HECUA is an acronym for Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs. It is pronounced HECK-YOU-AHH.
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What does the name HECUA mean? How is it pronounced?
Who are HECUA programs for? Who's the perfect fit?
HECUA programs are for any undergraduate student who wants to add life to their diploma by participating in an experiential, academic program that’s challenging, fun, inspiring, and non-traditional. HECUA strives to empower students by equipping them with knowledge, practical skills, commitment, courage and hope!
All off-campus programs are interdisciplinary and combine theories and readings from economics, education, English, environmental studies, conflict resolution, humanities and cultural studies, history, justice and peace studies, philosophy, political science, scientific research, sociology, and other fields. Students don’t just learn about the world with HECUA, they discover their place in it.
Who are HECUA Faculty and Staff?
HECUA faculty members are conscientious people who don’t just teach social responsibility, they live it through their own scholarship and community involvement. They not only have a great deal of respect from their peers in their respective fields of expertise, but are well received in the local/urban communities with which we work.
Visit HECUA's Staff and Faculty page for bios and CV’s.
What does HECUA do to ensure student safety?
The safety of our students is of paramount importance. HECUA has an exemplary record of over 30 years of experience in providing safe, high quality, and successful off-campus programming. We actively monitor conditions and any new or perceived safety issues at all of our program sites by communicating with in-country program faculty, relying on the US State Department travel advisories, and reviewing relevant news sources in the US and abroad.
If program changes must be made to a HECUA program, a wide variety of alternatives will be considered. In the past we have changed site locations, made alternative travel schedules, or postponed a start date. In extreme situations we have closed program sites for the semester. If we are forced to cancel a program, we always work with each individual student to connect with an alternative study-abroad program provider.
If a safety issue arises while our students are in-country, we always abide by the
State Department recommendations for lockdown or alternatively, evacuation, depending on the situation. We also connect with the US Embassy to seek asylum if the circumstance calls for this action.
All students traveling abroad with HECUA are covered by Seven Corners inc., Medical Insurance. Our plan provides up to $250,000 worth of coverage for each student. Seven Corners provides 24 hours of support services 7 days a week in all the countries we operate programs. To learn about exclusions to the Seven Corners coverage plan, or to learn more about the plan in general, please contact HECUA Student Services office at [email protected] or (651) 287-3319.
How do I find out about the application process, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, program fees and other general program information?
For students enrolled at one of HECUA's member schools, details pertaining to application deadlines, eligibility, campus allies, etc. can be found on the campus-specific information page. Also, each consortium-member campus has its own recruiter (or student advisor) available to answer any questions, provide assistance or direct you to the appropriate offices.
For students from other schools, please call HECUA toll-free at 1-800-554-1089 to be connected with a HECUA Recruitment Associate who can work through each question directly with you.
Can students participate in a HECUA program even if their institution is not a "member school"?
Of course! Any student can do our programs—though, member schools pay a reduced program fee. For more information on student enrollment from non-member schools, contact HECUA’s Recruitment Staff at (800) 554-1089 or [email protected]
Can students take courses at his/her home university while enrolled full-time in a domestic HECUA program?
Taking extra courses is a possibility if you attend a college in the Twin Cities, but we strongly discourage this idea. HECUA programs are intense and very time consuming. It’s a full-time commitment— class work and an internship combined have students busy five days a week. Students often find that with the heavy workload, it is extremely difficult to take additional classes outside of HECUA. Even so, certain students have successfully taken a night or weekend class in addition to their HECUA coursework.
Can students work during a domestic HECUA semester-long program?
Yes, it would be unrealistic to assume that students would not work during the semester, but bear in mind HECUA courses are vey time consuming. If students do work during the week, scheduling conflicts cannot arise between HECUA classes and a work schedule. In addition to balancing two days of class, homework, and other commitments, students spend approximately 15-20 hours at their internship site per week. Also, certain programs may occasionally require events in the evening, presenting scheduling conflicts for students. In a week, not including hours necessary for homework, we ask that students commit around 36 hours to the HECUA experience. However, all course components are detailed extensively in your syllabus prior to the semester. If you take a few moments to review possible conflicts and plan accordingly, you should easily be able to undertake both ventures.
Does HECUA offer any scholarships?
Yes! HECUA distributes three distinctive scholarships to students applying or enrolled in HECUA programs. They are:
- Scholarship for Racial Justice ($4,000)
- Scholarship for Social Justice ($1,500)
- Scholarship for Community Engagement ($750 for semester-long programs, and $250 for short-term programs)
2012 marks the year HECUA is distributing a brand new scholarship. The Scholarship for Racial Justice is a concrete commitment to undoing institutionalized racism in higher education. This is available to students of color who are currently enrolled at a HECUA member school. Four $4,000 scholarships are awarded each year.
