Student Life and Support Services

General Regulations

Student Responsibility

Each student who accepts admission to Bethune-Cookman University also accepts the University’s standards of personal conduct (Code of Honor). The student is expected to take full advantage of the opportunities offered within formal and informal learning environments in order to learn how to make wise decisions regarding appropriate behavior, attitude, and conduct in all settings. Policies and practices governing students and student life are found in the Student Handbook, posted in the Parlin Student Center, in classrooms, and online.

On-Campus Housing

Bethune-Cookman University’s Office of Residence Life makes every effort to accommodate those students wishing to reside in on-campus housing. All room assignments are made on a firstcome, first-served basis. Students wishing to reside on campus are urged to submit the nonrefundable $200 housing fee to the Cashier’s Office (or online at www.cookman.edu/payment) in February. Students wishing to return to the residence halls in the upcoming academic year (Fall through Spring) will go through the online room selection process during the Spring term before they leave for the summer. In order to be eligible, returning students must meet the following requirements:

* Pay the $200 non-refundable housing fee
* Have no balance for the current or previous semester
* Completed a FAFSA for the upcoming school year
* Be early registered for classes

Incoming students will have an opportunity to submit their requests, online, for a room and roommate in June. Housing will be guaranteed only for students who have paid their $200 nonrefundable housing fee by the deadline set out by Admissions.

Paying the $200 non-refundable housing fee does not guarantee you a room or put you on the waitlist. You will need to go through the online room selection process on the dates provided, or contact the Office of Residence Life after you’ve paid for more instructions on receiving a room assignment or a spot on the wait-list (if housing is full at the time). If a student is on the wait-list, there is no guarantee is made that spaces will open up; it is possible that space will become available at the end of the Fall semester for the Spring term. Students should check with the Office of Residence Life in November for Spring availability.

When on-campus housing cannot be assigned to a student, it becomes the responsibility of the student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) to make all necessary legal and financial arrangements to secure off-campus housing. Bethune-Cookman University assumes no responsibility for payment of rent or lease agreements, and has no official affiliations with any off-campus apartments, houses, etc.

Off-Campus Housing

Incoming Freshman students under the age of 21 are required to live on University-provided housing, except in the following instances:

1. Married students.
2. Residents of Daytona Beach who live with their parents or a close relative.
3. On-campus housing is unavailable.

Residence Life

Residential students are under the direct supervision of the residence hall staff. Rules governing residence life are provided in the Student Handbook (available in print and online), and under the discretion of the professional staff in each specific residence hall.

Residence Life rooms are furnished with a bed, dresser, and desk; however, students may wish to personalize their rooms with their own curtains, rugs, bedspreads, and other personalized items. The items that are strictly prohibited in the rooms include air conditioners, space heaters, hot plates, and other cooking appliances. In addition to these items, students should not bring refrigerators larger than 5 cubic feet, televisions larger than 32 inches, George Foreman or other grills, toaster ovens, crock pots, deep fryers, deep freezers, and stereo systems having wattage of 50 or above. These items will be confiscated by Residence Life staff. Pets are not allowed within the residence halls. All students should bring the following items:

It is the goal and desire of each Residence Life staff member to make each student’s living and study environment as safe and comfortable as possible. In instances where a student is destructive, non-cooperative, insubordinate, disruptive, disrespectful of staff and fellow students or persistent in violating residence hall policies and procedures, the student will be given notice that he or she cannot be allowed to remain on campus. In these unfortunate instances, the student will be given a notice to remove his or her things from their room to an off-campus residence secured by the student and/or the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). Every effort will be made to notify parent(s)/guardian(s) by telephone, email, fax or letter of any such decision or action.

