CHAPTER 1300 Maritime Academy
1340 Student Internship Assignments Aboard the Training Ship During Summer Sea Term
1340.1 Purpose
This policy establishes eligibility requirements, academic expectations, employment conditions, supervisory responsibilities, and student conduct expectations for students participating in approved internship assignments aboard the Training Ship during Summer Sea Term.
1340.2 Scope
This policy applies to undergraduate students enrolled at California Polytechnic State University Maritime Academy (Cal Poly Maritime) who participate in approved student employment and internship experiences aboard the Training Ship during Summer Sea Term.
1340.3 Definitions
- 3.1 Summer Sea Term (SST)
The official academic and training period conducted aboard the Training Ship.
- 3.2 Internship
A structured experiential learning assignment associated with an approved academic internship course and student employment assignment aboard the Training Ship.
- 3.3 Cadet
A Cal Poly Maritime student who is subject to applicable university student conduct requirements and, where applicable, Corps of Cadets regulations.
- Cruise Course
The academic course associated with participation in the standard Summer Sea Term training program.
- Room and Board
Housing and meals provided aboard the Training Ship during participation in an approved internship assignment when operationally required.
1340.4 Policy Statement
Cal Poly Maritime may employ eligible students aboard the Training Ship during Summer Sea Term through approved Student Assistant classifications associated with academic internship experiences. Participation in these assignments is subject to applicable California State University policies, collective bargaining agreements, student employment requirements, wage and hour regulations, university conduct standards, and Training Ship operational requirements.
1340.5 Eligibility Requirements
To participate in a Training Ship internship assignment during Summer Sea Term, a student must:
- Meet all Student Assistant employment eligibility requirements;
- Be enrolled in an approved internship or experiential learning course designated by the university;
- Not be simultaneously enrolled in the standard Summer Sea Term cruise course;
- Meet current CPMA and US Coast Guard medical and immunization requirements to sail in the training ship;
- Remain in good academic and disciplinary standing; and
- Complete all required onboarding, employment, and safety documentation.
The applicable academic department shall determine the academic credit associated with the internship course.
1340.6 Academic Requirements
Students participating in Training Ship internship assignments are participating in a structured experiential learning activity associated with an academic course.
Students participating in internships:
- Must register for the approved internship course and pay any associated fees;
- May not enroll in additional Training Ship academic courses during the same Summer Sea Term period unless approved by the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Captain of the Training Ship;
- Must complete all required academic assignments associated with the internship course, including reports, evaluations, or reflective assignments; and
- Will receive a final grade assigned by the instructor of record.
Restrictions on enrollment in additional onboard courses are intended to ensure that students can adequately meet operational, academic, safety, and employment obligations associated with vessel assignments.
1340.7 Employment Conditions
1340.7.1 Classification and Compensation
Students participating in Training Ship internships shall be appointed in an approved Student Assistant classification and compensated in accordance with applicable university policies and wage and hour requirements.
1340.7.2 Work Assignments
Internship assignments may include operational support, maintenance support, administrative support, instructional support, logistics support, or other duties related to Training Ship operations and experiential learning objectives.
The employing department or supervisor shall provide each student with written expectations regarding assigned duties, work schedules, supervisory structure, and operational responsibilities at the time of appointment.
1340.7.3 Hours of Work
Work schedules shall be established by the employing department based on operational needs and applicable employment requirements.
Because students reside aboard the vessel during Summer Sea Term, supervisors shall clearly distinguish between assigned work time, required training, academic activities, and personal time.
Participation aboard the vessel outside assigned work hours does not automatically constitute compensable work time.
1340.7.4 Room and Board
Students participating in approved internship assignments may be provided room and board aboard the Training Ship as operationally necessary to support participation in vessel operations and the educational program.
1340.8 Student Conduct and Corps Expectations
Students participating in Training Ship internships remain subject to applicable university student conduct standards and Training Ship operational requirements.
To the extent necessary for shipboard safety, operations, and good order, students may also be required to comply with applicable Corps of Cadets operational or uniform requirements while aboard the vessel.
The university shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that participation requirements do not create unnecessary barriers to participation.
1340.9 Oversight and Administration
Oversight responsibilities for Training Ship internships shall be allocated as follows:
| Area of Responsibility | Responsible Office or Individual |
|---|---|
| Academic Oversight | Academic Department and Instructor of Record |
| Employment Oversight | Employing Department and Designated Supervisor |
| Training Ship Operations | Captain of the Training Ship |
| Student Conduct | Applicable Student Conduct and Corps Offices |
Academic performance, employment performance, and student conduct matters shall be addressed through the applicable university process governing that area.
1340.10 Accountability
The Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Captain of the Training Ship are responsible for implementation and administration of this policy.
Authority: Superintendent
Effective Date: 17 August 2026
Responsible Administrator: Superintendent
Responsible Office: Office of the Superintendent
Applies To: Undergraduate students participating in approved Training Ship internship assignments during Summer Sea Term