In addition to completing specific tasks related to individual internship positions, each student intern will complete the following required activities:
Semester Kick-off
Team-building gathering and dinner for all interns during an afternoon / evening before semester classes begin.
Project Management Plan
The Intern Project Management Plan is a dynamic document that should be updated throughout the semester as you plan and implement your project. It will serve as a roadmap for you, as well as a guide for future interns who will continue your project or program after you leave your position. Components of the Project Management Plan include Aim, Role & Goals; Priorities & Objectives; Weekly Tasks / Progress; Resources & Stakeholders; Outcomes & Metrics; etc.
Weekly Cohort Meetings
Interns are required to participate in weekly Intern Staff Meetings with fellow interns, Office of Sustainability staff, and occasional guests. These meetings are typically held at 8-9AM on Wednesday mornings in the UGA Tate Student Center. Meeting topics include leadership and professional development activities, public speaking opportunities, and project updates. Interns should come to meetings prepared with updates, questions, and input.
Mid-Term Evaluation
Interns evaluate their experience to date in the program, and supervisors evaluate intern performance. Intern meets with their primary staff supervisor to discuss evaluations around mid-point in the semester.
Final Presentations
Sustainable UGA Semester in Review takes place on Reading Day and is open to the public. All interns participate in the event by serving as greeters, displaying posters, and/or providing an oral presentation about their work.
Reflection Survey
Interns will complete a survey to reflect on their internship experience and evaluate the Office of Sustainability Internship Program.
The Internship Coordinator is responsible for managing the overall program to ensure successful outcomes for student interns, supervisors, and partnering organizations. The Internship Coordinator provides direct support to student interns throughout their participation in the program. In addition, each intern will report directly to a supervisor who will guide the intern in completing specific projects and tasks. Office of Sustainability staff are available to support and advise students throughout their internship.
Interns typically spend 10 hours per week working on a specified project and assisting the Office of Sustainability and/or partnering organizations as needed. Weekly schedules are developed collaboratively by the student intern and their direct supervisor. Typical work hours are between 8AM-5PM on Monday – Friday, however individual positions may require work outside of these times.
Interns must notify their direct supervisor and the Internship Coordinator in advance of an absence. Attendance at the weekly Intern Staff Meeting is a required part of this internship and is included in the 10 working hours per week; please do not appointments during this time unless you are ill.
Paid interns are required to complete an I-9 Form through Facilities Management Division Human Resources to be onboarded into the UGA payroll system. Interns will be required to provide 1) a current resume with appropriate address, 2) a passport or picture ID and Social Security Card, and 3) a UGA ID number.
Interns are paid bi-weekly as hourly employees through the OneUSG Connect System. In order to be paid, student interns must directly input their hours into their timesheet. Interns are also responsible for ensuring that their bank information and emergency contacts are up to date. Employees, including student workers, can log on to check payroll and other information through OneUSG Connect.
All interns are asked to assist with at least one Office of Sustainability event during the semester. Events and community service opportunities will be announced throughout the semester. Interns are encouraged to support their peers and to participate in service events while also maintaining personal health and academic success.
Some degree programs require an internship. Students are encouraged to initiate opportunities for relevant academic course credit through their college or school. To date, credit internships have been arranged through the Odum School of Ecology, College of Environment + Design, College of Public Health, Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communications, and others.
