Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for MCH Students

What is a deployment? 

We frequently respond to requests, and seek out opportunities, for MCH graduate students to be deployed to a state agency or nonprofit. The student works directly with a masters-level professional to assist the organization or agency with a time-limited project. The student receives a scholarship from the Center, which is paid bi-weekly to the student through the end of their deployment. See below for more information. 

What type of projects will I work on?

Deployments (1) provide students with experience working in an MCH or public health agency or organization, (2) build the capacity of the organization or agency that students are deployed to and (3) support  organizations/agencies providing programs ​​that serve and support ​maternal and child health ​populations​, especially vulnerable​ populations​.

Projects might include program or policy development, data gathering and analysis, or health promotion, all of which would make ideal learning opportunities for students while helping your agency or organization with its important work. We’ve deployed students to help the MN Prison Doula Project create a pregnancy guide for incarcerated women, review WIC data and communicate about cancer topics.

Learn what prior MCH students have worked on by combing through their many Student Spotlight reflections. 

What are the benefits of a deployment to the student?

There are many! During their deployment, MCH trainees work to fine-tune and develop the competencies MCH professionals need in order to work with MCH populations. A MCH leader inspires and brings people together to achieve sustainable results to improve the lives of the MCH population; in order to accomplish this, MCH leaders need excellent project management skills to ensure services and programs are running smoothly and efficiently. A deployment will help build or hone the skills needed to communicate effectively, and plan, organize and prioritize projects, all of which will benefit the MCH populations students serve.

Students will create a solid foundation for building key skills that employers in every sector are looking for; among them, the ability to (1) communicate effectively and (2) plan, organize and prioritize projects. The MCH populations students serve will depend on these skills, which complement the MCH theories, concepts, and history students learn about in the classroom.

Finally, these positions help students build their MCH network, all while gaining practical experiences.

What are the requirements for Center-funded students?

• Students will contribute to a Student Spotlight feature 
• Students must participate in the MCH Emerging Leaders Skills Institute
  
• Center deployments are restricted to those currently enrolled for a minimum of 3 credits in the MCH Program at the time of their deployment
• Students may need to fill out paperwork required by the agency or organization they’re deployed to
• Students cannot use positions to teach or fill TA appointments
• Students cannot hold multiple Center-funded positions (with the exception of MCHIG executive committee and other time-limited positions)
• Students receiving support from Center funds (provided through HRSA) must be a citizen of the US or a foreign national having in their possession a visa permitting permanent residence in the United States, or a non-citizen national.

What types of deployments are offered?

• *Hybrid (Student will work mostly virtually but some time in office is expected)
• *In-person (Student will spend hours in office)
• **Virtual (Student will work 100% virtually)
• **Virtual or hybrid (Student can choose based on their needs/location)

*Students physically in the Twin Cities should apply.  **Online/Distance learners and in-person students can apply

What’s the process for getting paid?

Your deployment is contingent upon the continuing availability of work and funds for the position and on your satisfactory work performance. Pay range depends on the project, hours worked/per week, Center funding and the number of deployments offered in a given year. 

• Deployments and MCHIG executive committee member positions are University Non-Service (Job Code: 9584) internships and are compensated through a stipend.
• The pay period is 14 days in length, and you will be paid bi-weekly (every other Wednesday). Your offer letter will let you know when you  can expect your first paycheck.

How do I apply?

You will reach out directly to the supervisor listed on the job description by the deadline (last page). Supervisors will reach out directly to those students they wish to interview. Interviews will be conducted in person or over the phone. Once the position is offered and accepted, the supervisor contacts the Center director to facilitate paperwork.

Please apply only for the position that you are able to commit to and are interested in. 

If you are offered a position, please don’t leave one supervisor waiting. Please let the offering supervisor know whether you accept or not within 48 hours of the offer.

Please note that you cannot be deployed, have an RAship and a student technical support position, nor can you be deployed to multiple agencies. This allows more students to take advantage of more opportunities.

Who oversees the positions?

The day-to-day supervision, mentorship, and task management comes from the agency/organization since supervisors are the most familiar with the ins and outs of the project needs, goals and anticipated results. ​

Can I use a deployment for my applied practice experience (APEx)?

That depends. If a student would like to utilize a deployment as part of their MCH Program degree requirements, they need to have their faculty advisor approve the project to ensure that the project fits the Program requirements and objectives. 

If you’re considering a deployment for your applied practice experience, you must work with the Epidemiology and Community Health Student Services office (epichstu @ umn.edu) to confirm all requirements and arrange paperwork. We recommend checking in with Student Services well ahead of time to make sure it’s feasible, and reviewing the “applied practice” section of your MCH Program Guidebook for more information. The Center is not responsible for making these arrangements. 

Want all the important deployment and student technical support position dates and details in one place? 

Find them here.

Have an idea for a deployment?
We want to hear about it! Email mch @ umn.edu.