2012Summer Stipend Programs
SPIL Stipend
Eric D. Weissman Memorial Scholarship
Administered By:
The Office of Financial Aid
Columbus School of Law
The Catholic University of America
STUDENTS FOR PUBLIC INTEREST LAW (SPIL) STIPEND
In 1989, Students for Public Interest Law (SPIL) was organized by students at The Columbus School of Law to encourage students to pursue legal careers serving the public. SPIL is an affiliate of the National Association for Public Interest Law (NAPIL).
Since its inception, SPIL has demonstrated its commitment to diverse areas of public service by raising funds for summer stipends. The SPIL Stipend provides income to students who choose to spend their summer rendering legal services in the public interest for little or no compensation.
Applicants understand the stipend represents compensation for actual employment. Income from a summer stipend is taxable income. The amount received is based exclusively on hours worked, with maximum earnings not to exceed $3,500. While your services are delivered with a non-CUA-affiliated agency, your actual employment is through CUA, of which the payroll office executes payment to employees in the same way any other CUA part-time employee is paid.
Questions about this program should be directed to either the Financial Aid Office or members of the SPIL organization. Many past SPIL stipend recipients are willing to answer questions.
ERIC D. WEISSMANMEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship fund was set up to support summer stipends for off-campus government employment, employment in Public Interest Law positions, or with non-profit organizations. It currently provides funding for one $3,500 stipend. The recipient will be chosen at the same time as the SPIL Stipends are decided. All students with a completed SPIL stipend application packet will be considered for the Weissman Scholarship.
APPLICATION FLOW AND INFORMATION
FOR THE SUMMER STIPEND PROGRAMS
The Law School Financial Aid Office distributes and collects applications for all the stipends and fellowships and administers the biweekly payment for the students through the University Payroll Office. Applications are available from the Financial Aid Office (314), Legal Career Services (163), and the Law Library (near circulation desk).
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must meet all following criteria:
1.Student currently enrolled in CUA’s law school and not graduating this spring or summer.
2.Student has been offered a position OR is a serious candidate under consideration for a position in a non-profit or government agency. The student must show in the application documents that the placement has agreed to give the student a full-time or part-time position (or is strongly considering it). The mission of the employing agency must be compatible with the mission of the University.
3.Student must be working for a public interest organization. For SPIL: “Public interest organization is defined as: (1) a non-profit organization which provides legal services to under-represented groups or causes in society; or (2) a government agency. SPIL has broadly defined “public interest organization” in order to demonstrate its commitment to diverse areas of public service. This definition does not preclude applications for SPIL stipends for judicial clerkships and congressional internships, but these types of placements have not been highly ranked in past selections.
4.Student must have a present intention to return to the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America for studies the following semester. By signing the application for the SPIL Stipend or Weissman Scholarship, the student (a) certifies that he or she possesses such present intention. Further, the student certifies that should he or she transfer to another law school, he or she agrees to repay to the Columbus School of Law one hundred per cent (100%) of the funds received under the terms of the grant, not later than twenty-one (21) days after the commencement of the semester at the Columbus School of Law from which the student withdrew.
NOTE: Recipients of a SPIL stipend are not allowed to ‘split’ their award between two placements, nor are they allowed to change their placement after being selected as a recipient. Your placement is a large part of what the decision is based on and therefore you cannot change your placement.
Maximum Earnings
A student can earn a maximum of $3,500 from the Stipend. All stipends are paid out at the rate of $10.90 per hour based on time sheets that must be submitted by the student and countersigned by the placement on a bi-weekly basis. The stipend is paid out on an hourly rate through the CUA payroll system and assures various tax reporting requirements are met.
Although the $3,500 stipend equals eight (8)40-hour weeks at $10.90 per hour and is paid out on that basis, students are encouraged to think of it as a stipend for a summer’s service and work more than the eight weeks if possible.
The SPIL Stipend is not a scholarship; therefore, students are not guaranteed to receive the full $3,500. Students are not paid for unworked hours.
Supplemental Income
Students may receive up to $4,500 in total summer compensation from public interest employment if their placement is willing and able to supplement the student’s stipend. The application documents ask the student and placement to certify that the student will not receive in excess of $4,500 for summer work in the placement. The employer’s contribution will be paid directly to the student, and the employer and student are responsible for complying with all applicable tax laws.
The supplementary contribution allows the student to work additional hours at the placement. The overall $4,500 cap reflects an intention to spread scarce dollars among the maximum number of students.
Here are two examples explaining the supplement mechanics:
- Student A is working at Placement A that is willing to pay the student $1,000 for summer work. Student A plans to work for ten weeks. The student remains eligible for the law school’s full stipend because the total compensation does not exceed $4,500. The law school will pay out $3,500 on time sheets at the rate of $10.90 per hour. The placement may provide its share in whatever manner is agreeable to the student and the placement.
- Student B is working at Placement B that is willing to pay the student $2,475 for ten weeks of summer work. The law school will pay out a $2,025 stipend at the rate of $10.90 per hour for a total compensation of $4,500. This frees up $1,475 of SPIL money to fund another student. Again, the student is within the $4,500 maximum.
