Duty and liability surrounding clinical internships: What every internship coordinator should know

Practical work experience has become a common component of many academic programs. However, there are risks involved when students engage in required academic internships, particularly if these experiences are conducted off-campus. In the academic setting, particularly on the campus property, the university has an established relationship with the student that carries implied contractual duties. The university's duty to the students, which is to provide them with educational opportunities and a safe environment, may be upheld even when the educational activity is occurring off-campus. Recent court rulings indicate that universities may be held liable for students' safety while these students are engaged in the fulfillment of education requirements off-campus. Recognizing that universities cannot control the behavior and choices of students, universities still have a duty to consistently enforce precautionary safety measures and forewarn students of any known risks. The delineation and fulfillment of the university's duty to provide a safe environment and educational opportunities can be addressed through contractual agreements, policies and procedures, and communication among the parties. This discussion should assist the internship coordinator in establishing policies and procedures that meet the required duties and minimize exposure to liability surrounding internships held off-campus.