University Expectations

To qualify as an academic internship, the university has certain expectations of the employer, the quality of work and the work environment. These expectations generally result in a better quality experience for the employer as well.

• The internship experience is professional in nature, requiring the student to apply appropriate higher level thinking, application of skills and professional performance standards.
• The work environment is supportive and positive, free from harassment, negative connotations and discrimination.
• The student’s supervisor, or another professional in the organization, serves as a professional role model and mentor for the student. The mentor develops a relationship with the student that goes beyond the usual worker-employee relationship to one that offers enrichment opportunities beyond the specific job parameters as appropriate.
• The supervisor will work with the student directly should corrective action need to be taken for any reason. Standard procedures applied to regular employees should be engaged to correct inappropriate behavior or substandard performance. The employer will notify the university in such occasions so the university can also support the student in their professional development and performance.
• The employer will notify the university as soon as practical should any serious concerns develop or emergency situation occur.
• The employer will provide honest feedback to the student throughout the internship and complete an evaluation for the university at the close of the internship.

It should be remembered that this is a university accredited learning environment and experience as well as a value added employee for the workplace.

The Internship Process

After you have selected your intern, the student will prepare a Learning Agreement form. This is the outline for the learning that will take place during the internship. This form is signed by the student, their faculty sponsor, their internship supervisor at the workplace, and an academic administrator. Since the employer reviews and signs this document, be sure you are comfortable with the information and expectations that are outlined there. If you have any reservations at all, talk with the student and make revisions to the form so you are completely comfortable with all aspects of it. You should keep a copy of it and refer to it from time to time to be sure the student’s performance and involvement is fulfilling the objectives that were established. The student also should be monitoring his/her activities to be sure they are on track to fulfilling the objectives of the internship.

All of the academic requirements are the responsibility of the student. The faculty sponsor may contact you at some point during the internship to be sure everything is going well. At the end of the internship period, you may receive an evaluation form that will ask you to provide some feedback on the student’s performance and how well the internship program served your needs.

The university also asks you to review and sign a Statement of Understanding, an agreement between the internship organization and the institution. You should receive this document early in the internship term. The Statement of Understanding is valid for two years, so you may have a student each term during that period without signing this agreement. We monitor these agreements and will contact you when the agreement is near its expiration, inviting you to renew it.

We sincerely hope your internship experience with PLU students is very positive and that each intern adds value to your organization and helps to achieve your mission. Please contact the university, the Internship Office or the academic department at any time with questions or concerns.

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