Selection Process
The SPIL Stipend Selection Committee will review the applications and select the recipients.
The Committee will evaluate the SPIL applications to determine which ones best support the goals of SPIL. The
Committee will consider the following factors:
a.) The applicant’s demonstrated personal commitment to public interest law;
b.) The applicant’s contribution to SPIL;
c.) The degree to which the legal services provided by the applicant would benefit under-represented groups
or causes;
d.) The legal experience to be gained from the position; and
The Committee members will rank each application based on the above criteria. Also, the diversity of placements will be taken into account in the selection process because SPIL wants to place students in a variety of organizations. Thus, if five students apply to work on the same placement project, the committee likely will not award five stipends to the same placement, even if the quality of individual student applications is excellent. However, the Committee does have the option to award more than one stipend to a particular organization if it so chooses.
Students receiving a 2011, Students for Public Interest Law (SPIL) summer work stipend are expected to complete no fewer than fifteen (15) hours of volunteer work for SPIL during the 2011-2011 academic year. (This work will be assigned by the president of SPIL and the Auction chairs in accordance to the needs of the Annual SPIL Auction. Any alternative fulfillment of the 15 hours must be approved by the aforementioned SPIL officers). A contract detailing the auction work expected will be presented to the SPIL Stipend recipients for signature upon notification of selection by the Stipend Selection Committee.
Remember:Students who complete the SPIL Stipend Application process
will also be reviewed for the Weissman Memorial Scholarship.
Impact on 2012-2013 financial aid eligibility
The wages you earn through the SPIL and Weissman programs will not affect your 2011-2012 financial aid. You will receive a W-2 form from the University and your income will be counted as wages earned in 2011.
Application Deadlines and Recipient Announcements
Tuesday, April 3rd, 5:00 p.mBy this date and time, applications for SPIL and Weissman stipends must be received with all attachments,in the Law School Office of Financial Aid, Room 314.
Friday, April 27th, 2012Every effort will be made to announce SPIL Stipend selections by this date. Selections will be posted in several locations in the Law School including on the SPIL bulletin board, above the student mail folders, in Headnotes and on the Financial Aid Office bulletin board. The name of the Weissman recipient will also be posted at this time.
List of Forms to Complete
- 2012 Summer Stipend Application.
- Complete a 2012Law School Summer Stipend Agreement. Agreements must have an original signature of an official at your placement agency to be valid. Please, no faxes.
- A W-4 form for federal withholding tax.
- A state tax withholding form (if you live in DC, MD or VA).
- A Certificate of Non-Residence in the District of Columbia (for non-D.C. residents).
- An I-9 form with two forms of identification (acceptable documentation listed on back of I-9 Form).
The I-9 is required by payroll offices to establish your identity and your eligibility to work in the United States. Make sure to obtain a signature on the checklist (page 5 of this application) from the staff member accepting your I-9 documentation at the Office of Human Resources. - A ‘Direct Deposit’ form if you are requesting that your paychecks be directly deposited into your bank account (strongly recommended)
- SPIL hours log with name written at the top (if applying for the 25 bonus points for members in good standing).
This log is subject to the school’s honor code policies and will be reviewed by the SPIL Executive Board.
*** NOTE *** The Conditions within the employment contract
- You and your supervisor must sign the time-sheet for every pay period.
- You will not be paid for hours exceeding the contracted number even if your supervisor signs your time sheet.
- Notice the specific days time sheets are due in the Financial Aid Office. If time sheets are not received by those dates and times, a paycheck will be delayed until the following pay period.
- Stipend recipients will only be paid for 40 hours per week.
- If you are working elsewhere on campus (i.e. the law library or as a research assistant) for which you are being paid through the university, you must coordinate your hours so as not to exceed 40 hours per week.
- By accepting this award, you are agreeing to commit fifteen (15) hours to SPIL in the 2011-2012 academic year.
- By accepting this award, you are agreeing to prepare and submit a report to the law school, briefly describing your workplace and highlights of your experience. Although not required, you are encouraged to have a photograph taken at your workplace and include it with your report. You will be contacted in the summer, after your placement has begun, with more specifics regarding the report.
2012 SUMMER STIPEND PROGRAM CHECKLIST
Return this form with all attachments to: Office of Financial Aid, Room 314 Law Building, Cardinal Station, Washington, DC 20064. Deadline for completed applications for the SPIL Stipend, is 5:00 p.m., Tuesday,April 3, 2012. .
FACSIMILES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Attachments:
_____ a.2012SPIL Stipend Application
_____ b.Federal withholding form (W-4)
_____ c. State withholding form (if you live in DC, MD, or VA)*
_____ d.Certificate of Non-Residence in the District of Columbia (for non-D.C. residents)*
_____ e.2012Law School Summer Stipend Agreement
_____ f.Form requesting Direct Deposit of summer stipend paychecks*
_____ g. The SPIL hours log with my name written on the top
*Forms available at . Questions about withholding forms should be directed to the Payroll Office (202) 319-5606 or .
