If after reading through this page, you still have questions, concerns, comments or ideas that are not addressed here, please use the contact page to submit questions about the program, financial aid, course credit, or anything that is relevant to the program.
| COURSE & APPLICATION QUESTIONS |
What are the courses I will be enrolled in if I am selected to participate in this program?
Students are enrolled in JCM 452 (3 credits) through the Department of Journalism and Creative Media.
How does the course credit count toward my degree program?
How these courses will be counted in DegreeWorks is dependent on your major and minor. For many C&IS students, JCM 452 can count for your three credits of JCM upper level coursework. For all UA students, the courses count as 400-level topics course.
Is there a GPA requirement for applicants?
Students must demonstrate academic rigor and that they take their academics and career seriously. A 3.0 GPA in your major coursework is encouraged, but students with lower overall GPAs will still be considered for this program.
What does a successful applicant look like for this program?
For one summer term only: Students who have a passion for the entertainment industry, a curiosity to learn how things work and a desire to meet industry professionals. A student should be willing to network, cold call industry professionals, have a willingness to learn new technology and work well collaboratively with other creative media, journalism and other students interested in working in a field of entertainment.
For the full summer internship term: Students must have some experience that can be shared on a one page resume to be considered for this program. Companies in Hollywood are highly competitive and look for students who have gained experience for their resume on their home campus.
Resume experience can come from on campus or local businesses. Internships and campus jobs such as working at Crimson Tide Productions, WVUA-TV, The Center for Public Television, The Digital Media Center, Multi-media Services, The Crimson White, The Office of Student Media and other units on campus that teach students how to be collaborative, work in an office or production environment and helped you build some computer or maybe technical skills.
Resume experience can also come from creative productions like short films made in class, short films made for CMF, recorded music produced in a home or campus studio or some work that can be linked and shared with perspective companies. Experience can come from participation in student organizations like The Capstone 90.7 FM radio, Tide Talks, Beat Auburn/Beat Hunger, Creative Campus, The Black Warrior Film Festival or numerous others student organizations at the University of Alabama. Start with The Source to learn about the many opportunities for students to get involved on our campus.
How do you apply for this program?
Students must have a one page resume and two academic reference names and email addresses to apply. Applications are online and available here.
How does the C&IS IN LA schedule work with internships and classes? (full summer only)
Students typically intern either four or five days a week at one internship site or they intern at two sites for two or three days at each site. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 - 9:30 pm in a classroom at the Oakwood property. Students are required to attend class sessions, so students must arrange a schedule with their internship sites so they can leave their internship location in time to make it to class, on class meeting days. Students can be excused on occasion, if an internship requires evening attendance for a special event. Permission to miss class is on a case by case basis.
How can I meet with the professor ?
In advance of the program, student can visit the course instructor Dr. Raimist during office hours or via scheduled appointments. Students can also schedule chat meetings via Skype or Google Hangout. During the summer, the professor lives on the property near the students. She provides students with email and cell phone contact as well as apartment unit information. Students are welcomed and encouraged to make appointments to meet with the professor as often as is desired between 8 am and 9 pm.
How do I find an internship? Is one assigned to me? (for full summer program only)
Students are expected to secure an internship before arriving in Los Angeles. Dr. Raimist offers a couple of options to help students in this process: 1) She encourages students to visit C&IS Tisch Student Services who have career counselors and staff who are there to assist students in their internship search; 2) Dr. Raimist offers workshops on resumes and cover letter writing on campus; 3) Dr. Raimist meets with students in office hours and through online chats to assist in the search for internships and in application process; and 3) JCM offers classes in "Professional Development" and "Portfolios" (3 credits) to help students write and revise resumes, find internships, and draft cover letters.
It is important to note that some internships, such at the Television Academy (Emmys), notify students late and students may not hear if they are selected until late in the month of May, but that has never been a problem that Dr. Raimist and the student could not address and work through. Additionally, some companies in Los Angeles require face-to-face interviews so many students, upon their arrival in Los Angeles, opt to interview during our first week in Los Angeles. If a student is unable to secure and internship, Dr. Raimist will assist and help students secure a placement once in Los Angeles. To date, there has not been one student who hasn't been successfully placed in an internship.
