Special Project Proposal
Each Internship student, in cooperation with their agency supervisor, is expected to design and complete a special project of significance and lasting value to the agency. The nature and scope of the special project should be consistent with the student’s educational background and career goals; however, the primary purpose of this project is to make a professional contribution to the Internship agency.
Before Starting The Project
Prior to starting the project, the Internship Special Project Proposal form must be submitted to the faculty supervisor with a signature of approval from the internship agency supervisor.
Included on this form is a Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) chart (a representation of the project’s timeline).
Project Approval
Approval of the project is often based on the depth and number of steps in the project.
Duties that are a part of your regular and assigned internship experience would not be approved for a special project. The project is designed to be above and beyond your day-to-day assignments.
Your project should be something of depth.
Your supervisor probably has a number of ideas from which to choose. Ask your supervisor about their “wish list.” Many agencies have ideas for projects for which they don’t have the time, staff, or resources. Something from that wish list could be the seed for growing an amazing special project. The hope is that the project will be mutually beneficial to both you and your agency.
Late submission of proposal
Special project proposals that are late will reduce the final grade on the special project by 10% for each week late. Example: if a special project proposal is due on Tuesday, September 5, and the student submits it on September 10, it will not be late and there will be no deduction on the final project grade. If the student submits it from September 12-18, and their supervisor recommends a final grade of A (95), the final project will be reduced to B (85). If the student submits it during the week of September 19-16, the grade will be reduced to a C (75).
Project Submission & Grading
There are no additional submission requirements for the Special Project to the university after the Special Project Proposal form is submitted and approved beyond acknowledging completion. Many projects have no “turn it in” abilities (i.e. a special event).
The student’s agency supervisor will assign the grade for the Special Project at the conclusion of the semester and recommend that grade to the faculty supervisor.