Internship Guidance during COVID-19

Many questions have arisen related to Spring 2020 internships.  Here are some things to consider:

If the internship is NOT for academic credit, the student and internship host should decide on an appropriate course of action.   There are probably two possible outcomes – arrange for remote project-based work or conclude the internship.  For best practices in remote project-based work during internship experiences, please view the “virtual internships” section in our Internship Guide for Employers.

A student is in a paid internship and not receiving academic credit is independently employed by an employer and should discuss any employment matters related to COVID-19 with their employer. The University is not a party to, and has no control over, a private employment relationship.

If the internship is FOR ACADEMIC CREDIT (or 099 zero-credit), the student and internship host should discuss possible options, PLUS the student should contact their instructor of the academic internship credit.

UMD’s priority is for everyone’s health and safety and to also assist students with the completion of the Spring 2020 academic semester.
Options May Include:

1. If the internship host is able to assign remote projects, the internship may go on as planned. The student should communicate with their internship course instructor what is being arranged.   For best practices in remote project-based work during internship experiences, please view the “virtual internships” section in our Internship Guide for Employers.
   
2. If #1 is not feasible, the intern should alert their internship course instructor immediately and seek guidance.  There are several possibilities that can be explored, such as alternate learning activities that may substitute for the internship experience, requesting to withdraw from the credit or changing the grading option.

Though not advised, should a student continue in-person at the internship site, they must adhere to state COVID-19 directives and CDC guidelines. Also, should such a student elect to continue in-person at the internship, the student does so at their own risk. The University has the ability to create remote and/or independent study options for students in lieu of an in-person internship. Therefore, given the circumstances, if a student rejects these internship alternatives, the student has assumed full responsibility for their well being. 

 If the student cannot, or is not comfortable continuing in-person (presuming the internship site is open), they should immediately speak with their internship course instructor.  Be assured that you will still be able to earn credit even if you are not able to continue your internship in-person.