For-credit internship process for faculty and staff

An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent. (Source: NACE Position Statement: U.S. Internships)

It is strongly advised students plan well in advance for internships/experiential learning opportunities if they want to receive academic credit. The recommended timeline is at least one semester prior to the internship experience as it may take time to process the required documents and ensure an internship course is available. Documents required for approval are: signed organization agreement and an approved site assessment.

Each department will determine when students enroll in the appropriate internship course. Departments may enroll students prior to when the process below is complete, or wait until after all documents are signed.

Step 1: Obtain contact information

Obtain contact information for the organization (i.e., organization name and the site supervisor’s contact information).

Step 2: Verify organization

Refer to the list of community partners to verify if the organization is already a University partner. If the partner appears on the list, please move to step five.

Step 3: Required documents for organization

  • Site Assessment Form The site assessment is an online form that will be submitted directly to the University's risk management department.
  • Organization Agreement: The organization agreement is a PDF form that requires a wet signature. Please print out the appropriate form from the list below and submit it online for final signatures.

For more information about the site visit form or organization's requirements, please visit the FAQ.

This can take as little as a week or as long as a few months, depending on how quickly the organization responds. If revisions are requested, they must go through the Office of General Counsel.

Step 4: Completed documents

Once all documents have been accepted and signed by all parties, faculty, and organizations will be notified that they are now ready to accept students.

Step 5: Student waivers/agreements

All students must sign the appropriate waiver, release, and indemnification agreement. Faculty/staff are responsible for sending students the correct waivers based on the student’s placement. 

Step 6: Sexual harassment and discrimination prevention training

Prior to the start of an internship, all students must complete university training on sexual harassment and discrimination prevention. This training is available in Canvas Commons. Please import the training module "UNR Internship and Service-Learning Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Training" into your Canvas Course from Canvas Commons. The training consists of readings followed by a quiz. Instructions on how to import the module from Canvas Commons can be found on the Canvas support page.