Community Standards

Bethune-Cookman University seeks to safeguard the integrity of all students. It is expected that individual students will refrain from participating in acts which are considered inappropriate. Students who persist in violating any of the privileges, standards, and policies of the University; who are consistently delinquent in their academic responsibilities; who continuously neglect their financial obligations; or who embarrass the University in any manner are subject to disciplinary action up to dismissal from the University. Bethune-Cookman reserves the right to dismiss students for unbecoming social conduct which brings embarrassment to the University, the student body as a whole, the student’s family, and the larger community of citizens. The possession of firearms, knives, and other items, considered as weapons by the community of reasonable  citizens, the possession and use of alcoholic beverages and narcotics, and fighting are strictly forbidden and grounds for immediate dismissal. The minimum length of disciplinary dismissals is one Semester. However, depending on the severity of the case, dismissals from the University may be permanent. In addition to the above, the University reserves the right to notify local law enforcement officials whenever any of its students have been charged with or is found responsible of a violation(s) of any civil law. The University also reserves the right to dismiss any student who has been arrested, been charged with breaking a civil law, or who has charges pending for a violation. The student may apply for readmission upon being cleared of all charges. In such cases, the student will forfeit all registration costs (Tuition and Fees) for the Semester in which he or she has been dismissed because of such conduct.

Students may be required to take the B-CU Skills Assessment Test. The Skills Assessment Test is administered to all non-exempted freshmen and transfer students at the beginning of New Student Orientation Week. Students are strongly encouraged to take the Skills Assessment Test as soon as possible on campus or at an approved remote testing facility prior to attending Spring or Fall New Student Orientation. Moreover, students may be exempted from taking the skills assessment test based on meeting B-CU’s required ACT/SAT scored and high school grade point average.

Chaplaincy Department

• Chaplaincy Department Mission Statement

Our mission is to foster the centrality of God at Bethune-Cookman University through faith based initiatives, and to promote academic excellence through scripture, reason, tradition and experience.

• Chaplaincy Department Explanation and Priorities

Our Explanation

Bethune-Cookman University is an exceptional place established on the historic foundation of the Christian faith. Our President, faculty, staff and students all represent diverse religious traditions from around the globe. As a Methodist endowed University B-CU is unapologetically Christian and anchored in the Wesleyan practice of Scripture, Reason, Tradition and Experience.

These are exciting times here at the world renowned B-CU. Our Chaplaincy Department is the first of its kind within our history and is made up of a Dean of the Chapel/ Executive Chaplain, BCU Chaplain, and now has the support of a full-time Administrative Assistant, a Chapel Advisory Team, the Presidents’ Office, faculty, staff, students and local churches. Together, we share the responsibility of coordinating God centered programs and initiatives that encourage the cultivation of faith through scholarship and service.

The Chaplaincy Department is open to serving all faith groups regardless of race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, gender or ability. We are intentional in providing compassionate care to all who desire spiritual counseling, encouragement and guidance.

Due to our historical roots in being an institution established on faith, we will encourage Godcenteredness throughout our entire university.

Our Priorities

• Improve and increase the number of student mentorships, e-learning opportunities and faith based activities for students.
• Provide students with leadership opportunities to cultivate faith, growth and development.
• Strengthen the freshmen profile to increase quality, retention and graduation.
• Promote civic engagement service activities of faculty, staff and students.
• Integrate steak-holders into University through faith-based partnerships and activities.
• Raise freshmen profile by providing opportunities that help them excel in faith-based transformative experiences.
• Educational exposure through worship services, mission trips, outreach collaborative efforts with local churches, and forums based on faith, culture, scholarship and service.

Our Activities & Partnerships Programs

Our programs and services are varied in their essence and approach.

Chapel Services are offered in the Gertrude Hotchkiss Heyn Memorial Chapel on Wednesdays at 10:20am and Worship and Communion Services are held the first Sunday of each month at 3:00pm for faculty, staff, students and community.

Additional programming includes Spiritual Emphasis Week, Spiritual Awareness conferences and celebrations, Midweek noon day prayer, Weekly Bible studies in residence halls, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Alpha Nu Omega, Delta Psi Epsilon Christian Sorority, Inc., F.A.I.T.H., The Justice Coalition, Volunteer Service Project, Book Reviews, The BCU Prayer Room in the Odessa Chambless Center for Health Equity Wellness Center, Faith Community Internships, Chaplain Assistant Program, Seminary Guided Tours and a Where Wildcats Worship prayer request text and voicemail hotline.

