Embedded Files
Summer 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
SOTC has been welcoming interns to Cleveland and Northeast Ohio (NEO) for over nearly two decades. Please see below for important information and answers to common questions about our immersive summer program.
SOTC PROGRAMMING - EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
SOTC staff with alumnae/i volunteer support organizes a series of 40+ events and activities to enhance your summer and showcase the Cleveland region. Our team and volunteers will do whatever we can to provide quality programming through mostly in-person events/activities. We ask that student participants be engaged partners throughout the summer.
Events are planned with your interests in mind and include meetings with civic leaders, cultural, social, and community service offerings, as well as career explorations with young professionals and alumni. Since you’re working during the day, events are scheduled during evenings and weekends. While a handful of events are required, most are optional, and ALL are interesting! We expect each intern will attend the 5 required events and at least ten (10) additional events for a total of 15+ over the course of the summer.
What happens if I do not attend all of the 5 required and/or 10+ additional events?
Participation in the SOTC immersion program is required as part of the program expectations. If you are unable or unwilling to participate fully then you should not have applied for an SOTC internship and should contact SOTC staff immediately to make necessary arrangements for withdrawal from the internship and program. It is in everyone’s best interest that neither of these scenarios occur. There are a large number of stakeholders involved to provide paid, meaningful internships, housing and programming to our partner school students. Many of these stakeholders have invested funding, time or resources to set you up for success as an SOTC student. They include your school administration, Northeast Ohio alumni hosts, Board members and volunteers, employers, foundations, corporate sponsors, individual contributors and more. While you may not be removed from the program for lack of participation certain stakeholders would need to be notified including school administration, hosts and alumni BOD representatives so that further action may be taken under consideration. Let’s not go there! Every year we hear from students that initially were not sure they would enjoy NEO and/or the program experience but ended up embracing and enjoying their time in SOTC through the activities, professional connections and friendships made!
Alumni Ambassadors
Alumni Ambassadors
You will be partnered with an adult alumni ambassador for the summer, with the intent that the ambassador becomes a resource regarding life after college and the possibility of a future in Cleveland. Since the ambassador is an alumnus/alumna of your specific school, we have found that the relationship often continues beyond the summer experience. You’ll find it’s a great way to stay connected to NEO news and opportunities when you’re back at school or onto the next part of your life. For their part, the alumni enjoy the connection to current life on campus at their Alma mater.
Some events will be arranged for students and ambassadors together, but many ambassadors coordinate more frequent interaction, like a biweekly lunch. It is up to you and the host to work together to maximize this experience.
Who are the sponsors of the Summer on the Cuyahoga (SOTC) program?
The Summer on the Cuyahoga program is a collaborative effort among local alumni of eleven schools. The programs are supported primarily by volunteer time and monetary contributions from alumni of the respective schools. Additional support comes from the schools themselves, family, community and corporate foundations as well as participating employers. Many individuals and organizations contribute towards this opportunity!
ABOUT YOUR STAY & AMENITIES
What’s provided in the dorm? What’s the building and space like?
The dorms include a minimum of two bathrooms per suite, a kitchen, building common/study areas and free laundry services onsite. The suites are air conditioned. Each suite has complimentary Wi-Fi access, cable access, refrigerator, stove, sink and microwave. Dishes/utensils and TV’s are not included. You may wish to bring your own – we will intro you to your suitemates prior to move-in to coordinate if sharing kitchen resources. More amenities/info:
FREE laundry room in the building!
Guest WIFI – no need for login
Trash room (and trash chute on upper floors)
Housekeeping once a week for all spaces outside of suites (this does not mean set your trash out; use chutes)
Access to the turf field and track right next to the building
Everyone has 1 desk, chair, dresser, and full-sized bed (bring sheets or rent from CWRU)
Couch and coffee table in the shared space
Bar and bar stools at the kitchen
All cable access will be live, but no TVs provided (bring your own hookups/cords if using)
There is a piano located on the second floor
There is a cable/tv hookup in main lobby for group movie viewing or gaming (bring your own hookups/cords)
Our building is dedicated primarily to SOTC housing only
There are 6 charcoal grills in the outdoor commons area next door
Click here to view details on House 1
All residence halls are non-smoking. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas away from the building. **NO PETS OF ANY KIND ALLOWED. **
Other notes:
For those being dropped off or who will need to unload their car – there is a private drive behind the building and a metered lot.
The campus does not offer meal plans at campus dining halls for non-students but may accept cash/card if you choose to eat at one that is open.
