CESSRST-1 (2016) |  CREST (2011)

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Phase I – PRE-NERTO

Home > Resource Center > NERTO > Phase I – PRE-NERTO
Must be completed within 90 days of the student signing the LoU

Steps 1 – 3: 

The Center Distinguish Research Scientist (DRS), Student’s Faculty Advisor, the Center’s Research Coordinator and the student must identify a NOAA Mentor to host the student during their NERTO.

To facilitate this process:

  • Provide the potential NOAA Mentor with a one-page Graduate Research Synopsis. (It could be different than the NERTO Research Synopsis, which is required before the NERTO training begins.)
  • Determine a proposed start and end date of the NERTO internship. Allow eight weeks for the NOAA badging, access, and vetting process (including Federal Security Clearance) before finalizing the start and end date.
  • Decide on the location (s) for the NERTO. The NERTO must be for 12 continuous weeks. It can involve more than one NOAA facility.
  • Determine/confirm the official NOAA Mentor. The mentor must be a NOAA-Federal employee. A NOAA contractor (Affiliate) can be a co-mentor. Submit their name to the Management Information System (MIS)
  • Ensure the NOAA Mentor (or Mentors) signs the NOAA Mentoring Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
  • View a Sample MOU
  • Download the MOU Template (MS Word)

 

Must be completed 6 months before the NERTO internship takes place

Steps 4 and 5:

 

 

Must be completed 4-5 months before the NERTO internship takes place

Step 6

  • The SSIO is reviewed and approved by the NOAA Program Office, which then notifies the Center Leadership.
  • The Center Leadership shares the SSIO with the Student and the Advisors.
  • The NERTO Intern/Student and Faculty Advisor in coordination with the NERTO Mentor and the Center DRS creates a 12-week NERTO Work Plan. The Research Coordinator can assist with questions and concerns.
  • Download the Work Plan Template(MS Word)

Steps 7 and 8

  • The student then submits the 12-week work plan, along with a cover letter, resume, copy of their latest transcript to the Research Coordinator, at cessrst@ccny.cuny.edu, for the Center review, and work on any suggestions. The Research Coordinator will forward the complete package to the center Director upon approval.
  • The Center Director then shares the application package with NOAA EPP.
  • During Step 8, the Administrative Coordinator will reach out to the Fellow to begin the fingerprint and security clearance process:
    • Fingerprints: To access NOAA Federal facilities, Fellows need to obtain fingerprints to apply for security clearance. They should locate a nearby precinct, or an approved location, to have their fingerprints taken on two FD-258 cards. (Sample Fingerprint form).
    • Security Clearance: Fellows are required to get in touch with their NERTO mentor to find out who is in charge of facilitating their onboarding at the NOAA facility. After identifying the appropriate contact person (typically a security officer), Fellows need to submit the fingerprint cards, security clearance form, and any additional necessary documents to obtain security clearance. Upon receiving security clearance, Fellows will be issued a NOAA badge, to access the facility, and a NOAA email address.

Step 9

  • The Work Plan is administratively reviewed by the NOAA EPP Program Office, who may send questions to the Center Director. The Center Director assigns the DRS/Research Coordinator to work with the Fellow to address NOAA concerns and resubmit the application, if needed.
  • Additionally, during this step, the Administrative Coordinator will reach out to the Fellow about budget planning. Fellows should begin to calculate long distance transportation and food costs, as well as explore housing and local transportation options at this time, noting their plans in the Budget Form.

Steps 10-13

  • NOAA EPP accepts the application and shares the Work Plan with the NERTO mentor. The NERTO mentor issues a NERTO Offer Letter and sends it to the NOAA EPP Office.
  • NOAA EPP Office then shares the NERTO award letter with the Center leadership to be shared with the student and their advisor.
  • The student writes an acceptance letter in response to the NERTO award and shares it with the Research Coordinator at cessrst@ccny.cuny.edu.
  • The Center Director then shares the NERTO acceptance letter package with the NOAA Program office.
  • The NERTO administrative process is completed at this stage, and the student can make travel arrangements to initiate the NERTO training.
  • Download the Acceptance Letter Template(MS Word)
  • Download NERTO Offer Letter Template (MS Word)

Steps 14 and 15

  • The fellow should be in the final stages of the logistic planning, with assistance from the NOAA mentor, Administrative Coordinator, and Center Finance Specialist
  • This includes submitting fingerprints from the local police precinct, as indicated on the NOAA hosting lab/office application form/card.
  • Once the Budget Form has been complete, it should be submitted to the CESSRST Budget Office, at cessrstpayments@ccny.cuny.edu, for approval. After the budget form has been approved, the Fellow must submit a Travel Requisition Form, then may begin arranging travel advances and other logistics.
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