Director: Kristen Lester: Martin 111, 732-932-3000, ext. 520 (rutgers@cook.rutgers.edu)
The Student to Professional Internship Network (SPIN) at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences is an academic program designed to supplement campus-based studies through the practical application of theory in full- and part-time field experiences related to students' majors or career interests. This blending of formal study and supervised employment in areas relevant to the educational and professional goals of the student is subject to the same advice and approval by appropriate members of the faculty as is the student's choice of programs and courses.
All students in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences who are in good academic standing may enter the program upon completion of 24 credits. Nonmatriculated, part-time, readmitted, and transfer students who are in good academic standing after completing at least 24 credits, 12 of which must be taken at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, also are eligible. Transfers from within the university are eligible immediately if they have completed the first year and are in good academic standing. Students who fail to maintain good academic standing are declared ineligible. Students also must be registered for at least 6 credits in the semester prior to cooperative education employment.
Internships typically provide experiences that are relevant to students' career interests and salaries that are commensurate with the position held. However, the emphasis is on the learning experience provided by the job rather than on preparation for a specific job upon graduation or on any single economic factor.
A maximum of 6 credits earned through the SPIN program may be applied toward graduation. Credits earned are for the educational benefits of the experience, not for "having a job." Each student is required to establish an individualized learning contract under the direction of a faculty sponsor. This memorandum of understanding outlines the student's objectives and scholarly responsibilities, the work plan, the plan for evaluation, and the number of credits to be earned (3 credits for a part-time internship or 6 credits for a full-time coop placement per semester).
An internship is one way of fulfilling the school's experience-based education requirement. Credit is awarded on a Pass/No Credit basis.
Students must apply for admission to the program through the office of the coordinator of the SPIN program. Subject to the approval of the coordinator and the student's faculty sponsor, the student registers for an internship (part-time) or cooperative education (full-time) placement as follows:
