Mickey’s coming to NIU to recruit for college.

For the first time at NIU, the Walt Disney World College Program is looking for undergraduate students who are seriously interested in learning what Disney has to offer, said Marilyn Smith, Liberal Arts and Sciences coordinator for the Cooperative Education Program.

On Oct. 21, Disney representative Leslie Morgan will be in the Capitol Room at the Holmes Student Center at 10 a.m. with a presentation on what to expect from this program. She will be conducting spring interviews only, Smith said.

The program gives students the opportunity to combine actual classroom experience with real-life situations, she said. Students also will have a chance to see first-hand how leisure activity is run.

Although possible, the Disney program is not done for the money itself but for the experience as a whole, she said. In addition, students interact with other college students from all over the world.

The learning experience consists of 30 hours of instruction. Students may choose one of four curricula, Smith said. In a weekly seminar, students will learn the operating practices and have a chance to give presentations to the higher organizations at Disney.

The work experience allows college students to become a part of the Walt Disney World cast, she said. Although no management positions are offered, it provides a variety of job opportunities, she said.

Students must work a minimum of 30 hours each week, Smith said. Participants will share apartments, she said. Rent, which includes utilities and transportation, will be paid by weekly payroll deduction, she said.

Disney wants people to realize this is not something that comes regularly, Smith said. “If people don’t come, Disney won’t be back. We’re very eager to have a good showing, or they’ll discontinue their tour.”

The Walt Disney World College Program is only offered by the Florida site and can be done in one semester, she said.

The program is available year-round but only open to all majors in the spring and fall, she said. Because too many students are interested in the summer, majors are limited.

Academic credit might be recognized if the student goes through the proper channels of the respective major, Smith said.

Students interested in being a part of the Disney or getting more information can contact Marilyn Smith at 753-7199.