Have questions about the CRCP? Keep reading...

Q. What is the Chicagoland Regional College Program (CRCP)?
A. The CRCP is an academic/employment program that receives its charter from a partnership among Chicago State University (CSU), Moraine Valley Community College (MVCC), Morton College, Prairie State College, Olive-Harvey College and UPS.

Q. What does the CRCP do?
A. The CRCP is a student assistance program designed to provide an education and work experience. This program will produce educated and qualified individuals ready to fill employment needs of the area and be productive members of the community.

Q. Where are the CRCP and its partners located?
A. The CRCP office is located at 123 Market Street, Suite 200, Willow Springs, Illinois 60480, on the corner of Archer and Willow Springs Road. CSU is located on the south side of Chicago at the intersection of 95th Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive at 9501 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60628-1598. MVCC is located in the near southwest suburb of Palos Hills at 9000 College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL 60465-0937. Morton College is located at 3801 S. Central Ave. in Cicero, IL. PSC, in Chicago Heights, is located at 202 S. Halsted Street. Olive-Harvey College is located at 10001 S. Woodlawn, Chicago, IL 60628. UPS is located at One UPS Way, Hodgkins, IL 60525.

Q. Who works at the CRCP office?
A. The Executive Director of the CRCP is Dr. Genevieve Lopardo. She has extensive experience in academics, both teaching and administration. Dr. Lopardo is also supported by administrative staff, primarily located at the CRCP office, but also at each college. This talented staff of committed professionals will assist you in achieving your academic goals.

Q. How do I contact someone?
A. If you are not in the program and are interested in applying, please follow the directions below in the "How do I get started?" section.

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Q. How do I schedule an Open House?
A. There are three ways to schedule an Open House date and time:

1. Go to the Open House Registration page and complete the registration form.
2. Call our toll-free automated line, available 24 hours a day: 1-866-501-CRCP (1-866-501-2727).
3. Speak with a CRCP or UPS representative at CSU, MVCC, Morton College, Prairie State College, or Olive-Harvey College. These representatives will be available at various dates and times on campus.

Q. What happens at the Open House?
A. The Open House is an opportunity for you to receive all the information on the program and to give you an idea of what it's like to be a UPS employee. A presentation on the program will be given, and you will be provided with information about our 5 college partners. Then, if you are interested in applying to the program, you will begin the admissions process and schedule interviews for admittance into the CRCP and employment at UPS.

Q. Can I bring someone else to the Open House?
A. In order to properly plan for the Open House, all attendees must be scheduled. You may bring your parent(s), or guardian(s), or other interested person(s), however, they must also be confirmed beforehand. When you schedule an Open House, please indicate how many guests will be attending with you. Please note that persons under age 17 will not be allowed to participate in the tour.

Q. After I submit my application for the CRCP and UPS, what happens next?
A. You will be interviewed for admittance. If accepted, you will receive written notification from the CRCP. You must also be admitted and enrolled in one of the 5 educational institutions.

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Q. Are there specific age requirements for the program?
A. You must be at least 17 years old to be admitted to the CRCP. There is no age limit.

Q. Can I apply to the CRCP if I do not live in the Chicago area or in Illinois?
A. Yes, anyone can apply. However, the program pays tuition up to the in-state rate for Chicago State University. Out-of-state students will need to pay the difference between the in-state tuition rate and the out-of-state rate, for the college partner of their choice. Out-of-state applicants should contact the admissions department for tuition rates.

Q. Once I am in the program, how do I stay eligible for the program benefits?
A. You must be a student at either Chicago State University, Moraine Valley Community College, Morton College, Prairie State College or Olive-Harvey College in good academic standing, and must earn a minimum of (3) college credits per semester (fall or spring), and earn at least 12 credits per academic year. Also, you must be an active employee at UPS year round.

