Internship Position Descriptions

POSITION DETAILS

Internship Host Department: MarCom

Work Schedule: Determined with supervisor

Hours Per Week: 10 Hours (approximately)

Wage/Salary: $14.70 / hr

Start Date: January 6, 2026

End Date: June 6, 2026

Department Description: The Web Group of the Marketing and Communications Department works in concert with the UCS Web Team to develop, maintain, and support the online objectives of Western Oregon University. Our goal is to transform our 200+ associated websites into facile tools that disseminate useful information and improve engagement between prospective students, current students, faculty, and staff. Essentially, we’re a group of upbeat, proactive, problem-solving nerds.

Learning Objectives:A web development internship can be an invaluable experience for a college student, offering both technical and soft skills that will be crucial in their future career. The following are some key things our interns have the opportunity to learn.

1. Technical Skills: Front-End Development: Interns will learn to proficiently structure and style web pages. They learn about HTML5 semantic elements, CSS grid, Flexbox, and responsive design to ensure websites are mobile-friendly. Interns may be exposed to popular JavaScript frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js and learn how they work with state management, components, and lifecycle methods. Interns will learn how to commit, push, pull, branch, and resolve merge conflicts on platforms like GitHub or GitLab.
2. Back-End Development: Interns will be exposed to PHP and our WordPress multisite platform. Future projects may require learning other languages such as Node.js, Python, and Ruby. Interns will also learn how to work with the various databases associated with WordPress, Banner, and Slate. Interns may have the opportunity to work with RESTful APIs, authenticate users, and handle data securely.
3. DevOps & Deployment: Interns will learn the full cycle of deploying a website or app, including using Amazon Web Services (AWS). Interns may be introduced to Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment tools to streamline deployment and testing.
4. Project Management & Collaboration: Interns will attend stand-ups and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Interns will become comfortable with tools like Wrike, Zoom, and Google Workspace which help them track tasks, communicate issues, and collaborate with the team.
5. Interns will learn how to give and receive constructive feedback when reviewing projects and tasks.
6. Soft Skills: Interns will improve their written and verbal communication skills. They learn how to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders and ask clarifying questions when they don’t understand a task. Web development often involves debugging and problem-solving. Interns learn to troubleshoot issues and research solutions independently. Interns learn to balance multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and handle their time effectively in a professional setting.
7. Real-World Context: Interns learn how to align their development work with the needs and goals of both stakeholders and end-users, understanding both the business and technical sides of web development. Interns will be introduced to user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles to help interns contribute meaningfully to product development and feature design.
8. Exposure to Industry Tools & Practices: Interns will be exposed to different types of testing, including unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing. Interns learn how to optimize the performance of websites for speed and accessibility, and become familiar with tools like Lighthouse or WebPageTest. Interns learn about security best practices like input validation, SQL injection prevention, XSS attacks, and HTTPS.
9. Networking and Professional Development: Interns will build relationships with colleagues, mentors, and other professionals, gaining useful insights into the industry to help further their careers. Working on real projects during the internship provides concrete examples that interns can showcase in their portfolios.
10. Handling Real-World Expectations: Interns will learn how to handle failure, iterate, and improve their work. Interns will learn how to graciously receive constructive criticism and then apply it to their work.
11. By the end of their web development internship, a student will have a better understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities of a developer, a clearer grasp of web development technologies, and increased confidence in their ability to contribute to a professional project.

Learning Activities: The following are some major and minor activities we assign to our interns.

1. Participation in Planning, Strategy, and Communication  – Interns attend and are encouraged to participate in the weekly staff meetings of two interrelated teams. They are also invited to attend and/or participate in strategy sessions for larger long-term projects. Interns will interact with a wide variety of stakeholders including leadership, faculty, staff, and/or fellow students. 

2. Updating Web Content – Updates to the websites are continuous. Some web managers make their own edits. Others ask us to make their updates. Sometimes edits of web managers don’t go as planned and we are asked to go in and fix things.

3. Project Lifecycle Management – Interns learn and participate in the full lifecycle of projects. They review project goals with stakeholders, establish a game plan with the team, set reasonable expectations, and communicate with stakeholders if issues arise.

4. Data Management – Working with databases, we often need to examine and address large bodies of content. Interns get to audit, curate, archive, purge, and standardize data.

5. New Tech/Systems Integration -We regularly introduce new plugins, new platforms, and new services to our web environment. Interns participate in planning, testing, Identifying challenges, creating work-arounds, and proactively solving problems.