Student Health Services

The primary goal of Health Services is to help build a better and healthier future for all students by providing exceptional care, advocacy and support. We are committed to students’ personal wellness, the prevention of illness and disease, and their ability to remain mentally, spiritually, and socially healthy. For students with chronic diseases, we provide support with the management and control of their disease, referrals and resources if needed. Healthy lifestyle choices are promoted through health education programs such as, sexual health, nutrition and fitness. Health maintenance and a balanced lifestyle are essential for academic success. Students are encouraged to utilize the services and programs offered by a very caring and knowledgeable staff.

The Student Health Center is open from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Some of the services provided include:

• Evaluation and Treatment of Illnesses
• First Aid and Follow Up Care of Injuries
• STD Education and Referrals
• Diagnostic Services and Referrals
• Pregnancy Testing
• Education and Management of Chronic Diseases
• Over the Counter Medications

A full-time Registered Nurse and support staff are on site to assist students. If the services needed are not available, a referral with an appropriate consultant will be arranged. The health and wellbeing of students is the number one priority.

Student Organizations

Any student who seeks membership in fraternities, sororities, clubs, and other organized groups that are recognized and approved by the University for Students Participation and membership must meet the minimum scholastic standards as set forth by the University before approval and admission into such organizations. For students having met the minimum requirements set forth for participation, the University encourages participation in:

1. Honor Societies

Bethune-Cookman University is an institutional member of the National Collegiate Honors Council, the Southern Regional Honors Council, the National Honors Association, and the Association of College Honor Societies.

Honor Societies are those in which memberships are determined on the basis of merit and achievement. The following honor societies are available at the University:

The following honor societies are available at the University:
Alpha Chi Honor Society (all disciplines)
Alpha Phi Sigma (criminal justice)
Alpha Kappa Delta (International Sociology Honor Society)
Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society (all disciplines)
Alpha Mu Gamma Honor Society (modern languages)
Alpha Sigma Lambda (nontraditional adult students)
Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society
Eta Sigma Delta (International Hospitality Management Honor Society)
Golden Key International Honour Society (all disciplines)
Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society (education)
Lambda Pi Eta National Communications Honor Society
Phi Beta Lambda Business Fraternity
Pi Gamma Mu (National Honor Society of Social Sciences)
Pi Sigma Alpha (National Political Science Honor Society)
Psi Chi National Honor Society (psychology)
Sigma Upsilon Nu (science, engineering, and mathematics)
Sigma Alpha Pi (The National Society of Leadership and Success)
Sigma Iota Rho (Honor Society for International Studies)
Sigma Tau Delta (International English Honor Society)
Theta Alpha Kappa (National Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology)

2. General Organizations

Clubs, activities, and organizations in which membership is not restricted because of a declared major within a particular department are considered general organizations. Participation in these groups is voluntary. These programs may be national or local in scope.

1. The Student Government Association at Bethune-Cookman University is the student governing body in matters pertaining to the common interests of all currently enrolled students.
2. Student Activities Board (SAB) is to develop and create programs, while working towards the mission of Bethune-Cookman University, involve students, alumni, faculty, and staff in the university to provide a premier education for its students through programming.
3. Voice of the Wildcat newspaper is the University’s student run monthly publication. It reports on activities of individual students, student organizations and, in general, the university community, especially as it relates to and impacts students.
4. The B-Cean is the University’s annual yearbook. Students are encouraged to respond to calls to have their pictures included in each issue and student organizations are urged to schedule group photo shoots for inclusion. Students also have opportunities to contribute artwork, articles, photos, etc. to the publication.
5. University-wide performing groups include the (a) marching, stage, and concert bands, (b) Concert Chorale, (c) Tra-Co-Dram - The Mary McLeod Bethune Players, (d) Orchesis Dance Ensemble, (e) Inspirational Gospel Choir, and (f) Cheerleaders.

3. Major Area Clubs

Major area clubs are organizations designed to give students an opportunity to interpret the broader educational implications of their chosen fields of study while helping them gain important professional perspectives. Some major area clubs are affiliated with national organizations.

