Smithsonian Internships - Smithsonian Policies

A Smithsonian intern is obligated to uphold the integrity of his or her activities in a conscientious and responsible manner.

In the event that a Smithsonian intern is injured or injures another person, or damages the property of another, the Smithsonian's liability for such will be determined by the same criteria established for employees under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act or the Federal Tort Claim Act. The Office of the General Counsel handles issues of this nature.

The Smithsonian Institution has a policy of zero tolerance of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation and reprisal/retaliation. Individuals engaging in behavior or conduct that violates this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures up to, and including, disassociation and removal from the Smithsonian.

The complete policy statement is printed in your Orientation Guide. The policy, http://prism.si.edu/oeema/sieeo/WPHarassPolicy.pdf, and a summary of your EEO rights and responsibilities, http://prism.si.edu/oeema/051407_IAWS_Packet.pdf, can be found on Prism.

If you have questions or concerns regarding workplace harassment, please contact your sponsor or the Office of Equal Employment and Minority Affairs.

Office of Equal Employment and Minority Affairs

Smithsonian computers and e-mail are, as a general rule, to be used only for Smithsonian-related activities.

All interns are required to sign a Computer User Agreement and participate in computer security training. Ask your Coordinator or Supervisor for details.

Computers, internet, and e-mail are neither private nor confidential.

Office of Protection Services
http://ofeo.si.edu/security/index-sec.asp
Central Information Center: 202-357-2884

Know your museum’s security office. This is where you can report suspicious activity and find emergency assistance. Know your local health unit. Wear your ID badge at all times and check with Security in your building when you arrive early or leave late.Use a Property Pass to remove belongings of significant value from the building.Use the shuttle services whenever possible, especially after dark.Use the buddy system, and exercise extreme caution when traveling after dark.Read the Smithsonian Staff Emergency Preparedness Procedures Handbook, available on the Smithsonian Prism intranet under “Publications”.

Visit the Office of Facilities Engineering and Operations (OFEO) Disaster Preparedness Vital Information website http://ofeo.si.edu/security/emergency/disasterpreparedness2.asp.

Disaster Preparedness
http://www.alerts.si.edu/

As the home of the Nation’s government, Washington, DC is a formal town.

We encourage interns to dress in a professional and appropriate manner commensurate with their Museum, Office, or Research Institute. That doesn't mean you need to invest in a new and expensive wardrobe, but some clothing choices that might be acceptable on your campus are not appropriate in the museums and offices of the Smithsonian. Whether you work behind-the-scenes or with the public, you are a representative of your museum or office, and the Smithsonian Institution during your internship hours.

Please discuss specific requirements with your supervisor early in your internship to avoid awkward situations.

Please note that some links on this page are accessible only from within the SI network. You will have access to this information once your internship begins.