6. Research -The majority of our projects involve at least some research. Interns learn to cross-reference terminology, browse forums to find answers to problems, discover the most efficient way to approach a large project, compare the offerings of various vendors’ services, and perform due-diligence investigations. 

This Year’s Projected Projects

• Remove all inactive websites from our servers
• Remove all unauthorized user accounts from websites
• Establish website policies and procedures
• Audit our media libraries and purge unused content
• Migrate faculty and club websites to wp.wou.edu subdomain
• Migrate governance websites to gov.wou.edu subdomain
• Redevelop the online Admissions workflow and process
• Create two separate and distinct websites. One for prospective students, another for the current university population
• Redesign and redevelop www.wou.edu to only focus on prospective students
• Ensure our websites meet the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standards by April 24, 2026.

Required Qualifications:

• Positive, can-do attitude 
• Diligence
• Attention to detail
•  Decent time management skills.
• Familiarity with WordPress or similar publishing platforms.

Preferred Qualifications: Working knowledge of CSS, HTML, and Javascript are handy.

Major(s)/Minor(s) Desired: Any combination of Computer Science, Marketing, Communication, and Art

POSITION DETAILS

Internship Host Department: Marketing & Communication

Work Schedule: Determined with supervisor

Wage/Salary: $14.70 / hr

Start Date: January 6, 2026

End Date: June 6, 2026

Department Description: As a team, we serve the campus population with web design, graphics, logo branding, promotional material development, media relations, and social media promotions. While our audiences vary, our primary focus is on current and prospective students. Through poster and brochure design, business card and stationery design, digital advertising, photography and news releases. We work closely with the Admissions Office to create pieces focused on student outreach and retention.

Learning Objectives: Through this internship, students will develop professional verbal and written communication skills, time management abilities, and hands-on graphic design expertise. They will also have the opportunity to expand their design portfolios with real-world projects while gaining valuable experience in teamwork and creative collaboration.

Learning Activities: As part of design work, interns will be responsible for tasks involving page layout tasks, such as business cards, stationery, brochures, flyers and posters. They will attend and actively participate in weekly lunch meetings where projects are reviewed, and when team problem-solving occurs. Under the supervision of our graphic designer, interns will work on assigned design projects and interact with the community as needed to support local promotions. This may include assisting with WOU Wednesday—keeping participant lists updated, ensuring materials and T-shirts are delivered, and possibly walking downtown to take photos of participants.

Required Qualifications:

1. Proficiency in graphic design software such as Photoshop, InDesign, or similar programs.
2. A portfolio showcasing design skills and previous work.
3. Experience or comfort with public interaction.
4. Strong task and time management abilities to handle multiple projects effectively.

Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with Canva, Adobe Suite, PowerPoint or Google Slides, Excel or Google Sheets would also be helpful.

Major(s)/Minor(s) Desired: Business (marketing focus), Art & Design, Communication.

POSITION DETAILS

Internship Host Department: English

Work Schedule: Determined with supervisor

Hours Per Week: 10 Hours (approximately)

Wage/Salary: $14.70 / hr

Start Date: January 6, 2026

End Date: June 6, 2026

Learning Objectives: As a result of this internship, the intern will: 

• refine their ability to perform library, database, and internet searches to compile previous research relevant to the topics of investigation; 
• improve their ability to read and evaluate online academic resources as they relate to current trends in Applied and Socio-linguistics;
• learn more about the various methods used to conduct linguistics research including: collection and analysis of authentic data, applying appropriate analytical frameworks, the nature of visual displays of language in the public sphere and their application in analyzing language policies, ideologies, and contact;
• learn about academic publishing and scholarly research networks;
• use software for organizing academic resources and sharing them with a larger academic community;
• evaluate project goals, timelines, and daily tasks to determine work priorities

Learning Activities:

The intern will

• perform library, database, and internet searches and evaluate sources to develop or add to a research database of articles related to the Supervisors’ areas of linguistic/writing research;
• read studies to determine their relevance to the research project and to record specific referencing information; 
• discuss Socio and Applied Linguistics theory and methodologies with the supervisor; 
• Enter relevant reference information into a bibliographic database

Required Qualifications: 

• Graphic design experience including familiarity with the software of choice for creating high-quality professional visuals (for example Adobe suite) 
• Digital media experience 
• Strong oral and written communication skills 
• Willingness to receive and incorporate constructive feedback 
• Willingness to professionally share a student perspective during committee discussions 
• Willingness to take initiatives in planning and problem-solving independently

