Business & Economics
Termination Policy
If a student intern is terminated from the internship position for reasons attributed to the intern’s behavior or performance, no academic credit will be awarded for the experience. If an internship is terminated because of unforeseen circumstances within the internship organization, the Internship Committee will review the situation and make a decision as to the credits awarded.
Intern Conduct Policy
Internships require a high standard of professional behavior, therefore student interns are expected to understand and conform to the professional standards of the internship site. It is important to the success of the present internship and the continuance of future internships that interns observe standards of conduct that would promote, and not compromise Bethel University in the eyes of individuals and organizations with which it has connections.
On-Campus Internships
Internships provide opportunities for students to experience organizations outside of their college classroom experience. Because of this, The Internship Program strongly discourages on-campus internships. Therefore, internships provided by on-campus departments require review and prior approval from the Internship Committee.
Family Business Internships
Internships allow students to experience workplace culture and relationships in new and relevant ways. Because of this, the Internship Program discourages internships provided to students by their family business. Family business internships are acceptable only if the student intern is not a direct report of a family member, and has not previously served in the same capacity as the internship. Family business internships require prior approval from the Internship Committee.
Internships with Previous Employers
Students benefit from internships which allow them to develop new skills and apply new academic knowledge. Internships with previous employers are only acceptable if the internship tasks are significantly different than those performed during the student’s prior employment with the organization.
On-Campus Interview Policy
Occasionally employers travel to the Bethel University campus to conduct internship interviews. These interviews are convenient for both the employer and students, and are facilitated by the Internship Coordinator. If a student signs up for an on-campus interview and cannot attend, the student is required to let the Internship Coordinator know 24 hours in advance. This will allow time to adjust the interview schedule. If a student fails to attend an on-campus interview that he or she signed up for, the student will not be allowed to participate in any future on-campus interview events.
International Student Eligibility
Some students studying in the Department of Business and Economics at Bethel University are international student. These students are here studying under F-1 visas and are eligible for internship opportunities based on Title 8 CFR 214.2(i) from the United States Code of Federal Regulations:
An F-1 student may be authorized to participate in a curricular practical training program that is an integral part of an established curriculum. Curricular practical training is defined to be alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.
International students who are considering an internship must first meet with their International Student Advisor to confirm their eligibility and complete any necessary forms. Employers hiring international student interns are not required to complete any extra paperwork.
Internship Site Grievance Policy
In an internship, a student may have a grievance against the site organization associated with the internship (e.g., on-site supervisor, internship site). The intern is strongly encouraged to first resolve the issue informally with the party involved. If the student has attempted to do so unsuccessfully or believes he or she is unable to do so without assistance, the intern is encouraged to proceed through the following steps for resolution of the problem.
1. Discuss the issue with the Internship Coordinator. At this initial stage, the student may speak confidentially to the Internship Coordinator who will help to clarify the problem.
2. If necessary, the Internship Coordinator may, with the permission of the intern, discuss the issue with the parties involved. In some cases, this contact may be sufficient to resolve the complaint.
3. If this informal discussion fails to lead to the resolution of the grievance, the Internship Coordinator will assist the intern in formulating a plan of action.
4. If such procedures are used and are unsuccessful in resolving the grievance, then the Internship Committee will review the complaint. Such a review is formal and requires the student to complete an Internship Grievance Form. The Internship Committee will render a decision about the grievance which will be communicated in writing to all parties involved.