Internships


Scope: Who is Covered by this Policy?

All Employees, Students and Visitors


Policy

Miami University supports and encourages internship opportunities for students. The purpose of this policy is to identify the different types and features of internships available to Miami students and to set forth the responsibilities of the student, the University, and the Internship Sponsor.

It is important to remember that Miami University awards academic credit for the learning outcomes gained through the experience, rather than for the experience itself. To receive academic credit the internship must be a legitimate learning experience benefitting the student with measurable learning outcomes and not just a work experience in a degree-related field. 

Students should complete learning plans for all internships in consultation with the faculty advisor and internship supervisor.  For internships that are required as part of a degree program, the faculty should also develop a Memorandum of Understanding with the internship organization.

Although internships can be paid or unpaid, Miami University recommends students pursue paid internships.  While students may benefit from all types of internships, research shows that paid interns are more likely to gain meaningful employment upon graduation. 

TYPES OF INTERNSHIPS

  1. Extra-Curricular Internships
    1. Extra-curricular Internships are internships that are initiated by the student, are not required for the degree and do not receive academic credit. In this situation, students do not register for internship courses.
    2. Students may pursue Extra-curricular Internships during academic terms in which they are enrolled in other classes or during breaks between periods of enrollment.
    3. Extra-curricular Internships need not be related to the student’s program of study. No faculty supervision or written Learning Plan is required for an Extra-curricular Internship.
    4. Extra-curricular Internships may be paid or unpaid.
    5. The University does not participate in an Extra-curricular Internship and will not enter into an agreement with the Internship Sponsor.
    6. Students may list the Extra-curricular Internship on their resume, but it will not appear on their academic transcript.
  2. Co-curricular Internship
    1. Co-curricular Internships are not required for the student’s academic degree or major. However, because Co-curricular Internships relate to the student’s program of study (e.g., major, minor, certificate program), these internships qualify for undergraduate academic credit.
    2. Co-curricular Internships may not exceed six (6) credit hours per semester/ term. Minimum time commitments are required:
      1. 0 credits = less than 37.5 work hours
      2. 1 credit = 37.5 total work hours
      3. 2 credits = 75 total work hours
      4. 3 credits = 112.5 total work hours
      5. 4 credits = 150 total work hours
      6. 5 credits = 187.5 total work hours
      7. 6 credits = 225 total work hours
    3. Students may not earn more than six (6) credits per term or semester or ten (10) credit hours per year in internships or independent study work of any type. Co-curricular internships may not be substituted for degree requirements.
    4. Students must be enrolled and have an assigned faculty supervisor during a Co-curricular Internship. This requires that students plan for and register in an internship course (typically numbered 340, type N). When registering for the internship course, the student should adhere to the normal registration schedule and course add deadline for the semester or term in which the Co-curricular Internship is taken.
    5. Retroactive credit for an internship is not permitted.
    6. Co-curricular Internships require a written Learning Plan signed by the student, the faculty member, and the internship site supervisor. A Memorandum of Understanding is not required for Co-Curricular Internships.
    7. Co-curricular Internships may be paid or unpaid.
    8. The University requires the Internship Sponsor to execute the University’s Co-curricular Internship Agreement.
    9. Co-curricular Internship credit appears on the transcript and may be offered as credit/no credit or for a letter grade.
  3. Curricular Internship
    1. Curricular Internships are a requirement for the student’s declared degree or major.
    2. Curricular Internships must be for academic credit. Academic credit may not exceed 15 credit hours per semester or summer term. Curricular Internships during Winter Term may carry no more than three credits and are often preceded or followed by a full-semester Curricular Internship. The following minimum time commitments are required:
      1. 0 credits = less than 37.5 work hours
      2. 1 credit = 37.5 total work hours
      3. 2 credits = 75 total work hours
      4. 3 credits = 112.5 total work hours
      5. 4 credits = 150 total work hours
      6. 5 credits = 187.5 total work hours
      7. 6 credits = 225 total work hours
    3. The student must be enrolled at Miami and have assigned faculty supervision that includes ongoing communication and guidance by the responsible faculty member.
    4. A Curricular Internship must have concurrent integrated coursework and a written Learning Plan. A Curricular Internship must provide the student with appropriate education to better ensure that the student is prepared for the internship experience. This may include clinical and other hands-on training provided by Miami University.
    5. Curricular Internships may be paid or unpaid.
    6. The University requires the Internship Sponsor to have a fully executed Memorandum of Understanding with the University to provide Curricular Internships.
    7. Curricular Internship credit appears on the transcript and may be offered as credit/no credit or for a letter grade.
General Considerations for Co-curricular and Curricular Internships
  1. Minimum Eligibility Qualifications-
    1. Students must:
      1. Be in good academic standing with Miami University and have maintained at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average prior to enrolling for an internship. Individual departments/colleges or programs may require a higher GPA;
      2. Completed at least two full-time semesters with a minimum of 24 GPA hours earned at Miami (for continuing students); or completed at least 12 GPA hours earned at Miami (for transfer students);
      3. Be currently enrolled at Miami University.
    2. The department, program or internship sponsor may require a criminal record background check or a review of the student’s University disciplinary record and take that information into account when awarding internships.
  2. Expectations for Students:
    1. Before seeking a Co-curricular or Curricular Internship, students must:
      1. Read and sign the Internship Learning Plan. Internship credits will not be awarded retroactively for internship duties performed at an earlier time.
