Site Responsibilites

  • Set clear objectives and expectations for the position.

  • Assign meaningful tasks and duties that help further the organization’s mission approved per the Position Description.

  • Evaluate the fellow and provide regular feedback.

  • Schedule regular meetings between the fellow and their supervisor to allow open discussion of expectations, upcoming projects, events, requiremetns, and progress the fellow is making. This also allows the fellow to ask questions and express concerns.

  • Provide adequate training and supervision to make the fellowship a real learning experience.

  • Provide the tools, materials and equipment needed for the fellow to be able to complete required assignments.

  • Select and train appropriate supervisors and mentors who will guide the fellow, assist in skill development and answer questions.

  • Include the fellow in relevant meetings when possible so they can gain experience attending and participating in business meetings.

  • Include the fellow in company social events to provide networking opportunities.

  • Provide a professional environment that fosters a safe and productive work atmosphere.

  • Conduct business in an ethical manner.

  • Provide a final evaluation at the conclusion of the fellowship to discuss the intern’s performance and accomplishments, and also to identify strengths and opportunities for continued development.

  • Meet any educational requirements set forth by the student’s home institution if the fellowship is being taken for academic credit, including providing enough hours, assignments, etc.

Sample timeline

  • First Day/Week: Review work policies and procedures, including hours, breaks, work attire and any relevant guidelines the fellow needs to follow. Establish learning objectives with the fellow and create a plan of action for meeting these objectives.

  • Midway (if fellow is serving 1200 or 1700 hours) Conduct a mid-point evaluation with the fellow to review progress made towards the established objectives. Provide performance feedback and identify steps the intern should take to meet all objectives and goals by the internship’s end.

  • Conclusion: Conduct a final review and evaluation.

What are some strategies for supporting Fellows’ professional development?

  • Offer advice and insights that you have gleaned from your own career path.

  • Provide fellows with opportunities for meaningful hands-on experiences in your workplace – working on a project, being part of a team, contributing to larger goals, etc.

  • As appropriate and possible, include the fellow in appropriate meetings with other staff and team members. Provide exposure to multiple facets of your organization, and team members within it.

  • Conduct exit interviews with fellows so that it is clear to them what went well, what you see as their strengths and areas where you would suggest additional growth. This type of feedback can also assist you in enhancing your fellowship opportunity and supporting future fellows.

  • Offer to keep in touch with your fellow after the fellowship experience to support him/her as a reference. If you have time/interest, offer support as a mentor.

  • Suggest relevant professional organizations where a student should consider becoming a member, or affiliations and certifications they should seek in order to be successful in your field.

Prohibited Activities for Fellows

At no time while acting as an AmeriCorps member may the member:

Engage in any activity that is illegal under local, state, or federal law.

Engage in activities that pose a significant safety risk to others, and while charging time to the AmeriCorps program. Members accumulating service or training hours, or otherwise performing activities supported by the AmeriCorps program or the Corporation, staff, and members may not engage in the following activities listed in 45 CFR, Section 2520.65:

• Attempt to influence legislation

• Organize or engage in protests petitions, boycotts, or strikes o Assisting, promoting, or deterring union organizing

• Impairing existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements

• Engage in partisan political activities or other activities designed to influence the outcome of an election to any public office

• Participate in, or endorse, events or activities that are likely to include advocacy for or against political parties, political platforms, political candidates, proposed legislation, or elected officials

• Engage in religious instruction; conducting worship services; providing instruction as a part of a program that includes mandatory religious worship; constructing or operating facilities devoted to religious instruction or worship; maintaining facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious instruction or worship; engage in any form of religious proselytization

• Provide a direct benefit to:

• A for-profit entity

• A labor union

• A partisan political organization

• An organization engaged in the religious activities in the preceding sub-clause unless grand funds are not used to support the religious activities

• A nonprofit entity that fails to comply with the restrictions contained in the section 501(c)(3) of U.S. Code Title 26

• Voter registration drives by AmeriCorps members are an unacceptable service activity.

• In addition, Corporation funds may not be used to conduct a voter registration drive.

Legal concerns

While designing your internship program, you may need to consider the impact of various legal issues. Contact your organization’s legal counsel if you have questions or need more information. Some of the major legal factors impacting fellowship placements include:

  • Intellectual Property: Fellows may be required to work on projects where intellectual property rights are a concern. Typically, if new employees would be asked to sign a nondisclosure agreement, a fellow may be asked to do so as well. If you are concerned, seek legal counsel on how to proceed.

  • Benefits and Insurance: Benefits are paid by Utah State University on behalf of the Host Site. Most participating young adults will have insurance coverage through their colleges or universities, or will be covered under their parents’ policies. Alternatively for fellows who service in 1,700 positions, the Fellowship Program will offer Health Insurance through the Marketplace. If you have questions regarding benefits and insurance, contact the OUSF Program Director.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity: Federal and state regulations regarding equal employment opportunities apply to the employment of fellows as well as full-time employees.