The University Senate approved academic regulations regarding credit-based field experience on May 5, 1999, based on a draft proposed by the Experiential Learning Council, and the Provost made them effective May 27, 1999. Dean Ivy Broder circulated the new academic regulations regarding internships and co-ops prior to the beginning of that Fall semester. The specific regulations can be found in the appendix at the end of this manual, or click here to view on-line version. Both the Strategic Plan and the new regulations reinforce the University's commitment to high standard.

Three key elements define a credit-worthy internship:

The substance of the job

• A credit worthy internship should offer pre-professional or professional-level work. No more than 15% should be clerical.

The minimum hours worked per week and weeksworked per term

Undergraduates:

• One - two credits: 8 - 10 hours per week for 12 consecutive weeks
• Three credits: 15 - 16 hours per week for 12 consecutive weeks
• Six credits: 20 - 24 hours per week for 12 consecutive weeks

NOTE: Occasionally an undergraduate student will ask to do a nine credit internship. These are very rare. The student must seek the approval of the department before proceeding.

Graduate students:

• Three Credits: 16 hours per week for 12 consecutive weeks six credits full-time (35 hrs/wk)for 12 consecutive weeks.

The academic assignments as specified in the internship syllabus

• Assignments are most conducive to learning when they combine the students' academic background with the learning taking place at the internship. Assignments can be the same for all students under a professor, or can be tailored to meet different student needs.

To enroll in an internship, students must be in good academic standing in their respective programs. The minimum GPA for undergraduate students is 2.0. For graduate students the minimum is 3.0. Undergraduate students enrolling in internships must have completed at least 30 credit hours at the University, or, as a transfer student, at least one semester (12 credits). Graduate students must have completed one semester (9 credit hours) in their respective programs at American University. Teaching units may establish a higher minimum for GPA and/or total credits earned before enrolling.