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), Governors State University (GSU), Moraine Valley Community College (MVCC), Morton College, Prairie State College, Olive Harvey College and UPS.

Q. What does the CRCP do?
A. The CRCP provides an opportunity for students to earn their college degree while minimizing debt. This program produces educated and qualified individuals ready to fill the employment needs of the area and be productive members of the community.

Are any new partners being added to the CRCP?
A.Governors State University joins the CRCP as of August 2008. Students may participate in the CRCP through GSU to pursue a career certificate, bachelor's or master's degree that is not available through Chicago State University.

Back to Top

Q. When are students admitted to the CRCP?
A. Program enrollment follows an academic calendar. Students are admitted several weeks in advance of the fall, spring and summer terms at our academic institutions. Students are expected to begin work several weeks prior to the start of the academic term in order to become acclimated to the job.

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. The CRCP was established to provide an educational opportunity for Illinois residents. 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, Governors State University, Moraine Valley Community College, Morton College, Olive Harvey College or Prairie State College in good academic standing. Students 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.

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 and includes 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.

Back to Top

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 awarded.

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.

Back to Top

Q. What types of courses or degree programs are covered?
A. All courses or degree programs offering undergraduate or graduate college credits will be covered at CSU, MVCC, Morton College, and Prairie State College. Exceptions at Olive Harvey College and GSU are CDL courses and degree programs that are available through CSU, respectively.

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. 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. Is there housing available on campus?
A. Yes, students enrolled in the CRCP (regardless of the school they attend) 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.

Back to Top

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.

Back to Top

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.

Back to Top

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 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. 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. The Executive Director determines decisions on CRCP issues, however, decisions pertaining to employment at UPS are determined by UPS managers and supervisors.

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 copies (over 10 pages) must be paid for by the student at $0.10 per single-side page. Requests for information will be honored within 30 days.