We have arranged with the CWRU athletic facilities team for any interested student to purchase a discounted monthly membership for $21/mo. (approximate) Access will be coordinated through Access Services on campus via your CWRU issued Housing ID card. On or after June 3rd, please stop by the Veale Center front desk between 7 am to 8 pm and say you are there to purchase a University Sponsored Guest membership. The Veale Center staff will direct you to the Issue Room to purchase. They accept cash, credit, or check. After purchasing your membership, a photo ID, along with your Housing ID will be required to enter the facilities. Reminder: membership fee of $21 / month or $42 for the SOTC program dates. If you get any pushback please let them know this arrangement was approved by Jeff Kingery, Assistant Athletic Director. Access should include The Wyant Athletic and Wellness Center (just outside our building at the end of the track/football field) and Veale Center.
How do I receive mail?
Amazon Lockers are available on campus. For all other mail/packages:
(Guest name)
SOTC - Guest Housing
11451 Juniper Road
Cleveland, OH 44106
**You will pick up mail/packages from Wade Commons office. If sending something early please contact Eric/Tanya about having delivered to one of us. You may have things begin to arrive on campus during last week of May.
The North Residential Area Office in Wade Commons is open 7 days a week from 8am - Midnight (even weekends!). If you will be arriving outside of those hours, please notify an SOTC staff member and contact David Brown with CWRU in advance for separate arrangements (dmb56@case.edu or 216-368-3890). They have on-call staff to assist as needed.
Wade Commons Regular Hours Numbers: 216.368.1026 and 216-368-1010
After Hours: 216.333.7978 (after midnight arrivals; emergencies only)
Locked out after hours? Call (216) 333-7978.
What is the neighborhood like? Lively!
CWRU is located in an area with shops, restaurants and attractions closer to University Circle. The Coffee House (spacious, locally owned, great bites) is a quick walk away down Juniper as well. Just down 115th towards University Circle you will find several eateries and a mini grocery. Once you arrive our team will let you know where larger, less-expensive grocery stores are located. University Circle and CWRU both offer a free shuttle service to some of these locations for students including non-CWRU students residing on campus during the summer. More info is in the following links:
There are several resources on the UC website including places of worship for those seeking one away from your own school or home: https://www.universitycircle.org/destinations/places-of-worship
Will I have access to campus facilities?
Campus facilities including gymnasiums are generally available to summer visitors but there is usually a fee to visiting students. There are also outside facilities nearby including Orangetheory.
May I extend my Internship Experience?
Upon arrangements with the employer and approval of SOTC, students may extend their 9-week internship. For those students utilizing SOTC sponsored housing: You may have the ability to pay a daily rate for dates not covered by SOTC if arriving earlier than your scheduled move-in date. For those with internships that extend into August, beyond the CWRU mandated move-out date, you will be invited to stay with local alumni when possible if you do not have other arrangements.
What will I do for meals?
All dorms and suites have small kitchen and full-sized refrigerators. There is access to a nearby grocery store and SOTC staff will provide advice on grocery stores and shopping centers within 10-15 min of campus. There are plenty of restaurants and coffee shops in addition to delivery options through all of the major food delivery apps. If the school will offer a summer meal plan to non-students we will let you know that information.
I was planning to take the LSAT this summer. Can I still do that?
Yes, there are several locations for LSAT classes and exams. You will need to make your own arrangements for this, ensuring that they do not interfere with your work schedule or other important elements of the program.
Would if I need medical attention?
In case of a medical emergency, MetroHealth, University Hospital (UH) and the Cleveland Clinic Emergency Departments are minutes away from campus. Services at all hospitals require medical insurance. If a counselor is needed during your stay, we have one to refer to students. Upon arrival and orientation SOTC will provide additional information on what to do, who to go to and how you will be supported should you become ill.
Cleveland Weather
Summers in Cleveland can get hot and sometimes humid (expect low- to mid-80s Fahrenheit much of the summer with occasional spikes in the 90s Fahrenheit), but many of your offices will feel quite chilly with air conditioning. The dormitory is air conditioned.
RTA Information:
RTA passes are available at 50% discount for those using RTA for work, the prices listed below already reflect that discount.
Monthly: $47.50
Weekly: $12.50
Daily: $2.50
You can pay via Venmo (@summeronthecuyahoga) or in cash. Please coordinate pick-ups with Livie or Nafeh.
Need a place to submit anonymous feedback? Clink the link below
Additional Questions? Please do not hesitate to reach out.
Eric McGarvey
Executive Director
Summer on the Cuyahoga
440-941-4621
emcgarvey@summeronthecuyahoga.com
INternship faqs webinar
INternship faqs webinar
The password is: 5m9uW$hm
Page updated
Report abuse