Academic Internships

An Academic Internship formally integrates the student’s academic study with practical experience at a collaborating and “approved” organization site. Students are enrolled to receive academic credit upon successful completion of these applied learning experiences. It is an activity designed to serve educational purposes by offering experience in an approved learning, business, non-profit, or government setting.

Faculty Guide to Arranging Academic Internships for Students

The development of community partnerships and site placements can be a lengthy process. Faculty are encouraged to begin the process at least one semester prior to course offering. Please contact the Center for Service Learning & Academic Internships for assistance.

Developing a Learning Site

Contact Stacy Becker at ((707) 826- 4963 to verify whether there is a Learning Site Agreement in place for the agency or program.

Complete the Faculty Request for New Service Learning & Academic Internship Learning Site (Information Form - Exhibit A) and then return form to Stacy Becker, NHW 139.

Learning Site Agreement must be in place before students can begin service at off-campus community sites, or on-campus auxiliary sites or the students will not be covered with general and professional liability insurance by the institution.

Required student forms

The following risk management forms are to be completed by each student. Faculty must have required forms in place before student(s) engage in their academic internship placements.

1. Academic Internship Student Learning Plan (pdf)
   This form identifies course objectives and lists contact information for all parties.
2. HSU Participation Guidelines (pdf)
   This document outlines student's rights and responsibilities. Faculty should review the participation guidelines and be prepared to discuss the information with their students.
3. HSU Student Time Log (Excel)
   Please advise students of the importance of serving only during their specific designated times at the learning site in order to be covered with professional liability insurance through the university; they must not exceed the designated times at the site.
4. Release of Liability (pdf)
   The standard HSU release of liability is now required of all students in academic internships.

Get Excel Reader

Records Retention

The instructor of record is required to retain these documents with the grade records for three years. One useful strategy is to have these forms as part of the course assignments.

Policies

Student Internships—Executive Order No. 1064 establishes guidelines for campus internship policy and procedures

University Senate Resolution on Policy on Academic Internships #22-11/12-APC

HSU Policy on Academic Internships