Offered by most departments for academic credit, field work enables students to examine the way the theories and the practical experiences of a particular discipline interact. It provides opportunities for observation and participation which are not ordinarily available in classwork. Depending on their academic interests, students undertake internships in a variety of organizations and agencies in the local community and other places. Every field work student is supervised by a faculty member who evaluates the intellectual merit of the proposed field work, determines the amount of credit to be given, and decides upon the academic requirements for the awarding of credit. Generally, field work students have prerequisites or a corequisite in the faculty member's department.

Field work may be done during the academic year or in the summer. Students interested in field work placements should consult the director of field work during preregistration or at the beginning of each semester. Students seeking credit for summer placements must complete their registration before they leave campus. Students may not apply for retroactive field work credit.

During the academic year, some students commute to New York City or Albany one or two days a week to serve as interns in government, nonprofit organizations, or businesses. In cooperation with the career development office, the field work office also maintains an extensive listing of summer internships. The field work committee may approve academic credit for nonresidential placements for a semester away for special programs proposed by students and their advisers in consultation with the director of field work.

Vassar Field Work
Main N-165, Box 40
124 Raymond Ave.
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604

Phone: (845) 437-5280
Fax: (845) 437-7563

Community Action is an organization that is run by students that works closely with the Field Work Office. We support and assist many programs and volunteer opportunities in the Poughkeepsie community.

Community Action
Main N-171
124 Raymond Ave.
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
(845) 437-5312