Employers may require that students receive course credit in order to be eligible for the internship they offer. While credit is not available solely for an internship, students may propose a course of Independent Study that will incorporate their experience into an academic program. Any sophomore, junior, or senior in Harvard College who participates in an internship and whose previous academic record is satisfactory is eligible to undertake Independent Study for course credit (equivalent to four semester hours) for which their internship experience could serve as a foundation for thought, primary research, or context for questioning. Those students who participate in an internship during the summer or while on leave of absence from the College may enroll in Independent Study during the next term in which they are enrolled in the College.
If you are seeking an internship for which course credit is required, OCS will provide you with a letter stating the aforementioned policy.
Step 1. Obtain from your resident Dean/Tutor, a statement that you are a student "in good academic standing" and returning to Harvard to resume your studies the semester following the period of the proposed internship.
Step 2. Prepare a note stating your name, email, the name of the employer, address or email of the employer, and indicate if you would like to pick up the letter at OCS or have it delivered either by mail or email to the employer directly.
Step 3. Hand deliver or email both documents together to Nancy Saunders (nesaund@fas.harvard.edu), OCS, 54 Dunster Street.
Step 4. Remember to give yourself enough time to process this request. Once we receive your request along with the approval of your Resident Dean, OCS will have your letter available as soon as possible.