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, Olive-Harvey College, Prairie State College, and Richard J. Daley College UPS.

Q. What does the CRCP do?
A. The CRCP provides students with supplemental financial assistance as the pursue their college degrees or career certificates. This program produces educated and qualified individuals ready to fill the employment needs of the area and be productive members of the community.

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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.

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. 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 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. Your CRCP educational allowance will be suspended for the current semester. If you are still able to meet the 12 credit hour requirement within the current year, you will have an opportunity to reapply for benefits for the next semester.

Q. What is an academic year?
A. An academic year is defined as the fall, spring, and summer semesters in that order the next full academic year. 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.

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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 your tuition benefit will cover the remainder up to UPS limits.

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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, GSU, MVCC, Morton College, Olive-Harvey College, Prairie State College and Richard J. Daley College.

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.

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 will be deferred to the end of the semester after your grades are verified. The tuition benefit will only be applied to courses that you pass (awarded credit). You will not be required to pay these expenses when registering for classes.

Transportation and Educational Allowance
Q. What is the transportation assistance benefit?
A. The transportation benefit provides all students with a monthly Pace bus pass. This benefit is accrued during the month and paid at the end of each month.

Q. Are there any requirements for using the $300 or $500 educational allowance?
A. No. We realize that college expenses extend beyond tuition and books. This allowance is unrestricted so that you may use it to offset any expenses of your choosing.

Q. When would I receive the educational allowance?
A. The $300 or $500 educational allowance is earned and then paid at the beginning of the following month.

Q. How do I qualify for the $500 Veteran's allowance?
A. You must have served combat duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and been honorably discharged.

Q. What do I need to provide as proof?
A. You will need to provide a copy of your DD214 form when you sign your Student agreement for the monthly educational allowance.

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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. 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, email notice will be given for any substantive changes to the program.