Q. What are the minimum credit requirements for the program?
A. You must attempt and earn a minimum of 12 credit hours per academic year. Within the academic year, you must attempt and earn a minimum of three (3) credit hours in each of the fall and the spring semesters. The summer semester is optional if you meet the minimum credit hour requirement for the year (12 credit hours) through the fall and spring semesters. For example, if a student earned nine (9) credits in the fall semester and three (3) credits in the spring semester (earning a total of 12 credits year to date), then the student may opt not to enroll in the summer semester, however, the student must still work at UPS during the summer. Under this example, the student would also receive all the other approved benefits as a qualified participant in the program.

Q. Do I have to work year-round?
A. Yes. You must remain employed and on active status at UPS in order to maintain your program benefits. You are eligible for UPS holidays and approved vacations per your benefits as a UPS employee.

Q. Can I take more than three credits per semester and 12 credits per year?
A. Yes. We strongly suggest that students take lighter class loads during their first semester in the CRCP, ideally 6-9 credit hours. Also, in order to qualify for Semester Awards, you must meet the award requirements while earning a minimum of 6 credits during the fall or spring semesters. (Please see the Academic Awards section).

Q. What happens if I drop below the minimum credits requirement?
A. You will be placed on "program probation" and be given the next semester to make up the missing credits. During the probationary semester, you must still meet the regular minimum credits requirement. Remember, you must still meet the yearly credit requirement of 12 credits. For example, if you only earned three credits in the fall semester, you must earn at least nine credits between the spring and summer semesters to remain eligible.

Q. What is an academic year?
A. An academic year is defined as the fall, spring, and summer semesters in that order. For example, a program participant may take 6 credits in the fall, 3 credits in the spring, and 3 credits in the summer semester and remain eligible for the program benefits as long as the person remains an active employee at UPS during that same time. For those students entering the program mid-year, the student must satisfy semester requirements until they enter the next full academic year beginning in a fall semester.

Q. How long do I have to work to be covered in the program?
A. You must work the duration of your signed Student Agreement to receive full program benefits. A Student Agreement term usually coincides with the academic semester.

Q. What is a Student Agreement?
A. A Student Agreement is a document describing the responsibilities under the program that you must meet to earn program benefits. Furthermore, it lists your academic goals for the semester, all the program benefits that you are eligible for, and the length of your commitment to the program.

Q. What is the purpose of a Student Agreement?
A. The Student Agreement is designed to inform participants of their responsibilities and benefits under the agreement and the consequences of not meeting those agreed upon responsibilities. This way, there is no misunderstanding between the participant and the program.

Q. What is the duration of the Student Agreement?
A. In general terms, the Student Agreement is effective for essentially one semester (fall, spring, summer) or 6 months at a time. The actual dates may vary based on academic calendars, UPS operations, and when you enter into the program.

Q. How will I know what I am responsible for under the Student Agreement?
A. During your CRCP orientation, the agreement will be reviewed with you in detail by a CRCP representative to make sure you understand your commitments and how to maintain eligibility for your benefits. Furthermore, during the semester, you are always welcome to ask questions of your CRCP Site Director.

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Q. If I receive program benefits, why do I have to apply for financial aid?
A. Financial aid is beneficial to the student by providing coverage for education-related costs in the event that the student is not able to meet the CRCP eligibility requirements during the term of the Student Agreement (approximately the length of an academic semester). Also, as a requirement of the CRCP, each student must apply for financial aid through the federal government, using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to take advantage of any available grants.

Q. What type of financial aid do I have to accept?
A. Only grant-based financial aid needs to be accepted. For example, Pell and Map Grants must be accepted. Offers of loans, such as the Stafford Loan, do not need to be taken for the program, however, the student may choose to accept the loan. The intent of the program is to assist the student in minimizing after-college debt.

Q. What happens if I apply and don't receive any financial aid?
A. You will still be covered up to the program limits. You need only to apply for financial aid and accept any grant-based financial aid received.

Q. What about scholarships and other student aid that is grant-based?
A. All scholarships and other grant-based aid (both public and private) must be applied first to your student account. Then the program will cover the remainder up to the program limits.