Will I get a job after studying in this program?
The program will help students build their resumes, increase their experience, and build a network of industry connections. Class lectures, workshops, and assignments are designed to help students understand where to find employment opportunities and learn what employers are looking for. Students seeking employment will provide all the tools they need to succeed, if they word hard and are diligent. There have been many alumni of C&IS IN LA that have been employed directly after completing this program.
What are the courses I will be enrolled in if I am selected to participate in this program?
Students are enrolled in JCM 452 (3 credits) through the Department of Journalism and Creative Media.
How does the course credit count toward my degree program?
How these courses will be counted in DegreeWorks is dependent on your major and minor. For many C&IS students, JCM 452 can count for your three credits of JCM upper level coursework. For all UA students, the courses count as 400-level topics course.
Is there a GPA requirement for applicants?
Students must demonstrate academic rigor and that they take their academics and career seriously. A 3.0 GPA in your major coursework is encouraged, but students with lower overall GPAs will still be considered for this program.
What does a successful applicant look like for this program?
For one summer term only: Students who have a passion for the entertainment industry, a curiosity to learn how things work and a desire to meet industry professionals. A student should be willing to network, cold call industry professionals, have a willingness to learn new technology and work well collaboratively with other creative media, journalism and other students interested in working in a field of entertainment.
For the full summer internship term: Students must have some experience that can be shared on a one page resume to be considered for this program. Companies in Hollywood are highly competitive and look for students who have gained experience for their resume on their home campus.
Resume experience can come from on campus or local businesses. Internships and campus jobs such as working at Crimson Tide Productions, WVUA-TV, The Center for Public Television, The Digital Media Center, Multi-media Services, The Crimson White, The Office of Student Media and other units on campus that teach students how to be collaborative, work in an office or production environment and helped you build some computer or maybe technical skills.
Resume experience can also come from creative productions like short films made in class, short films made for CMF, recorded music produced in a home or campus studio or some work that can be linked and shared with perspective companies. Experience can come from participation in student organizations like The Capstone 90.7 FM radio, Tide Talks, Beat Auburn/Beat Hunger, Creative Campus, The Black Warrior Film Festival or numerous others student organizations at the University of Alabama. Start with The Source to learn about the many opportunities for students to get involved on our campus.
How do you apply for this program?
Students must have a one page resume and two academic reference names and email addresses to apply. Applications are online and available here.
How does the C&IS IN LA schedule work with internships and classes? (full summer only)
Students typically intern either four or five days a week at one internship site or they intern at two sites for two or three days at each site. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 - 9:30 pm in a classroom at the Oakwood property. Students are required to attend class sessions, so students must arrange a schedule with their internship sites so they can leave their internship location in time to make it to class, on class meeting days. Students can be excused on occasion, if an internship requires evening attendance for a special event. Permission to miss class is on a case by case basis.
How can I meet with the professor ?
In advance of the program, student can visit the course instructor Dr. Raimist during office hours or via scheduled appointments. Students can also schedule chat meetings via Skype or Google Hangout. During the summer, the professor lives on the property near the students. She provides students with email and cell phone contact as well as apartment unit information. Students are welcomed and encouraged to make appointments to meet with the professor as often as is desired between 8 am and 9 pm.
How do I find an internship? Is one assigned to me? (for full summer program only)
Students are expected to secure an internship before arriving in Los Angeles. Dr. Raimist offers a couple of options to help students in this process: 1) She encourages students to visit C&IS Tisch Student Services who have career counselors and staff who are there to assist students in their internship search; 2) Dr. Raimist offers workshops on resumes and cover letter writing on campus; 3) Dr. Raimist meets with students in office hours and through online chats to assist in the search for internships and in application process; and 3) JCM offers classes in "Professional Development" and "Portfolios" (3 credits) to help students write and revise resumes, find internships, and draft cover letters.