Preferred Qualifications: Preferred junior or senior academic status

Major(s)/Minor(s) Desired: English, Linguistics, Writing, TEFL, Language Arts, ASL, Interpreting 

POSITION DETAILS

Internship Host Department: Natural Sciences Bld, Room 120

Work Schedule: Determined with supervisor

Hours Per Week: 10 Hours (approximately)

Wage/Salary: $14.70 / hr

Start Date: January 6, 2026

End Date: June 6, 2026

Department Description: The Biology Program’s mission is to provide students with foundation courses that present major concepts in biology and provide opportunities for science and non-science majors to experience laboratory experimentation. We are concerned that all students become comfortable with quantitative data analysis, interpretation of observations, and the evaluation and application of new information. We facilitate the mastering of concepts and methods through specialized courses that involve research, whether in terms of analyzing and understanding current literature in particular sub-disciplines or participating hands-on in original faculty-driven projects.

Learning Objectives: As a result of this internship, the intern will develop skills in microscopy and analysis of anatomy and morphological plasticity induced by environmental stress. The intern will:

1. (1) Become proficient in the use of a specialized high power dissecting microscope.
2. (2) Learn how to perform standardized counts using grid tools and use these data to determine density.
3. (3) Learn important data organization and analysis skills including randomization, subsampling, and data management.
4. (4) Gain practice at keeping careful laboratory records and notes and organizing scientific specimens.
5. (5) Work as part of a research team.

Learning Activities: During this internship the student intern will meet weekly with the supervisor for training and reporting on tasks and will also meet regularly with the greater research team in the supervisor’s lab. The intern will be trained in skills for specific tasks and then once proficient, will use those skills to analyze specimens. The student intern will:

1. Gain confidence and experience with laboratory skills for handling and analyzing preserved specimens as part of a long-term ecological research project.  
2. Learn to keep a detailed research notebook of their findings, conduct data entry and organization, and perform some basic analyses on the data.
3. Interact with the larger Garry Oak Ecological Research Group to better understand the collaborative nature of research. 
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the standards that define ethical scientific behavior.

Required Qualifications: Attention to detail, ability to use a dissecting or compound microscope for an extended period of time, ability to maintain focus and efficiency though repetitive and monotonous tasks.

Preferred Qualifications: Average grade point of B or above in relevant science coursework, familiarity with Microsoft Excel, and successful completion of MTH 111Z or equivalent. 

Major(s)/Minor(s) Desired: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Forensic Chemistry/Anthropology, Science Education, IDS (Biology/Science focus), pre-medical, pre-MLS, pre-dentistry or dental hygiene, microbiology, and any students who desires a STEM career in a field that emphasize ability to perform detailed work at a microscope (e.g. blood smear counts, plate counts, etc). 

POSITION DETAILS

Internship Host Department: University Housing

Work Schedule: Determined with supervisor

Hours Per Week: 10 Hours (approximately)

Wage/Salary: $14.70 / hr

Start Date: January 6, 2026

End Date: June 6, 2026

Department Description:  Residence Life designs and maintains on-campus student living that enhances student experiences and supports student learning and development. To further this effort, we are committed to re-designing our academic initiatives and residential curriculum program using industry best practices and student assessment data. The Academic Initiatives Intern is responsible for collaborating with departmental and campus partners to assess current initiative successes and gaps, develop a new initiative plan that will become a core piece of our department’s residential curriculum, and coordinate initiative implementation. The Academic Initiatives Intern will also have the opportunity to work alongside student affairs practitioners with a variety of education and employment experiences.

Learning Objectives:As a result of this internship, the Academic Initiatives Intern will be able to…

1. Understand the structure, purpose, and elements of a university residential life program.
2. Describe the types of academic initiatives that residential life programs employ including Living-Learning Communities and explain the impact these initiatives have on student development outcomes.
3. Evaluate program effectiveness using a variety of assessment strategies.
4. Design an academic initiatives strategic plan/curriculum.
5. Demonstrate professional verbal and written communication with colleagues, supervisors, and other stakeholders.

Learning Activities: To accomplish these learning objectives, the Academic Initiatives Intern will…

• Receive training on residential curriculum development and implementation.
• Meet weekly with the Associate Director of Residence Life to reflect on goals and outline project tasks and priorities.  
• Participate in online professional development opportunities focusing on residence hall academic initiatives and student development.
• Meet bi-weekly with the Residential Life team to strategize how to implement academic initiatives in the residence halls.
• Initiate and design an academic support initiative plan for the Residential Life program.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
• Desire to develop professional skills in an office environment
• Good interpersonal communication skills with students/staff of all levels

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interest in program design and evaluation
• Familiarity with Google Suite
• Interest in higher education and/ or student affairs

Major(s)/Minor(s) Desired: Open to all majors but would prefer Education, Social Sciences, or Business & Leadership majors who are interested in assessment and program design and learning how these contribute to desired student development outcomes.

