MBU Internship Guidelines and Best Practices-Fall 2020

Recognizing the importance of safety for our students and the employers we partner with in this uncertain climate, whilst also acknowledging the importance of internship experiences to students’ preparation for post-graduation success, students can pursue in-person internships, but our he Vantage Point strongly recommends that students prioritize remote options, and we expect students to abide by local recommendations/requirements regarding social distancing and stay-at-home orders in their internship locations. The academic portion of the internship, i.e. the credits for which a student registers, should also be done remotely. This guidance applies to internships taken for 287 and 387 and for internships that are supported by college scholarships/funding (i.e. Executive Internship).

Whether the internship is remote or in-person will depend on a variety of factors, including:

• Health and safety restrictions particular to the geographic location of the internship
• Whether it is feasible to undertake the internship remotely
• Whether the internship site requires that the internship experience occur through a particular modality (e.g. online, in-person, remote)

As we all know, conditions throughout the country are changing rapidly and will continue to do so throughout the coming months. Students may begin an internship remotely, and be able to switch to an in-person experience later in the semester, or need to change an in-person internship to a remote experience. Our office suggests that both of these actions be allowed with academic supervisor approval.  As a reminder, the start and end dates for Fall internships are flexible within the August 24th-December 9th window, provided students have the hours of internship experience required per credit and have completed the internship application form in collaboration with their academic advisor. This flexibility allows students to begin an internship later in the fall if opportunities arise that are not currently available.

Health and safety concerns are, of course, paramount. Our office recommends that all internships occur remotely where possible. However, the decision about whether or not to engage in an in-person internship will be that of the student and the on-site internship sponsor. The following statement must be included in all Internship Applications/Learning Contracts signed by the student, academic advisor, and employer supervisor- prior to beginning the internship, even if the internship is expected to be conducted remotely:

“If this internship includes in-person components, the student agrees to observe COVID-19 guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), including the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and all other health and safety protocols as required by the employer and by local, state, or federal regulations.”

All Fall 2020 internship documentation including internship course syllabi and internship contracts should include a statement recommending remote internships, and noting that abiding by health and safety guidelines is required. 

The guidance in this memo does not apply to required internships/practica that are part of degree or licensure requirements. Those experiences should be presented to Deans for approval, in consultation with the Provost, including the necessity of in-person components to meet degree/licensure requirements, health and safety protocols to be followed, and concrete plans for how required internships will be completed if in-person work is halted due to changing local conditions.