Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What criteria do I need to meet to complete an internship?
A: Sophomores, juniors and seniors with a 2.5 GPA or above are eligible to complete an internship for academic credit. All students planning to do an internship must attend one of the Mandatory Orientation Meetings held each semester. At this meeting you will receive a packet of paperwork.
Q: What if my GPA is below a 2.5?
A: If your GPA is below a 2.5 you will need to seek the approval of your department chair and the dean of undergraduate education, Dr. Robert Blumenstein. Any student who is not in good academic standing (on academic probabtion) will not be permitted to do an internship for credit.
Q: What type of responsibilities should I have as an intern?
A: Internship responsibilities will vary from site to site, however you should always have a mentor or site supervisor available for guidance and direction. Responsibilities can include a combination of hands-on projects and observation. Students may be assigned to a specific project or event, participate in staff/client meetings, conduct and present research and proposals, assist with day-to-day responsibilities, participate in trainings, serve rotations throughout a department and much more. An internship should be a worthwhile learning experience filled with a variety of experiences. If you have questions regarding appropriate work tasks, please see your faculty advisor.
Q: How many hours do I need to work? (As of May 2013, the number of hours required to complete an internship for credit has been increased by 15 hours due to federal regulations. The new hours are reflected below)
A: Most internships are for three academic credits which require a minimum of 135 hours at your worksite. Six credit internships require a minimum of 270 hours. If you find that you are doing more than the 135-150 hours, you CANNOT change your credit hours to six. Whatever credits you register for at the start of the semester, is what you are eligible to receive.
Q: Will I receive a letter grade for my internship?
A: All internships are graded pass/fail.
Q: I already have an internship lined up, so how do I get credit for it?
A: Retroactive credit cannot be granted for internships, so it is important to register for academic credit in advance. Internship registration requires a completed Internship Application/Registration Form, Resume and Copy of an Offer Letter or Offer Email. Your Internship Application/Registration Form must be approved by your faculty supervisor and the director of career services before submitting them to the Registrar's Office. All students doing an internship MUST attend a Mandatory Orientation Meeting.
Q: Am I able to do an internship during the summer?
A: Yes, you are able to complete your for-credit internship during the summer months; however, you will be required to pay for the credits as you would an ACCESS class. When you do an internship during the academic year, it is considered as part of your academic year tuition. Please keep in mind that your hours will not be counted for until all initial paperwork is submitted (application, resume, and offer letter/email)!
Q: Can I complete an internship with my current employer? or I have a job, can I use that as my internship?
A: An internship may be completed with a current employer if the internship takes place in a different department, than that in which you already work, and under the direction of a different supervisor. You are unable to turn your existing job into an internship, just for the purpose of receiving academic credit.
Q: Can I work for a family member?
A: Unfortunately, no. We really would like for the student to broaden their horizons and explore an environment that is unfamiliar. It is also important for you to receive feedback from an unbiased supervisor, who does not know you already.
Q: Who is my "faculty supervisor"?
Business Department - Dr. Charles Jobs
Humanities Department - Ms. Juliene Osbourne-McKnight
Social Science Department - Varies
Performing/Fine Art Department - Varies
Computer Science/Math Department - Ms. Bonita Moyer
Philosophy/Theology Department - Varies
Biology Majors - Dr. Robert Blumenstein
Chemistry Majors - Dr. Rodger Berg
Environmental Science Majors - Dr. Joe Colosi
Sport & Exercise Science Majors- Father Douglas Burns
Please Note: Field experiences for Education, Sport Management, Physician Assistant, and Nursing majors are administered by your academic department.
Please see the Career Services Office, Dooling 121, for additional information.
|
