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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is my role as a NUPIP Host Organization?
A. Beyond providing high quality work opportunities, meaningful one-on-one supervision, and appropriate compensation; there are many other ways you can get involved in the program.  You may have the opportunity to network among other Host Organizations throughout the year, host a weekly seminar; and share your NUPIP experiences with new organizations.  We also highly encourage you to attend our supervisor/coordinator gatherings, so that we keep up with the goals and expectations on both ends of our program and evaluate the process according to your feedback. NUPIP is a new initiative that looks to its Fellows and Host Organizations as ambassadors.  Don’t be shy about spreading the word!

Q. How and when are Fellows paid?
A. Host Organizations agree to pay Fellows a stipend of at least $2,350 a month plus health insurance as outlined in the Letter of Agreement.  The monthly stipend is paid directly from the organization to the Fellow, according to the organization’s pay periods.  Depending on the organization, this stipend may be apportioned as a salary or hourly wage.  We encourage you to discuss the details of compensation with your Fellow when you sign the Letter of Agreement.  If an organization would like to pay more than the required $2,350 a month, please be sure that the Letter of Agreement reflects this revised amount.

Q. What is expected in terms of health benefits?
A. Each Fellow receives health benefits in accordance with the Host Organization’s policy.  While health care providers, plans, and payments will vary across organizations, we do require that each fellow receives basic health care coverage (medical and, if possible, dental).  Ancillary benefits such as life insurance and retirement plan are welcome though not required.  Please be sure to discuss the details of your benefits plan with your Fellow when you sign the Letter of Agreement.   While NUPIP can address general questions in this area; specific questions are best answered by your insurance provider.  If an organization does not have a group health plan, an additional stipend should be provided so that the Fellow can purchase individual health insurance.

Q. How much time off does the Fellow get?
A. Fellows should be granted the vacation days typically observed by the organization.  In addition, NUPIP urges Host Organizations to allow Fellows time off for the weekly seminar and other special occasions as needed.  When you sign the Letter of Agreement, we strongly encourage you to discuss with the Fellow his/her anticipated need for any additional time off related to holidays, illness, grad school visits, etc.

Q. What are the seminars like?
A. Public Interest Program seminars usually run from September to May and are held weekly, typically on Wednesday mornings from about 9:00-10:30.  Fellows are not required, but strongly encouraged to attend.  Seminars offer a chance to learn about social issues such as health care, education, and environmental policy; to visit other Host Organizations; to gain practical knowledge in areas such as project management and grant writing; and to reflect and build community among other Fellows from Northwestern, Princeton and University of Chicago.  The seminar series runs from September to May, with locations and speakers announced along the way.  John Fish, founder of NUPIP’s sister program at Princeton, organizes the seminars with the help of a small committee of fellows.  Stay tuned for opportunities to host a seminar during the year!

Q. What is involved in the mentorship component of NUPIP?
A. Each Fellow will be matched with a Northwestern Alumnus who will serve as a mentor throughout the year.  Mentors can serve as a sounding board on a range of topics: professional development, workplace issues, graduate school plans, and post-college transition.  The frequency and nature of meetings is determined by the Fellow and their Mentor.

Q. What do I do if my expectations of the Fellow are not met?
A. There are several levels of support for organizations who are not satisfied with the Fellowship arrangement.  When appropriate, we encourage supervisors to first address the Fellow directly with concerns about job performance, hours and compensation, workplace conduct, etc.  For situations that involve more direct involvement, NUPIP Coordinators are available to ensure that both Fellows and Host Organizations are having a positive experience.  Coordinators can be reached at nupip@northwestern.edu.  Additionally, NUPIP Advisor Paul Arntson can be reached at p-arntson@northwestern.edu and 847.491.5838.