Internship in the College of Arts and Sciences includes the following components:
At least three parties – student, faculty mentor, and site supervisor – with no conflicts of interest between the student and the site supervisor. For example, a student cannot report directly to a close friend or family member.
Academic credit awarded for satisfactory completion of academic assignments, determined by the faculty mentor, and satisfactory completion of onsite work (minimum of 40 onsite hours for one (1) semester hour credit). Credits greater than one (1) semester hour require commensurate increases in academic and onsite work.
Specific guidelines determined by each of the academic departments, consistent with principles in this document.
A registration process requiring a copy of the syllabus and signatures of the faculty mentor, student, and department chair.
Approval of the learning experience offered at the internship site prior to registration for the course and according to these guidelines.
Communicating the department’s internship guidelines and expectations to the site supervisor.
A faculty mentor in the academic department whose disciplinary knowledge is relevant to the internship experience and who is well-informed about teaching and learning in internships.
A syllabus that includes:
student preparation (e.g., professional ethics and conduct, confidentiality, diversity, etc.)
a clear plan for ongoing student-faculty contact.
assignments requiring integration/application of disciplinary learning and student reflection.
expected student learning outcomes, informed and guided by the learning goals of the specific academic discipline/program.
methods of assessing student learning.
required number of onsite work hours.
number of semester hour credits.
Faculty mentoring throughout the experience that includes:
Contact with the site supervisor prior to the beginning of the internship to ensure the quality of the onsite experience
The initiation of a student learning plan signed by all parties. The learning plan is generally developed by the student in collaboration with the onsite supervisor and is specific to the learning opportunities provided in the internship setting.
Regular and frequent student contact.
Feedback to students throughout the process.
Regular contact with site supervisor to monitor the student’s performance and experience in the organization. (Recommended minimum of two contacts per semester.)