School requirements to participate in DCP

[APB513]

My son has been accepted for Fall Advantage 2012. He has been trying for weeks to find someone at the school who can tell him what are their requirements for him to participate.

He has talked to an academic adviser, financial aid (he has a scholarship) and employment services. Everyone he has talked to says that they do not know anything about the program.

I am getting a little nervous because he checks in on May 16th and I had hoped to have this resolved weeks ago.

Can someone tell me from their personal experience (parent or student), who did you talk to in your school about your participation in the DCP - financial aid, advisor, instructors, etc?

What did your school require you to do in order to participate?

Since he will be in the DCP through the Fall semester, will he need to enroll in Fall classes to maintain his student status?

I would appreciate any advice I can get.

Thanks!

 

[barbarasthomas]

My daughter was fall advantage 2010. She had to take a leave of absence from her university. Specific to her school, none of the Disney University credits transferred. However, she more than made up for it by taking extra courses during the other semesters she was on campus.

Many colleges do take Disney U Credits. Your son should immediately talk to his advisor and say he won't be on campus next September for one semester because he was accepted into this highly competitive internship program. He should give his advisor the CP web site and email his Disney recruiter about who the Disney contact is so the advisor can see if any of the Disney U courses would fit into your son's academic profile. It is highly likely that the Disney Internship program is already known by your son's college's career placement office. Perhaps he can also talk to them. Hope this helps. Good Luck.

 

[tikistitch]

My school didn't know about the program, but I went to my academic adviser and prepared a folder to share with him, and have him share with the head of the department (at my school, the department head decides if you get credit for things like this). They looked over the printouts I made of the website and the syllabus for the courses I was going to take, and decided NOT to give me credit for the program. A lot of schools don't give credit for it, but unless it will impact your son's financial aid (with scholarships, i'm not sure how it works) I wouldn't worry about his taking a semester off from classes.

I went through this process last summer, when I was wanting to apply for the Spring 2012 program. But I realized if I took 2 extra courses in the Fall of 2011 and now the current semester, I'd be able to graduate over the summer and not have to worry about credit at all for the Fall 2012 program.

I also talked to my school's career services department, who helped me figure out what my goals for doing the program were, and how to market the skills and knowledge I'll learn during the program in an interview. It doesn't exactly help with school requirements, but it was nice to just get recognized by someone at my school that this is an amazing opportunity!

 

[APB513]

My daughter was fall advantage 2010. She had to take a leave of absence from her university. Specific to her school, none of the Disney University credits transferred. However, she more than made up for it by taking extra courses during the other semesters she was on campus.

Many colleges do take Disney U Credits. Your son should immediately talk to his advisor and say he won't be on campus next September for one semester because he was accepted into this highly competitive internship program. He should give his advisor the CP web site and email his Disney recruiter about who the Disney contact is so the advisor can see if any of the Disney U courses would fit into your son's academic profile. It is highly likely that the Disney Internship program is already known by your son's college's career placement office. Perhaps he can also talk to them. Hope this helps. Good Luck.

My school didn't know about the program, but I went to my academic adviser and prepared a folder to share with him, and have him share with the head of the department (at my school, the department head decides if you get credit for things like this). They looked over the printouts I made of the website and the syllabus for the courses I was going to take, and decided NOT to give me credit for the program. A lot of schools don't give credit for it, but unless it will impact your son's financial aid (with scholarships, i'm not sure how it works) I wouldn't worry about his taking a semester off from classes.

I went through this process last summer, when I was wanting to apply for the Spring 2012 program. But I realized if I took 2 extra courses in the Fall of 2011 and now the current semester, I'd be able to graduate over the summer and not have to worry about credit at all for the Fall 2012 program.

I also talked to my school's career services department, who helped me figure out what my goals for doing the program were, and how to market the skills and knowledge I'll learn during the program in an interview. It doesn't exactly help with school requirements, but it was nice to just get recognized by someone at my school that this is an amazing opportunity!

Thank you both for your response!! I'll have him talk to his advisor again.

 

[disneyjordan]

There was someone from my school that was in charge of internships and was also listed online under the announcement for the presentation on campus. She was able to help a lot and answer a lot of questions I had. She's the contact between the school and the program.

 

[DOPEYLUVER]

The most important part, at least for my daughter was the scholarship issue. She did not get any credit which would have been nice but really isn't an issue. However, a board had to vote on whether to allow her to defer her scholarship.

She had to make one student loan payment because she was not enrolled in school for more than 8 months.

I believe it is federal law and not state, but one nice thing is she is covered on our health insurance. Previous to a couple of years ago, that would not have been the case as she was no longer considered a student. That is no longer true. She will be covered until she is 26. Like I said, I think that is federally mandated.

 

[APB513]

There was someone from my school that was in charge of internships and was also listed online under the announcement for the presentation on campus. She was able to help a lot and answer a lot of questions I had. She's the contact between the school and the program.

My son was given the name of the school contact who is familiar with Disney but when he tried to contact her he found out she no longer worked at the school

The most important part, at least for my daughter was the scholarship issue. She did not get any credit which would have been nice but really isn't an issue. However, a board had to vote on whether to allow her to defer her scholarship.

Thanks. She had to make one student loan payment because she was not enrolled in school for more than 8 months.

I believe it is federal law and not state, but one nice thing is she is covered on our health insurance. Previous to a couple of years ago, that would not have been the case as she was no longer considered a student. That is no longer true. She will be covered until she is 26. Like I said, I think that is federally mandated.

Thanks. Good point about the scholarship. I will have him contact Financial Aid again to see what he needs to do about his scholarship.

 

[joybeth]

All schools treat the time at the program differently. My daughter is a Commercial Recreation Management major and her school is very involved in the program. She was able to get 12 credits for this Spring semester (she is there now for spring advantage). She has requirements while she in on the program. She has to submit a project, interview people, etc... and will be graded. The nice thing is that she remains enrolled full time and we don't have to worry about student loans/scholarships/insurance, etc. Have your son find the right person at his school that can help him figure this out. A lot of parents were surprised after their kids started the program to find that they had to start paying on student loans. The right person at the university can help him, but don't delay!

Good luck! He is going to love the program!

jb

 

[Caitlin1990]

All schools treat the time at the program differently. My daughter is a Commercial Recreation Management major and her school is very involved in the program. She was able to get 12 credits for this Spring semester (she is there now for spring advantage). She has requirements while she in on the program. She has to submit a project, interview people, etc... and will be graded. The nice thing is that she remains enrolled full time and we don't have to worry about student loans/scholarships/insurance, etc. Have your son find the right person at his school that can help him figure this out. A lot of parents were surprised after their kids started the program to find that they had to start paying on student loans. The right person at the university can help him, but don't delay!

Good luck! He is going to love the program!

jb

The same was done for me on my first program. I was given 12 units of elective "field work" credit by submitting a proposal the semester prior to doing the CP (it was due right before Christmas break started), as well as writing an 8-page research paper about the The Walt Disney Company (total cakewalk, I promise you!), writing an 8-page reflection of my experience, and getting a passing evaluation from my work managers. I was also required to take, and pass, one of Disney's offered education classes and also had to turn in a passing evaluation from my instructor--all due by the end of my university's semester (beginning of May). I turned everything in by email to one particular person at my university and everything worked out amazingly. I know all schools are very different, but, like joybeth said, if you find the right person and truly explain the program to them and what all you'll be doing (it's certainly not just playing in the parks for free all day, every day), you could be surprised as to how much one person could help you out.

For my second program this fall, I was able to work out taking 12 units online through my university (since I'm ineligible to acquire the same 12 units I received before; I don't need any more elective credit anyway). Sure, it'll be a little more work than I had to do before, but I'll still be enrolled full time as a student and will receive those 12 units the same way I would have as if I was on campus. If field work credit doesn't end up being a possibility, maybe online classes could work?

 

[goofy4tink]

The really strange thing is that when we were out looking at various colleges last spring, summer and early fall, we found that some schools had no issue with the college program, while others had never heard about it.
On one tour, we had a tour guide who was singing the praises of the college program...he had been a Jungle Cruise skipper and loved it...and he got complete school credit for it and never had an issue with aid!!! That was a state school. We toured another one and the tour guide had no idea what we were talking about!! Same state, same state university system. So, who knows.
I do know that after talking to a lot of people, some former college program kids, we have decided that dd will apply in her senior year...for entry that fall. We were told that as long as you are still in school, when you apply, it will work. This way, dd won't be tempted to just stay in Florida!!!!
Of course, that could change if the school she decides on does offer the option for the college program without a lot of hindrances.

