The College Program Questions thread

[sarbruis]

I have another question for people who have already gone about drinking. I'm under 21 and in no way would I risk doing anything that would get me thrown out. But what if my roommates sneak in alcohol? Would I get in trouble just for being there even if I didn't drink? Because I don't want to be a jerk and report them and make them hate me, but I also don't want to be seriously penalized for their mistakes.

Well, if you turn them in, then they'll only be around to hate you for twenty-four hours, because they'll be terminated.

You do have a good question, though. Obviously the only way for someone to find out if there is alcohol in the room is if someone tells. But, of course, some people may have been told that there would be alcohol, and someone else might tell authorities about the alcohol--word spreads quickly.

If you know they're only going to be drinking on one night, and after that they'll destroy the evidence, then you could just leave for the night and if anything were to happen, then you were gone and wouldn't get in trouble. If they do this habitually, though, you will probably want to report it, because it's really not worth the chance of getting terminated.

 

[sarbruis]

Hi all, I've been lurking on this board for a couple of weeks now. I'm in total shock , I just got an acceptance packet for Spring '07, and I was sure I completely bombed the interview Any way I have a few questions before I hear back from my faculty contact and officially accept.

1.) I know you can't leave at all but do they make exceptions for family emergencies, like allowing you to leave for a few days and then come back? I'm not expecting anything to happen, but I do have some elderly grandparents.

2.) This might be kind of a dumb question, but: How do you cash your paychecks? Can you do direct deposit?

3.) I was accepted for Housekeeping. My # 1 choice. But since applying I've seen a few people on this board say that housekeeping( hey wait isn't it supposerd to be "Mousekeeping" ?) is bad. What makes it bad, and/or is it only bad if cleaning isn't your thing?

Thanks
Julianna (or Jules)

1) If something comes up, talk to your scheduler. If it's a family emergency, they'll do their best to be accomodating. Hopefully some of your co-workers would be able to take your shift.

2) Yeah, you can do direct deposit. I think that's definitely the easiest thing to do. You can set it up on the Cast Portal website during your first week of the program.

3) One thing about housekeeping is the lack of guest interaction. You interact with guests' rooms, not the guests. Also, the housekeeping employees are generally older folks (who may be of another nationality), which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if you want to hang out with your college-aged mates during breaks at work, then you could be out of luck.

 

[sarbruis]

I already asked this question on "The Official Spring 2007 CP" thread, but I'm hoping to get some help on this one too.

How exactly do you go about requesting time off? Has anyone asked for time off on their CP before? I'm doing the Spring 2007 CP, but have a religious conference that I previously committed to. I need to be able to go for at least one day of the conference in February.

I'd figure I'll ask for Feb. 9th off, because then I would have been on the CP for 30 solid days by then. I think they really can't say no since it is for religious purposes.

Thanks.

As soon as you get to work (or thereabouts), ask your trainer who your scheduler is and talk to your scheduler about having that time off. They do schedules about two weeks in advance, so as long as it's before then, you should be able to get the time off, provided it's not more than a few days or so.

 

[sarbruis]

so basically what your saying is not to use my ID to get in on a "day im sick" or something? i don't think ill do that anyway. but just incase i do ill always have my annual pass handy

You can use the cast entrances, though. Just make sure your ID is never scanned (eg front entrance admission, using your ID for a cast discount). That's bad. When you use the cast entrance, the security guards will just look to see if your ID and photo ID match and then you're good to go.

 

[Joanna71985]

You can use the cast entrances, though. Just make sure your ID is never scanned (eg front entrance admission, using your ID for a cast discount). That's bad. When you use the cast entrance, the security guards will just look to see if your ID and photo ID match and then you're good to go.

I would not do that. If you are going to not go to work one day, don't go into the parks- period. If you get caught, you can get fired.

 

[MizlurksaLot]

3) One thing about housekeeping is the lack of guest interaction. You interact with guests' rooms, not the guests. Also, the housekeeping employees are generally older folks (who may be of another nationality), which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if you want to hang out with your college-aged mates during breaks at work, then you could be out of luck.

I don't mind the lack of interaction that's actually one of the reasons I picked that, I work better when it's quiet and I'm on my own. Just one question, when you say "older folks" do you mean elderly people, or just not your typical 18-22yo college student? Not that it really matters just curious.

 

[sarbruis]

I don't know for certain, of course, and there are more CPs at places like All-Stars and Pop Century than, say, Grand Floridian, but I do believe there is a higher number of people above the age of thirty and forty than is typical. Anywhere you go, you'll be with people older than college-aged. Most employees are probably over 25.

 

[sarbruis]

I would not do that. If you are going to not go to work one day, don't go into the parks- period. If you get caught, you can get fired.

I'm not condoning it, but no one other than the people with whom you work (and friends who wouldn't tell anyway) are aware that you're a cast member, and most of them won't even know that you've called in sick. Therefore, as long as you don't visit the park in which you work, you are not going to be caught. It's not impossible, but probably statistically nearly-impossible. Or something. You're probably sick anyway and it's best to stay in your apartment. But when you're sick it can be nice to go somewhere and stroll about. It doesn't take much effort to get on a bus and walk around.

 

[tennis1mouse]

Wow. I haven't posted since August! Anyway, I have been doing the program since August 22, 2006 and I am still in it. I actually put in for an extension today. I am in Merchandising at the Magic Kingdom, well, actually Strollers and Locker Rental/Newstand at Main Street Entrance.

It has been an amazing experience. I have met so many amazing people and we have already declared that we are going to stay in touch whether its via Myspace or telephone.

Anyway, if any of you potential CPs have any questions...just reply. I will be more than happy to give you advice or answers.

 

[sandicinderelli]

Wow. I haven't posted since August! Anyway, I have been doing the program since August 22, 2006 and I am still in it. I actually put in for an extension today. I am in Merchandising at the Magic Kingdom, well, actually Strollers and Locker Rental/Newstand at Main Street Entrance.

It has been an amazing experience. I have met so many amazing people and we have already declared that we are going to stay in touch whether its via Myspace or telephone.

Anyway, if any of you potential CPs have any questions...just reply. I will be more than happy to give you advice or answers.

What was that like, put in for an extension? I have a feeling that I'll be doing the same in May when my CP is winding down, so I'd like to know what extending entails...

 

[sandicinderelli]

I'm not condoning it, but no one other than the people with whom you work (and friends who wouldn't tell anyway) are aware that you're a cast member, and most of them won't even know that you've called in sick. Therefore, as long as you don't visit the park in which you work, you are not going to be caught. It's not impossible, but probably statistically nearly-impossible.

Although I know that you are not condoning it, why even take that risk?? I know WDW is awesome, but even though you think a few ppl may not know what is up with you doesn't mean that you can get away from being seen by someone among those thousands of ppl that work there. With my luck, I'd probably get caught.

You're probably sick anyway and it's best to stay in your apartment. But when you're sick it can be nice to go somewhere and stroll about. It doesn't take much effort to get on a bus and walk around.

I totally agree with you here. It's just better to be safe than sorry -and if you are really sick, give your body a chance to heal.

 

[Joanna71985]

What was that like, put in for an extension? I have a feeling that I'll be doing the same in May when my CP is winding down, so I'd like to know what extending entails...

If you want to extend, you can either stay in your current role or switch roles (if possible). For transfering you must meet transfer guidelines, which are: You must have no more than one reprimand and no more than eight points on your attendance record card within the last six months, not including early shift releases or authorized days off. I believe you can apply on the portal, and I also believe you can call on a number. I extended last year for the summer, and stayed in my same role.

 

[Tide27]

Can you get accepted to the Prof Internship while you are down there? It would be great to be able to finish the first CP and move right along to the PI without having to go back to campus for 1 semester.

 

[Joanna71985]

Can you get accepted to the Prof Internship while you are down there? It would be great to be able to finish the first CP and move right along to the PI without having to go back to campus for 1 semester.

Yes you can. My friend did this my last CP. She went from Adventureland ops into the Learning Center PI.

 

[disneygirl_wdw]

My friend is graduating this Spring. We were looking into doing the program together in Fall '07. I know I had read somewhere you could participate until a semester after you graduate. Would she be able to do the Fall '07 if she graduates this Spring '07?

 

[MissSpooky]

K another question from me. I was wondering if the badges are in fact pins or if they were those really cool new magnetic ones? I have one of those from another job and they're great and never move place. No holes in your clothes either.

And my 2nd question. I was doing some theraphy and shopping for some clothes to bring and got some really cute dress up capris that are pin striped and have a really cute matching button down shirt. Can I wear it to class or anything else I have to dress up for. I tried to decifer the website but they kind of contradict themselves. You're allowed to wear the dressy shorts so I don't understand why not capris.

 

[Joanna71985]

K another question from me. I was wondering if the badges are in fact pins or if they were those really cool new magnetic ones? I have one of those from another job and they're great and never move place. No holes in your clothes either.

And my 2nd question. I was doing some theraphy and shopping for some clothes to bring and got some really cute dress up capris that are pin striped and have a really cute matching button down shirt. Can I wear it to class or anything else I have to dress up for. I tried to decifer the website but they kind of contradict themselves. You're allowed to wear the dressy shorts so I don't understand why not capris.

The name tags are both. You are first given the regular one, but you can order the magnetic one.

And no, you can not wear shorts or capris for class.

 

[Sehsun]

My friend is graduating this Spring. We were looking into doing the program together in Fall '07. I know I had read somewhere you could participate until a semester after you graduate. Would she be able to do the Fall '07 if she graduates this Spring '07?

I am graduating in Spring '07 too and am planning to apply for Fall '07. You can do the CP the semester after you graduate, as long as you apply while you are still enrolled in classes at your school.

 

[MissSpooky]

Are we going to get more than what is on the website in relation to what is allowed and not? Like a handbook or something because going around the site it seems a little confusing at times and contradictory. Cause it says something about shorts and vests but then says no. I would cut in paste right this seceond as an example but I have a philosophy quiz to finish before I leave the house....

 

[sandicinderelli]

Are we going to get more than what is on the website in relation to what is allowed and not? Like a handbook or something because going around the site it seems a little confusing at times and contradictory. Cause it says something about shorts and vests but then says no. I would cut in paste right this seceond as an example but I have a philosophy quiz to finish before I leave the house....

Shorts and vests are only worn if you are a cast member where they are included in the uniform. Otherwise, you can't wear them.