It is important to note that some internships, such at the Television Academy (Emmys), notify students late and students may not hear if they are selected until late in the month of May, but that has never been a problem that Dr. Raimist and the student could not address and work through. Additionally, some companies in Los Angeles require face-to-face interviews so many students, upon their arrival in Los Angeles, opt to interview during our first week in Los Angeles. If a student is unable to secure and internship, Dr. Raimist will assist and help students secure a placement once in Los Angeles. To date, there has not been one student who hasn't been successfully placed in an internship.
Will I get a job after studying in this program?
The program will help students build their resumes, increase their experience, and build a network of industry connections. Class lectures, workshops, and assignments are designed to help students understand where to find employment opportunities and learn what employers are looking for. Students seeking employment will provide all the tools they need to succeed, if they word hard and are diligent. There have been many alumni of C&IS IN LA that have been employed directly after completing this program.
| TRANSPORTATION QUESTIONS |
Why is transportation not included for students to travel to and from Los Angeles?
It is not possible for the instructor to transport the entire class in the University's 7-passenger mini van to and from Los Angeles. She is transporting computers, printers, projector, cameras, and other items needed to support course instruction. Additionally some students are not traveling from campus and will be flying from their home city, some fly using frequent flier miles, and some student drive their cars to and from Los Angeles. Transportation to and from Los Angeles is at the student's arrangement.
Why is transportation not included to and from my internship site?
While each student does contribute to the costs of transportation, this is for the required class activities. Los Angeles is a large and sprawling city and is not possible for the instructor to transport the entire class to internship locations across the city each day.
Do I need to have a car in Los Angeles?
There are certainly students who have relied heavily on personal vehicles or cars that they rent while in Los Angeles, but there have also been many who have navigated the city using public transportation and taxi type of services. And, if you are lucky enough to get an internship at Warner Brothers, The Conan O'Brien show, Warner Music Group or somewhere close to our apartments, you can walk to your internship.
Where can I rent a car? What if I am under 24 years old?
Los Angeles has several rental car companies that rent to drivers that are 21 and over. Do a little research to find a company that works best for you.
Why is transportation not included for students to travel to and from Los Angeles?
It is not possible for the instructor to transport the entire class in the University's 7-passenger mini van to and from Los Angeles. She is transporting computers, printers, projector, cameras, and other items needed to support course instruction. Additionally some students are not traveling from campus and will be flying from their home city, some fly using frequent flier miles, and some student drive their cars to and from Los Angeles. Transportation to and from Los Angeles is at the student's arrangement.
Why is transportation not included to and from my internship site?
While each student does contribute to the costs of transportation, this is for the required class activities. Los Angeles is a large and sprawling city and is not possible for the instructor to transport the entire class to internship locations across the city each day.
Do I need to have a car in Los Angeles?
There are certainly students who have relied heavily on personal vehicles or cars that they rent while in Los Angeles, but there have also been many who have navigated the city using public transportation and taxi type of services. And, if you are lucky enough to get an internship at Warner Brothers, The Conan O'Brien show, Warner Music Group or somewhere close to our apartments, you can walk to your internship.
Where can I rent a car? What if I am under 24 years old?
Los Angeles has several rental car companies that rent to drivers that are 21 and over. Do a little research to find a company that works best for you.
| HOUSING QUESTIONS |
Do I have to live with the class at The Oakwood at Toluca Hills by Avalon in Burbank?
Housing is included in the required travel costs of the course. At this time there is not a way to separate the housing costs from the other costs of the course so all students pay for an apartment at The Oakwood. A student could chose to live off-site but will have to frequently travel to the location as our class meetings are held on the property, and a student who choses to do so, will still be paying for a shared apartment space.
What are the furnishings? What is provided in my apartment?
