Program details

Frequently Asked Questions

Details include:
A Internship objectives
B Internship structure
C Responsibilities of the intern
D Responsibilities of the program coordinator
E Responsibilities of the academic advisor
F Responsibilities of the employer.

A. Internship objectives. The internship program offers student interns an opportunity to:
1. apply academic knowledge under supervised hands-on field conditions.
2. become better prepared to successfully enter the work force.
3. survey and understand the work environment, its demands and opportunities. (back to top)

B. Internship structure. The internship team; the employer, faculty advisor and program coordinator:
1. agree on both realistic learning objectives and the means to achieve them.
2. realize that intern objectives must be attainable within the work hours requested and within the academic period.
3. assure compensation is not a consideration in determining the intern's performance and final grade.
4. provide input to determine the student's final grade. (back to top)

C. Responsibilities of the intern. Interns are responsible for:
1. applying for and obtaining internship program approval (including academic course registration) no later than the last day of the term add/drop period.
2.initiating contact with the internship program coordinator and their academic advisor.
3. initiating employer contact and obtaining an employment contract signature.
4. negotiating contract terms, such as work schedules, job descriptions, that support attainment of stated learning goals and objectives (apply academic subjects in the working environment) and where appropriate, student compensation.
5. assuring, where employment already exists, internship objectives will expand current work assignments to higher levels of performance and understanding.
6. completing internship contract terms, including completion of employment work at a rate of 50 on-the-job work hours per credit requested.
7. submitting (due no later than two weeks prior to the end of the current academic period) a typed five to eight page double spaced scholarly paper (the scope and subject to be approved by your academic advisor) which will include, but not limited to:
a) discussing the degree to which original intern objectives were accomplished.
b) addressing how you accomplished your objectives.
c) identifying major lessons learned through the internship experience. (back to top)

D. Responsibilities of the program coordinator. The internship coordinator will:
1. act as the initial program contact point, consulting with the interns regarding intern objectives, requirements, processes and procedures.
2. contact the employer regarding the intern's progress toward achieving stated internship objectives. This may include a telephone interview or scheduling a short (30 minute) meeting between the employer, intern and program coordinator.
3. administer necessary program/intern paperwork to assure timely program completion and grade assignment.
4. post current job opportunities as they are presented to the department.
5. initiate post program employer evaluation letters and forms requesting intern evaluation and hours worked certification.
6. consult with academic supervisor regarding employer work assessment, intern academic papers and other factors used for intern program grades. (back to top)

E. Responsibilities of the academic advisor. The intern's academic advisor will:
1. meet with intern applicants to review and approve proposed academic goals/objectives.
2. approve the final internship paper scope and subject matter.
3. consult with the program coordinator regarding intern work issues and final grade assignments. (back to top)

F. Responsibilities of the employer. The employer agrees to:
1. develop an internship position description and assign duties/responsibilities that offer interns an opportunity to expand their current academic understanding and provide a challenging work experience.
2. evaluate the intern's on-the-job performance in achieving established internship goals and objectives.
3. evaluate how the university has prepared the intern for the work environment.
4. confirm the number of hours per week to be worked.
5. document intern completion of at least 50 hours of on-the-job work for each credit requested.
6. participate in a telephone interview or short (30 minute) meeting at the end of the internship to review intern performance. (back to top)