College Student Intern
Program Guidelines
rev. July 2010
Prepared by: Office of Counsel
Table of Contents
Purpose of the College Student Intern Program..………………………….2
Program Benefits ………………………………………………………………..3
Program Administration ………………………………………………………. 4
Student Requirements ………………………………………………………. 5
Recruitment Process..…………………………………………………………...6
Security Clearance Process..…………………………………………………...7
Managers Checklist for Interns.………………………………………………..9
Appendices
PURPOSE OF THE COLLEGE STUDENT INTERN PROGRAM
The United States Postal Inspection Service sponsors a College Student Intern Program (CSIP), which offers
college students, as well as post-graduate students, an opportunity to gain meaningful law enforcement work
experience while earning college credits. College student internship opportunities are offered in partnership
with accredited colleges and universities which support internships as part of their degree programs. The
program is offered nationwide and provides students with hands-on experiences in a law enforcement
environment. Although the Inspection Service is a federal law enforcement agency, there may exist a need for
individuals with expertise across the various academic fields which support our day-to-day operations including,
for example, information technology, finance, forensic science, legal, etc.
PROGRAM BENEFITS:
The.CSIP provides excellent benefits for the Inspection Service, the college or university and the students:
For the Postal Inspection Service:

Enhances the recognition of the Postal Inspection Service.

Provides a source of productive and enthusiastic staff to assist in meaningful projects.
 Enhances opportunities for targeted recruitment by providing an opportunity to evaluate interns
as potential employees.
For the Academic Institution:

Provides an opportunity to build beneficial relationships with the academic community.

Strengthens the ability to align programs with the current demands of the job market.
For the Intern:

Provides meaningful and realistic learning experiences, and a competitive edge in today’s job
market.

Assists in making future career decisions.

Enhances the development of professional and inter-personal skills.

Provides course credits for experience gained in the workplace.
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION:
The CSIP is a collaborative partnership between the Inspection Service, colleges and universities, and the
student. It is imperative that each partner performs the administrative duties associated with the program
requirements.
Inspection Service Responsibilities

The National CSIP Coordinator, located at Headquarters, is responsible for the program administration,
serving in an advisory capacity to both the Inspection Service and the educational institution.

Participating divisions will designate a local CSIP Coordinator. The local CSIP Coordinator, in
conjunction with the educational institution, is responsible for tailoring a CSIP that meets the
educational requirement of the student.

The local CSIP Coordinator will maintain close contact with the student interns, assist in intern
evaluations, and assess the intern job performance, as well as, coordinate activities between the
college or university and the Inspection Service.
Academic Institution Responsibilities

The college or university must be accredited.

The educational institution defines the parameters of the program, and how it will meet their program
requirements.

The educational institution determines the number of course credits it will give to a student participating
in the program.

The timeline for the internship will be specified by the educational institution.

Each educational institution will verify and ensure the student’s field of study corresponds to the
requirements for the internship.

Each educational institution will make sure the student’s academic status meets the regulations of the
United States Postal Inspection Service CSIP.

Educational institutions will appoint a faculty coordinator to oversee the program and its participants.

Faculty coordinators will assist the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in the intern’s evaluations as well as
assess the intern’s job performance to ensure adherence to their school’s policy.

The educational institution will coordinate their program activities with the U.S. Postal Inspection
Service to foster a productive work environment.

Each educational institution will complete the Educational Institution Agreement and return it to the
Division CSIP Coordinator. (See Appendix 2).
Students interested in applying for an internship with the Inspection Service may be referred
by a college or university that has an existing agreement with the Inspection Service or a
student may contact the Inspection Service directly. In the event a student contacts the
Inspection Service directly and is attending a college or university that the Inspection Service
does not have an existing agreement with, the student should have the school contact the
local CSIP Coordinator to coordinate an agreement with the school.
Student Responsibilities

Submit a College Student Intern Application to the local CSIP Coordinator (Appendix 1)

Submit a signed Educational Institution Agreement to the local CSIP Coordinator (Appendix 2).

Sign the Volunteer College Student Intern Agreement (Appendix 3).

Sign an Agreement for Non-Salaried Internship (Appendix 4).

Make arrangements and be responsible for lodging and transportation.

Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and sensitive security clearance background
investigation to qualify for the internship.

Complete all required paperwork prior to starting their internship.
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
Students participating in the CSIP must meet the following minimum requirements:

Be a U.S. Citizen and provide a photocopy of a valid birth certificate or passport.

Have a minimum of 50 semester hours completed (or be listed as a junior).

Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 Scale, or equivalent.