      2. Abide by the Code of Student Conduct at all times.
      3. Understand and follow the policies, procedures, rules and regulations of the Internship Sponsor.
      4. Perform the internship duties for the hours and duration specified. Failure to maintain the internship hours may result in a loss or reduction of academic credit hours, a reduced or failing grade or administrative withdrawal from the internship.
      5. Fulfill all of the academic assignments and reporting requirements of the Independent study or internship course. Failure to meet the goals of the Learning Plan may result in a loss or reduction of academic credit or a reduced or failing grade.
      6. If the internship involves research with human subjects (e.g., interviewing, collecting data) or animals, complete the appropriate Human Subjects or Animal Research Training as required.
      7. Understand the student is solely responsible for any financial obligations incurred by the student for his/her participation in the internship; this includes, but is not limited to, travel and housing arrangements.
      8. Understand the student is solely responsible for the payment of any medical care for injuries alleged to have resulted from the student’s internship experiences.
  3. Expectations for Co-curricular and Curricular Internship Sponsors
    1. Co-curricular Internship Sponsors must execute the University’s Co-curricular Internship Agreement. Curricular Internship Sponsors must have a fully executed Memorandum of Understanding with the University to provide Curricular Internships on an ongoing basis.
    2. Enter into the Internship Learning Plan with the student and the University.
    3. Internship Sponsors are expected to submit to the course instructor the Internship Final Evaluation of the student by the deadline specified by the department.
    4. Designate a full-time professional as the Internship Supervisor.
    5. Provide pertinent policies and procedures to the student before she/he begins the internship.
    6. Provide the agreed upon relevant education/training to the intern. Maintain regular communication about the student’s work activities during the internship. Any conflicts should be quickly resolved by communication among the student, instructor, and Internship Sponsor.
    7. If the internship is unpaid, maintain the intern status of the student, to be distinguished from employment status.
    8. Make individual arrangements, if agreed upon between the student and organization for any stipend or other benefit of service deemed appropriate.
    9. Notify the department of any decision to remove the student from the internship prior to the agreed upon time and provide a written report to the department specifying the reasons for terminating the internship.
    10. Ensure the student understands where and to whom the student should report any concerns regarding the internship experience including but not limited to discrimination, sexual misconduct or harassment.
    11. Internship Sponsors are expected to fully comply with all applicable state and federal laws including wage and hour laws. See, for example: https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs71.pdf
  4. Expectations for Co-curricular and Curricular Internship Faculty
    1. Ensure that the University’s Co-curricular Internship Agreement has been executed between the University and the Internship Sponsor. Ensure the Curricular Internship Sponsor has completed a fully executed Memorandum of Understanding with the University to provide Curricular Internships on an ongoing basis.
    2. Prepare, in consultation with the student and the Internship Sponsor, the Learning Plan and ensure it is signed by the student, the course instructor, and the Internship Sponsor.
    3. Document communications with the student and the Internship Sponsor regarding internship activities.
    4. Maintain regular communication about the student’s work activities during the internship. Any conflicts should be quickly resolved by communication among the student, instructor, and Internship Sponsor.
    5. Ensure that the internship experience is related to the program of study by regular interaction with the student. On-going and regular interaction with the student is an important component of the internship and is an important factor in creating the meaningful learning experience.
    6. On-site assessments are required for all Curricular Internships and are preferable for Co-curricular Internships. If personal visits are not feasible, the instructor should regularly converse with the intern electronically including skype, phone, Internet and/or e-mail.
    7. The instructor must require the student to report on a regular basis throughout the internship. These reports should include internship experience and progress on Learning Plan objectives, and discussion of any difficulties with the internship.
    8. Obtain the Internship Sponsor’s site supervisor’s completed Internship Evaluation.
    9. Assign the appropriate credit hours and grade for the Internship.
    10. Ensure that the student understands where and to whom the student should report any concerns regarding the internship experience, including but not limited to discrimination, sexual misconduct or harassment.
  5. Expectations for Internships Outside of the United States
    1. Global Initiatives staff are available to advise students on internships outside of the United States.
    2. Students taking an internship for academic credit outside of the United States must register in the Miami University Independent Travel Program system at least 30 days prior to departure. Students engaging in extra-curricular internships may register in the system.
    3. Registration requires enrollment in Miami University’s international travel supplemental health and safety insurance plan and in the S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Students will also be expected to provide documentation regarding housing, transportation, and emergency contact information.
    4. Faculty should consult with Global Initiatives prior to approving an internship in a country listed on the S. Department of State Travel Advisory List.
    5. It is the responsibility of the student to understand and abide by visa requirements and labor laws relevant to engaging in an internship in the host country.

Related Form(s)

Not applicable.


Additional Resources and Procedures

Not applicable.


FAQ

Not applicable.


Policy Administration

Next Review Date

7/1/2023

Responsible Officers

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Legal Authority

FLSA

Compliance Policy

No

Recent Revision History

New Policy July 2019

Reference ID(s)

N/A

Reviewing Bodies

  • Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
  • University Senate