4. Religious Organizations

The Religious Life Fellowship (RLF) is an organization charged with the responsibility of assisting the Dean of the Chapel and the Chaplin / Director of Religious Life in coordinating religious activities on campus, to increase communication between all of the religious life organizations, and to provide opportunities for fellowship to promote religious unity. Its composition is that of both students and faculty - staff members who represent a cross section of denominations and faiths.

5. Fraternal Organizations

Fraternal organizations are international Greek letter organizations that have chapters on the campus of Bethune-Cookman University:

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Tau Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Beta Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Delta Alpha Chapter
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Beta Chi Chapter
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Theta Chapter
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Omicron Epsilon Chapter
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Beta Upsilon Chapter
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Beta Eta Chapter
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Mu Beta Chapter

6. Service And Social Organizations

Students interested in other service or social organizations may choose from the following:

Gamma Beta Chi Fraternity
Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority
Kappa Kappa Psi National Band Fraternity
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
Rotaract Club
Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity
Tau Beta Sigma Band Sorority
Gamma Phi Delta
Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity/Sorority, Inc.

A cumulative grade point average of 2.65 is required to participate in service organizations. To participate in the Intake process (for fraternities and sororities), a student must meet the rules of the National Pan Hellenic Council and have a cumulative grade point average of 2.70 and 28 Semester credit Hours. Intake and Initiation take place only at prescribed times during the school year. Each student organization and activity must be registered in the Office of Greek Life/Department of Student Involvement. A copy of the charter and the names of the organization’s current officers must also be on file.

Students wishing to start a new organization at the University must first obtain permission from the Office of Student Activities and Leadership. Students must also identify two members of the faculty and/or staff to serve as the organization’s sponsors. The Office of Student Activities and Leadership will approve recommended persons to serve as the official sponsors of the organization.

To participate in extracurricular activities or performing groups that represent Bethune-Cookman University, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 and a minimum course load of 12 Semester Hours.

Intercollegiate Activities

Bethune-Cookman University considers intercollegiate athletics and its student-athletes an integral part of the University. The total involvement of the coaches, faculty, staff, student-athletes, alumni, and friends provides an opportunity to share in the life of the collegiate community.

The University expects student-athletes to make earning an undergraduate degree their top priority. The University’s Athletics Department is committed to high standards of academic performance, sportsmanship, leadership, and equal opportunities for both male and female athletes. To facilitate this priority, faculty members, academic support staff, athletic coaches, medical staff, and studentathletes work as collaborators and partners. The Department of Athletics provides assistance to all student-athletes to ensure their academic success. The department monitors and implements the academic advisement, tracking, and tutorial programs of its student athletes at all times to ensure academic progress and, ultimately, graduation.

The Office of Student-Athlete Support (OSAS) also provides assistance to each Bethune-Cookman University student-athlete until graduation. The OSAS links directly to Freshman College, the Student Success Center, and respective major departments for additional retention and tutorial services and support. OSAS also maintains a Tutorial Resource Center for all students, regardless of their academic status. In addition, personal academic counseling is available and provided when requested.

The University’s intercollegiate sports program is affiliated with the following governing bodies: The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is to serve in the Christian tradition the diverse educational, social, gender and cultural needs of its student athletes and to develop in them a desire and capacity for continuous  intellectual and moral growth as well as a commitment to the highest level of sportsmanship, ethics, academic and athletic performance. The University has deep roots in the history of America and continues to provide services to the broader community through a focus on service learning and civic engagement by student-athletes enrolled in a variety of courses.

Gender and Diversity Statement

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at Bethune-Cookman University considers itself an integral part of the fabric of the University. In accordance with the University’s mission, policies and procedures are developed and routinely evaluated to illustrate the University’s continued commitment to accommodate the interests and abilities of all students, student-athletes, faculty, and staff. The department is also committed to providing equal scholarship and employment opportunities to all qualified student-athletes and prospective employees regardless of race,color, creed, national origin, political affiliation, gender and sexual orientation, religion, age or disability through its intercollegiate athletics program. The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics recognizes the value and strength of diversity, which is evident in our staff and on our team rosters. We celebrate the victories that come through a commitment to inclusion of people from all walks of life.