POSITION DETAILS

Internship Host Department:  Marketing and Communication

Work Schedule: Determined with supervisor

Hours Per Week: 10 Hours (approximately)

Wage/Salary: $14.70 / hr

Start Date: January 6, 2026

End Date: June 6, 2026

Department Description:

• The Marketing & Communications (MarCom) Department at Western Oregon University (WOU) serves as the central hub for the university’s branding, storytelling, and outreach initiatives. Tasked with maintaining a unified and professional image, MarCom ensures that all communications align with WOU’s mission and values.​

Key Services:

• Project Requests: MarCom offers support for graphic design, web development, and video production to enhance the university’s visual and digital presence.​
• Self-Service Resources: The department provides tools and strategies to help faculty and staff effectively promote their work, research, and events.​
• Templates: Access to branded PowerPoint templates ensures consistency across presentations and official documents.​
• News Sharing: Faculty and staff can submit their achievements and stories for potential press releases and social media features.​
• Event Promotion: MarCom facilitates the inclusion of events on the WOU homepage, increasing visibility to the broader community.​
• Business Materials: Requests for official business cards and name badges are managed through the department.​
• Newsletters: MarCom produces the internal “@WOU” newsletter and the monthly “WolfBytes” newsletter, keeping the campus community informed.

Learning Objectives:

• This internship offers a comprehensive and immersive experience in digital media, marketing, and professional communication, tailored for students interested in careers in communications, media, public relations, or related fields. Interns will gain real-world experience managing social media for Western Oregon University’s official platforms, while developing a wide range of professional and creative skills.
• Content Development: Interns will gain hands-on experience creating engaging, brand-aligned content including posts, short-form videos (Reels and TikToks), and graphics tailored for Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.
• Visual Communication: Through the use of Adobe Photoshop and Canva, interns will learn how to create visually appealing, platform-appropriate assets while ensuring consistency with university branding.
• Trend Awareness: Interns will learn how to identify and leverage current trends in social media to increase engagement and reach, gaining insight into what content resonates with various audiences.
• Professional Communication Skills: Interns will develop verbal and written communication skills in a professional setting, especially as they interact with different departments, coordinate content, and represent WOU in public-facing digital communications.
• Brand Voice and Guidelines: They will gain experience adhering to brand and social media guidelines, learning how to maintain a consistent and professional tone across different platforms.
• Team Collaboration: Interns will work closely with peers, supervisors, and departments to ideate, plan, and execute campaigns. They will gain experience navigating creative collaboration and group decision-making.
• Independent Work Ethic: In parallel, they will develop skills in managing individual projects and responsibilities, learning how to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Event Coordination: By assisting with event-related tasks such as setting up photo booths and coordinating swag deliveries, interns will experience behind-the-scenes logistics of event planning and campus engagement.
• Social Media Analytics: Interns will learn how to evaluate content performance using analytics tools, deriving insights that inform future content strategies. This analytical approach builds data literacy and strategic thinking skills.
• Digital Tools: Students will develop working proficiency in tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Canva for content design, as well as scheduling and analytics platforms that are standard in the industry.
• Image Optimization: Interns will learn how to resize and format images for various platforms, building a foundational understanding of visual optimization for digital marketing.
• Portfolio Building: Students will leave the internship with tangible projects and content samples that can be included in professional portfolios or used in job applications.
• Goal Setting and Reflection: Interns will collaborate with supervisors to establish personalized learning goals at the start of the internship, ensuring their experience aligns with both their academic and career objectives. They will also reflect on their growth and achievements throughout the term.
• Campus Awareness: Interns will stay informed on campus events and culture, learning how to translate that information into meaningful digital storytelling that enhances school spirit and student engagement.

Learning Activities:

• Create social media posts/reels/videos for WOU’s official social media channels (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X)
• Utilizing social media trends and data analytics to drive content 
• Keeping up to date on the latest campus events
• Work with others to create and plan social media content as well as work independently
• Work within the campus branding and social media guidelines
• Resize images for various platforms
• Use Adobe Photoshop and Canva 
• Help set up photo booths around campus 
• Deliver and coordinate swag drop-offs
• Other duties may be assigned
• Meeting weekly with the supervisor 
• Attending meetings with stakeholders on campus as needed

Required Qualifications: Experience with social media management, understanding how to create quality content, video editing, and the ability to speak to students to get them involved in participation for social media. 

