Fellowship Terms and Conditions

Experience has demonstrated the wisdom of a clear statement about the responsibilities assumed by Congressional Fellows. Those responsibilities are as follows:

• PARTICIPATION. Fellows are expected to participate full-time during the entire nine months of the fellowship. During this time, they may not incur any outside obligations which might interfere with attending the orientation and other program activities.

• PUBLICATION. Fellows have a clear obligation to sustain the integrity of the Congressional Fellowship Program on Capitol Hill. Therefore, any manuscripts prepared by Fellows out of the fellowship experience and destined for publication during the fellowship year must be cleared by the Program Director to ensure the protection of participating congressional offices.

• CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. The Congressional Fellowship Program is nonpolitical and professional, and Fellows are expected to choose congressional assignments for their educational value rather than their political value.

• ASSIGNMENTS. No Fellow may make a commitment to serving on a Senate or House office or committee staff prior to: (a) a group discussion of the procedure for choosing offices, and (b) full opportunity for every Fellow to have an equal chance in securing a position.

• FEES & HONORARIA. Fellows may not receive pay for serving in congressional offices during the course of their fellowship. They also may not hold any paid position (including speaking engagements) that will interfere with their full participation in the Program or pose a conflict of interest with their status as congressional staff.

• STANDARDS OF CONDUCT. Once hired as members of congressional staff, Fellows are expected to conform to the same professional standards as paid staff members. However, Fellows are not required to perform the same functions nor keep the same schedule as paid staff.

• ENRICHMENT. Fellows have a continuing obligation to participate fully in enrichment aspects of the Program. Fellows are asked to enter into an understanding with their Members which will enable them to receive the highest possible educational benefit from their activities as legislative assistants. Offices should understand that Fellows may occasionally be called from office during the workday.

• EVALUATIONS. Fellows are expected to make reports on their House and Senate office assignments, to write a detailed evaluation of their orientation at the beginning of the fellowship as well as their experience at the end of the fellowship, and to submit their recommendations for improving the Program. APSA reserves the right to refuse the final stipend check should Fellows fail to submit evaluations by the end-of-the-year Closing Reception.

• TRAVEL POLICY. Political Scientist, Journalist, and APSA-MCI Fellows will be reimbursed for the cost of tourist class transportation to and from one congressional district, for a duration of no longer than five days. Auto travel will be reimbursed at the rate of 50.5 cents per mile, up to an equivalent of the lowest fare available by commercial carrier. Total reimbursement for the district trip will not exceed $750.00, and receipts must be submitted with all expense statements with an itemized cover letter. No transportation expenses are paid for families. For more information on CFP Travel Policy, click here.

• HOUSING. The Association cannot take responsibility for securing housing for Fellows, though the staff will be happy to offer suggestions.