Last Revised: July 2014 - RSN

. . . CONNECTING THE CLASSROOM TO LIFE EXPERIENCES

Sierra Nevada College INTERNSHIP HANDBOOK

Sierra Nevada College 999 Tahoe Boulevard

Incline Village, Nevada 89451-9500 Phone: 775.831.1314 x7475

Fax: 775.832.1696

Last Revised: July 2014 - RSN

TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction to the Internship Program 3

II. Overview of Internship Process 4

III. Guidelines for Intern Responsibilities 4

A. Internship Placement 4

B. Internship Contract 5

C. Registration Process 7

D. Internship Journal 7

E. Internship Seminar Course 8

F. Synthesizing Internship Presentation or Portfolio 8

G. Performance Evaluations 10

H. Required Reading 10

IV. Faculty Internship Advisor Responsibilities 10

V. Field Internship Supervisor Responsibilities 10

Appendix A: Request to do Internship Application & Contract 11

Appendix B: Internship Site Assessment 13

Appendix C: Final Performance Evaluation of the Intern 14

Appendix D: Internship Request Form 15

Appendix E: Internship Form (to be submitted with Registration Form) 17

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SIERRA NEVADA COLLEGE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

I. INTRODUCTION TO THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The internship program is a structured learning experience and provides students with opportunities for experiential learning and connecting classroom learning to real world situations. This program is specifically designed for students who have decided on a major field of study, have completed courses in this major, and are ready to integrate theory with practice. It may also, however, be useful for students who are uncertain about their post-commencement direction, and may need exposure to the off-campus environment to help them define their life focus. An internship position offers the student an opportunity to work in an area of interest and develop career related experiences. Student interns may earn up to six credits by completing requirements of the internship program. Students may not earn more than six internship credits without the approval of his/her department chair and the Provost. Students actively participate in: (1) finding an appropriate organization for their intern-ship experience; (2) developing a personal learning plan into a formal internship contract in collaboration with an SNC faculty advisor and a field internship supervisor; (3) maintaining a journal of activities and key insights, and producing a professional internship portfolio of their experiences if required by their department; (4) completing all requirements of the internship program – including participation in an internship seminar course; and (5) becoming responsible workers in the community as they pursue their education at Sierra Nevada College. The student must formally submit the internship application and the internship contract prior to being accepted into the internship program. Once approved by the internship advisor, and the field internship supervisor, the student intern may register for an internship course (usually a subject code followed by a 390 or 490 numerical suffix). The student will fulfill all requirements of the internship program before the end of the semester for which he or she is registered.1 The student will be required to deliver a formal presentation about his or her internship experience.2 A letter grade will be submitted by the internship advisor as a final grade for this course. The student intern will be evaluated on: (1) academic quality and adherence to the internship contract; (2) assessment of learning reflected in the internship presentation or portfolio; (3) seminar class attendance; and (4) the field internship supervisor’s performance evaluations of the intern. Exceptions to the final grade will only be granted based on the criteria for “In Progress” grades per the requirements documented in the SNC Catalog, which provide flexibility for internships that do not follow the timeline of

1 Students needing additional time to complete the hours required for the number of credits for which they

have registered may petition for an In-Progress (IP) grade at the end of the term. 2 Formal presentations will typically be delivered in an open forum as part of an internship seminar

course.

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the academic semester, and are approved by the internship advisor and department chair. II. OVERVIEW OF INTERNSHIP PROCESS

In general, most SNC student internships follow the sequence of events outlined below. Each item is discussed in more detail in section III. Intern Responsibilities.

Student develops an internship opportunity or chooses one from the Jobs Board or faculty recommendation (certain standing internships such as the one sponsored by the Sierra Angels or the Vail Ski Resort Management internship program, are initiated via faculty recommendation).

Student, in conjunction with field supervisor and a faculty internship advisor/instructor, prepares an Internship Contract.

Student registers for the internship course number as agreed with his/her academic advisor.

Student begins internship activities, tracks hours worked, and prepares ongoing journal of activities, observations, insights, and questions for later follow-up.