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Q. What is the recommended course load per semester?
A. Because you will also be working a part-time shift during the night, it is recommended that most students take 6-9 credits per academic term. This will not apply to every person and some may be able to handle more credits than others. In the first semester, some students may opt to take only 3 credits. Your school's academic advisor and CRCP Site Director will be able to assist you in your decision.

Q. How much is covered?
A. All tuition, fees, and books for courses in which credits are awarded by the school are covered up to the Chicago State University in-state, full-time undergraduate rate. This means that for a typical CSU full-time in-state undergraduate, his or her tuition, fees, and books will be completely covered. All undergraduate students and CSU graduate students will be covered up to the dollar amount that a CSU full-time in-state undergraduate student would be. Books are covered up to $1,000 per academic year and fees are covered up to $1,000; also, certain fees are not covered.

Q. What courses, fees, and books are not covered?
A. Courses which you fail or from which you withdraw will not be covered and must be paid by you to the school. Incomplete grades will be deferred until the next semester for completion at which time you must earn credit for the tuition to be covered.

Q. When does coverage begin?
A. Coverage begins when your academic term starts and during the length of the Student Agreement. To maintain coverage, you must meet the ongoing eligibility requirements and sign a new Student Agreement.

Q. How are tuition, fees, and books paid?
A. Tuition and fees will be deferred to the end of the semester until after your grades are submitted to the registrar. Remember that you will be covered for tuition and fees only for courses which you pass (awarded credit). Books will be covered either in the same way as tuition and fees or you will be provided a voucher for book purchases needed for your courses. You will not be required to pay these expenses when registering for classes.

Q. What about application fees to Chicago State, Moraine Valley, Morton College, Prairie State College or Olive-Harvey College?
A. CSU will waive the admissions application fee if you apply through the program. MVCC, Prairie State College and Olive-Harvey College do not have any application fees. The Morton College application fee is $10.00 for first-time enrollees only.

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Q. Is there housing available on campus?
A. Yes, students enrolled in the CRCP who attend CSU, MVCC, Morton College, Prairie State College or Olive-Harvey College have an opportunity to apply for residence hall living on the CSU campus prior to the start of the fall semester. The residence hall houses up to 360 students and offers several plan options, with or without meals. Contact the CSU residence hall for more information at 773.821.2411.

Q. How do I get my housing arrangement approved for the program?
A. You must fill out a CRCP Housing Approval Application and submit it to the CRCP office along with a copy of your annual lease for consideration. Neither the CRCP nor any of its partners are responsible for the execution of the tenant-landlord relationship. The CRCP is only responsible for payment under program guidelines. You must also sign a housing agreement stating your understanding of this arrangement.

Q. What types of housing are not covered?
A. Types of housing not covered include (but are not limited to) informal living or housing arrangements, people living at a parent's house, month-to-month leases, leases with relatives as landlords, mortgages and arrangements in which there is no formal and legal documentation of the rental housing relationship. Final decisions on the approval of "program-eligible" housing will be made by the CRCP.

Q. When does coverage begin?
A. A student first earns the housing benefit at the end of the first full month after their lease has been submitted and approved.

Q. How is this paid?
A. The housing benefit is accrued during the month and paid at the end of each month.

Q. What about security deposits and housing application fees from the landlord?
A. You are responsible for the security deposit and any application fees required by the landlord. Security deposits are not covered because they will be returned to you when you terminate your lease less any charges applied by the landlord. Application fees are not covered because they are not a guarantee of housing and therefore not eligible under the program.

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Semester Award:
• $500 for a minimum of six (6) credits earned with a GPA (grade point average) of 3.0 or higher for the current fall or spring semester.
• $250 for at least six (6) credits earned with a GPA (grade point average) of 2.0 - 2.9, for the current fall or spring semester.
Milestone Award:
• $600 for 30-, 60-, and 90-credits earned.
Graduation Award:
• $400 for Associate's degree.
• $1,000 for Bachelor's degree (with an Associate's degree).
• $1,400 for Baccalaureate degree (without Associate's degree).

