
Earlham Internship Policies Resource for Employers
In order to receive credit at Earlham College, a student’s internship experience must meet the following criteria:
- Takes place at an established organization, non-profit, agency, business, etc. (Internships should generally not be conducted at a student’s family-owned business, but may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis)
- Includes meaningful, project-based work that focuses on developing skills, knowledge, and abilities applicable to future employment opportunities
- Includes a supervisor with weekly check-in meetings (including virtual meetings, for remote internships) to discuss progress toward work, review internship goals, and write a final evaluation
- Provides a way for Earlham College staff to communicate with the internship supervisor (email or phone) and a method of translation if the supervisor cannot communicate in English
- Takes place in a country that is currently in a U.S. State Department travel advisory level of 1 or 2
Additionally, involved parties must agree to the following responsibilities:
Responsibilities of the Student:
- Commit to start and end dates and fulfill all duties and requirements of the position
- Learn, understand, and adhere to all relevant organizational policies and procedures of the internship site
- Complete all required assignments/evaluations as required for internship credit
- Notify Earlham of any problems/difficulties that arise at the internship site or in relation to the internship program
- Maintain a high standard of professional behavior while acting as a representative of Earlham College
Responsibilities of the Internship Site:
- Encourage and support the learning/skill development aspects of the student’s internship, including assisting the student with assignments required by the College as appropriate
- Designate a professional staff person/employee to serve as a supervisor to help orient the student to the organization, assist in the development of goals and objectives, confer regularly with the student, and monitor the progress of the intern
- Provide adequate supervision for the intern and assign duties that are progressive, challenging and related to the intern’s goals
- Make available any equipment, supplies, and space necessary for the student to perform his/her duties
- Provide a safe working environment and space for the intern to complete necessary work functions
- Agree not to displace regular employees with students functioning in internship roles (as required by U.S. labor law)
- Notify the Associate Director of Employer Relations of any changes in the intern’s work status, schedule, or performance
- Provide a written evaluation of the intern’s performance (Form to be provided by Earlham College)
- Communicate relevant policies/standards of the internship site to the student
Responsibilities of Earlham College:
- Encourage the student intern’s productive contribution to the overall mission of the internship site
- Certify the intern’s academic eligibility to participate in an internship
- Establish guidelines and standards for the conduct of students enrolled in the internship program
- Communicate with the internship site to provide clarification of Earlham College policies and procedures, as needed
- Inform students prior to the internship of their personal responsibilities in regards to the internship