Varsity Programs

Bethune-Cookman University sponsors 17 sanctioned sports in conjunction with NCAA and Mid- Eastern Athletic Conference rules and regulations. They consist of nine sports for women and eight for men. The current sponsored sports are:

1. Football
2. Men’s Basketball 10. Women’s Basketball
3. Baseball 11. Women’s Tennis
4. Men’s Outdoor Track and Field 12. Women’s Indoor Track and Field
5. Men’s Cross Country 13. Women’s Outdoor Track and Field
6. Men’s Tennis 14. Women’s Cross Country
7. Men’s Golf 15. Softball
8. Men’s Indoor Track and Field 16. Women’s Golf
9. Volleyball 17. Women’s Bowling

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Philosophy

The members of the MEAC subscribe to the principle that intercollegiate athletics is a vital part of higher education, is regarded as an integral part of the educational program, and shall be administered and conducted with the highest degree of integrity and in a manner consistent with the institution’s educational policies.

Fundamental to the successful application of intercollegiate athletics is the mission to educate student athletes. It is the mission of the MEAC to promote student athletes’ academic and athletic success. Further, the members of MEAC are obligated to ensure that the academic and athletic mission is achieved ethically.

It is the function of the MEAC to encourage intercollegiate athletics with the highest degree of institutional control. To reinforce these principles, the MEAC believes in and subscribes to the fundamental principles governing the conduct of intercollegiate athletics as adopted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) with respect to the principles governing:

Amateurism and student participation
Institutional control and responsibility
Sound academic standards
Financial aid
Recruiting
Ethical conduct
Competition in post-season and intercollegiate sponsored contests
Playing and practice seasons
Eligibility of student athletes
Personnel and squad limitations

Football television
Basketball television

Cultural Affairs

To supplement classroom instruction, Bethune-Cookman University offers a well-rounded schedule of cultural programs including, plays, lectures, and musical performances by outstanding individuals and groups. Most of these programs are free for all students upon presentation of their Bethune-Cookman University identification card. All University cultural events are open to the community and, in most cases, are free or made available at reasonable fees.

Technology Resources

All residential halls are wired for access to the Internet. Personal computers, workstations, and specialized computing equipment, found in computing labs throughout campus, are available to all registered students. The University has a 24hr computer lab for students located in the Parlin Center, with faxing and color printing capabilities. Wireless Internet access is also throughout the campus, including all academic buildings and residential halls.

Students have access to computers that have a wide range of compatibilities, including personal computers that run the latest versions of Microsoft and Apple operating systems that are connected to the University’s academic computing network. All computer labs run the latest Microsoft Office, Adobe, and virus protection software.

A 300mb pipe connects the university to the Internet. All academic buildings on campus are connected to the network through fiber optics, providing Internet access to all academic buildings on campus.  The Center for Information Technology (CIT) provides email addresses, wildcat web and blackboard accounts for all registered students, faculty, and staff.

Students are urged to make maximum use of the computing equipment for preparing papers and for increasing their skills in computer science and computer information techniques. The CIT HelpDesk provides hardware, software and networking technical support for both residential hall students and commuting students.

The Carl S. Swisher Library/Learning Resources Center

The library collection contains over 140,000 volumes, as well as print and electronic periodicals, microforms and other electronic media. An online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) provides access to the library collection via the internet. The collection is housed in open stacks except for special collections.

The Library features a Local Area Network (LAN) with access to the Internet and subscribed online databases that include ProQuest, EBSCO, Britannica Online, JSTOR, Black Studies Center, CREDO, and others other prominent scholarly resources.

As a member of the Northeast Florida Library Network (NEFLIN), Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF), Historically Black and Colleges and Universities Library Alliance, and LYRASIS, the Swisher Library has access to other resources and collections in Florida and around the country through consortia agreements and inter-library loan programs.