Preferred Qualifications: Understanding of Social Media, how to edit videos, understanding the difference between being a social media manager for a brand vs having a social media account

Major(s)/Minor(s) Desired: Business Major with a concentration in marketing or a Communication major 

POSITION DETAILS

Internship Host Department: Office of General Counsel 345 Monmouth Ave – 311 Lieuallen

Work Schedule: Determined with supervisor

Hours Per Week: 10 Hours (approximately)

Wage/Salary: $14.70 / hr

Start Date: January 6, 2026

End Date: June 6, 2026

Department Description: 

 In serving as in-house counsel and representing the University’s legal interests, the Office of General Counsel (OGC) strives to ensure the University’s success in their educational and public service mission. OGC advises the University administration, the Board of Trustees, and faculty and staff on a broad range of initiatives, issues, and policy matters. OGC is committed to understanding the goals and upholding the values of WOU’s diverse campus community.

OGC provides in-house legal services on a full range of legal issues, including but not limited to:

• Employment
• Student affairs
• Procurement
• Real Estate
• Intellectual Property
• Grievances
• Complaints
• Collective Bargaining
• Policy Development
• Training
• Lawsuits

Learning Objectives: An internship in Western Oregon University’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides an environment where the intern not only gains practical legal skills but also develops a deeper understanding of the legal profession’s values, ethics, and its impact on society.

• Skill Development: Throughout the internship, OCG will provide mentorship and critical feedback as the intern develops essential legal skills such as communication (both written and verbal), analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and time management. The OGC will create opportunities for the intern to engage in client interactions, which will help them sharpen their advocacy skills and develop their legal research and writing skills.
  
• Encouraging Professional Development: Beyond the technical skills, the intern will understand the importance of professional ethics, integrity, and communication.  OGC will provide the intern opportunities to network, attend legal events, and read relevant legal publications to help them appreciate the day-to-day responsibilities of an attorney.
  
• Encouraging Reflection and Self-Assessment: The intern will have the opportunity to reflect on their experiences, challenges, and learning moments. Regular self-assessment will encourage the intern to consider their strengths, and areas for growth, making them more conscious of their development as they progress through the internship. 

Learning Activities: 

Student Legal Intern will

• Assist with document preparation, filing, and organization
• Conduct legal research under the supervision of General Counsel
• Assist in drafting and reviewing university policy
• Attend and participate in client meetings when appropriate 
• Provide general administrative support to the legal team
• Perform other related duties as required

Required Qualifications:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational skills and able to manage multiple tasks and projects
• Be punctual, reliable, and respectful
• Be open to learning new things and take on new challenges

Preferred Qualifications:  N/A

Major(s)/Minor(s) Desired: Political Science, Philosophy, Economics, History, English

POSITION DETAILS

Internship Host Department: Hamersly Library 117C

Work Schedule: Determined with supervisor

Hours Per Week: 10 Hours (approximately)

Wage/Salary: $14.70 / hr

Start Date: January 6, 2026

End Date: June 6, 2026

Department Description: Library and Academic Innovation’s mission is to connect WOU earners to intellectual and practical resources through vibrant, welcoming, and supportive environments. The Library provides onsite, virtual and remote services and resources to support information seeking and knowledge production within the WOU community.  We promote 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, media literacy, collaboration, and information literacy, through our programs and personalized support. Library collections are curriculum-driven, our archives document WOU’s history, and our physical and virtual spaces create an environment for learning and exploration to continue outside the classroom.

In early Spring term 2026, the Library will survey WOU undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff regarding satisfaction with its collections, services and facilities. In this context, the intern will have a phased pair of goals: 1) to plan and carry out the two-week survey event, and 2) to manage the survey data for later analysis. 

During the first phase, you will use creativity and your knowledge of WOU’s information outlets to maximize participation. You will have ample ability to hone skills related to planning, time management and organization, initiative, and communication. During the second phase, you will gain extensive experience managing the quantitative and qualitative survey data.

You will work closely with the Research & Access Librarian and be provided a staff workspace in Hamersly Library. Occasional remote work is acceptable throughout the internship period. Some of the Phase 1 tasks will have you reaching out to other campus entities, electronically or in-person. You will be included in the Library and Academic Innovation network, and as your schedule allows, you may participate in the digital and physical professional environment. The supervisor will provide overall structure and guidance for your work as well as frequent discussion, feedback, and collaborative decision-making. 

