Unpaid Work Experience Subsidy

Approved by: URSU Board of Directors

Date approved: September  20, 2018

Preamble:

Unpaid internships often leave already financially vulnerable students in very precarious positions. The subsidy is not a compensation for the wages that students have to forego, instead it is just one small way that the students’ union tries to assist members where it can.

 Scope:

The Unpaid Work Experience Subsidy is a subsidy set up to help compensate students for unpaid work. The subsidy serves all students working towards career development and not receiving an hourly wage for their work.

In order to be eligible for this subsidy your work must simply not receive an hourly wage. Students receiving small honorariums are still encouraged to apply.

Definitions:

Unpaid Work – includes internships, placements and, practicum work that students are required to do to fulfill their course requirement and receive no financial compensation.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Must be an URSU member in good standing
  2. Enrolled in a program whereby Unpaid Work is a degree program requirement.
  3. Must not be receiving an honorarium or stipend that meets or exceeds subsidy amounts.
  4. Must not work for employers that are owned or operated by immediate family members.
  5. Student may not apply for a subsidy retroactively.

Application Process:

  1. Student will apply by filling out a online application form.
    1. The application form can be found here.
  2. Attend an interview with the Student Advocate.

Approval Process:

  1. Student Advocate will;
    1. Evaluate application
    2. Meet with applicant in person
    3. Approve or deny application in whole or in part
    4. Submit request for payment to Accounting

Award Quantities and Values:

  1. Total funding allocation committed for 2018/2019 is $20,500.
  2. Subsidy Amount
    1. More than one month of Unpaid Work – up to $800
    2. Less than one month but more than three weeks of Unpaid Work – up to $400
  3. Subsidy allocations
    1. Maximum of 50% of the total funding pool can be allocated per fall and winter semester.
    2. 10% of each semester’s funding allocation shall be reserved for applicants self identifying as belonging to a marginalized group.
    3. Applications will be considered on a first come first served basis.

Authority/Responsibilities:

  • Student Advocate
    • Accepting and reviewing all applications
    • Determine award eligibility and amount
    • Coordinate payment of award with Accounting
  • VP Student Affairs
    • Solicit corporate sponsorship of program
    • Promote awareness of Program