Students share a furnished two bedroom, two bathroom unit that comes with wireless internet, cable television, a telephone with free local calls, access to two fitness rooms, two pools, two jacuzzis, basketball, volleyball and bbq pits. Each apartment has weekly cleaning service included. Each student is provided with a twin bed with luxury bedding, towels, dish-ware, cookware, and everything you need to have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable summer. The property is gated and has 24 hour security staff. See the HOUSING INFO page for more information on the property and what is provided as part of your housing costs.
Can I have my own private room?
Typically two students share a bedroom and four students share an apartment. A student can opt for their own bedroom but it will double the cost of their housing, and will need to be arranged and paid for at least 30 days in advance of move in.
Can I choose my roommates?
The professor does her best to accommodate housing requests. Students chose their roommates and the students who they share an apartment unit with.
Can my family or friends visit me and stay in the apartment in Los Angeles?
C&IS IN LOS ANGELES follows the rules and guidelines of Housing and Residential Communities at the University of Alabama. Guests may stay for up to 48 hours if and when there is agreement from all of the student's roommates.
Do I have to live with the class at The Oakwood at Toluca Hills by Avalon in Burbank?
Housing is included in the required travel costs of the course. At this time there is not a way to separate the housing costs from the other costs of the course so all students pay for an apartment at The Oakwood. A student could chose to live off-site but will have to frequently travel to the location as our class meetings are held on the property, and a student who choses to do so, will still be paying for a shared apartment space.
What are the furnishings? What is provided in my apartment?
Students share a furnished two bedroom, two bathroom unit that comes with wireless internet, cable television, a telephone with free local calls, access to two fitness rooms, two pools, two jacuzzis, basketball, volleyball and bbq pits. Each apartment has weekly cleaning service included. Each student is provided with a twin bed with luxury bedding, towels, dish-ware, cookware, and everything you need to have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable summer. The property is gated and has 24 hour security staff. See the HOUSING INFO page for more information on the property and what is provided as part of your housing costs.
Can I have my own private room?
Typically two students share a bedroom and four students share an apartment. A student can opt for their own bedroom but it will double the cost of their housing, and will need to be arranged and paid for at least 30 days in advance of move in.
Can I choose my roommates?
The professor does her best to accommodate housing requests. Students chose their roommates and the students who they share an apartment unit with.
Can my family or friends visit me and stay in the apartment in Los Angeles?
C&IS IN LOS ANGELES follows the rules and guidelines of Housing and Residential Communities at the University of Alabama. Guests may stay for up to 48 hours if and when there is agreement from all of the student's roommates.
| FINANCIAL QUESTIONS |
What scholarships are available?
The University of Alabama recommends several scholarship databases listed here. UA Student Affairs offers many scholarships including a "UA Away" Scholarships. Visit the Student Affairs Scholarship page for more information. External organizations like the Broadcast Educators Association also offer several scholarships for broadcast and media students.
Can I use financial aid or scholarships to fund the program travel fees, tuition and/or course fees?
Visit a financial aid counselor to determine if your scholarships or financial aid can be applied to your tuition and course travel fees.
Where do I pay the tuition and course travel fees?
All payments are to be made directly to the Office of Student Account Services. No payments can be accepted by the professor or the JCM Department.
If I withdraw from the course will I be refunded?
Tuition is refunded as allowable by university policy. Course travel fees are refundable up to the start of the term less the amount of those fees already incurred by the university.
What scholarships are available?
The University of Alabama recommends several scholarship databases listed here. UA Student Affairs offers many scholarships including a "UA Away" Scholarships. Visit the Student Affairs Scholarship page for more information. External organizations like the Broadcast Educators Association also offer several scholarships for broadcast and media students.
Can I use financial aid or scholarships to fund the program travel fees, tuition and/or course fees?
Visit a financial aid counselor to determine if your scholarships or financial aid can be applied to your tuition and course travel fees.
Where do I pay the tuition and course travel fees?
All payments are to be made directly to the Office of Student Account Services. No payments can be accepted by the professor or the JCM Department.
If I withdraw from the course will I be refunded?
Tuition is refunded as allowable by university policy. Course travel fees are refundable up to the start of the term less the amount of those fees already incurred by the university.