Have declared a major or possess skills in a field which corresponds to the needs of the Inspection
Service.

Submit a letter from he college or university acknowledging he/she is in good standing.

Submit a resume to include work experience, education, accomplishments, skills, etc.
Appendix 1 (College Student Intern Application) may be used to obtain this information.
In addition, there is a great deal of competition for relatively few positions. To be competitive, students must
demonstrate the following:
 Flexibility
 Analytical thinking skills
 Reliability
 The ability to work well in a team environment
 The ability to set and achieve goals
STUDENT PARTICIPATION
RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
The local CSIP Coordinators will establish relationships with accredited colleges and universities whose
curriculum matches the business needs of the organization. The local Coordinator will discuss internship
possibilities with colleges and universities to enhance awareness of the program. Also, they will provide
notification and internship announcements at Inspection Service field division meetings, in campus newsletters,
and/or throughout local communities.
Colleges and universities who participate in CSIP will provide a student profile, a basic description of their
school mentoring policy, and the name of the campus program advisor.
Local Inspection Service executives may elect to utilize one or both of the recruitment options listed below:
1. Direct contact with the college or university obtaining access to their on-line internship listing, if
available. Many colleges and universities offer this service at no charge. This method is recommended
to ensure a diverse internship group is identified. An internship relationship should be established with a
minimum of two schools, with a diverse student population. Special emphasis should be placed on
schools offering criminal justice, law, science, and technical programs.
2. Vacancy Announcements may be posted on the Postal Service Web site www.usps.com in coordination
with HRP. Most federal agencies recruit student interns from their Web sites. This option ensures that
the internship information is accessible by students from diverse backgrounds.
Note: Please contact the National CSIP Coordinator at National Headquarters with any additional questions or
recruiting assistance.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
The selection of a student intern will be made by a two person panel. The panelists include the Inspection
Service executive offering the internship, and the designee supervisor of the student intern. The Inspection
Service executive makes the final selection(s).
The following items will be considered when making the selection:
1. Specific tasks, duties, or research opportunities available at the time of the internship.
2. Resume and official college transcript received from interested applicant.
3. Letter from college or university advisor stating student is in good standing.
4. Interview, in person or by phone, with the student.
5. Specific project/goals they want to achieve during the internship.
6. References: Student Interns Recommendation Form and/ or letters of recommendations from three (3)
sources; One (1) faculty and two (2) personal references from a non-related individual and/or employer
(See Appendix 5).
SECURITY CLEARANCE PROCESS:
Student interns are required to have a sensitive security clearance. The sensitive security clearance
process is initiated once the student intern has been tentatively selected. The following forms are required
to begin the process:

PS Form 2013, Sensitive Security Clearance Processing Request

PS Form 2181, Authorization and Release

SF 85P, Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions

Two original SF 85, Fingerprint Cards
The completed forms should be forwarded by mail to the Security Investigations Service Center by the
Inspection Service group and/or division requesting a student intern:
US POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE
SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS SERVICE CENTER
ATTN: SECURITY CLEARANCE
225 N HUMPHREYS BLVD
MEMPHIS TN 38161-0001
Student interns will not be permitted to work in Inspection Service facilities until all agreements have been
signed, required paperwork has been completed, and an interim security clearance has been granted.
Tenure

Appointments are not intended to lead to permanent career positions. However, applicants are eligible
to apply for any positions announced to the general public.