 

[APB513]

All schools treat the time at the program differently. My daughter is a Commercial Recreation Management major and her school is very involved in the program. She was able to get 12 credits for this Spring semester (she is there now for spring advantage). She has requirements while she in on the program. She has to submit a project, interview people, etc... and will be graded. The nice thing is that she remains enrolled full time and we don't have to worry about student loans/scholarships/insurance, etc. Have your son find the right person at his school that can help him figure this out. A lot of parents were surprised after their kids started the program to find that they had to start paying on student loans. The right person at the university can help him, but don't delay!

Good luck! He is going to love the program!

jb

The same was done for me on my first program. I was given 12 units of elective "field work" credit by submitting a proposal the semester prior to doing the CP (it was due right before Christmas break started), as well as writing an 8-page research paper about the The Walt Disney Company (total cakewalk, I promise you!), writing an 8-page reflection of my experience, and getting a passing evaluation from my work managers. I was also required to take, and pass, one of Disney's offered education classes and also had to turn in a passing evaluation from my instructor--all due by the end of my university's semester (beginning of May). I turned everything in by email to one particular person at my university and everything worked out amazingly. I know all schools are very different, but, like joybeth said, if you find the right person and truly explain the program to them and what all you'll be doing (it's certainly not just playing in the parks for free all day, every day), you could be surprised as to how much one person could help you out.

For my second program this fall, I was able to work out taking 12 units online through my university (since I'm ineligible to acquire the same 12 units I received before; I don't need any more elective credit anyway). Sure, it'll be a little more work than I had to do before, but I'll still be enrolled full time as a student and will receive those 12 units the same way I would have as if I was on campus. If field work credit doesn't end up being a possibility, maybe online classes could work?

The really strange thing is that when we were out looking at various colleges last spring, summer and early fall, we found that some schools had no issue with the college program, while others had never heard about it.
On one tour, we had a tour guide who was singing the praises of the college program...he had been a Jungle Cruise skipper and loved it...and he got complete school credit for it and never had an issue with aid!!! That was a state school. We toured another one and the tour guide had no idea what we were talking about!! Same state, same state university system. So, who knows.
I do know that after talking to a lot of people, some former college program kids, we have decided that dd will apply in her senior year...for entry that fall. We were told that as long as you are still in school, when you apply, it will work. This way, dd won't be tempted to just stay in Florida!!!!
Of course, that could change if the school she decides on does offer the option for the college program without a lot of hindrances.

Thank you all for your responses!!

 

[APB513]

UPDATE:

My son was finally able to talk to someone who could help him. He found out that he does not have to be enrolled in classes in the Fall and his scholarship will be held until he returns for the Winter semester.

So relieved that's settled! Now back to planning our trip LOL

 

[DOPEYLUVER]

UPDATE:

My son was finally able to talk to someone who could help him. He found out that he does not have to be enrolled in classes in the Fall and his scholarship will be held until he returns for the Winter semester.

So relieved that's settled! Now back to planning our trip LOL

Great news! It's nice to get an update. Thank you.

 

[hollisterluva92]

Hi! I figured I would post my experiences so far! I am hoping to do Fall Advantage 2013, so I will be applying this Jan. I talked to my campus recruiter and she said to talk to the lady that knows all about the program. So far, I haven't heard anything back but I do know that my school (I go to Eastern Michigan), doesn't have any requirements as far as classes go. I do know that since I have student loans, I have to be at least half time to not have to start paying them back. I am waiting to hear if I can take Disney classes and have them count, or if I just need to do online classes! I will keep you updated!

 

[APB513]

Hi! I figured I would post my experiences so far! I am hoping to do Fall Advantage 2013, so I will be applying this Jan. I talked to my campus recruiter and she said to talk to the lady that knows all about the program. So far, I haven't heard anything back but I do know that my school (I go to Eastern Michigan), doesn't have any requirements as far as classes go. I do know that since I have student loans, I have to be at least half time to not have to start paying them back. I am waiting to hear if I can take Disney classes and have them count, or if I just need to do online classes! I will keep you updated!

What a small world!! I attend Eastern Michigan too!! I am in the Hotel and Restaurant Management Grad program. Well I was until my health interfered. I am feeling much better now. I really need to finish. I just need to do my research project and then I'll have my Master's!

Good luck to you with the DCP!!