Policy on Student Practicums

Many of the professional schools within the University actively seek opportunities for their students to become involved in "real world" activities or work assignments that will introduce them to and provide practical experiences in their chosen profession. This involvement may take the form of an internship requirement. In other situations, the opportunities may come in the form of a "practicum" in which students are assigned to work "in the field" (for example, in a government agency or in industry) to see first hand how problems are addressed by professionals in their chosen field.

The student intern is under the day-to-day direction of the sponsoring organization, may be given specific work assignments, and may work side-by-side with regular employees of the organization. A faculty member, in turn, provides the "bridge" between the work experience and the learning experience--giving guidance to the student and striving to place the field work into the broader context of the student's educational program.

Formal agreements between a sponsoring agency and the University for practicum or internships fall under "Other Sponsored Activity" and as such, are not directly governed by the 1987 Regent's Policy Concerning Research Grants, Contracts, and Agreements. It is important, however, that the terms and conditions in practicum/internship agreements do not compromise the University's pursuit of its educational mission.

Guidelines for university agreements on student practicums/internships

The following guidelines should be applied in the development/acceptance of agreements for student practicum/internships:

The University of Michigan may enter into formal agreements with firms, corporations, government agencies, or other organizations for student practicum or internship programs when, in the opinion of the head of the department in which the practicum or internships would be conducted:
1. the results may be of educational value and may lead to an extension of knowledge or increase effectiveness in teaching and/or research; and
2. students' involvement is appropriate to their academic experience.

To protect students involved in an externally-sponsored, University-administered practicum/internship program, the circumstances under which the experience/results of the practicum/internship can be used by students should be clearly delineated.

Participating students shall be allowed to communicate the results of the experience in such a way and in sufficient detail to fulfill any academic requirements of the University program.

The obligation of the University to maintain confidentiality of information provided by the sponsor may be for as long as necessary and reasonable under the circumstances to afford protection for the provider/sponsor without posing an exceptional risk of liability for the University.

Prior to approval by the University, any request from the sponsor to review and limit the publication of results obtained in the conduct of the practicum/internship shall be reviewed to determine whether such measures are necessary and reasonable under the circumstances to ensure the protection of proprietary interest and whether the restrictions are consistent with the expectations of and concurred in by the Project Director and participating students.

Participating students shall be provided with an explanation of any requirements for confidentiality or any post-practicum restrictions on the activities of the students. Under normal circumstances, the University will not accept conditions in practicum/internship agreements that may restrict future employment opportunities for participating students.

The support for the practicum/internship shall be sufficient to cover all appropriate direct and indirect costs for services rendered or work to be undertaken by the students.

Procedures will be established for periodic review of such activities to ensure compliance with applicable University policies.

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