If the internship period occurs concurrent with a fall or spring term, the intern will also attend an Internship Seminar according to the following guideline:

o 1-credit internship – initial class session plus final presentation session; o 2-credit internship – initial class session, 1 additional session, plus final

presentation session; o 3, 4, 5, or 6-credit internship – initial class session, 2 additional sessions,

plus final presentation session. In these cases, the final presentation described below will substitute for a synthesizing portfolio.

Additional seminar details are provided in the seminar syllabus.

If the internship period occurs during an intersession term, i.e., during winter or summer break, the intern will prepare and submit a portfolio as a synthesizing project.

III. GUIDELINES FOR INTERN RESPONSIBILITIES The internship program provides students with an opportunity to reflect on and integrate classroom knowledge, distance learning experiences, and application-oriented active learning within an approved organizational environment. The student observes and reflects on the challenges, solutions, consequences, cultural influences, and leadership of the participating organization. Students may also ‘test’ the ideas and concepts they acquired in formal coursework as they continue to develop skills required to enhance their professional preparedness. Specific student responsibilities are discussed below. A. Internship Placement The student is responsible for designing (or selecting from among those posted on the SNC Jobs Board) an appropriate internship opportunity and may earn from one to six

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credit hours for completing the internship experience and all associated course requirements. The SNC faculty advisor will assist the student in a search for an appropriate internship placement. The student will commit to be involved in an approved internship experience between 4 and 20 hours per week for a full semester. SNC requires a minimum of 50 hours of structured work at an approved internship site for every credit hour earned during a semester. Typically, students enroll for three academic credits for a single internship placement, equivalent to a commitment of 150 hours. To enroll in an internship for academic credit, the student must submit a formal internship application and internship contract and be granted approval from an internship instructor/advisor. Approval of an internship includes a discussion related to the student’s preparation, learning objectives, career goals, and the appropriateness of the particular organization seeking an intern. The student needs to provide information about the organization and identify a field internship supervisor who will actively participate in the SNC internship program. The field internship supervisor needs to sign the internship contract and provide a complete description of student intern responsibilities prior to the student beginning the internship program. The student intern is responsible for the quality of the internship experience and should discuss with his/her the SNC faculty advisor and department chair with suggestions to maximize the value of this program, including recommendations to not approve future internships at their location. The intern should also meet with the faculty advisor to discuss any concerns about the effectiveness of the learning experience as the internship progresses.

B. Internship Contract The purpose of an internship is to identify and accept new interpersonal and intellectual challenges and to provide students with opportunities to develop necessary competencies and acquire career related knowledge and skills. The purpose of the internship contract is to place the student in a work assignment with an approved organization and identify the learning plan as well as the responsibilities of the student intern, the SNC faculty advisor, and the field internship supervisor. In short, the contract assures that all parties to the internship enter the relationship with a common understanding of expectations. An internship contract is the most important document for the internship program and describes the academic objectives for the internship experience and the strategies or methods that will be employed in order to accomplish the objectives. The internship contract needs to be submitted by the student and approved by the internship advisor and field supervisor prior to beginning the internship experience. Students will approach their internships with ideas, theories, and expectations; the contract provides a template against which to compare what actually happens. The internship contract is a collaborative document that includes ideas, action plans, and approvals between the student intern, the field supervisor and the SNC internship instructor/advisor. Once the student has begun the internship experience, he or she needs to be aware of changing objectives, new activities, and unexpected opportunities that often require

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revisions to the internship contract. This evaluation process is part of the learning cycle, and the student is encouraged to document the changes through journal entries and inclusion of other related materials in the internship portfolio. The internship contract often is considered to be an evolving document to prepare the student, intellectually, for experiential learning in the internship program. The internship contract is a significant indicator for assessing student learning and development, and the student is required to keep a copy of the contract to refer to throughout the internship and, ultimately, to place in the internship portfolio.

Additional Internship Contract Guidelines

Objectives describe what the student will learn during the internship experience, not what the student will be doing. The student needs to choose objectives by inquiring and reflecting on his or her reasons for enrolling in the internship program, noticing what he or she wants to gain from this experience - intellectually, emotionally, socially, personally, and professionally. Use concise, measurable words to describe these goals, such as identify, improve, define, demonstrate, compare, contrast, initiate, and develop. Think about the competencies that are necessary to succeed in one’s field of study or planned profession.

It is often useful for the internship contract to reference to the SNC mission statement, especially in the context of increased understanding of environmental, social, economic, and cultural sustainability.

