Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours do interns serve each week?
On average, interns work 10-12 hours a week, not counting vacations and holidays. Students are responsible for documenting all hours served at their agency placement.

How are interns monitored?
Community Engagement Interns are monitored through performance evaluations completed by the agency supervisor, random site visits conducted by the student employment team, and review of the rate of use of the member's work-study award/paycheck amounts.

Do students have to be work-study eligible to participate in the program?
Yes. In order to be a part of this intern program, you must be awarded sufficient work-study for the academic year to provide for the increased work-study award. The work-study award is increased to $5,500 after all financial aid requirements have been met. (This may vary per student)

Is there a GPA requirement?
Yes. All participants are required to maintain at least a 2.50 cumulative GPA at all times during participation in the program.

Is there a class load requirement?
Yes. All interns are required to enroll in and complete at least 12 credit hours per fall and spring semester.

What other expectations are there for interns in this program?
1. Interns are expected to attend all monthly meetings for the Fall and Spring semesters.

2. Interns must participate in at least one planned service project each semester with a different organization than their placement.

3. Interns must attend one Adopt-A-Street event per year.

4. All interns must provide necessary documentation to be cleared with the University for employment.

5. Finally, interns are required to set up a one-on-one appointment with the student employment team each semester and to participate in evaluative tools such as surveys and performace reviews.

How do I apply?
Recruitment takes place early in the spring semester. All applicants must complete an application and attend an interview session. A waiting list is also kept when necessary. When the applications opens, you can find the link on the home page.

When does the program begin?
The year begins with the start of the fall semester in August and ends with the completion of the spring semester in May. Summer is not included in the internship timeline. 

What is the length of time required for my commitment?
Preferably for the full fall and spring semesters. However, on an individual basis, a member may be in the program for one semester if they are graduating or planning to participate in education abroad (but they must make arrangements ahead of time).

How do I find out which agency I will be placed in?
Area agencies are invited to an Agency Orientation meeting to assess future placement needs. During the first week of classes in the fall, all interns and all partnering agencies attend the Agency Mixer. This is where all agencies present to the participants and market their organization and opportunities for the students. Once all agencies have presented, students have time to go around and network with the different agencies. After the mixer, students have a two week period to reach out to agencies they are interested in, setup interviews, and find a placement.

Can a student choose their own agency?
You may research your own placement at an area not-for-profit agency that is of interest to you. If the agency and the proposed service description meets program guidelines and is approved, the LCS member may serve with that agency. All partnering agencies must be approved by the student employment office.

Can more than one Community Engagement Intern serve at an agency?
Yes. However, the agency must be able to provide each student a project that will allow each student to serve their 10-12 hours per week. Often, the interns will have different service descriptions and serve in different areas of the agency. No agency may have more than 2 participants unless approved by the student employment office. 

How does a Community Engagement Intern get paid?
Once assigned to an agency, students will be required to track their own hours. The student must input their time on Banner and submit it for approval based on the payroll schedule. The agency supervisor must verify the hours by emailing them to the student employment office. The student will be paid according to the Missouri State payroll schedule. All Missouri State student employees are on direct deposit and will be paid every two weeks.

Do returning participants have to reapply and go through the interview process again?
Interviews are not required of returning participants. However, renewal is subject to the individual's level of participation and service record. Interns who wish to return must make their intentions known before recruitment for new members begins in spring.

Are students responsible for their own transportation to their agency?
Yes. However, there are several agencies close to or on campus. Please let the student employment office know of any special conditions or requirements so that we can meet your needs as efficiently as possible.