Capital Semester

The Capital Semester Program is open to all Cornell University undergraduate students. To apply, complete either the Senate or Assembly application, or attend the information session at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23 in MVR Room 162. ALL application materials must be submitted to Professor Canfield by Friday, October 31st.

Details on housing, program requirements, and tuition are listed below. Should you have any additional questions, please contact the program director, Professor Canfield (rlc5@cornell.edu).

Housing

Capital Semester students live in Albany, an energetic and student friendly city. Prior to the internship, the New York State Assembly and Senate sponsor housing days where interns are presented with many residential options. Cornell students are given additional guidance in establishing their residence in Albany. Rent is significantly less expensive in Albany compared to Ithaca, and many interns quickly find housing within walking distance of the Empire State Plaza.

Program Requirements

Although hours vary based on assignment, interns typically spend forty hours per week in their placement office. Assembly interns supplement their placement with a weekly class of their choice taught by faculty with expertise in New York State government. In weekly seminars, Senate program interns have the opportunity to hear from and engage with politicians, lobbyists, and other government employees. Both programs culminate with a model session where interns introduce and advocate for legislation. Cornell students also benefit from the guidance of Capital Semester Director, Prof. Richard Canfield. In addition to individual mentoring aimed to help students maximize their placement assignments, Professor Canfield leads a weekly dinner-hour seminar where students will apply theory and research to their ongoing public policy experiences. Attendance each week is a course requirement.

Tuition