The length of the internship term is dependent upon the requirements of the participating educational
institution. Students are eligible to apply for subsequent internships as long as they continue to meet all
CSIP requirements.
Activities
Examples of activities in which Interns may engage:
Conduct case/report reviews
Attend meetings with Prosecutors and other law enforcement
Prepare MOIs
Conduct research
Enter and analyze data
Interview witnesses
Interact with customers
Examples of activities in which Interns may not engage:
Operate government owned or leased vehicles
Participate in arrests
Carry firearms or other law enforcement equipment
Respond to BDI, Hazmat or other suspicious articles
Participate in undercover activities
Travel
Handle narcotics or dangerous substances
Represent themselves as law enforcement officers
Be present at potentially dangerous situations
View contraband (i.e., CE)
Interns are not strictly prohibited from participating in the following activities however, careful consideration
must be given and prior approval obtained from division management (INC or AIC).
Presence at search sites
Surveillance
Suspect/defendant interviews
Range activities
Access to sensitive databases
If there is any question as to the suitability of an intern’s participation in a specific activity, contact the Office of
Counsel.
Evaluation
Students will be evaluated on specific goals established at the beginning of the internship in collaboration with
their school policy. If no such school policy exists, students will be evaluated based on the Inspection Service
criteria as stated in the Student Intern Evaluation Form at the mid-way point of their internship, and at the end of
the internship by their respective manager or executive (See Appendix 10).
Equal Employment Opportunity
The United States Postal Inspection Service is an equal opportunity employer. Participants are selected, trained
and developed without regard to race, religion, age (40+), sex, national origin, and physical or mental disability.
Americans with Disability
It is the United States Postal Inspection Service’s policy to make sound employment and placement decisions
to offer reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities during the process of recruitment,
examination, hiring, and internal placement.
The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination against qualified employees and job applicants with disabilities in
the United States Postal Inspection Service. This act also imposes an obligation on the Postal Service to find
reasonable ways to accommodate an individual with a disability so that he or she can become a productive
member of the workforce.
The following is a checklist for managers to use in preparation of incoming interns
Prior to Student Intern Arrival:
 Make sure that the completed packet has been returned to the office (See Appendix 6)
 If specified, Hepatitis B vaccination (6 months prior) to internship**
 Provide directions to the office where the intern will be domiciled
 Ensure the drug screening is completed and student is cleared
 Articulate to the intern the appropriate dress code for your facility
 Predetermine hours for the first working day and inform the intern

Provided details of the start date, time, location and who they will report to
**Requirement if assigned to the Forensic Laboratory
First Day of Internship:
 Supervisor and student intern meet and greet
 Provide student intern a tour of the facilities and introduce to coworkers
 Conduct an orientation – videos and literature on the Inspection Service
 Issue Pass Card, as applicable
 Discuss absences – days off policy – prior notice recommended
 Discuss hours of work (e.g., 40 hours/week)
 List and discuss the intern’s short-term and long-term goals
The Next Steps:
 Executives and/or managers should re-review and utilize the Intern Coordinator’s Pre-employment
checklist to ensure they have all required materials from applicants (See Appendix 7).
 Executives and/or managers will complete an Individual Project Plan for each project they assign to
their respective student intern (See Appendix 8).
 Each student intern will complete a narrative of their work accomplishments at the end of their
internship (See Appendix 9).
 A final evaluation of the student intern’s performance should be completed at the end of their internship
by their respective managers (See Appendices 10-11).
APPENDICES
Appendix 1
College Student Intern Application
Appendix 2
Educational Institutional Agreement
Appendix 3
Volunteer College Student Intern Agreement
Appendix 4
Agreement for Non-Salaried Internship
Appendix 5
Student Intern Reference(s) Recommendation Form (Part 1 and 2)
Appendix 6
Pre-Employment Checklist for Student Interns
Appendix 7
Intern Coordinator’s Pre-Employment Checklist
Appendix 8
Student Intern Individual Project Plan
Appendix 9
Student Intern Narrative of Work Accomplishments
Appendix 10
Student Intern Evaluation Form for Managers (Part A & B)
Appendix 11
End of Internship Evaluation Forms (Part 1 & Part 2)
APPENDIX 1
COLLEGE STUDENT INTERN APPLICATION
I would like to apply for admission to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s College Student Internship Program.
STUDENT INFORMATION: (Please type or print your responses)
Name (Last, First, M.I.)
Current Address
Current Phone Number
Permanent Address
Permanent Phone Number
Date of Birth
Identification Number
Country of Citizenship
E-mail Address
College or University:
__________________________________________________________
Name
____________________________
Major
___________________
GPA
____________________________
Expected Graduation Date
I am applying for an internship beginning:
Fall 201___
Spring 201___
Summer 201___
While completing my internship, I will be classified as a:
Junior
Senior
Graduate Student
Please submit the following in resume format:





