General Guidelines for the NYS Assembly Session Internship Program Application

The New York State Assembly Intern Committee sponsors the Session Internship at the State Capital starting every January. The SESSION INTERNSHIP offers college students a chance to participate in state government and the legislative process through a well-structured, practical learning experience. Assembly Session Internships give students an advantage in today's job market, providing real government experience within a comprehensive academic program.

Read more about the Assembly program on their website.

UAlbany students who participate in the Assembly program enroll in UUNI 392 for 15 credits (graded S/U) in the Spring term and receive a stipend from the Assembly. 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 2.50
• 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 Assembly Session Internship 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 two (2) 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 Assembly Program's instructions are:

Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have directly observed the applicant (in school or at work) and can give an evaluation in one or more of the following areas: character, research skills, familiarity with public policy issues, understanding of the governmental process, and ability to learn in a work setting. Letters should not be requested from anyone who has not directly taught or observed the applicant. At least one must be from a professor at the college you now attend.

If you recently transferred, the Assembly will accept a letter from a professor at your prior college or university.

 

Letter Writers

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

The second 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.

 

Reference 1, Academic Letter of Reference

Reference 2, General Letter of Reference

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.

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.