What Can I Expect From My Intern?

Chapman University interns commit to agreed-upon job duties just like any other employee. Interns also commit to a specific number of hours of work per week or per semester. Sometimes these commitments vary from the University's minimum requirements for course credit. Be sure to discuss the learning contract terms of agreement and obligations with the student prior to hiring him or her.

Typically, students enroll for three units of internship course work per term, or 120 hours of work over a 3 to 4 month period. For each unit of credit, the student must complete a minimum of 40 hours of work at the emloyment site. Because Chapman encourages exposure to a variety of work settings, no more than three units of credit may be taken with a single employer during a term. Students may remain with the same employer for a maximum of two terms.

However, when a student continues for a second term with the same employer, the student must have significantly different responsibilities. If, after the second term, continued employment is agreed upon by the student and the employer, the student may remain at the work site, but cannot register for, or acquire, additional course credit for the employment period.

Employers can expect students to follow the guidelines listed below:

1. Present a resume and cover letter for the prospective employer.

2. Comply with the employer's rules and regulations: report for work on time, complete assignments competently, maintain a professional attitude and appearance.

3. Maintain a record of days and hours worked. At the end of the term, the employer signs this log and the student submits the log to the internship faculty advisor and the Career Development Center.

4. Verify that the employer returns the employer evaluation form to the Career Development Center by the appointed deadline.

5. Notify the employer of any absences or unexpected difficulties in fulfilling the internship contract.

6. Notify the faculty internship advisor and the Career Development Center of any changes in job status, or if any difficulties are experienced with the internship site or employer.

7. Notify the internship employer of any changes in enrollment status.