Site Supervisors

The student who is earning academic credit for the internship experience is expected to meet certain requirements.

• The student is expected to work no fewer than 9-12 hours of work per week (Fall/Spring) or 126-168 hours per semester (Fall/Spring/Summer) are required for each course unit earned.

• No family member may serve as on-site internship supervisor.

• The student will be required to complete an academic project to be defined and evaluated by a faculty sponsor or department internship coordinator. Most internships are taken on a pass-fail basis however, those required by the student’s major are assigned grades. The grade will be based on the academic project and the site supervisor’s evaluation and will be determined by the faculty sponsor or department internship coordinator.

• A written evaluation by the site supervisor will be required at the end of the internship. In addition, a mid-term evaluation is recommended to provide a basis for assessing the student's development during the internship. Evaluation forms will be sent to you by the faculty sponsor.

• Faculty Contact: At the beginning of the internship, the faculty sponsor or department internship coordinator will initiate contact with you to define the student's responsibilities during the internship.

• Written learning contract: The College encourages the student to write a learning contract in cooperation with the site supervisor and the faculty sponsor or department internship coordinator. This document will allow the three individuals to reach agreement on the form and substance of the internship and on the performance criteria. Be specific about the work results you expect of the intern. Plan ahead for a mutually beneficial experience. Even if a learning contract is not required by the faculty sponsor or department internship coordinator, you are encouraged to require one of the intern. The Learning Contract can be found here.

• Communication: Open communication among you, the faculty sponsor and the student is critical to a positive experience. The student will meet with the faculty sponsor a minimum of three times during the semester. Likewise, the faculty sponsor will contact you at the beginning, midpoint and end of the semester for your feedback on how the internship is progressing.

  • Please do not hesitate to initiate a call to the faculty sponsor during the semester. Checking in with news of your intern’s activities is welcome. Similarly, concerns or problems sometimes arise. You are encouraged to contact the faculty sponsor immediately to discuss your observations, no matter how small the issue. Early communication can prevent minor concerns from escalating into major problems.

• Professionalism: The greatest benefit to the student is when you treat the student as you do your professional employees. Site supervisor and all employees are expected to refrain from engaging in an inappropriate personal relationship with student interns.

• Students with disabilities: Students with disabilities have access to internships under the same guidelines and criteria established for all students and are expected to fulfill the same standards and requirements. When a student discloses a disability and the need for accommodations, the Office of Disability Services and the faculty sponsor or internship coordinator will provide guidance to the student and the site supervisor regarding accommodations, auxiliary aids and services. The Office of Disability Services is committed to working with identified students, faculty instructors and site supervisors in developing and implementing the most appropriate strategies for a positive and successful internship experience.

Just as you would provide orientation for a new employee, you should familiarize the intern with the in’s and out’s of your organization and help him/her acclimate to their new work environment. Many students are unfamiliar with the activities, environment, and objectives of business and industry; a thorough orientation can help with this. The sooner your student-interns understand what your organization does and how it operates, the sooner they can assume their assigned responsibilities and become active and productive in your company.

Prior to the start of the internship:

• Establish and agree upon the start date, end date, and work hours/schedule. Adhere to the agreed upon hours and dates as closely as possible. During the internship, changes in scheduling should be discussed in advance.

• If the student is completing the internship for academic credit, complete all necessary paperwork and evaluations.

• Set up an organized workspace for the intern; set up phone, computer, email and any other resources necessary for the intern to fulfill the responsibilities discussed.

• Establish expectations regarding the organizational dress code.

• Review employer expectations and job description; outline work expectations for the duration of the internship.

• Review and discuss the mission of the organization and how the intern fits into that role.

Within the first two weeks of the internship:

• Provide a tour of the facility and introduce the intern to other employees.

• Provide an overview of the company culture.

• Further discuss the position description and specific task/project details.

• Discuss absences, such as how and when to notify the supervisor (provide phone numbers).

• Discuss timesheets, including proper completion and deadlines, time off and overtime rules (if applicable).

• Explain the use of equipment such as phones/making long-distance calls, computer, copier, fax machine, supplies/forms.

• Provide intern with organization chart and a contact list of key personnel (supervisor, IT, HR, etc.).

• Review company policies and safety/emergency policies—students should be made aware of your company’s sexual harassment policy.

• Establish project timeframes and expectations on how to complete projects.

• Review procedures for payment and reimbursement of travel expenses (if applicable).

• Outline opportunities to network within the organization.

How can you provide this information?

• Give your intern company materials to read such as newsletters, annual reports, organization charts, etc.

• Encourage your intern to spend breaks and lunchtimes in places where employees gather.

• Schedule regular one-to-one meetings with the intern.

• Give the intern opportunities to observe or participate in professional meetings.

• Allow the intern to interview company personnel to learn more about their position/role.