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Home > Fieldwork > PEP > FAQ
Practical Engagement Program FAQ
- Who can sign up for a credit-based internship?
All SI students can receive credit for an internship if they have completed at least one term at SI and have successfully completed SI 501. Students admitted in Winter term may request to have the SI 501 prerequisite waived if they identify an internship that is relevant to the coursework that they have completed during their first term at SI.
- How many credits can I earn during a credit-based internship?
You can earn anywhere from one to six credits for a credit-based internship in one term. Typically, students register for one to three credits during the academic term for a part-time internship. During the summer, students -- on average -- register for six credits for a full-time internship. The amount of time you spend at your internship is negotiated between you and your mentor/supervisor.
Total Internship
Hours Worked |
PEP Credits
Earned |
| 60 hours |
1 credit |
| 90 hours |
1.5 credits |
| 120 hours |
2 credits |
| 150 hours |
2.5 credits |
| 180 hours |
3 credits |
| 210 hours |
3.5 credits |
| 240 hours |
4 credits |
| 270 hours |
4.5 credits |
| 300 hours |
5 credits |
| 330 hours |
5.5 credits |
| 360 hours |
6 credits |
Students receive one credit hour for every 60 hours of internship work completed. Therefore, to receive two credit hours, a student must work 120 hours, which is approximately eight to 10 hours per week. Students cannot receive more than six credit hours per internship in one term.
- How many credits can I earn through the Practical Engagement Program while at SI?
Students MUST earn a minimum of six credits if they entered the program before fall 2008, and eight credits if they entered the program fall 2008 or later. The maximum amount of PEP credits you can earn is 15 credits as part of your 48 credit-hour-degree. You cannot earn more than six PEP credits per internship in one term.
- Do PEP credits count as academic credits?
Yes. PEP credits are academic credits that count toward your 48-credit-hour requirement.
- For PEP courses, are the PEP credits attached to the course additional credits earned?
No. When PEP credits are attached to a course such as SI 501 (which offers 3 PEP credits), the total academic credits you earn are 3 academic credits; however, three of your PEP credits can now count toward your eight PEP credit requirement.
- Where can I find out about available internship opportunities?
You can search iTrack for internship listings and for contact information of organizations you are interested in contacting about potential internships. There are numerous resources available to use to identify internship opportunities. Students should set up an appointment with SI Career Development Office staff to learn tips, strategies, and resources for seeking a credit-based internship.
- What do I do if I find an interesting internship in iTrack or identify one from another resource?
Contact the SI Career Development Office to determine if the internship meets SIÕs general requirements for academic credit. Then, apply for the position just like you would for any job or internship. Credit approval is finalized once an offer has been secured your mentor/supervisor submits a proposal to the SI Career Development Office and it is approved.
- How am I selected for a credit-based internship?
On-site mentors select and interview potential candidates.
- Should I have a resumé ready in order to apply for an internship?
ABSOLUTELY! Applying for an internship is just like applying for a job. Your resume is your marketing tool. Have a letter-perfect resume ready at all times so you donÕt miss out on any opportunities. Be sure to have your resume critiqued by SI Career Development Office staff.
- Can I receive pay AND academic credit for an internship?
Yes. You may receive pay for a credit-based internship as long as the position meets all of the standard SI requirements and the mentor agrees to this arrangement. Pay is always negotiated between the student and the mentor. The position must be an incremental learning, mentored experience. You will not receive credit for continuing to do an established job or using the skills already in possession.
- After I have interviewed -- and have been selected for an internship -- what do I do?
Once you have secured an internship offer, contact Kelly Kowatch at kkowatch@umich.edu. Please provide her with the following information:
- Name of organization
- Name of mentor/supervisor
- Mentor/supervisor's E-mail address and phone number
Because internship proposals must be submitted by your mentor, we will contact your mentor and initiate the PEP Internship proposal process within three business days. You will be copied on the message. Your mentor will develop the proposal and submit it through iTrack. After you accept the internship, we encourage you to begin drafting the PEP internship proposal with your mentor. Here is a sample (PDF).
Note that you must have an established account and approved resumé on iTrack in order for your mentor to submit a PEP Internship Proposal. You will receive further instructions for your internship approval process as required.
- How do I enroll for an internship/field experience?
Once your PEP Internship Proposal has been submitted by your mentor and is approved by the SI Career Development Office, you will receive an override to register for either SI 690 (immediately) or SI 681 (in August).
- What is the difference between SI 690 and SI 681?
SI 690 is a course offered to SI students who participate in credit-based internships. It is offered every term. Students register for SI 690 (for one to six credits) and pay tuition that term. This handout in PDF format will clarify the differences.
SI 681 is a fall seminar course offered to SI students who participate in summer internships that equal or exceed 360 hours (six academic credits/PEP credits). This course is designed to help prevent financial hardship for students by allowing you to avoid summer tuition by deferring credits and registration to the fall semester. Overrides (permission of instructor) are required to register for both SI 690 and SI 681.
- How many internships can I do that are eligible for SI 681?
Two. In some instances, and in some work settings, it may be difficult to secure a full-time summer internship, or you might want to explore two different types of internships. In these cases, you are allowed to participate in two part-time internships that equal 360 hours or more to be eligible for SI 681 (and avoid paying summer tuition).
- How is a credit-based internship evaluated?
Both you and your mentor must submit an evaluation to the SI Career Development Office at the end of your internship (via an online survey application). You must also submit bi-weekly reports, work hours, bi-weekly blog entries, a final reflection, create a Public Portfolio, and complete the Internship Survey. A pass/fail grade is assigned based on the fulfillment of these requirements.
- I've been offered a six-month internship. Can I take it? How many credits can I receive?
There are some organizations that only offer six-month internships (June-December). The School of Information does not encourage students to participate in six-month internships as it would require you to take off an entire term of courses, potentially delaying your graduation date considerably. If you are offered a six-month internship, we ask that you consult with SI Career Development Office staff AND SI Academic Advising staff to map out your plan of action before acceptance. The maximum amount of credits you can receive for a six-month internship is six-credits.
- Who tracks my PEP credits?
You do! All students are responsible for tracking their own PEP credits. Students should track PEP credits based on the PEP courses listed on your TAPS sheets. Your PEP credits are also tracked through your online audit.
- What happens if I go over the 15 PEP credit maximum?
You will not receive credit for any PEP credits that go over the 15 credit maximum allotment. All students are responsible for keeping track of their PEP credits to insure you stay at or below the PEP credit range. That is why it is important to plan and keep your TAPS sheets updated every term.
Last updated: Aug 24, 2009
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