Learning Objectives: As a result of this internship, the intern will be able to…

• Plan, create, and enact a multifaceted promotional campaign
• Evaluate project goals, timelines, and daily tasks to determine work priorities
• Demonstrate confident and professional verbal and written communication with a supervisor, immediate colleagues, campus partners, and potential participants. 
• Manage a data set of hundreds of records 
• Explore how their previous coursework informs this practical work 
• Identify needs-based or interest-based areas for further learning

Learning Activities: To accomplish these learning goals the intern will… 

• Determine campaign outlets and related schedules
• Initiate and maintain dialogue with multiple campus entities 
• Create and deliver promotional content in text and graphic (and potentially other) formats 
• Plan an initiative/rewards program to heighten response rates
• Receive training in and use Qualtrics XM (Experience Management) platform and Microsoft Excel to combine, clean, tag, filter, cross-tabulate, export, graph, and report data.
• Meet weekly with the supervisor to reflect on goals and progress and to determine priorities and actions. 
• Participate in Library and Academic Innovation’s digital dialogue and (as schedule allows) in-person meetings. 

Required Qualifications:

• Familiarity with WOU’s range of information outlets
• Desire to learn, take initiative, and think creatively 
• Strong organizational skills, such as scheduling, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines 
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Excel
• Good interpersonal, verbal, listening, and written communication skills
• Enrollment at Western Oregon University through Spring 2026

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interest in event planning and/or experience research
• Practice with data management, in spreadsheet and/or specialized data analysis platforms
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA

Major(s)/Minor(s) Desired: Open to all majors. Communication Studies, Marketing and Psychology majors may be particularly interested.

POSITION DETAILS

Internship Host Department:  Chemistry/NSM/DFSC209

Work Schedule: Determined with supervisor

Hours Per Week: 10 Hours (approximately)

Wage/Salary: $14.70 / hr

Start Date: January 6, 2026

End Date: June 6, 2026

Department Description: The Chemistry Department at Western Oregon University (WOU) offers a robust undergraduate program with tracks in Traditional Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry, and Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacology. The department is committed to providing a rigorous and supportive learning environment that prepares students for careers in science, health professions, education, and research.

With small class sizes and a strong emphasis on hands-on laboratory instruction, WOU chemistry students gain extensive experience with modern instrumentation and analytical techniques. Faculty prioritize undergraduate mentorship, providing opportunities for research, outreach, and professional development. Students frequently participate in collaborative research with faculty in areas such as analytical chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, and forensic science.

The department also plays a critical role in teacher preparation, pre-health advising, and interdisciplinary initiatives, including partnerships with local high schools through the Willamette Promise program. Through this program, WOU chemistry faculty collaborate with high school teachers to offer dual-credit chemistry courses and provide access to authentic laboratory experiences on campus.

As a teaching-focused institution, WOU’s Chemistry Department is dedicated to inclusive and equity-minded instruction, student-centered curriculum design, and expanding access to STEM education for underrepresented populations across Oregon and beyond.

Learning Objectives:

• Demonstrate understanding of key elements in curriculum design and assessment for introductory chemistry
• Collaboratively develop and revise instructional materials to meet diverse educational settings
• Apply organizational and communication skills to coordinate educational outreach events
• Reflect on how chemistry education and outreach contribute to STEM persistence and equity

Learning Activities:

 This internship position will support the Willamette Promise Chemistry Program, a dual-credit initiative in which high school teachers deliver college-level introductory chemistry courses in their classrooms. This program provides students the opportunity to earn WOU chemistry credit and fosters early engagement in STEM education.

The intern will assist with multiple key areas of the program, including:

• Coordinating campus visits and lab activities for high school students during spring term
• Supporting communication and logistics with partner high school teachers
• Reviewing, revising, and expanding assessment tools, such as unit exams and final exam
• Piloting and evaluating new laboratory activities appropriate for high school-level deliver
• Assisting in developing instructional resources to support program consistency and quality
• Helping with data entry and tracking student outcomes as needed

This position will give the intern practical experience in STEM outreach, curriculum development, assessment design, and professional communication. It will also provide opportunities to engage with the broader goals of expanding access to college-level science education and building pathways from high school to university-level STEM fields.

Required Qualifications:

• The completion of CH104 and CH103 or equivalent with a minimum of a B letter grade or the completion of the 200-level General Chemistry Series and BI211 with a minimum of a B letter grade.
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Interest in STEM equity, outreach, or curriculum development
• Comfortable using or learning platforms like Microsoft Office, Google Docs & Spreadsheets, and Canvas.

