April 23, 2020
Dear Prospective Summer Interns:
I'm sure this is an anxious time for those of you seeking/preparing for summer internship experiences. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged all of us to remain flexible and adaptable during this uncertain period.
The University’s undergraduate internship policy during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated period of remote instruction at Penn State has been released. This policy was developed with the health and safety of our students as a top priority. It includes the policy, alternative opportunities, exceptions, and exclusions. At your earliest convenience, please review the official statement.
Some points of note:
- Penn State has extended the virtual-delivery period for all classes through summer sessions 2020. Currently this applies to Summer I only. The University will decide whether to extend the policy through Summer II on or around June 1.
- This means that credit-bearing internships during the first summer session must be virtual. That is, if your proposed internship start date is June 19 or earlier, internships must be 100% virtual/remote and capable of being carried out at the student’s place of residence.
- If your proposed start date is after June 19 an on-site internship may be possible, subject to state and federal guidelines on COVID-19. However, we strongly urge you to consider preparing an alternative plan for completing your graduation requirement, including a 100% virtual/remote internship, in anticipation of an extension of the current PSU policy. You may also consider submitting the exception form noted below.
- Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the college's Associate Dean, in consultation with the relevant University Offices. Please be aware that “exceptions” will be exceptions in the strongest sense. Exceptions will be extremely limited and students/internship coordinators must demonstrate that they have sought all other options and that there is no other recourse. Even then, exceptions may not be granted. Note also that graduating seniors, i.e., students slated to receive their degrees in August 2020, will be prioritized in this process.
To be considered for an exception, complete the Internship Exception Form located on the website above. While developing answers to the Exception Form feel free to reach out to me for assistance/feedback.
On the Exception Form you will be asked the following:
- Briefly describe your internship position (i.e., functions, duties, projects, etc.).
- Please explain the reason for the exception request. Why is it necessary to do this internship in person?
- Please describe how you intend to mitigate and notify your internship supervisor of risks.
- What are your alternate plans should you not be able to complete this internship (e.g., if the site closes)?
In light of this policy, please notify your internship course instructor either (1) verifying that your Summer 2020 internship will be 100% remote (“virtual”); or (2) indicating that you intend to seek an exception from the policy by submitting the Exception Form noted above.
NOTE: If the start date for your proposed internship is on or before June 19, 2020 and you do not verify that your internship is 100% remote or indicate that you will seek exception, your registration for the internship class will be canceled.
Please feel free to contact me with questions.
Thanks for your understanding and flexibility as we confront the unique environment facing us all heading into the summer months.
Best,
Thomas Shaffer
Coordinator, Academic Internships and Community-based Studies
Penn State Altoona
[email protected]
814-949-5789