Recent Program Features

Internship Contract Form:

After students have identified an internship of interest, the following should be done to take an internship for academic credit:

• Find a faculty supervisor for the internship. This can be a student’s academic advisor or any member of the department.
• Students should talk with their internship advisor to ensure that this internship is appropriate for course credit. Students should work with their advisor to complete the internship contract form.
  • Keep in mind, the contract MUST be signed by the student’s internship advisor and by their onsite internship supervisor before it can be accepted by the department.
• Submit completed contract forms to the Communication Studies Department (AH 230). The administrative assistant will enter permission for the student to register for CMST 498. Metro students can email this form in to the department.

How will my internship be evaluated?

The student’s supervisor at their internship will complete an evaluation form assessing the intern’s performance.

Internship papers and the overall internship experience always challenge students to apply what they’ve learned in classes to their internship. 

• Internship Evaluation Form

Students will also write an internship paper to be turned in to their MSU Mankato internship adviser. There will be an opportunity for students to talk with their adviser on what details must be included in the final paper.

Example Internship Reflection Papers:

• Katrina Cronk – Man Cave
• Sammie Gessner – Academy of Whole Learning
• Zach Remillard – Enterprise Rent-a-Car

Why should I do an internship?

An internship provides students with practical professional experience. This experience is crucial to help build resumes so finding a job after graduation. This experience helps students grow as people and as professionals.

An internship is not…

An internship is not a clerical or “unskilled” position nor is it an unstructured position without a clear supervisor and feedback on job performance. An internship is not something the student is already doing as a job.

What should I do before looking for an internship?

It is important for students to have material to put on their resumes. If it seems that the resume is lacking, students can volunteer around the community or join an organization on campus.

What are the requirements for doing an internship?

Students must have a 2.5 GPA in their major. Typically, students have completed at least 15 credits of their Communication Studies coursework.

Can I do an internship where I work?

This depends on what position the student holds at their work. For example, a student who cashiers at a large grocery store can intern there but not as a cashier. The store moved them into a public relations position for their internship. Students should talk to their adviser about turning a job into an internship.

Why would anyone want to hire me as an intern?

Companies and non-profits gain a great deal from interns. These students have energy, excitement and new ideas all while working hard. Students give the company service and a broad range of experiences and skills. Each party has something to gain from internships.

How many internship credits can I take?

Students can register up to eight credits of internship that can be applied to their CMST degree. Students may take an internship for up to 12 credit total but only eight credits will apply to their internship fulfillment. If an internship is taken for 12 credits, the four additional credits will count toward the 120 students need for graduation.

How many hours must I work at my internship?

In compliance with the federal policy, standard expectations are 45 hours of on-site internship experience for each credit hour earned.

How long are internships?

This can vary but, in most cases, an internship is one semester.

Can I intern in another country?

Yes! This needs to be discussed with the student’s advisor as soon as possible to make sure the internship meets all of the requirements.

As President Davenport communicated earlier today, the University has adopted a new face covering requirement that goes into effect on Monday, July 20. Our plan is to have the branded cloth face masks that were ordered for all employee and students delivered to all departments through intercampus mail by that time, so that those who are currently working on campus have access to them.

Additional branded face masks remaining after distribution (students will each receive two masks inside the annual fall mailing that is sent in late July or early August) will be available for purchase through Printing Services and the Copy Shops.

The University is also making branded social distancing floor decals available to those who need them for their spaces. The decals, which are available for use on either carpet or tile, can be requested through the University Stores by emailing sharon.wetzel@mnsu.edu or calling 507-389-6900.

We also want to acknowledge the questions we’ve heard regarding how teleworking employees will be notified about the transition back to their physical workspaces on campus. The intention is that supervisors will give a reasonable notice period (e.g. two weeks whenever practical) so that affected employees can make the necessary personal arrangements to prepare for the transition. If the situation around the pandemic shifts unexpectedly, supervisors will provide adjusted notice as soon as possible.

As always, all faculty and staff are encouraged to submit any questions about Return to Learn here. We will do our best to get back to you with answers as soon as possible.

Dear Campus Community:

I am writing today to update you on an issue that I know is very important to all of you. As the President’s Cabinet has addressed questions of COVID-19 safety, we considered how best to implement a face mask policy that would work for our campus. We offered and implemented on July 6, 2020, interim guidance to “strongly recommend” masks as part of our evolving COVID-19 Preparedness Plan that was first published two weeks ago. This matched guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health and Office of Higher Education.

Today, after hearing from many of you and further reviewing the broader research, Minnesota State system guidance, and regional conditions, we are adapting our approach on this issue:

Beginning July 20, 2020, all Minnesota State University, Mankato faculty, staff, students, and visitors will be required to wear a face covering over both the nose and mouth at all times when indoors on campus or in other university facilities, with the following exceptions:

• When alone in a private office.
• When working in an office setting, cubicle, or workstation where physical distancing can be maintained.
• When in an assigned residence hall room or apartment.
• When eating or drinking.
• When alone in a motor vehicle.
• Individuals exercising, training, or practicing in Campus Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletic facilities (both indoor and outdoor) may remove the cloth face covering while under physical exertion or in other situations where wearing a mask compromises their safety and welfare.
• Children 12 and under or anyone unable to remove a face covering without assistance.
• When another accommodation is necessary as indicated by a medical expert and granted written permission of the university.
• When an exception for a non-medical reason has been granted by university administration.

As a reminder, we will be providing two branded cloth masks to everyone in our campus community. Those masks will be distributed soon. You can see more details of this directive, including information about compliance here.

It is our duty to do everything we can to make our campus safer as we welcome students, faculty, and staff back in the fall. I believe this is the right decision for the safety and security of our campus community.

Sincerely,

Richard Davenport
President