The second HECUA scholarship, the Scholarship for Social Justice, has been earmarked for first generation college students, students from low-income families, and/or students of color. During the academic year, two $1,500 scholarships—generally one per semester—are awarded to students in the targeted groups who are enrolling in HECUA semester programs.
Approximately three Scholarships for Community Engagement for $750 are distributed each semester to students who have worked for social change and whose future goals will be strengthened by a HECUA semester program. A few smaller awards in the amount of $250 are awarded to students participating in January-term or summer short-term programs. The same application process applies to both scholarship quantities.
More information, including eligibility and application requirements can be found on HECUA's scholarship information page.
Can students enroll in just part of a HECUA program?
HECUA programs are not served á la carte-- they’re all parts of an integrated whole. We offer full-time, holistic programs that combine classroom work and experiential components like internships, fieldwork, and study projects. The theories explored in the classroom are connected to the experiential components in the program. Students wouldn’t fully benefit from the HECUA experience if only introduced to sections of the program.
Besides the program fee, what other expenses should students be prepared for?
To see a breakdown of tuition or an idea of extra expenses please download our Program Fee Breakdown from the General Information page. In some cases the program fee does not include the reading materials, transportation to/from class or internship placement, room and board (in the case of all domestic programs), laundry, entertainment, or communication with friends and family back home.
All of our international program sites include room and board in the overall program fee. Some sites distribute a monthly stipend to purchase food or public transportation passes.
Does HECUA provide housing?
Domestic (Twin Cities, Minnesota)
We direct students to housing resources, but ultimately they are responsible for making and financing their own arrangements. Often times, students from outside of the Twin Cities area live with friends or family members for the semester or have a month-by-month lease. HECUA does provide basic resources and support to students in search of housing. Contact HECUA’s Student Services at (651) 287-3319.
International
Housing is always included in the overall tuition cost for participation and varies depending on the program site. In most cases students stay in a dorm-like setting within a University setting, yet some sites have home-stays, which are arranged for a deeper connection to the community and culture. Visit the program specific pages to learn more about housing arranged for HECUA’s individual sites.
How large are the class sizes?
HECUA classes are relatively small, which is conducive for learning and relationship building among program faculty, staff, and classmates. Our intimate class setting of 15-20 students makes it feasible to get individual attention and assistance from faculty; plus, it’s the perfect size for group discussions and projects. January programs, which have increased in popularity over the past few years, have surpassed over 20 students per course, but have never been above 25.
Each HECUA location/program has a student capacity. These numbers are developed considering field excursions, transportation, group projects, available housing, and internship sites. In recent years, program popularity has increased. Please contact HECUA’s recruitment department to learn if space is still available.
What schools are represented in the classroom? Who will I study with?
Currently, 18 colleges, universities and associations have membership with HECUA. Please visit our Consortium Member page for a list of current HECUA member colleges. Program participation is heavy from within our consortium, which is made up mostly of colleges and universities from within Minnesota. However, any student from any school, nationwide, can participate in HECUA programs. The peer group is diverse and dynamic consisting of students with varying majors from many different schools around the country.
Do students get college credit by participating in a HECUA program?
Yes! HECUA programs are approved for academic credit. Most students fulfill General Education requirements by doing a HECUA program, but many students receive major/minor credit as well. For non-member students interested in learning more about receiving approval for HECUA programs, note that syllabi for all HECUA programs are posted online if you need to negotiate for credit with your academic advisor and/or registrar. For more information please contact HECUA’s recruitment staff at 1-800-554-1089 or [email protected].
What's the process for finding an internship placement?
Most HECUA semester programs have an internship component that is integral and integrated into the experiential learning model. The internship work ideally compliments the class readings, discussions, and field experiences and is selected based on student interests, work history, and academic needs within our community partnerships.
Domestic (Twin Cities, Minnesota)
HECUA’s Manager of Internships and Community Partnerships, based in the St. Paul office, works with Metro Urban Studies Term, City Arts, Writing for Social Change, and Environmental Sustainability students to find the best internship placement and also provides programmatic support throughout the semester.
Prior to selecting a site, students visit the HECUA office to review organizational opportunities and project proposals. Two sites are selected at which the student interviews. A match must be determined by both parties (the Site Supervisor and Interviewee) before solidifying the partnership.
International
Prior to travel and participation in an international study-abroad program, there is quite a bit of information gathering. Detailed surveys are conducted to learn more about student interests and internship goals. Once students are on site, the program director facilitates the placement process and provides internship support throughout the semester.
What are a few examples of nonprofits/community organizations that host interns?
HECUA continually builds new partnerships with community organizations; hence, the internship list grows from semester to semester. A list of past internship sites can be found on each program page. We have over 400 placements available worldwide. HECUA creates internship placements that best meet students’ learning goals and professional interests.
Do HECUA programs have any language requirements?
