Internship Planning and Registration Procedures

Basic Internship Requirements

Undergraduate students must have:

• a declared major in a baccalaureate degree program at Edinboro University;
• at least 64 credits with 16 or more credits earned while attending Edinboro University;
• an overall QPA of 2.00 or better;
• an academic major QPA of 2.5 or better;
• the ability to meet additional department-specific internship criteria.

Graduate students interested in an internship placement must:

• be in good standing in a graduate program at Edinboro University;
• meet departmental and program-specific internship criteria.

All students interested in an internship placement are encouraged to contact their departmental Internship Coordinator for information about current placement options and program-specific requirements.

Internship Pre-Planning

Arranging an internship placement can be time-intensive and involve many people. Therefore, it is smart to begin internship planning a year to six months in advance.

Step One:

During your sophomore or junior year, let your Academic Advisor know that you are interested in an internship experience in the future.

• Identify the best time within your degree program to schedule an off-campus internship.
• Identify essential classes that will prepare you for the internship experience and create a long-term curriculum plan to assure that these courses can be completed before your internship placement begins.
• Create a personal Internship Folder for scheduling ideas and departmental information about internship planning.

Step Two:

At least six months before you intend to start an internship, meet with the Internship Coordinator in your department to review internship options, departmental requirements, and deadlines. Some departments have internship options posted on their website. Other internship options can be found at these links. Use your Internship File to keep information about different internship options all in one organized spot.

Finding an Internship Placement

Step Three:

Once you have determined the type of internship position(s) you would like to pursue, make an appointment with your departmental Internship Coordinator to discuss specifics. The departmental Internship Coordinator will contact placement sites to determine placement availability and on-site supervision. If you will be placed in a new or first-time internship position with a company, additional paperwork will need to be completed to verify the University’s expectations and the company’s responsibilities.

Create a resume that highlights your strengths. Some competitive placements have application deadlines as early as February or March for summer internships. Investigate—don’t miss an opportunity due to lack of deadline knowledge. If you find an internship opportunity on your own, be sure to discuss it with your departmental Internship Coordinator before proceeding. All placements must be at least tentatively approved BEFORE submitting an Internship Application.

You might be asked to interview for an internship position. If so, dress professionally, take additional copies of your resume with you to the interview, and send a hand-written thank you note after your visit.

Internship Registration

Step Four:

At least a month before your internship is to begin, complete the Application for Permission to Register for an Internship. Since the form cannot be saved electronically, print two copies and save one (unsigned) in your internship file as a back-up.

Step Five:

Determine who will need to sign your Application for Permission to Register form (Section III). Create a “Signatures Needed List” with the names of the four faculty members (may be fewer as some may sign the form in multiple spots) and the Dean who need to sign your application. Include your name, address, phone number, and e-mail on the list as well so you can be reached if questions arise. Print three copies of the list (one is for your file) and attach a copy to your application. Put the application in a large envelope or manila folder clearly marked with “[Your name]’s Internship Application: Please sign and return to [Department Secretary’s Name].” Visit your department office in person and ask the secretary if he/she would be willing to route your application to each of the faculty members on your list. Give the secretary a copy of your signature list so he/she can track your application. When all have signed off, the secretary will contact you to collect your form.

Step Six:

At least two weeks before your internship begins, submit your signed Application for Permission to Register for an Internship to the Dean of your school for his/her signature. Once the Dean has signed off, your application will be sent to Records and Registration and you will be registered for your internship. Check SCOTS to confirm registration; you MUST be registered for your internship before your internship begins. A copy of your application will be returned to you for your records.

Step Seven:

If you will be receiving financial aid funds during your placement term, visit the Financial Aid Office in Hamilton Hall with your Internship Application before your placement begins. The financial Aid Office will provide you with a “Temporary Award Letter” specifying the financial aid you will receive during your internship term.

Step Eight:

Financial arrangements and/or payment of appropriate fees must be done before your internship begins. Visit the Bursar’s Office in Hamilton Hall with your Temporary Award Letter and checkbook before you leave campus.

Good Planning Pays Off

• You will be charged a late registration fee if your registration is not completed prior to the commencement of the internship experience and your start date may be delayed.
• Your internship will be cancelled or postponed if not registered by the end of the add/drop period or equivalent time during the summer session.
• Six-month internships (similar to the Pennsylvania State Civil Service Commission Computer Systems Intern) must follow the following registration procedure:
  • If the internship commences in May or June and ends in December, the student must register in the summer for a minimum of 9 semester hours and in the subsequent Fall Semester for 15 semester hours,* or
  • If the internship commences in January ending in June, the student must register in the Spring Semester for 15 semester hours and in the subsequent summer session for a minimum of 9 semester hours.*

* Students are required to enroll for a total of 24 credits for a six-month internship. However, only 15 credits will apply towards fulfilling degree requirements.

NOTE: It is highly recommended that you print a hard copy of the Internship Planning and Registration Procedures for your own records. It is essential that you read and follow the instructions included on the application before obtaining the required signatures.