Work history starting with most recent experience including: Employer, Address, Telephone Number,
Dates of Employment, Specific Titles and Descriptions of Duties
Education
Special accomplishments (e.g., civic and academic honors)
Special skills (e.g., computer skills, fluency in a foreign language, etc.)
Relevant experience (e.g., consulting or research projects)
APPENDIX 2
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION AGREEMENT
Acting as a representative for ____________________________I certify that ______________________is a
(Institution Name)
(Intern’s Name)
student in good standing and that the work assignment and scheduled hours are approved as appropriate for
the course of study or training he/she is pursuing. The student (will/will not) be given (academic or other) credit
for participating in the CSIP.
I understand that a record of the student’s attendance and an evaluation of his/her performance will be provided
to this institution when the internship is completed.
1. Signature of Approving Official:
2. Date:
3. Title:
4. Educational Institution:
5. Signature of Student Intern:
6. Date:
7. Identification #:
8. Educational Institution:
9. Employment Location:
10. Start Date :___________
11. End Date:_________
APPENDIX 3
VOLUNTEER COLLEGE STUDENT INTERN AGREEMENT
I, ________________________ understand that:
(intern’s name)
 I am not considered to be a federal employee for any purpose other than for purposes of the
Federal Tort Claims provisions published in 28 U.S.C. 2671 through 2680, and U.S.C.,
Chapter 81, relative to compensation for injuries sustained during the performance of work
assignments;
 I am to conduct myself with honesty and integrity in the performance of my duties;
 I am to consciously safeguard government business that is deemed restricted and not for
public information;
 This agreement may be terminated by me, my educational institution, or the U.S. Postal
Inspection Service.
 A record of my attendance and an evaluation of my performance will be provided to me and
my educational institution when my internship is completed.
Signature of Student
Date
Signature of Witness
Date
APPENDIX 4
AGREEMENT FOR NON-SALARIED INTERNSHIP
(To be completed by the student and USPIS manager)
The purpose of this agreement is to establish the roles, responsibilities, and guidelines for the Inspection
Service, the school and the student.
Mr. or Ms. _____________________understands:
(insert student’s name)
1. That he/she will be allowed to use the United States Postal Inspection Service as a source of research
and assistance in preparation for his/her schoolwork in exchange for college credits.
2. That he/she will not be compensated by the United States Postal Inspection Service for any activities
or work performed. All work performed is on a “voluntary basis and remains the property of the United
States Postal Inspection Service.”
3. That he/she will not displace or supervise United States Postal Inspection Service employees.
4. That this project does not and will not guarantee future employment as the result of the work
performed.
5. That the school will hold harmless the United States Postal Inspection Service and its officers, agents
and/or employees for claims of damage or loss incurred by a student.
6. That the United States Postal Inspection Service is allowing this work to be performed at the request
and the benefit of the student.
SEPARATION FROM THE INTERNSHIP:
A student may leave the program for any of the following reasons:

Change in curriculum which will not qualify the student for the internship

Personal reasons

Suspension, expulsion, or withdrawal from school

Unsatisfactory work performance or failure to maintain college or university academic standards

Inability to physically perform duty

Inability of the United States Postal Inspection Service to maintain this agreement with the student
for administrative reasons