The Carl S. Swisher Library/Learning Resource Center (LRC) also houses seven conference rooms for group study, an exhibition area, a Bibliographic Instructional (BI) lab for library instructional classes, and the university archives. Special collections include:  the Mary McLeod Bethune; the Attica Collection; and the Black Collection of books by and about Blacks. The archival area is the repository for documentary, photographic and other materials of historic value to the University and the community.  Although the Library provides wireless access for laptop computers, there are also 2 computer labs computers which have a total of 97 computers throughout the building.

The Carl S. Swisher Library/LRC serves as a major focus for improving learning, teaching, and research. It addresses the academic, administrative, and cultural needs of the University through the provision of resources identified above as well as consultative services offered to faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

Academic Computing

The Office of Academic Computing has established a Student Support Program that focuses on student success in the areas of technology use and support. Students also have access to computer labs throughout campus. Each computer lab has access to all necessary hardware and software used for instruction at B-CU. Students receive training on the use of Blackboard through their instructor. Students are also offered several training opportunities with software that is used in their courses. Students may also request one-on-one training through Academic Computing.

Career and Program Services

The Office of Career and Programs Services provides individual and group career based sessions assisting students in the career development process. Our area offers career assessment inventories, employability skills sessions, such as Resume Writing, Mock Interviewing, Networking, Internships, The Job Application Process and many others.

Recruiters and Human Resource Professionals also facilitate career/internship sessions providing essential information regarding their companies and other professional development initiatives.

A Graduate School Fair is held in the Fall and our annual Career Fair in the Spring. Preparation sessions are held prior to each event.

Among the services provided is graduate school counseling, a service by which students are advised on the process of applying for and obtaining graduate study.

Career Related Work Experience

The process of career exploration begins during the student’s first year at the University and continues throughout the student’s matriculation. The major components of career exploration and preparation are Interviewing Skills, Resume Writing, Professional Dress/Business Etiquette, Job Application Process, Selecting a Major, Graduate School Advisement/Information, the Internship Process, Networking, and overall Employability Skills. Additional career services are Career Counseling, Career Resource Materials, and Campus Recruitment Programs. Special career programs include the annual Career and Graduate School Fairs, Career/Recruiter Classroom Visitations and General Sessions, Interviews/Employment Opportunities (Part-Time/Full-Time), and Professional Development Sessions.

Students are encouraged to utilize the Student Success Center to determine the availability of internship opportunities which are available throughout the United States. These opportunities greatly enhance the students’ marketability and many times result in part-time or full-time positions being offered at the conclusion of the internship.

Internship Policy;

Internships (including externships, cooperative education, student teaching or similar work experience) are academic, curriculum-based, educational programs that allow students to gain practical work experience, enhance student learning and, in most instances, earn academic credit at the same time. These are supervised programs of work and study which involve students working in governmental, community service, school, medical, or business settings. While a qualified supervisor in the workplace directs the day-to-day learning, the student is also supervised by a Student Success Coach or faculty liaison who sets the criteria for performance, observes the intern periodically, monitors the student’s progress, , and resolves any immediate concerns related to the internship.

Internships are hands-on and/or in-the-field experiences specifically related to the student’s major. Students are eligible for internships beginning in their sophomore year of study. Occasionally, internships are available for first-year students. Students should be aware that specific major areas of study also establish course completion and classification status as additional criteria for internship assignments. Internships must be approved by the student’s Department Chair, Academic Liaison, and/or Student Success Coach the University requires that all students applying for internships have at least a grade point average of 2.0. It is possible, however, that individual organizations will require a higher grade point average for those students they permit to intern with them. Such requirements are beyond the control of the University and students are encouraged to research specific criteria of organizations with whom they are interested in securing an internship. While some internships are paid, most are not. Students are urged not to select an internship solely on the basis of whether or not it is a paid internship opportunity. Many students have had amazing learning experiences, established significant networking channels, and laid the foundation for lifelong friendships through unpaid internships. Whether an internship is paid or unpaid is determined by each individual agency/organization. For assistance in obtaining an internship, please contact the Student Success Center

While teacher candidate interns work fulltime in a school setting for one Semester, the typical intern works ten to twenty Hours per week. An average of 45 Hours of work is required for each Semester credit Hour pursued. Internships are appropriate for advanced undergraduate students working in fields that relate directly to their career goals or academic interests. Internships are normally taken within a Semester or two of the student’s date of graduation. All internships must be approved prior to beginning the experience.

