:59 PM.

     

  • Applicant Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • Request Letters of Reference

    Provide the name and contact information for three individuals who have agreed to submit letters of reference in support of your application.

  • In accordance with provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, P.L. 93-830 (as amended), and with the specific reference of section 438 (a) (1) (B) I,*   *   *    , waive my rights of access to recommendations that I have solicited and have submitted to the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Education at the State University of New York at Albany. I understand that this waiver statement will become a permanent part of my application.

  • Reference 1, Academic Letter of Reference

  • Reference 2, Academic Letter of Reference

  • Reference 3, General Letter of Reference

  • Request for Release of Individual Student Conduct/Disciplinary Record

    The application process requires that Community Standards in the Office of the Dean of Students provide information regarding any Student Conduct proceedings. For this to occur, you must provide permission for the review.

  • The Minerva Center requests the Student Conduct/Disciplinary Record by sending a form to Community Standards at the Office of the Dean of Students. Please read the blank sample of the form. You do not need to complete it -- it is for your review only. Part A includes information about and by you. Information from this current form is automatically sent to create Part A.

    Link to the sample form.

  • Optional Demographic Information

    This section is optional. The information will only be used internally for program evaluation and is not included in the application. The information in no way affects an applicant's selection.
  • Are you Hispanic or Latino?
  • Which of the following best describes you?
  • Are you a first generation college student?
  • Do you have a disability?
  • Are you a veteran or active member of the United States Armed Forces?

  • Signature

    By signing/typing your name in the space below, you are certifying that all the information you have provided on this form is correct and that you are the person completing the Application.

  • Next Steps

    After you complete the Request for Letters of Reference Form, there are two additional forms that you must complete:

     

    Part 2: Degree Progress and Advisor's Contact Information Form

    You will be automatically redirected to this form after completing the Request Letters of Reference form (this form). Alternatively, you may use this link to access the form.

     

    Part 3: Application Materials Form

    After submitting the current form, you will receive an email with a unique link to the form where you can submit all of the remaining required application materials. SAVE THIS EMAIL, as it is the only way for you to access the link to your form. The Application Materials are due October 15 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. If you do not receive the link in your email, contact minervacenter@albany.edu for assistance.

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