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CAC:  Frequently Asked Questions

The 2008 CAC program seems different from past years.  Is that true?

Yes, the program is different in a number of ways. 

 - the main field-trip/public-education activity will be independent of the video and zoo-speaker portions of the program. 

 - the trip and public education service at the INWR are more tightly compartmentalized and thus more manageable than in past years.

 - there is a $500 stipend for participants this year.

Basically, it is the sweetest CAC deal ever. 

Question:  Free?!! The CAC travel is free!!??  How can this be?

Yes, the entire trip is free of costs from the point of view of the student.  All expenses are paid -- even food. 

Of course, it is not really free.  A lot of money will actually be spent.  But it will be spent from the PCDP award, not by the student. 

There are only two things that will cost CAC students money:

1.  Any needed clothing purchases.  Each student is responsible for his/her own clothing, and some specialty items will be expected that may require some purchases.  These items include warm, water-proof hiking boots, a durable rain suit, and other items of clothing suitable for overland travel in rugged areas.

2.  Souvenir purchases.  That's all the student's responsibility.

Question:  How can this be?

There is an implicit exchange here.  The student gets a free trip.  In exchange, the student is obliged to put in time with the CAC public outreach program later in the summer. 

Of course, this is a win-win situation.  The trip is a great experience for the CAC student.  And the public service is also itself a great experience for the CAC student. 

Moreover, the win-win situation extends even farther.  The people who participate in our program benefit from the information we provide.  The Iroquois Nat'l Wildlife Refuge also benefits because we add programming to their schedule.  Even the college benefits, from the high profile that we provide.  

So what is the downside?

The only downside is the time commitment.  The CAC trip takes up the entire Spring break, and then CAC duties take five weeks during the summer.   

Time is the issue.  If you are doing this, you are not doing something else. 

Question:  What precisely will be the required duties for CAC this year?

Each student will be expected to make 24 presentations at the INWR.  This will mean working five days per week for five weeks.  This will occur from May 12, 2008 to June 13, 2008.

In addition, each CAC student will be expected to contribute the content for six web pages that will be focus on different bird species.

Question:  There is a stipend? 

Yes.  Each CAC student will receive $500 after they have completed their INWR presentations and web pages. 

Question:  I am not from Western New York and I do not ordinarily stay in the Buffalo area during the summer.  Will it be possible for me to participate?

CAC participation requires a presence during the May 12 - June 13 time period.  After that, a presence in WNY is not be required.  Work on our CAC web pages can be conducted from home.

Question:  Can I participate if I am a senior?

Yes, no problem.  However, please note that the scheduled INWR presentations will conflict with many of the activities scheduled for "senior week."  The CAC presentations must take priority. 

Question:  Can I participate if I am a graduate student at Canisius?

Yes, no problem.  All the same rules and expectations apply

How/when can I apply for the paid speaker positions at the Buffalo Zoo and/or at Marineland?

There will be a separate announcement about this once the details are worked out with those institutions.  In the meanwhile, you can send DrN a short email saying you might be interested.

How/when can I learn more about future CAC video productions?

If interested, meet with DrN about this.