Our semester-long Ecuador program, Community Internships in Latin America, is the only program that has a language requirement. To be eligible for participation, students must have the equivalent of two years [four semesters] of college Spanish and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 for these courses. All lectures and assigned readings are in Spanish, and students are required to comfortably communicate with people in the community. The entire program is performed in Spanish therefore students must have a working knowledge of the language. While language instruction isn’t provided as part of the program, students can participate in an optional tutoring group when they arrive in Ecuador if they feel they lack the necessary vocabulary.
No other HECUA program has a language requirement. However, Norwegian language courses are offered through the University of Oslo. HECUA recognizes this course for credit.
Where do classes take place? Where is the HECUA classroom?
HECUA programs take place both in and out of the traditional classroom.
Domestic (Twin Cities, Minnesota)
For our domestic programs, the Twin Cities quite literally serve as the HECUA classroom. All four semester-long domestic programs meet at organizations in St. Paul or Minneapolis, near main public transportation lines. Other local sites for our domestic semester-long programs include Dreamland Arts (Hamline Ave.), MN Textile Center (University Ave.), and the Institute on Agriculture and Trade Policy (First Ave.). Although HECUA classrooms are central gathering places for the programs twice a week, much of the students’ time will be spent taking part in field study, visiting community partners, and working at internship sites.
International
For our international programs, classes can and do take place at our partner organizations/ universities: Independent University Bangladesh – Bangladesh; Institute of Ecuadorian Studies – Ecuador; University of Oslo – Norway; University of Ulster – N. Ireland. Like with domestic programs, it’s common to have classes convene at local organizations in the community. The HECUA program model is the same across the board whereby students meet in and out of the classroom. Visiting local sites, meeting with community members, and working at an internship placement make up the majority of the week.
Do students experience culture shock while participating in HECUA programs?
Everyone deals with transition differently. While on any HECUA program, students may experience culture shock. Being aware of the many conflicting feelings and emotions students experience while abroad can help you understand the cultural adjustment process. Culture shock is real. It can display itself in both psychological and physiological ways.
International
Travelers often start with feelings of excitement and euphoria; these feelings eventually wear off and feelings of depression and anxiety may arise. Eventually the severity of the emotional roller coaster ride evens out and students learn how to adapt and live in a new setting.
There is not a “one size fits all” approach to dealing with culture shock. To cope with transitions abroad, we suggest: keep a sense of humor, write in a journal, communicate with loved ones (but don’t overcommunicate), or talk to the program director and classmates—chances are high that others are also struggling with adapting to a new culture.
Domestic (Twin Cities, Minnesota)
Depending on the individual, students can also experience high levels of emotional conflict while on our domestic programs. Even though a student may be living at home, these feelings of shock can stem from intense community immersions and experiences that leave the heart and senses stunned. If these feelings should arise in students we encourage them to be openly communicative with fellow students and HECUA teaching faculty.
How are grades from my HECUA program transferred to my school?
If you’re a student from a HECUA member institution, your grade report will be sent directly to your school. Grades from your grade report will be transferred and applied to your official academic transcript according to your institution’s policies. Depending on which office makes such determinations, further questions should be directed either to the off-campus studies office or the Registrar’s office at your school.
If you’re a student from a school outside HECUA’s consortium, your grade report will be sent to Hamline University. Hamline acts as HECUA’s school of record for non-consortium students, temporarily granting institutional credit for your HECUA program so that credits can be easily transferred from Hamline to your school. Further questions regarding credit transfers or grade policies should be directed either to the off-campus studies office or the Registrar’s office at your school.
Why haven't I received my HECUA grades yet?
HECUA policy requires that you have completed the following two obligations before your grades can be released to your school:
1. You have completed all required course evaluations
2. Your account balance with HECUA is paid in full
If you have not fulfilled both the above obligations, your grades will not be released to your school. If you have questions about course evaluations, please contact HECUA’s director of programs Sarah Pradt. For matters relating to your HECUA account balance, contact director of operations Pat Mulvihill.
HECUA typically receives grades 10 days after a course is completed (although this varies greatly among our short-term programs). Grade reports will then be sent to academic institutions within one week of receipt of grades. If you’re a student from a school outside HECUA’s consortium, please allow more time for processing your transcript at Hamline University.
If you or others at your school have any questions regarding grades, please contact student services associate Phil Romine.
I'm applying to graduate school and need a HECUA grade report. How do I get one and what will it cost?
While most HECUA courses will appear as credits from your home institution on your official academic transcript, many graduate programs require documentation from any off-campus study program. HECUA is happy to provide you with as many grade reports as needed for graduate school application purposes. You should contact student services associate Phil Romine to request grade reports.
There is no cost to you for requesting a grade report.
I loved my HECUA experience! How can I stay involved?
After programs are completed, we hope students continue to live their HECUA experience and continue to work for social change. We also hope students, now alumni, continue to be involved with HECUA and help us build a community of socially conscious citizens. At the very least, join the Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs (HECUA) Facebook page.
