In accepting an internship, students undertake the responsibility of furthering their journalism education in the workplace. The School is committed to the highest of journalistic standards. Interns are expected to honor this commitment by enhancing their skills and making a contribution to the regeneration of the profession. Interns are ambassadors for the School of Journalism and are essential to the continuing success of the internship program.

Conditions of internship

Every student must complete an internship term of at least 13 weeks (equivalent to one university semester). The internship is equivalent to one university semester (15 credit hours). Students on internship must pay full fees for that semester.
Students will be paid a trainee rate (or an equivalent honorarium agreed upon by the School). In the event of overtime, interns can expect to be compensated monetarily or by time off in lieu.

Intern responsibilities

The news agencies involved in the internship program are expected to provide an atmosphere of constructive criticism and advice, as well as a solid journalistic experience for the student. Take full advantage of the opportunity. Do not be afraid to ask questions or take initiative. The internship experience may include everything from maintaining files, logging programs, and fact checking for other reporters to covering fast breaking stories, developing features and in depth reports. Take full advantage of the opportunity and enjoy the challenge.

The intern is expected to keep in touch with the designated faculty supervisor, and may count on guidance and encouragement from faculty and other supervisors involved in the internship program.

The intern expected to contribute to and follow the work plan outlined by the designated workplace supervisor. The intern is expected to actively participate in story-meetings, contribute to newsroom debate, and produce stories for publication.

Evaluation and assessment reports

Mid-way into the internship a member of the faculty will make an on-site visit to discuss the interns progress. In preparing for the faculty visit, interns should have samples of their work on hand. The interns supervisor is responsible for completing the final assessment form provided by the School.
As part of the requirement for the completion of the internship, students must submit, to the Head of the School, a final internship report (1,000 words). The report is to candidly chronicle and evaluate the diversity of journalistic experience, as well as suggest areas of improvement. This report must be received at the School by the following dates: WINTER internships (April 15), SUMMER internships (September 6), and FALL internships (December 15).
Student interns should understand that neglect of duties or conduct deemed to be below the standards acceptable to the journalistic organization could result in the termination of the internship.

The internship is graded on a “Pass” or “Fail” basis. The final grading of the internship is based on work samples, employer assessment reports, and the faculty members’ mid-term progress report. Any student who fails the internship will not receive a degree. The School holds ultimate responsibility for deciding if the student passes or fails the internship.

Following completion of the internship, the School will submit a final report to the employer.

Workplace environment

Students on internship shall conduct themselves in an appropriate and responsible manner, with due respect and regard for the rights and feelings of others.
Students on practicum are protected under the University of Regina’s Sexual Harassment Policy