For the violation and/or conviction of criminal activity or inappropriate behavior
Executive or Manager Signature:
____________________________________
Student Intern Signature:
______________________________
Date _______________________
Date:___________________
APPENDIX 5
STUDENT INTERN REFERENCE(S) RECOMMENDATION FORM (Part 1)
Student Intern’s Name: _________________________________________________
I, hereby, waive my rights to see recommendations received from my references.
Student Signature
Date
To the individual completing this form:
Part of the application process for the United States Postal Inspection Service’s college student
interns includes three recommendations, one from a faculty member and two from employers
and/or personal references (non-related). The United States Postal Inspection Service would
appreciate a candid reference on the above named student.
1. How long have you known this student?
0 - 1 year
2 - 5 years
6 - 10 years
10 or more years
2. In what capacity have you known the student?
Instructor
Employer
Other _________________
3. Please list five adjectives that best describe the candidate:
A.
_____________________________
B.
_____________________________
C.
_____________________________
D.
_____________________________
E.
_____________________________
3. How will the student adapt to a professional setting?
4. Why you believe this student would or would not make a successful intern.
STUDENT INTERN RECOMMENDATION FOR REFERENCES (Part 2)
Please rate the candidate in the following areas on a scale of 5 (outstanding) to 1 (poor).
Outstanding
Poor
Maturity
5
4
3
2
1
Respect for others
5
4
3
2
1
Discretion
5
4
3
2
1
Work Habits
5
4
3
2
1
Ability to achieve goals
5
4
3
2
1
Organizational Skills
5
4
3
2
1
Analytical Thinking
5
4
3
2
1
Flexibility
5
4
3
2
1
Please comment on any low ratings:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Which one of the following best describes your recommendation for this student?
‫ ٱ‬Highest recommendation
‫ ٱ‬Recommend, without reservations
‫ ٱ‬Recommend, with reservations
‫ ٱ‬Not recommend
Signature of Interviewer
Printed Name of Interviewer:
Date
Title:
Address:
Daytime Telephone Number:
Thank you for completing this form. Please send the completed form to:
Insp. Roberta Harris
US Postal Inspection Service
PO Box 4399
Santa Ana, CA 92702-4399
APPENDIX 6
PRE-EMPLOYMENT CHECKLIST FOR STUDENT INTERNS
Completed College Student Intern Application
Resume
College Transcript
250 Word Narrative Outlining Specific Project Goals for the Internship
3 Letters of Recommendation
Voluntary Student Agreement
Check one:
Complete Package
Incomplete Package
Remarks:_________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Name: _________________________________________________________________
Date: __________________________
APPENDIX 7
INTERN COORDINATOR’S PRE-EMPLOYMENT CHECKLIST
Intern’s Name___________________________________________________
Completed Student Intern Application
(PS Form 2013- Sensitive Security Clearance, PS Form 2181- Authorization and Release, SF 85PQuestionnaire for Public Trust Positions, FD 258 – Fingerprint Charts, Birth Certificate or Passport)
Resume
College Transcript
Project Plan
3 Letters of Recommendation
Voluntary Student Agreement
Educational Institution Agreement
Intern Evaluation Form
Intern Project Sheet(s)
Check one:
Complete Package
Incomplete Package
Remarks:________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Name: _________________________________________ Date: __________________
APPENDIX 8
STUDENT INTERN INDIVIDUAL PROJECT PLAN
(To be completed by the manager for each assigned project)
Intern’s Name: ______________________________________________________
Manager’s Name:____________________________________________________
Project Description:
Start Date:
_____________
Completion Date: _____________
Suspense Date: _____________
Resources Needed:
Required actions:
Actions completed:
APPENDIX 9
Student Intern Narrative of Work Accomplishments
(To be completed by intern)
INTERN’S NAME:
SUPERVISOR:
EMPLOYMENT LOCATION:
TITLE:
DATE:
TELEPHONE:
ID#:
Accomplishments:
Date:_______________
Student Intern Signature: _________________________________________________
Supervisor Signature:____________________________________________________
Date:_______________
APPENDIX 10
STUDENT INTERN EVALUATION FORM FOR MANAGERS
(To be used by Evaluator if college or university evaluation forms are unavailable)
Student Name:
Supervisor:
Identification #:
Title:
College Major:
Phone:
Name and Location of College or University:
Name and Location of Employing Office:
Evaluations should be completed at the mid-way point and at the completion of the internship assignment.
Please check the box indicating the appropriate evaluation period.
Mid-way Evaluation
Final Evaluation
Please rate the student on the following job performance factors:
Performance Factors
Quality of Work
Exceeds
Expectations
5
Meets Expectations
Needs Improvement
4
3
2
1
Work Habits
5
4
3
2
1
Attendance and Punctuality
5
4
3
2
1
Dependability
5
4
3
2
1
Organizational Skills
5
4
3
2
1
Self Motivated
5
4
3
2
1
Flexibility
5
4
3
2
1
Analytical Thinking Skills
5
4
3
2
1
Ability to Achieve Goals
5
4
3
2
1
Willingness to Learn
5
4
3
2
1
Overall Job Performance
5
4
3
2
1
STUDENT INTERN EVALUATION FORM FOR MANAGERS
Intern’s Name:_______________________________________________________
Project Goals for the next review period:
1.
2.
3.
Supervisor Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Intern Comments:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Supervisor Signature:
Date:
Intern Signature:
Date:
APPENDIX 11
End of Internship Evaluation Form (Part 1)
TO THE INTERN: Each intern is expected to complete an evaluation of their internship experience at the end
of the term, and return it to the respective College Student Intern Program Coordinator.
Name of the Intern: __________________________________________________________
Name of the Supervisor: ______________________________________________________
Internship Start Date: ____________
Internship End Date: _______________
Location: ____________________________________________________________________
SUPERVISION:
Has your supervisor provided guidance and clear job expectations to you?
 Yes
 No
Has he/she been available to answer your questions, review your work, and or given you feedback on your
performance?
 Yes
 No
ORIENTATION:
Did your supervisor adequately acquaint you with the work of the agency?
 Yes
 No
Were agency rules and regulations explained to you?
 Yes
 No
INTERNSHIP: Were staff members helpful in providing you with a relevant experience? Provide details of how
your skills were used during your internship.
CHANGES: What recommendations do you have to improve the College Student Intern Program?
STRENGTHS: Explain how your student intern experience met, exceeded, or failed to meet your
expectations.
End of Internship Evaluation Form (Part 2)
(To be completed by the intern)
Intern Name:
Date:
Employing Office:
Supervisor:
Please use this space below to explain your internship experience further or to provide additional
comments for improving our College Student Intern Program.
Student Intern Signature:
Date: