Medical Laboratory Internship Program
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Office of Civic Education Initiatives?
The Clinic's Office of Civic Education Initiatives was established to fulfill the Cleveland Clinic's commitment to promote education throughout the Northeast Ohio region. In partnership with area schools, local businesses, and fellow nonprofit organizations, the Office creates innovative programs designed to enhance children's learning in the areas of math, science, health and wellness, the arts, and innovation.
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What is the purpose of the Summer Internship Program?
The science tracks of the Summer Internship Program is an intensive nine (9)-week, paid internship that provides top science students throughout Northeast Ohio region with the opportunity to work and learn alongside world-renowned physicians, researchers and other healthcare professionals in a variety of health careers from Cleveland Clinic. The program seeks to inspire students to not only embrace science and math as keys to success, but to also encourage them to continue scientific studies throughout their academic careers and the rest of their lives. The goals of the program include: To provide individually structured, full-time, science and career-related learning experiences at Cleveland Clinic, our community hospitals and family health centers during the summer for selected students; To foster students' interest in science, their chosen career field and related research and their science literacy; To expand the science and research experience and learning beyond the student's existing classroom curriculum; To increase the student's lab and analytical research skill level; To increase the student's leadership and project management skills.
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What are the eligibility criteria for the program?
Please click on each internship program's Eligibility tab for more information.
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How do I apply?
The application form is located under the Application Form tab for each internship program.
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When is the application deadline?
The deadline to submit an application for the 2013 summer session is 4:30 PM, Friday, January 4, 2013. NO APPLICATIONS OR SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THAT DATE AND TIME.
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What is the application process?
- Submit an online application (See online application checklist before beginning online application).
- Complete the support documentation packet (See support documentation checklist before beginning packet assembly).
- Mail the support documentation packet to the Office of Civic Education Initiatives (See Mailing Instructions before mailing).
- Applicants with completed applications will be scheduled for an in-person interview. All students will be notified via email and U.S. mail as to whether or not they will be interviewed. Students that are not selected for interviews will not continue with the screening process.
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Is the science portfolio/project required as part of the application packet?
No. The science portfolio/project is optional.
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When will students find out if they were selected for the program?
All students submitting an application will be notified via US mail and email regarding their status in early to mid February of 2013. Home and email addresses entered on the student on-line application will be used.
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When does the program start and end?
The program begins on Monday, June 3, 2013 and ends on Friday August 2, 2013.
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How many days and hours a week are required?
This is an intense summer program. Participants are required to work Monday through Friday, 40 hours each week for each of the nine (9) weeks of the program.
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What are the daily hours the student is required to work? Will there be any overtime hours?
Students will work from 8 AM to 5 PM, or the same hours as the lab they are assigned to, with one hour for lunch. Students are not permitted to work overtime or on Saturdays and Sundays.
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What is the pay rate for the program?
Participants are paid $7.75 an hour.
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How often are the participants paid?
Participants are paid every two weeks.
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How is my time recorded?
Cleveland Clinic uses a time tracking system called KRONOS. Students must use their ID badge to swipe in and out every day to accurately record their work hours in the system.
Students are not to swipe in no earlier than seven (7) minutes before their official start time. Students who arrive earlier will need to wait to swipe in. Students are not to swipe out any later than seven (7) minutes past their official end time. Failure to swipe in and/or out correctly will result in nonpayment for the time in question.
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Are there related events or activities with required attendance?
Students selected to participate in the summer program are also required to:
- Complete a pre-employment physical including placement and reading of TB test, drug screen and Cotinine test for tobacco use. (all will be provided by Cleveland Clinic);
- Students accepted into the program are responsible for arranging their own pre-employment physical appointment during the stated timeframe and at one of the Cleveland Clinic locations specified by the Office of Civic Education Initiatives and Cleveland Clinic;
- Attend a Pre-employment Human Resources and Office of Civic Education Initiatives joint meeting to complete and submit any required Human Resources, payroll, tax forms and OCEI forms;
- Complete online COMET new employee training and CITI new employee research training by the stated deadline;
- Attend the Kick-off for the summer, including a program orientation with your parent or guardian to receive information about the program, your schedule and meet your mentor;
- Complete photo ID badge process NOTE - Any student 18 or older at the time their ID badge is issued must submit information for a background check to be completed by Cleveland Clinic Protective Services;
- Attend the graduation event at the end of the summer.
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Is lunch provided?
Lunch is not provided. It is the responsibility of the student.
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Is transportation provided?
Transportation to and from your worksite and to workshops at other Clinic locations is not provided. It is the responsibility of the student. However, for select activities that are considered part of the curriculum Cleveland Clinic reserves the right to provide and require the use of the provided transportation. Parents/Guardians, students and mentors will be notified of such arrangements as appropriate.
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Are the participants allowed time away during the summer?
The program is an intense, one-of-a-kind opportunity designed to provide a unique learning experience. Students accepted into the program are expected to commit to the full nine (9) weeks of the program and are expected to attend each day.
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Do the participants have to work on July 4th?
July 4th is a recognized holiday at Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic is closed on July 4th or on a designated day if July 4th falls on a weekend. You will be advised of the appropriate day and action to take.
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What if a student becomes ill?
In the event the student becomes ill, injured or otherwise impaired, the student shall immediately notify the Office of Civic Education Initiatives to assess continuation in the program.
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Can a student participate in a sports/band/cheerleader camp or other activity this summer?
The program is an intense, one-of-a-kind opportunity designed to provide a unique learning experience. Students accepted into the program are expected to commit to the full nine (9) weeks of the program and are expected to attend the full eight hours of each work day.
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Can I choose the Cleveland Clinic facility I will be assigned to?
Every effort will be made to place students according to their geographic preference indicated on their application. Final assignment will be made by the selection team based on available mentors and the research topics.
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Can I choose the lab or department I will be assigned to?
Every effort will be made to place students according to their areas of interest as stated on their application. Final assignments will be made by the selection team based on available mentors and the research topics.
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Will my child be provided a uniform to wear?
Participants of the program will be furnished a program polo shirt and lab jacket, and scrubs if applicable for their program. When not required to wear program issued attire, students must adhere to the Cleveland Clinic Personal Appearance policy.
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Is there a dress code for the summer program?
All Cleveland Clinic employees are required to follow the dress code policy. Participants of the program will be furnished a program polo shirt and lab jacket, and scrubs if applicable for their program. When not required to wear program issued attire, students must adhere to the Cleveland Clinic Personal Appearance policy. A copy of the policy will be provided upon acceptance into the program. Failure to adhere to the dress code will result in termination from the program.
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What will students be doing during their summer internship placement?
Job responsibilities will vary by placement. Below is a generic job description for all Internship Program students.
Under the close direction of their assigned Cleveland Clinic laboratory research or clinical research mentor, student responsibilities could include the following:
Laboratory Research Environment:
- Actively participates in departmental clinical/research projects;
- Conducts an individual and group research project;
- Receives specimens into lab and assigns unique ID number;
- Collects and prepares specimens for testing, enters patient and specimen information;
- Interacts with patient/study participants;
- Collects data and entry of patients/study participant information into database;
- Performs library research and related readings as required;
- Performs general lab and research functions and other related duties as trained or assigned.
Clinical Research Environment:
- Assists with indirect patient care as trained or assigned;
- Assists in patient service functions as trained or assigned;
- Conducts an individual and group clinical research project;
- Observes patient care procedures;
- Observes surgical procedures;
- Performs library research and related readings as required;
- Performs general clinical and research duties and other related duties as trained or assigned.
Internship Program participants will also be expected to comply with the following:
- Attendance at all summer workshops/summer symposium series;
- Keep a daily journal documenting their activities and research progress;
- Formal presentation of research project at the end of summer in a public forum.
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Does it cost anything for my child to participate in this program?
There is no cost or tuition for your child to participate in this program. Personal expenses such as lunch and transportation are the responsibility of the participant and their family.
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Can we plan a family vacation?
We understand the significance of quality family time. However, this is an intense nine (9) week summer program. The student needs to be able to commit to the program without interruption.
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Are students permitted to have their cell phones on campus?
The use of cellular phones can interfere with and disrupt the functioning of medical equipment. Cellular phones must be turned off and stored in the participant's purse or backpack while on any Cleveland Clinic property. Cellular phones may only be used outside of the buildings or in the building cafeterias. Mentors will provide families with contact information to use should the need to contact your child occur.
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What if I need to reach my child regarding a family emergency?
Each mentor will provide their student with available numbers for use by parents/guardians should such emergencies occur.
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Does this program count for school credit?
The majority of participating public and private schools have considered and granted "Independent Study" and/or at least .5 credits reflected on the student's official transcript upon the student's documented successful completion of the program.
As part of the Post Secondary Options Enrollment Program, Cleveland Clinic and several local colleges/universities have partnered to provide undergraduate credit hours to interested students with documentation of successful completion of the program.
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Does the application process require any time away from school?
We will make every effort to schedule events around school hours when ever possible. However, prior to the start of the summer program, the student must complete the interview process and their physical according to our schedule. Applicants will be scheduled for interviews based on interviewers' availability.
Students selected for the program are required to undergo a pre-employment physical. These medical exams will be scheduled according to appointment availability.
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If I am a primary mentor, can my student work with others on my team?
While you will serve as your student's primary mentor, you are free to allow them to function as a team member and work with anyone on your staff. We encourage and support this action.
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As a primary mentor, should I designate a co-mentor?
The identification of a co-mentor is required to share in the responsibility of supervising the student, in your absence.
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What does the student research project need to focus on?
Each student is required to complete a research project, poster board and PowerPoint presentation as part of the program. Please discuss possible research project topics with the student during the first few days of the program. It can be based on current and on-going IRB approved research projects in your lab/department or a new research project already approved by the IRB, quality research projects or projects designed to address HCAP issues in your work area.
The student will be asked to identify the selected project by the Friday of the end of the first week of the program. Final poster boards and PowerPoint presentations need to be turned in on the Friday of the end of the seventh week of the program.
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Why is the research project poster board due at the end of week seven (7) of the program?
All poster boards are printed and mounted by the Cleveland Clinic Center for Medical Art and Photography. This allows only two (2) weeks to process greater than 100 poster boards for the graduation event.
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Is there a template for the poster board?
There is a template for the poster board to facilitate the processing of the large number of posters to be printed and mounted in a short period of time. Click here to view the templates. We recommend the following guidelines for constructing a successful poster.
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Do I have to follow the template?
Yes. This template facilitates the production of greater than 100 posters in a two (2) week period of time.
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Is there a template for the PowerPoint presentation?
There is no set template for the PowerPoint presentation. We recommend the following guidelines for constructing a successful PowerPoint presentation and oral presentation.
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Are there student poster boards and presentations my student and I can view?
Yes. Click here to view sample poster boards, presentations, and associated artwork from previous summer programs.
For an up close and personal view of five students from each summer, visit mRi™: myRESEARCH illuminated. Click here to view mRi™: myRESEARCH illuminated programs for each summer. The concept and program was developed and carried out by the OCEI's Creative Learning interns each summer.
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Where will students be required to present their research projects?
Students are required to present to their mentors and mentor's staff and/or team members and at the graduation event. Once they return to school, they are expected to present to various classes, community groups, school boards, senior leadership groups at the Clinic facility they were assigned to, and to other identified groups upon request.
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Can I include my student as an author on publications resulting from their research project?
Yes. We encourage you to include them as one of the authors. Students are required to complete the IRB required CITI training. Please notify IRB that you wish to officially add their name to your approved project. Click here to go to the IRB home page.
- IRB (pdf)
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Can my student use their research for a science fair project?
We encourage all of the students to use their summer research project as a science fair entry, both at their school and in local and regional science fairs, such as Science Olympiad, the Northeastern Ohio Science and Engineering Fair (NEOSEF) and the Bridging Engineering, Science and Technology Medicine Engineering Fair (BEST Medicine Engineering Fair). Here are links to NEOSEF http://neosef.org/ and BEST Medicine http://www.abiakron.org/bestmedicine.
- NEOSEF (pdf)
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What am I responsible for as a mentor in addition to the day-to-day activities and work assignments of my student?
Mentors are responsible for attending the kickoff event to meet their student and the student's parents/guardians, introducing your student to your staff and orienting them to your work area, clearly defining the role the student will play on your team and your expectations of the student during the nine (9) week period and attending the graduation event. It is important to make sure your staff understands that the student feels a part of the team. Your staff should be encouraged to take the time to explain their work and research to the student and how it fits in to the mission of Cleveland Clinic.
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Will my student be here every day, even if I am away from the Clinic?
This is an intense nine (9) week research based program. Your student is required to be here every day of the nine (9)-week internship. There is no allowance for any time off for vacations, summer school programs, music or sports camp, or adjustment of hours to accommodate a second job. If your student requests time away or a schedule change please refer them to the Office of Civic Education Initiatives. If you are going to be away from the Clinic, please assign your co-mentor and other co-workers the responsibility of working with the student in your absence.
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As a mentor, should the student's hours be the same as mine?
Students are expected to be in attendance for the full nine (9) weeks of the program, 5 days each week (Monday - Friday), 8 work hours each day, with 1 hour for lunch. Students start times are to be the same as regular business hours for your lab/department. Students should use their badge to swipe in and out using our KRONOS system. Please make sure the student is acquainted with where to swipe in and out in your area.
Students are not to be in the lab/department unsupervised and should not be scheduled to arrive before anyone else is present in the lab/department nor stay longer and depart after everyone else has left for the day.
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Will the student have appropriate access to our work area?
The Clinic ID badge issued to your student will have general access encoded in the magnetic strip on the back. Any access to special areas in your lab, department or division will need to be requested through your administrator.
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Does my student need their own phone extension, computer and/or Clinic e-mail account?
Your student does not need their own phone extension. However, because of the research and data collection and manipulation the student will be responsible for, access to a computer is essential to the completion of their work. The Office of Civic Education Initiatives will arrange for a Clinic e-mail address for your student.
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What Cleveland Clinic policies have the students been instructed on?
Students have been instructed on and are expected to adhere to the same policies as any other Cleveland Clinic employee, including:
- Personal Appearance/Dress Code;
- Confidentiality and Information Security (HIPAA);
- COMET New Employee Training (includes safety, hand washing, blood borne pathogens, etc.);
- IRB CITI training;
- Scientific and academic integrity/investigation of misuse and/or misconduct;
- Employee Identification Badge;
- Employee Timekeeping;
- Cell Phone and Clinic Phone Usage;
- Electronic and Voicemail Messaging;
- Social Media Usage;
- Employee Visitors;
- Campus Non-Smoking.
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Is attendance at the scheduled workshops mandatory?
Yes, student attendance at workshops is mandatory. The students and mentors will receive a schedule of all workshops and their location(s) in their Kick-off packet and transportation directions as appropriate.
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Will I receive any information on my student to plan for their arrival?
You will be provided with an information folder on your student at the Kick-off that will include copies of their application, student contact information, parent/guardian authorization, medical and emergency contact information and career goals.
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Will my student contact me before the program starts?
Each student will be given their assigned mentor's name and contact information and asked to contact their mentor prior to the kick-off event.
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Should I contact my student before the program starts?
Each mentor will be given their assigned student's name and contact information and asked to contact their student prior to the kick-off event.
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What can my student do during "down time"?
There are several activities your student can do during down time. Those activities include but are not limited to the following:
- Learn about and work on other projects in the area;
- Spend time with another team member they normally do not work with on a regular basis;
- Work on increasing or developing new research skills;
- Arrange for your student to spend a day in another area of interest to them;
- Switch your student with another mentor to allow students to experience other areas and how they may work together.
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What can my student do during the last two (2) weeks of the program once their project is completed and turned in?
Students are required to continue working. They can:
- Learn about and work on other projects in the area;
- Spend time with another team member they normally do not work with on a regular basis;
- Work on increasing or developing new research skills;
- Arrange for your student to spend a day in another area of interest to them;
- Switch your student with another mentor to allow students to experience other areas and how they may work together.
In addition, your student should focus on perfecting their presentation and public speaking skills. Rehearsing their presentation is critical. During the last two (2) weeks student should present to you and your staff and/or team members. Students will also be presenting their research project at the graduation event. Once they return to school, they are expected to present to various classes, community groups, school boards, senior leadership groups at the Clinic facility they were assigned to, and to other identified groups upon request.
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Can a student continue working with their mentor during the academic year?
Students may apply for the Research Fellow academic year program. There are a limited number of slots that can be filled for each academic year. This is a program that starts in October and ends in May. It allows selected students the opportunity to continue the research activities and working relationship with their mentor established during the summer to continue. Students are not responsible for defining an individual research project, a poster board nor a PowerPoint presentation during the academic year. The pay rate is $7.75/hour.
Criteria for selection to and continuation in the Research Fellow program include:
- Successful completion of the Science Internship Program the summer before selection for the Research Fellow program;
- Letter from the student stating they are interested in continuing during the school year;
- Excellent evaluation and recommendation from the mentor;
- Letter from the mentor stating they are interested in having the student return;
- No violation of and continued adherence to Cleveland Clinic policies and procedures during the summer and academic year programs;
- Letter of support from the parent/guardian;
- Submission of current official school transcript that documents a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and attendance records with no more than five absences or tardies in the second semester of last school year;
- Maintenance of a cumulative GPA of 3.5;
- Participation in all Research Fellow activities as requested or required (including but not limited to any presentations, workshops, peer to peer activities, science fair participation and science volunteers at various Cleveland Clinic events).
Responsibilities include:
- Commit to working a minimum of 10 hours and a maximum of 15 hours each week (additional hours are allowed during the Christmas and Spring breaks);
- Work as a "team member" in assigned area (no special research project required);
- Responsible for ID badge being updated/reissued;
- Responsible for contacting mentor to arrange work days and hours;
- Responsible for correctly swiping in and out to get paid;
- Responsible for contacting mentor and the Office of Civic Education Initiatives (via e-mail) if unable to come in on any given day;
- Provide a copy of current school schedule to the Office of Civic Education Initiatives along with an indication of work days and hours (1st and 2nd semester);
- Submit the required paperwork once the Research Fellow position is accepted;
- Other duties as assigned.
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Can a student return to continue working with their mentor the following summer?
Students may apply for the summer internship program. They must meet all of the entry criteria and complete and submit all required applications and support documentation. They may also apply to our Peer Mentor Program. This is an advanced level of the internship program that starts in June and ends in August. It allows selected students the opportunity to continue the research activities and working relationship with their mentor that may have continued during the academic year to continue. Students will serve as a direct Peer Mentor to one or more of the new students for the summer and as a role model for all of the students participating during the summer.
Criteria for selection to and continuation in the Peer Mentor program include:
- Successful completion of the summer session;
- Letter from the student stating they are interested in continuing during the summer;
- Commit to working the full nine (9) weeks, Monday through Friday, eight (8) hours each day;
- Commit to staffing the kick-off event and the graduation event;
- Excellent evaluation and recommendation from the mentor;
- Letter from the mentor stating they are interested in having the student return;
- No violation of and continued adherence to Cleveland Clinic policies and procedures during the summer program and academic school year;
- Letter of support from parent/guardian;
- Submission of current official school transcript that documents a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and attendance records with no more than five absences or tardies in the second semester of the last school year;
- Maintenance of a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5;
- Participation in all Internship Program and/or the Research Fellow program activities as requested or required (including but not limited to any presentations, workshops, peer to peer activities, science fair participation and science volunteers at various Cleveland Clinic events).
Responsibilities include:
- Submitting the required paperwork once the Peer Mentor position has been accepted;
- Assistance with and attendance at program kick-off and graduation event;
- Responsibility for the one or more new students paired with;
- Assist and guide students paired with in meeting program expectations with their research project, make sure students adhere to the policies of the Clinic and the program;
- Mandatory participation in and presentation at designated workshops;
- Adherence to all Cleveland Clinic policies as any other Cleveland Clinic employee;
- Work hours are Monday through Friday, from 8AM to 5PM (flexible to match hours in assigned area);
- Work as a "team member" in the area assigned to;
- Conduct and complete work assignments in area (no individual research project required);
- Responsible for ID Badge being updated/reissued;
- Responsible for correctly swiping in and out to get paid;
- Responsible for contacting mentor and the Office of Civic Education Initiatives (via e-mail) if unable to come in on any given day;
- Other duties as assigned during the course of the summer.
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You offer more than one internship program during the summer. Can I apply to more than one?
No. A student may only apply to one internship program for the summer at a time.
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