Q. What coursework, credits, and classes are eligible for the award?
A. Coursework that is awarded college credit at the respective academic institution while in the program is eligible for the academic award. Previous credit earned prior to entering the CRCP is not eligible for academic awards.

Q. When am I eligible?
A. You are eligible beginning with the first fall or spring semester you sign a Student Agreement and meet the eligibility requirements. Summer semesters are not eligible for the Semester Award; however, the credits earned during summer semesters will accrue toward the Milestone and Graduation Awards.

Q. How is this paid?
A. The award is paid directly to the student after the grades for that academic term are final and the Student Agreement time commitment is completed. Awards are paid out after the fall, spring and summer semesters each academic year.

Q. Are previous credits earned before I become a CRCP student eligible for the Academic Award?
A. No. Only credits earned while enrolled in the program are eligible for the Academic Award. Also, to earn the Milestone or Graduation Award, the CRCP student must have earned at least 30 credits in the program.

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Q. When does coverage begin?
A. A student qualifies for the $55 dollar gas allowance or monthly bus pass at the end of their first complete month in the program.

Q. How is this paid?
A. The transportation benefit is accrued during the month and paid at the end of each month.

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Q. Are students ever expected to work longer hours?
A. Yes, as UPS employees and as the need arises, all employees are expected to be flexible and available to work longer to ensure work is completed before the shift ends. CRCP students schedule their classes with this in mind.

Q. Are there opportunities for advancement at UPS for CRCP Students?
A. Yes. CRCP students are eligible for consideration for promotion to part-time supervisor. As with any employer, promotion is based upon job performance and company needs.

Q. Do I have a further commitment to work at UPS after I graduate or leave the program?
A. No. You are only obligated to the program for the duration of the Student Agreement.

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Q. What benefits are taxable?
A. Your income from working at UPS is taxable. Your income taxes will be withheld through your payroll check from UPS. Also, the housing, academic award, and transportation benefits are taxable and you will be responsible for reporting it on your taxes. Your personal tax liability will be determined by your own tax situation.

Q. How will I be identified as a CRCP student?
A. You will receive an identification card from each of the 5 partners due to the proprietary nature of their security systems. You will, however, receive a CRCP sticker to place on your ID cards to identify you as a CRCP student and provide access to facilities and services at the other college campuses.

Q. Which policies and guidelines do I follow?
A. As a student, you are governed in all judicial and academic matters by the respective academic institution's policies and guidelines as outlined in their respective college catalog. In regards to employment policies and guidelines, you must adhere to UPS's employment policies and procedures. CRCP guidelines, including (but not limited to) eligibility, benefits, and admission into the program, are determined by the CRCP. All final decisions are solely at the discretion of the respective governing institution.

Q. How will I be notified if there are changes to the program?
A. CRCP reserves the right to make changes to program and entrance requirements with or without notice. Whenever possible, written notice will be given for any substantive changes to the program. Students should contact their CRCP campus Site Director with any questions about the program.

Q. What is the appeal process?
A. Challenges to any guideline or decision made by the CRCP may be appealed to the Executive Director. The appeal must be legibly written or typed with your name, an identification number (UPS employee number or school ID), and a detailed description of the situation. In all cases, the appeal must be made within 60 days of the situation in question. A decision will be made within 30 days and you will be notified in writing.

Q. What are the privacy guidelines of CRCP?
A. CRCP follows the guidelines of the respective institutions in regard to the privacy of student/employee information. In respect to "education records," the academic institution's guidelines comply with the 1974 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Please refer to the appropriate college catalog for more details. UPS employee information is kept confidential. All participants of CRCP must sign a release of information (as part of the Student Agreement). This information will only be used to administer the CRCP.

Q. How can I review my records?
A. Requests to review your education records must be made through your academic institution under its guidelines. Requests to review CRCP records must be made in writing. The request must be legibly written or typed and include your name, identification number, and the specific records you are requesting. Any excessive cop 10 pages) must be paid by the student at $0.10 per single-side page. Requests for information will be honored within 30 days.