Site Supervisor Resources

2. Double check your organization's requirements

Before offering an internship to a student, please double check your organization's requirements. Make sure to communicate with the student and let them know if they are responsible for the cost and the expected timeline.

Background checks

It is not OSU policy to perform background checks or hold medical records for vaccines for OSU students. OSU does not certify or vouch for the background of the students who participate in this experiential learning.

Organizations must conduct their own background checks and obtain information from the student if it is a requirement. 

Final Approval Step for Internship Hosts

Once your organization has completed the initial setup, the final step is to approve the student’s internship request in Handshake. This includes reviewing the student’s proposed hours, learning goals, and expected tasks. Your approval confirms the internship and allows the student to proceed with registration. Learning agreements are completed as part of the Handshake process. 

3. Identify a supervisor for the intern

The site should designate at least one supervisor for the student during the internship process that is available to sign paperwork, meet with the student, provide mentorship and feedback on work projects, orientations, and onboarding procedures.

4. Provide relevant projects

When hosting a student intern in biology, it’s essential to ensure that the activities align with both the discipline and the student’s specific interests—whether that’s ecology, conservation, genetics, microbiology, natural resources, wildlife biology, or laboratory research. This alignment enhances the intern’s learning experience while allowing them to contribute meaningfully to your organization’s projects and goals. Providing relevant, hands-on opportunities helps students develop scientific, technical, and professional skills while preparing them for careers in research, environmental stewardship, healthcare, biotechnology, and other biology-related fields.

5. Provide a workspace

It is the responsibility of the site to provide the student with workspace, expectations of work schedule, and office policies of the site.

6. Provide 30-90 hours within a ten week academic term

Experiential Learning can be 30-90 hours throughout the duration of a term or over multiple terms.

Biology students are required to take 3 credits at 30 hours per credit. Credits can be split over multiple terms. 

These hours can include the student attending staff and project meetings, participating in professional development opportunities, attending relevant seminars, conferences, workshops, or field trainings, assisting with laboratory or field research, collecting and analyzing biological data, conducting species or habitat surveys, supporting conservation and environmental education initiatives, contributing to scientific reports or outreach materials, shadowing professionals in biology-related careers, and observing day-to-day operations within your organization.

7. Meet regularly with the student

The supervisor should schedule regular meeting times to meet with the student to check in, provide feedback, discuss activities, and share evaluations. 

8. Provide feedback to the student

Most students will be seeking employment after their internship. It is vital that they receive ongoing feedback regarding their performance, skills, and projects.

It is the expectation that students come ready to learn, be flexible, honest, and show integrity.

It is important to show the student what it is like in the day of the job with appropriate supervision (do not leave student alone with patients).

There will be an opportunity to complete midterm and final evaluations at a minimum to give feedback.

9. Documentation for the student

Students are enrolled in an internship course and must complete assignments, reflections, and a final project that connect their experience to academic goals. These components are required to pass the course and are completed alongside their on-site responsibilities. Supervisors are not responsible for grading but may support the student’s learning by providing context and feedback.

• Review Student Goals
  Please take time to review the student’s internship learning goals and career aspirations. This helps ensure the experience is aligned with their academic and professional development.

• Midterm Evaluation
  Complete a brief evaluation midway through the internship to assess the student’s progress, engagement, and areas for growth. This feedback is essential for helping students stay on track and make adjustments if needed.

• Final Evaluation
  Provide a comprehensive evaluation at the end of the internship that reflects the student’s overall performance, contributions, and professionalism. This final assessment is a key component of the student’s course grade.

• Approve Student Hours Log
  Please review and verify the student’s internship hours by signing off on their log regularly. This confirmation ensures accurate tracking of time and is required for the student to receive credit for their internship experience.

10. Contact us

Contact the Biology Internship Faculty Advisor, Pat Ball, during the internship. 

Contact the Cascades Career Development Center, for support in posting a job position or more information about hosting a student intern.