Preferred Qualifications: Upper division status (junior/senior) in a natural science major (Chemistry, Biology, or Earth and Environmental Science)

Major(s)/Minor(s) Desired: Chemistry, Biology, or Earth and Environmental Science

POSITION DETAILS

Internship Host Department: Art & Design

Work Schedule: Determined with supervisor

Hours Per Week: 10 Hours (approximately)

Wage/Salary: $14.70 / hr

Start Date: January 6, 2026

End Date: June 6, 2026

The exhibits program is housed within the Art and Design Department at WOU. The mission of  the Art and Design Department is to foster critical and creative thinking, skill-building, and  visual literacy. The exhibits program is also student-focused, with two main objectives: to  engage students with professional artwork and artists through exhibits and programs such as  lectures or workshops, and to provide students with real-world experience exhibiting their own  artwork and working in campus galleries to curate, plan, install and de-install exhibitions. 

Learning Objectives: 

As a result of this internship, the intern will: gain an understanding of the behind-the-scenes  work that goes into presenting professional gallery exhibitions; learn to install and present  artwork using universal museum standards; practice mounting artwork (matting and framing) to prepare it for exhibition; and develop organizational skills by helping to plan exhibits and  activities for the new student gallery opening in ITC this fall. 

Learning Activities: 

Intern will help set-up and organize the tools and hardware to be used in the new student gallery.  Intern will attend weekly gallery staff meetings to help plan exhibits and activities for all campus  galleries, especially the new student gallery space in ITC. Intern will work with the gallery  director to mat and frame artwork for exhibition. Intern will assist the gallery staff (director, one  faculty member and three student assistants) with installation in gallery spaces around campus. 

Required Qualifications: 

Familiarity with different types of art and art processes. Ability to self-start and work  independently. Attention to detail with the ability to juggle many projects at one time. Excellent  communication skills and habits, in-person and online. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

Interest in galleries and/or museums. Knowledge of design principles. Experience working or  building with hand tools. Competent in basic math skills such as addition and subtraction of  fractions and decimals. 

Major(s)/Minor(s) Desired: Art and Design preferred, but would consider any major.

POSITION DETAILS

Internship Host Department: Human Resources 

Work Schedule: Determined with supervisor

Hours Per Week: 10 Hours (approximately)

Wage/Salary: $14.70 / hr

Start Date: January 6, 2026

End Date: June 6, 2026

Department Description: HR – We serve the entire community at WOU. Our mission is to cultivate a human-centered organizational culture that prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect. Our department serves multiple areas most commonly for; Onboarding, Recruitment, Payroll, Title 9, Accessibility & Services, Training,  and many more.

Learning Objectives: This internship provides an immersive experience in the field of Human Resources and Event Coordination, offering the intern a unique opportunity to build practical skills while contributing to meaningful organizational initiatives. As an HR Event Coordinator intern, the individual will gain firsthand experience in planning, coordinating, and executing internal and external events, while also supporting broader HR functions such as employee engagement, recruitment events, and workplace culture initiatives.

Through direct mentorship and hands-on projects, the intern will develop essential professional skills and grow a strong foundation in both human resources practices and event coordination. The experience will be tailored to align with the intern’s personal and professional goals, with ongoing support to ensure a well-rounded and fulfilling internship.

Learning Outcomes and soft skill development include:

1. Professional Communication and Interpersonal Skills
2. Event Planning and Coordination
3. Human Resources Exposure and Administrative Skills
4. Time Management and Organizational Skills
5. Problem Solving and Adaptability
6. Workplace Etiquette and Professionalism
7. Personal and Professional Growth

Ongoing mentorship and check-ins will ensure the intern receives meaningful feedback, support, and guidance throughout their experience.

Learning Activities: 

The intern will strengthen verbal and written communication skills through regular interaction with team members, employees, and leadership. They will learn to communicate professionally in a variety of formats, including emails, event proposals, meeting agendas, and post-event reflections. Through involvement in meetings and planning sessions, they will develop active listening, note-taking, and presentation skills.

The intern will gain experience in planning and executing events, such as employee appreciation days, training sessions, and new employee orientation, benefits fairs, and other events. They will learn how to manage logistics (scheduling, budgeting, team coordination, location setup), and troubleshoot common event challenges in real time.

Intern will gain insight into key HR functions, such as employee engagement, internal communication strategies, workplace culture initiatives, and policy implementation. They may assist with onboarding tasks, document preparation, organizing employee records, and supporting training sessions. This exposure will help interns understand the intersection of HR operations and employee experience.

