Faculty Externship Program
Explore Real-World Industry Insights for Your Classroom
Aurora University faculty are invited to apply for a unique, paid summer experience with an Illinois-based organization that aligns with the expertise taught and researched within your department. The Faculty Externship Program offers a hands-on opportunity to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry practice, all while supporting your ongoing commitment to student success.
This program is designed to align with expertise taught and researched within your department but also encourages cross-content area participation. For example, English professors could explore a computer science externship, broadening their perspective and enriching their curriculum with insights from another industry.
Faculty who have completed the Skills Infusion Program are eligible to apply for the Faculty Externship Program. The Skills Infusion Program helps faculty align their coursework with the competencies employers seek in new hires, making learning relevant and impactful for today’s job market.
The Faculty Externship Program isn’t just about observation—it's an immersive experience designed to enhance your curriculum with industry-relevant skills and competencies. Your experience may include group and one-on-one interviews, staff meetings, and facility tours (in-person or virtual).
Program Details
- Timeline: Summer 2025 (May–August).
- Commitment: 40 hours on-site with the organization.
- Deliverables: A written summary, a final narrative report, and a presentation to your department in the 2025 fall semester.
- Outcome: Gain new insights and make curriculum recommendations that directly support our students' career readiness.
Getting Started
- Approval: Connect with your department chair or dean to start the application.
- Application: Submit the Faculty Externship Program Interest Form on SpartanNet.
- Placement: Collaborate with the Career Services for final placement arrangements and logistics.
Please note: Faculty may only participate in one Faculty Externship experience.
Faculty Responsibilities
- Coordinate with Career Services on all externship arrangements.
- Engage fully in the externship activities, dedicating a minimum of 40 hours with the organization.
- Complete and submit the written summary and final narrative report to Career Services by August 16, 2025.
- Share your experience: Present your findings and curriculum recommendations in a fall semester departmental presentation.
Stipend
Faculty externs will receive a stipend of $2,500 split into two payments.
- Upon submission of the written summary.
- After completing the department presentation in the fall.
Payments will be processed through Aurora University’s payroll.
2025 Important Dates
- February 9: Faculty Externship Program Interest Form due to program coordinator.
- February 12–23: Applications reviewed by college deans.
- February 26: Award notifications sent.
- March–April: Career Services collaborates with awardees to finalize externship goals and placement.
- May 6–August 16: Summer externship period (40 hours on-site).
- August 16: All written reports due.
- Fall Semester: Department presentations.
Ready to Enrich Your Teaching with Real-World Skills?
This is your opportunity to bring industry insight directly into the classroom, enhancing the learning experience for all of your students—whether within your content area or by exploring interdisciplinary perspectives.