Criteria used in approving internships:

• There must be a clear and specified relationship to an academic program.
• Placement must be at a professional level of responsibility appropriate for university credit.
• Internship credit is not appropriate in an organization where a student is already employed. Exceptions may be appropriate under special circumstances. All exceptions must be approved by the School Dean, Faculty Liaison, and Student Success Coach
• Internships involving potential conflict of interests are not appropriate.
• Internships require prior approval of authorized officials including, the, Department Chair/Student Success Coach, and/or Faculty Liaison.
• A written agreement signed by a site supervisor and the School Dean is required. A copy of the signed agreement must be on file in the School Dean’s office. A list of all approved internship sites can be verified through records maintained in the Office of the Provost. It is also recommended that students attend an Internship Preparation or Employability Skills session through the Student Success Center, prior to the assignment.

The conditions of an internship should be finalized with the student before he or she reports for the assignment. These include the nature of the internship, supervisory arrangements, specific responsibilities of the intern, work schedules, and expected learning outcomes. It is expected that agency supervisors will provide a safe environment in which students can work and the materials that students need to complete their internship assignments (a desk, computer, etc.). Once the internship begins, agency supervisors should review students’ work with them regularly and treat them as professionals. The supervisor must also complete the supervisor’s evaluation form which is due on the last day of classes in the Semester in which the internship is taken. The units of credit applied to the internship are determined by the vertical curriculum for each degree and are based on certification/licensing requirements, best practices in higher education, and standards of professional societies as evidenced in the rationale for the curriculum.

For example, a maximum of three units is applied to the major in Business Administration. Units exceeding three are considered elective units and may be applied toward the overall unit total needed for a degree.

Roles

The Intern fills a position offered by a sponsoring organization and executes duties commensurate with careers and occupations found within his/her major in order to receive appropriate academic credit. The Internship Coordinator for the School reviews the students’ qualifications for an internship, discusses available internships with the intern, and assigns the intern to an opportunity that is desirable in terms of the intern’s interests and career goals. The primary supervisor of the intern is the University’s course instructor or faculty liaison. The agency’s on-site supervisor has daily oversight of the intern.

All programs allowing internships must have an Internship Coordinator. He/she is responsible for arranging the internship and communicates with the intern’s course instructor. The Coordinator is the University’s liaison with the on-site supervisor and normally has minimal contact with the intern during the course of the internship. The Coordinator also serves as the resource person for any general program problems that might arise during the internship. The Course Instructor is the intern’s Supervisor and is responsible for setting the criteria for performance, observing the intern periodically, monitoring the student’s progress, grading the student, resolving any immediate concerns related to the internship, and securing all evaluation documents. The institutional Internship Coordinator in the Student Success Center must also receive verification of all finalized application information.

Internship Provider

The Internship Provider must agree to the learning objectives, monitor student progress and make regular reports to the Faculty Liaison, or Student Success coach. Progress reports provided by the Course Instructor should include attendance as well as qualitative assessments of student learning. The Internship Provider must agree, in writing, to a contractual arrangement which must be approved by a Student Success coach. Completed internship evaluations must be provided for the Student Success Coaches in the Student Success Center

Documentation

The department/school must make available to the student and the Internship Provider copies of program documents and contracts describing the purpose and principles of the internship, including the activities and works involved and submit to the Student Success Center

Students also need to complete an internship application form through the center.

Assessment and Feedback

The department/student success center must provide scheduled contact with the Internship Provider for feedback and assessment of the student’s performance and the suitability of the site/provider. The department/school must provide routine assessment of internship providers to ensure quality learning experiences.

Internship Grading

Grades for internships are determined by the evaluation completed by the course’s instructor and from input provided on the evaluation forms completed by the internship onsite supervisor.