Academic Affairs Student Apprenticeship Program (AASAP)
Information for Students

WHAT IS ACADEMIC AFFAIRS?

Academic Affairs is the largest of the seven vice chancellor areas at UCSD, rich with the diversity of five academic divisions (Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Arts & Humanities, and the Jacobs School of Engineering), two professional schools (Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies and Rady School of Management), and six undergraduate colleges (Marshall, Muir, Revelle, Roosevelt, Sixth, and Warren).  Academic Affairs also encompasses the academic support units (Office of Graduate Studies, Academic Computing Services, Media Center), as well as the University Libraries and Extended Studies & Public Programs (University Extension, UCSD-TV, UC-TV).  In addition to academic departments and academic support units, Academic Affairs also includes the units under the purview of the Vice Chancellor for Research: Organized Research Units, Contract and Grants Administration, Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property Services, Animal Care & Animal Welfare, and Government Research Relations.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit a resume and cover letter via email to the Academic Affairs Student Apprenticeship Program (AASAP) Coordinator, Linda Thai (aasap@ucsd.edu).  In the email “subject” line, list the apprenticeship posting number.  If you apply for multiple apprenticeships, send an email application for each advertised position.

RECRUITMENT, SELECTION & ORIENTATION

All student apprenticeship applications are first routed to and screened by the AASAP Coordinator and then forwarded to the Department Supervisor. 

The Department Supervisor will directly contact the student applicant for an interview and notify the final candidate about his/her selection as an apprentice. 

If you have been selected as an apprentice, please email the AASAP Coordinator (aasap@ucsd.edu).  The AASAP Coordinator will meet with you one-on-one for a 30-minute orientation.  In the orientation, the Coordinator and student will complete paperwork that formalizes the volunteer appointment and review expectations of the program.

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION REQUIREMENTS 

Learning Plan Agreement Form (pdf form)

The Learning Plan Agreement Form is completed by the department and the student, used as a tool to discuss and agree upon the apprenticeship goals and objectives.

• Submit to: AASAP Coordinator (Linda Thai), MC 0001
• Signed by: Supervisor and Student
• Due: Beginning of Apprenticeship

Apprentice Performance Appraisal Form (pdf form)

The Apprentice Performance Appraisal Form is completed by the department and the student, used as the tool to formally assess the student's performance.

• Submit to: AASAP Coordinator (Linda Thai), MC 0001
• Signed by: Supervisor and Student
• Due: End of Apprenticeship

Program Appraisal Form (Student) (pdf form)

The Program Appraisal Form is the department's formal assessment of the program.  Results are used to improve the program to better meet the needs of students, departments, and the University.

• Submit to: AASAP Coordinator (Linda Thai), MC 0001
• Signed by: Supervisor and Student
• Due: End of Apprenticeship

HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL APPRENTICESHIP

Apprenticeships 101: How to Have a Successful Work-Learning Experience, An Introductory Guide for Students (pdf brochure) 

ACADEMIC CREDIT FOR APPRENTICESHIP (OPTIONAL)

Academic credit for apprenticeships and internships is administered through the UCSD Academic Internship Program (AIP).    Students interested in academic credit are responsible for directly contacting AIP (insert email address, insert phone number) to make arrangements.

Students interested in receiving academic credit must meet the following criteria at the time of application:

1. 90 units completed;
2. 2.5 GPA or greater; and
3. completed at least 2 upper divisions courses. 

If the apprenticeship description meets AIP guidelines, then students may earn four (4), eight (8), or twelve (12) units of academic credit.  Beyond working a minimum number of hours over a ten-week period, the student must also complete a research paper/project supervised by a faculty advisor and an AIP exit evaluation.

For best results, start planning for academic credit for apprenticeships and internships at least one quarter in advance.  When contacting AIP via email or phone, verify that you meet the minimum requirements.

COMPENSATION

Apprenticeships are normally unpaid.  Check the advertised listing carefully. Please note that apprenticeships may be filled prior to the application deadline. Apprenticeships are also posted through the UCSD Career Services Center on their “Jobs and Internships” section.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What is the difference between volunteering, an apprenticeship, an internship and paid student employment through UCSD Career Services?
• What are the student’s responsibilities during and after the apprenticeship? What kind of work does the supervisor or mentor expect?
• What are the department’s responsibilities during and after the apprenticeship? What kind of supervision or mentorship does the student apprentice require?
• What work or projects make for a good apprenticeship?
• What are the benefits of an apprenticeship with the Academic Affairs Student Apprenticeship Program?
• If I decide to monetarily compensate a student for the apprenticeship, what do I need to do?
• What is the optimal timing for hiring an apprentice?

CONTACT INFORMATION

UCSD AASAP Coordinator
9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0001 
La Jolla, CA 92093-0001
Phone: 858.822.7990 
Fax: 858.822.0072 
Email: aasap@ucsd.edu