Organizations hosting UCDC students must be prepared to provide a structured learning experience, appropriate supervision, and a professional, safe environment throughout the internship period.
Provide a substantive learning experience
Assign meaningful work connected to the organization’s mission or field; support skill development; provide appropriately challenging responsibilities; and avoid using the internship primarily for clerical work, personal errands, or substitute labor.
Provide an accurate position description
Clearly state responsibilities, qualifications, schedule, dates, work arrangement, compensation, prerequisites, and supervision. Discuss material changes with the student and UCDC.
Designate a qualified supervisor
Assign a professional staff member with relevant knowledge, sufficient capacity, and a commitment to student learning. Identify an alternate contact when the supervisor is unavailable.
Maintain a safe, professional, and inclusive workplace
UCDC has zero tolerance for sexual harassment, workplace violence, or a hostile work environment. Internship providers must maintain appropriate standards related to safety, conduct, nondiscrimination, harassment, retaliation, and reasonable accommodations; communicate relevant policies and reporting procedures during orientation; and respond promptly and appropriately to concerns.
Supply necessary resources
Provide the workspace, equipment, technology, accounts, training, access, and information needed to complete assigned work. Do not assume students can supply specialized equipment or absorb significant participation costs. If students need to provide their own computer, technology, or software, make that clear in the internship description, interview process, and/or offer letter.
Support an Accessible, In-Person Professional Experience
UCDC encourages internship sites to offer an in-person or hybrid work arrangement so students can engage directly with supervisors, colleagues, and the professional environment. Offices and other required worksites must be non-residential and should be accessible by Metro bus or rail to support students’ transportation needs.
Honor program dates and the agreed schedule
Provide sufficient work during the internship, communicate schedule changes in advance, and allow students to meet required UCDC academic and program obligations.
Communicate with UCDC
Complete required verification or assessments, respond to reasonable communications, notify UCDC of significant changes or concerns, and consult UCDC before ending an internship whenever circumstances permit.
Follow applicable law and policy
The provider is responsible for compliance with laws and regulations related to wages, unpaid internships, safety, nondiscrimination, accommodations, privacy, background checks, and employment eligibility.
Avoid inappropriate arrangements
Do not charge students for access to an internship; require purchases, investments, or fundraising as a condition; misrepresent the opportunity; displace regular employees; assign personal tasks; or place students in unsafe, unlawful, discriminatory, or unethical situations.