Objectives

The objectives of the Sustainability Internship Program are as follows:

• Support all Faculties in providing opportunities for students to engage in experiential learning 
• Foster collaboration between students, faculty, staff, and the broader community 
• Highlight the achievements of students who have successfully completed their Sustainability Internship 

Reporting

The Sustainability Internship supports the functions of academic departments across campus in their efforts to bolster students’ self-directed, experiential learning. Undergraduate students pursuing independent study, capstone, experiential placement, and inquiry courses, to name a few, can obtain additional support from the ASP office. Graduate students engage in supported independent study, produce meaningful work, and receive a letter of reference upon successful completion of their project.  

Over the past 12 years, the Sustainability Internship Program has supported more than 57 students in their experiential learning at McMaster. 

Collaborators

The Sustainability Internship Program is made possible through collaboration with Faculties from across campus, and with support from faculty, staff, community members, and especially the students who devote their time and energy into self-directed, community-based, and experiential learning about sustainability. 

The individual student interns designed, developed, and created exceptional work through their self-directed learning. Integral support was provided by their respective academic departments, as well as the students’ academic supervisors, community project champions, and project mentors. 

An important part of many independent study courses is that the student is expected to find an academic and/or non-academic supervisor who will help guide the student’s project and support their experiential learning. The supervisors work with the student to identify discipline concepts, readings, and methods of evaluation related to the specific course for which academic credit will be given. It is expected that the student will lead the project from design to implementation, which not only ensures sustained enthusiasm throughout the program but also ensures that the program satisfies the goals and expectations of the student. Upon successful completion of the stated requirements by both supervisors, a grade is awarded to the student. In cases where full course credit is awarded, the process is completed by the student’s home Faculty or Department.

As approved by the students home Faculty or Department, a member of the ASP office can supervise/co-supervise a student’s independent study.

For further information about the Internship Program including finer details of the process, timelines, and available resources please visit the Community-Based Experiential Learning Resource Guide.

For information on obtaining academic credit, students can navigate to our page specifically devoted to Academic Credit for the Sustainability Internship Program.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students have the opportunity to receive academic credit for their participation in the Sustainability Internship Program. Students are encouraged to contact their Faculty or Department to learn about available opportunities.

NOTE: Sustainability Internships are non-paid experiential opportunities. Course credit is awarded by the student’s home Faculty or Department upon successful completion. See the Academic Credit tab to view applicable courses.

Graduate students are encouraged to view the Graduate/Undergraduate Collaboration in Experiential Learning (GUCEL) Program, for related opportunities.

Applicable Course: COMMERCE 4EL3 – Experiential Learning in Business

Course Description: This course is defined as a structured experiential learning based project that a student undertakes under the supervision of a faculty member, with the authorization of the Associate Dean (Academic), from the DeGroote School of Business. It may be completed as a team activity or as an independent project / leadership activity. The focus is on developing managerial decision making, project management, resource management and leadership skills in preparation for a career in business.

Contact Information: Please contact the Faculty Office (DSB 104, ext. 24433) to speak with an Academic Advisor

Applicable Course: ENGN MGT 5B03 – Engineering and Management Projects

TBA

Applicable Course(s):http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/associatedean/undergraduate/independent-study-placement

Science students wishing to complete a science experiential course are encouraged to contact the Science Career & Cooperative Education office for information about course options.

Students are required to complete an application form, including a detailed learning contract, evaluation criteria, and must secure a Placement Supervisor and an Academic Supervisor. Academic Supervisors must be a faculty member in the Faculty of Science.

All applications are reviewed and approved on an individual basis.

Contact Information:

Science Career & Cooperative Education, BSB 127

scce@mcmaster.ca

www.science.mcmaster.ca/scce

Contact Information:

Ruthanne Talbot

Programming and Outreach Manager (Experiential Education, Faculty of Social Sciences)

Email address: talbotr@mcmaster.ca

Applicable Course(s): ARTSSCI 3X03, 4A06, 4C06

Course Descriptions: https://artsci.mcmaster.ca/courses-faculty/course-list-2/

Contact information:

Shelley Anderson

Arts & Science Program Administrator

LRW-3038

Email address:anderso@mcmaster.ca

(905) 525-9140 ext. 24655

Rebecca Bishop

Arts & Science Program Administrator

LRW-3038

Email address: rbishop@mcmaster.ca

(905) 525-9140 ext. 23153