Through managing multiple projects and meeting timelines, the intern will learn how to prioritize tasks, balance responsibilities, and maintain attention to detail. They will develop tools and habits to stay organized and productive in a fast-paced work environment. Event planning requires the ability to think on one’s feet. Interns will learn to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, handle unexpected challenges, and make decisions under pressure. They will be encouraged to take initiative, propose creative ideas, and assist in developing solutions that align with HR goals.

Interns will experience a professional work environment and learn how to conduct themselves with professionalism, disclegalon, and confidentiality, especially when handling sensitive HR information. They will build confidence in navigating workplace norms, understanding team dynamics, and responding constructively to feedback. With the guidance of a supervisor or mentor, the intern will develop a better understanding of their personal strengths, career interests, and long-term goals. They will begin to define their own professional identity, whether they’re drawn to event planning, employee engagement, HR operations, or organizational development. Interns will be encouraged to reflect on their experiences and use them to shape a clear path forward in HR or related fields.

Required Qualifications: 

• Registered in at least 6 credits of course work at Western Oregon University during the applicable term OR are using a free term.
• General Computer Proficiency; Word, Spreadsheets, Slides, Emails
• 1 year of Customer Service or Public-Facing Experience

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Google Applications
• Canva or other platform flyer creation
• Interest in HR and/or Event Planning (e.g., through coursework, clubs, volunteer work, or previous internships).
• Strong Communication Skills
• Organizational and Time Management Skills
• Professionalism and Discretion

Major(s)/Minor(s) Desired: HR, Business, Communications, Marketing, or a related field. 

POSITION DETAILS

Internship Host Department: Division of Education and Leadership

Work Schedule: Determined with supervisor

Hours Per Week: 10 Hours (approximately)

Wage/Salary: $14.70 / hr

Start Date: January 6, 2026

End Date: June 6, 2026

Description Department: I serve in the Division of Education and Leadership. I teach courses about online learning, accessibility, media use, teaching with technology, and writing to graduate students. Additionally, I serve WOU’s writing program by teaching undergraduate courses about writing and design as well as writing and media. Through these courses I emphasize accessibility through Universal Design, Closed Captioning, and creating open media. My professional mission is to promote accessibility in media and writing. Throughout my courses, I promote accessibility and equal access to resources and meaning.

Learning Objectives: This experience give the intern robust and significant experience in the following: locating, searching, parsing, describing, and analyzing CC files; identifying, recording, and editing multiple video clips; analyzing CC files for Non-Speech Information (NSI) and descriptors that are present and absent; how to compare/contrast different types of NSI. If interested, the student will have the opportunity to co-author a research presentation and/or paper; if there is interest, they could also help curate and develop CC and NSI-related content for undergraduate and graduate-level courses centered on reading, writing, and accessibility. In short, students will gain significant experience in practical media-based research designed to increase accessibility and accessibility related research and curriculum. While the researcher has specific media interests, the student will be encouraged to also explore, document, and research the media channels and genres that interest them in order to broaden the research data sets and content for analysis.

Learning Activities: Intern will attend weekly meetings; capture short video excerpts from dozens of movies and shows that demonstrate specific CC and NSI-related patterns; keep a shared research journal tracking their practice; use multiple AI-driven tools to provide research insights; read, research, and summarize recent CC and NSI-related peer reviewed articles; develop potential curriculum to be used in undergraduate and/or graduate courses; potentially draft a scholarly publication with the researcher for presentation at a regional conference or article for a scholarly journal.

The intern will be able to conduct some of their research from home, but they will also conduct research and analysis alongside faculty. The intern will also help edit video excerpts, create templates for presenting and sharing those excerpts online, and upload those excerpts to a web-based archive for future research use and publications.

Required Qualifications:  The intern must be able to communicate clearly and in a timely manner; be able to document and show the work that they’ve done; engage in a professional manner; read analytically, write relatively precisely, and be willing and able to work with diverse AI-driven tools. The ability to think critically, operate independently, and approach problems creatively are first and foremost. Must be willing to hold themselves accountable for decisions made and responsible for their own decisions. They must have basic competence with computers, backing up files, and good file naming protocol practices.

Preferred Qualifications: Passion for accessibility and/or [CC]/subtitles; familiarity with video editing; familiarity with coding and/or consistent use of AI-driven tools; ability to think and problem solve with minimal supervision; ability to document, track, and develop workflows and processes; interest in analyzing texts to find patterns. 

Major(s)/Minor(s) Desired: Writing, CS, Video, EdTech, ASL, Linguistics