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I-9 Certification:
I, ______have completed and returned an I-9 Form*
(Your Name Here)
to the CUA Human Resources Office (Room 170 Leahy Hall) on ______(date).
Signature of Human Resources Office representative: ______
*Form available at
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Acknowledgement:
I understand that I am responsible for seeing that my supervisor signs a time sheet on the dates specified on the “Time Sheets are Due” form (this form will be provided once stipend decisions have been finalized). If your supervisor is out, someone else must be designated to do it at the site. Time sheets must be faxed to the law school Financial Aid Office (202-319-4462) by noon on the date indicated on the above-mentioned form. If I or my supervisor is not working on the day that time sheets are due, my supervisor may sign the time sheet early for that day or I will include the hours on my next time sheet. If the faxed time sheets are not received on time, I understand that I WILL NOT BE PAID until they are submitted in the next pay period.
I also understand that by accepting this award, I agree to commit at least fifteen (15) hours to SPIL in the2011-2012 academic year.
Signature: ______Date: ______
2012SUMMER STIPEND PROGRAM APPLICATION
1. Student’s Name: ______
Current year and division: (circle one) 1D 1E 2D 2E 3E
2. Contact Info:
Permanent Address: ______Phone: ______
______
Current Address: ______Phone: ______
______
Summer Address: ______Phone: ______
______
Email Address: ______
3. Paycheck: To which address do you want your paychecks (pay stubs if direct deposit) sent?
____ Permanent____ Current____ Summer
* Please consider setting up direct deposit for your stipend paycheck. Your check will be available to you on payday (indicated on ‘Time sheets are due’ form) instead of having to wait to receive your check in the mail.
4. Reference: Name and phone numbers of someone who will know how to reach you all summer:
Name: ______Work Phone: ______
Relationship: ______Home Phone: ______
5. Employer Info:
Institution:______
Address: ______Phone: ______
______Fax: ______
Beginning and ending dates of employment: From ____/____/____To ____/____/____
Name and phone number of Work Supervisor(s) (who may sign your time sheets):
______
______
(If not available at this time, this may be added later.)
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Are you planning to work elsewhere on campus this summer? Yes No If Yes, where? ______
Reminder: You will only be paid for a maximum of 40 hours per week.
2012SPIL STIPEND APPLICATION
Directions: Please limit your answers to the space provided on this application. Typed answers are preferred but handwriting is permitted. You may reproduce this form in a word processing format. Please do not use a type face smaller than 10pt.
(To be completed by Financial Aid Office): Student Identifier:______
Name of Proposed Placement:______
1. Describe the nature of the public interest work performed by your proposed placement. Include a description of your expected duties.
2. Explain how your proposed placement supports SPIL’s fundamental goal of providing legal services to under represented groups and causes in society.
SPIL Stipend Application Page 2
(To be completed by Financial Aid Office): Student Identifier:______
3. Briefly and concisely describe your involvement in SPIL. Indicate events and meetings that you have attended and/or assisted with in some way.
4. Briefly and concisely describe your previous experience in public interest work and/or activities.
5. Explain why you think you should be chosen to receive a SPIL stipend.
2012LAW SCHOOL
SPIL STIPEND AGREEMENT
Between the
The CatholicUniversity of America
ColumbusSchool of Law and
An Employing Agency
This agreement is entered into by and between: The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, 3600 John McCormack Rd., Room 314 Law Building, Cardinal Station, Washington, DC, 20064 (hereafter “the University”);
(Employer’s Name) ______, a federal, state or local public agency or private nonprofit organization (hereafter “Agency”); and
(Student’s Name) ______, a law student (hereafter “Student”) enrolled in the University whom the Agency agrees to employ in summer off-campus work, specifically
(Position Title/Description) ______(hereafter “Work”).
The Student’s paid work will commence on ______and end on ______.
The Agency’s signature on this document constitutes an offer of summer employment to the Student and an offer to the University to employ the Student under the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The University will notify the Student who has been selected for the summer work assignment and will notify the Agency designated in the Agreement. These notifications will constitute the University’s and the Student’s acceptance of the Agency’s offer set forth in this Agreement.
The signature of the LawSchool’s Director of Financial Aid on this agreement constitutes approval for the above named student to receive a stipend of up to $3,500 for the SPIL stipend or the Weissman Memorial Scholarship. The Stipend will be paid at the rate of $10.90 per hour as documented by time sheets submitted to the University by the Agency on a bi-monthly basis (every two weeks).
The Student’s maximum compensation from the SPIL Stipend and Weissman Scholarship will be the lesser of that calculated at the rate of $10.90 per hour for time submitted or the maximum stipend of $3,500. The Student cannot be paid for hours worked on a federal holiday or for hours above 40 per week. The Student may receive additional compensation from the employing Agency not to exceed total summer payment of $4,500 and $14.00 per hour for hours worked.The Agency is responsible for any requirements regarding tax payments and reporting with respect to funds paid by the Agency to the Student. (See section on Stipend Supplement at the end of this contract).
The Agency agrees to provide professional work assignments appropriate for a law student in accordance with the requirements of the particular stipend or fellowship, as described below.