English Internship class not available Fall 2008

The Department will not be offering ENGL-4800 or ENGL-8806 (English Internship) during the Fall 2008 semester. Preparing and advising about internships for Spring 2009 will still take place during Fall 2008. Students planning to complete an internship during the next year should plan appropriately. Students with questions can contact the department at 402-554-2635.

The English Department is pleased to announce the availability of internship credits for its undergraduate and graduate majors and minors. Internships are an invaluable way of acquiring hands-on, documented work experience—an asset when writing your resume—while making contacts and getting course credit. This internship program will place you in a suitable and mutually agreed upon site, where you can earn up to three credits. Students may also seek their own internship opportunities.

Participation in an internship requires registration of one to three credits with each level requiring a specific number of hours in the workplace, weekly activity logs, biweekly meetings with the internship director, and a final reflection essay. Students should complete the internship application form (available in ASH 192 or 189P) and submit it to the director prior to registering for internship credit. Once the student’s application has been approved, students will be issued a permit for registration. Students may then register for ENGL 4890 (UG) or ENGL 8896 (G). This course is open only to English majors and minors.

Students interested in internship possibilities should contact Dr. Tracy Bridgeford (554.3312), Internship Director, for more information. Internships will be solicited once students have completed the application form and met with Dr. Bridgeford. Applications are available below, in the English office (ASH 192) or the front of Dr. Bridgeford's office door (ASH 189P). The Department of English will make every effort to place students in paid internships.

Communicating with Dr. Bridgeford about Internships

Dr. Bridgeford will communicate with you both in person and through email about your internship application using your Lotus Notes account. If you are not in the habit of checking your Lotus Notes account, you may miss an opportunity for a terrific internship.

During the application process, students are responsible for staying in touch with Dr. Bridgeford. Failure to respond to an email within three work days may lead to an application hold and/or release of an internship opportunity to another student.

Responsibilities

Students

• Be present for all hours agreed upon by the host organization
• Complete all duties and responsibilities as requested in a professional manner
• Participate in any required training
• Be familiar with any standard operating procedures
• Submit required documents to the internship director
• Attend bi-weekly meetings with director and other internship students
• Arrive on time and notify the site supervisor of any deviation from the specified schedule
• Dress appropriately as expected by the host organization.

Host Organization & Site Supervisor

• Engage students in actual work comparable with current employees
• Keep students free from any claims and causes of action associated with their volunteer participation
• Appoint an immediate supervisor who will ensure equitity of work and a safe working environment
• Establish specific responsibilities for the student intern, ensuring that not more than 20% are menial
• Provide the intern with meaningful orientation to the organization's purpose, structure, services, and operating practices
• Provide an atmosphere for learning that if free of discrimination with regard ot race, ethnic origin, gender, sexual preference, religion, age, or political beliefs
• Monitor and verify hours completed by the intern
• Conduct periodic review sessions with the intern to assess progress
• Make available the necessary resources to carry out assignments
• Provide a midterm and final evaluation of the intern to the Internship Director

Required Internship Hours

Internship Forms

• Internship Application Form
• Internship Syllabus
• Activity Log Form (see example completed activity log)
• Employer Evaluation (sent to employer from the internship director)

Application Deadlines

Summer & Fall Internships: April 15 (No internships offered during the Fall 2008 semester)

Spring Internships: November 15

Procedures

Students interested in completing an internship should follow these procedures:

1. Download the Internship Application Form or pick one up from the department office or from the front of Dr. Bridgeford's door (ASH 189P)
2. Complete the application form and place it in Dr. Bridgeford's mailbox in the main office. Dr. Bridgeford will contact you about an internship possibility as available.
3. Create a profile with the Career Connection website in order to search for some internship possibilities. (Use your NU ID# to access the site. If you have any technical problems with access, call the Office of Career Exploration and Outreach at 554-2612. If you see an internship you'd like, continue on to Step #4.)
4. Make an appointment with Dr. Bridgeford to discuss internship possibilities and review the academic expectations and requirements.
5. Send resume and meet with organizational supervisor as appropriate..
6. Meet with Dr. Bridgeford to obtain a registration permit for internship credits. You cannot register without Dr. Bridgeford's signature.

Past and Current Oganizations Participating in English Internship Program

Union Pacific • The Omaha Newspapers • Children's Art Museum • University of Nebraska Press • Shelterbelt Theatre • Bison Books • Nebraska AIDS Project • Social Settlement • Legal Aid • Texas Tech • Silent City