SOME QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT

THE SIENA COLLEGE SCIENCE INTERN PROGRAM

What are an Intern's qualifications?

• They are seniors majoring in one of the five departments of Siena's Science Division: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathmatics or Physics.
• They will have a minimum of four courses in the field of internship.
• They will be recommended by at least two Siena faculty members.
• They will have taken related courses in other diciplines. For example, a biology major will have taken calculus, chemistry and physics; a Computer Science major will have taken calculus, linear algebra and statistics.

How is an Intern assigned?

• Organizations provide the Siena Intern Coordinator with a list of projects available.
• Organizations may specify special qualifications, e.g. a specific course or courses.
• Siena students provide the Intern Coordinator with a list of preferred internships.
• The Intern Coordinator match students with internships.
• Organizations may reject an intern and request another.

What is an Intern's workload?

• Students elect to recieve 1, 2, or 3 credits for a semester's internship.
• Interns work a minimum of 12 hours per week for 3 credits, 9 hours/week for 2 credits, and 6 hours/week for 1 credit.
• Preferably, an internship is a project or series of small assignments that can be completed by the student during the semester.
• Intern participation as part of a team in an ongoing procedure is also suitable, whether or not it will be completed within a semester.

How is an INtern supervised and supported?

• Each organization provides the Intern with a supervisor.
• The supervisor provides any training needed.
• The supervisor must be available to assist the student throughout the internship.
• The supervisor provides progress reports to the Intern Coordinator at least twice durring the semester.
• Each organization provides adequate space and equipment for the intern.
• The internship is expected to provide a learning experience for the student.

Does an intern receive compensation?

• Students are granted College credit for internships.
• Interns need not be paid a salary by your organization.
• Extraordinary intern expenses, such as extended travel or special instruction, should be reimbursed by the organization