Graduate practica and internships – new process

This message was originally sent to graduate students by Liz Nilsen, assistant vice-president, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.

Over the past few months, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) has been working with campus stakeholders to support graduate programs and students that have had scheduled internships or practica precluded or delayed by COVID-19.  As a result of the consultation and work, we have developed a series of alternatives to having students physically located at an external partner's workplace while still satisfying this element of their degree requirements.

For those programs or students that wish to have placements in person, we have identified key information that should be gathered for the placement, including: location, contact information, evidence of insurance, safety protocols (especially for those working in a health care setting) and protocols for illness declaration.  

Graduate programs can seek approval for a cohort of students by writing a memo containing the details as outlined on the GSPA Practica and Internships web page. 

When a program has not sought approval for a cohort, as an individual graduate student, you will need to seek approval to engage in a placement, and will need to complete and submit the Practica and Internships request form.

Details of the process, along with a link to the form can be found on the GSPA Practica and Internships web page. Please note that this process does not apply to formal co-op programs or remotely conducted practica. 

If you have questions about the requirements of your program and/or whether your program has sought program-wide approval, you should connect with your Program Director/Associate Chair, Graduate Studies.