Executive Fellowship Mentors

The Executive Fellowship Program seeks professionals in the Executive Branch to mentor Executive Fellows from November 27, 2007 through August 15, 2008.

The Executive Fellowship Program

The Executive Fellowship Program is jointly sponsored by the Governor’s Office and the Center for California Studies at CSUS. The goal of the program is to provide Fellows with an experiential learning opportunity in California state government and public policy making. The program aims to instill an appreciation for public service, develop future public leaders and provide a valuable resource to the state of California. Fellows are granted dual status as CSUS graduate students and temporary CSUS employees, but work full-time as professional staff in the Executive Branch. They receive a monthly stipend from CSUS of $1,972, health benefits and, upon successful completion of the program, 12 CSUS graduate credits in Public Policy and Administration.

Who are the Executive Fellows?

Eighteen Fellows were selected by representatives of California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) and the Office of the Governor from a highly competitive pool based on their commitment to public service, academic accomplishment and interest in serving California. The Fellows vary in their professional experience, interests, skills and academic achievements but all of them are bright, competent individuals eager to learn about public service and policy making in California. All Fellows have completed a baccalaureate degree and have professional work experience. In addition, five of the Fellows have graduate degrees. Fellows are prepared for their placements by completing an intensive five-week orientation on state government and public policy beginning October 22. Please see the attached roster for a list of the incoming Fellows and their academic achievements.

Which offices can apply for an Executive Fellow?

Any office in the Executive Branch, including Constitutional offices, agencies, departments, boards and commissions, can apply for an Executive Fellow. Placements are made at all levels of the Executive Branch depending on the preference, skill and interests of the Fellow and the preferences of prospective mentors after interviews.

Agency/Mentor Obligations

Hosting an Executive Fellow can bring a fresh perspective to the office environment, but it also entails a high level of responsibility from mentors who serve as role models and participants in the Executive Fellowship Program. At a minimum, mentors agree to:

Support the program goals and activities. Specifically:

Accommodate the Fellow’s absence from work every Friday morning for an academic seminar, 3-5 days throughout the year for field trips, professional development and/or to perform outreach for the Capital Fellows Programs;
Complete a learning agreement and written/verbal evaluations as requested;
Attend a 2-hour orientation meeting in mid-December or early January.

Provide substantive and meaningful assignments.
Provide office space, furniture, a computer and travel expenses as needed for the Fellow to perform office-related assignments.

Application Process

Submit a completed application (link below) by October 15, 2007.
Attend a two-hour placement fair on November 7 from either 10:00 a.m.-noon or 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Accommodate fellows’ requests for 20-30 minute interviews during the week of November 13-16.
Following interviews, submit your rankings confidentially to the program director.

Demand Exceeds Supply

The number of requests for an Executive Fellow always exceeds the number of Fellows. Thus, agencies often ask how to gain the attention of the Fellows when they determine their preferences. The goals, skills and interests of the Fellows vary from year to year. However, Fellows consistently indicate that the quality of the mentorship dictates the success of the placement and their experience.

	2007-2008 Important Program Dates
October 15, 2007	Deadline for “Request for Executive Fellow” applications Fax completed applications to (916) 278-5199 or email to Megan Libal, Program Assistant (mlibal@csus.edu).
October 22	Orientation begins for Executive Fellows
November 7 10:00 a.m.-noon or 1:30-3:30 p.m.	Placement Fair, Governor’s Council Room, State Capitol Mentors choose to participate in the morning or afternoon session. Mentors should be prepared to discuss the mission of their agencies and have suggested projects for prospective Fellows.
November 13-16	Placement Interviews
November 20	Placements announced
November 26	Mentor/fellow afternoon welcome reception
November 27	Fellows begin their placements
Mid Dec. or Jan.	Mentor orientation luncheon
August 15, 2008	Last day of Fellowship

Questions? contact Kolleen Ostgaard @ (916) 278-4642 or by e-mail