Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about being a RARE participant are listed below. Please use the list of questions below to "jump" to a specific topic, or simply scroll through the listings
Who administers RARE, and how is it funded?
RARE is administered through the University of Oregon’s Community Service Center. RARE is currently supported through grants from the Coporation for National & Community Service (AmeriCorps), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Federal Emergency Management Agency, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Oregon Department of Transportation, and other agencies. In addition, each participating community provides $19,000 of the approximately $32,000 needed to place, train and support a full-time RARE participant.
Do I have a choice in the community I serve?
Yes. All placements are mutual decisions between the participant, community and RARE staff. Once participants are accepted in RARE they have the opportunity to interview with three communities. Those interviews will take place the week of July 27, 2009.
What are the benefits of participating in RARE?
1. Living Stipend/Monthly: $1,500.00
2. Medical Insurance
3. Educational Award: At the successful completion of 11 months (1,700 hours) of service, RARE participants may be eligible to receive an educational award of $4,725. (Educational Awards are dependent on grant funding. Check back for updates).
4. Nine Graduate Credits: Each RARE Participant will be eligible for 9 graduate credits from the University of Oregon’s Community and Regional Planning Program. (Credits apply directly to the Community and Regional Planning Masters Program. Other university programs may or may not accept the credits).
5. In-state Tuition: If a participant is moving to Oregon, after the successful completion of their service they may be eligible for in-state tuition.
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What are the commitments of the participant?
A full-time RARE participant commits to completing 11 months (1,700 hours) of community service. Participants are required to attend an on-campus orientation at the beginning of their placements, as well as regular trainings and meetings conducted by RARE during their placements.
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How does the application and selection process work?
Completed Participant Application Packets must be submitted for late September placement. RARE staff will review completed applications and identify potential participants. Interviews (in person or by telephone) are conducted and a pool of potential members is selected. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance in the RARE Program, and, if accepted, will be given community position descriptions. Following discussions with RARE staff, participants will have the opportunity to interview with three communities. Communities and participants then indicate their top choices to the RARE staff who make every effort to match both the community’s and the participant’s first or second preference. All placements are mutual decisions made by community supervisor, participant and RARE staff. We cannot ensure that every participant who interviews will find an appropriate placement.
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Do I have to be a student at the University of Oregon to participate in RARE?
No. RARE participants are not required to be students at the time they submit their application.
All RARE applicants must have a bachelor's degree.
RARE participants are not students at the University of Oregon. The participants live throughout Oregon in rural communities working an average of 40 hours a week. This obligation to the RARE Program makes it unrealistic to be a student at the same time as being a RARE participant.
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Are there other requirements I should be aware of?
Yes. RARE participants are required to be either U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents. In addition, you will need to demonstrate six months applied community experience as well as coursework or equivalent experience in three or more of the following areas: planning or statistical analysis, planning or economic theory, project management, community or economic development, environmental planning, geographic information systems and grantwriting. You should also be proficient in Windows based computer applications.
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If I am thinking of further education, should I participate in RARE before, during or after graduate school?
The RARE Program is flexible. The timing of graduate school and participation in RARE is dependent upon the needs of the individual. In some cases, RARE staff may recommend that applicants take additional coursework to increase skills prior to participating in RARE.
Potential RARE participants should have an interest in the planning and community development field.
Most of our participants come to the program with their bachelor's degree and one to two years of work experience. Upon the completion of the RARE Program a number of the participants return to school to obtain a masters degree.
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If I participate in RARE before graduate school, will I qualify for in-state tuition in Oregon?
You MAY be eligible for in-state tuition but we cannot guarantee it. All residency decisions are made by University Admissions offices and are decided on a case by case basis. In the past, RARE participants have been granted residency. If you have questions, please contact us at 541-346-2879.
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Will I receive training?
Yes. Prior to and during placement, participants attend an orientation and training session that provides them with many of the basic skills needed for a successful placement. In addition, participants attend trainings and meetings throughout the year to increase their skills and to share their experiences.
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What technical support does RARE provide?
The RARE staff provides technical assistance and on-going supervision to participants, including regular site visits. In addition, participants have access to other faculty who work with the RARE Program at the University of Oregon, and provide technical advice and project support to participants as needed.
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Who determines the participant’s work program?
All communities submit a preliminary work program as part of their application process. Upon placement, the participant and his/her supervisor work together to develop a more detailed work program based in part on the skills and interests of the participant. The RARE staff also reviews and helps refine participants’ work programs.
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What about housing and transportation?
Participants in the RARE Program are responsible for finding housing. As much as possible, the RARE Program and the community sponsor will assist participants by providing leads and contacts. Because participants are typically placed in rural communities they are required to have a reliable vehicle.
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What if I have more questions?
For more information, please contact us at:
RARE Opportunities
1209 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR,
97403-1209
Phone (541) 346-2879
Fax (541) 346-2040
e-mail
rare@uoregon.edu
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