Strategies describe the specific processes and activities that will produce results and cause the student to meet his or her academic objectives. Strategies could include: organizational orientation or training; organizational projects; attendance at professional seminars or meetings; interviews with executives within the organization; and specific tasks designed to provide learning opportunities. The table below provides some examples.

Sample Objectives Proposed Strategies

To increase my understanding of how a business plan is developed and implemented within an organization

Review the current business plan with the field internship supervisor. Research the process for developing the plan, implementing action items, assessment, and feedback

To improve my theoretical and practical understanding of effective group communication

Observe interactions in meetings for Leadership styles; critical, creative, and systems thinking; nonverbal communication; decision-making techniques; and implementation.

To increase my understanding of environmental, social, economic, and cultural sustainability

Interview leadership team about the interest, commitment, and activities related to environmental, social, economic, and cultural sustainability within this organization

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C. Registration Process In order to receive academic credit for an internship, including a course grade, students must list the course on their semester Registration form. Further, they must include with the Registration Form a fully signed Internship Form (see Appendix E). The Registration form must include a course name and the number of approved credits. The course name is composed of a standard subject code (e.g., MGMT, SBRM, INTB, INTL, etc.) followed by a course number (390 for an initial internship; 490 for a second internship). Whatever the course name, it should be cross-listed with MGMT390 or 490 so the intern is included on the course roster. D. Internship Journal

Journals will be one of the most important tools you have for learning during your internship. You must keep this journal current, recording frontline information on each day you are at the work site and setting aside time for reflection and integration a minimum of once or twice a week. Journals should be submitted to the internship course instructor or faculty advisor weekly or biweekly. Frontline information can be recorded by jotting down the number of hours at the site, basic tasks during that time, any “critical incidents” that occurred, and observations, questions, or solutions you have, etc. The reflective journal entry requires that you set aside time to “inquire and reflect” on your experiences and consider how they are challenging your ideas and skills. It is essential that you set aside time each week to assess what you are learning each day and to prepare yourself for the coming week, just as you would for a college course or work assignment. The journal will be a major resource for you in preparing your portfolio, especially your reflective essay evaluating and documenting your learning in this internship. Because completing a portfolio is difficult to do without a detailed journal as a reference point, your SNC faculty advisor may ask to review your journals throughout the internship to provide you with feedback. Ideas for journal writing:

How is teamwork displayed in your organization? How does this compare with your experiences and expectations of collaboration?

What leadership styles did you observe being used? Were they effective? What could have made them more effective?

Locate an article from the research literature related to the discipline in which you are working (e.g., management, entrepreneurship, global business, international studies, communication) and write a paragraph or statement on how the article’s information relates to your assigned tasks.

Listen for “quotes of the day” from people around you and record one that is particularly relevant to your learning and explain how it helps you understand your work.

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Notice how your competencies, skills and interests fit, or do not fit, with your organization’s needs.

What are the job performance expectations you have encountered? How do they compare with the academic performance expectations you have encountered as a student at Sierra Nevada College?

Identify at least one academic course that has helped you to be an effective intern in this setting, and explain how specific concepts or class activities have enhanced your internship.

Have any of your assumptions about the work world or this particular career field changed so far? If so, how? If not, have any assumptions been confirmed?

How are your learning objectives changing?

E. Internship Seminar Course As discussed in section II, above (Process), students engaged in an internship during a regular fall or spring semester, will attend two or more sessions of a scheduled intern-ship seminar class (MGMT390/490), depending upon the number of registered credit hours of the internship. The seminar is designed to enrich the learning of all SNC interns by allowing them to compare their internship experiences, share ideas and provide a mutual support group. The seminar will hold its initial session within the first two weeks of the semester to allow interns to meet with each other and share with whom they are interning. The seminar will then meet monthly. The final meeting of the term will be an evening session during which all interns will present their synthesizing project. F. Synthesizing Internship Project Students’ internship journal will be used as research data for completing a final synthe-sizing project, either a formal public presentation or a portfolio. The project will com-municate the intern’s synthesized learning experience based on his/her collective activities and observations. The project will allow students to demonstrate the know-ledge, skills, and insights. The project will allow students to: (1) personally assess their learning; (2) connect their internship experience with social, emotional, and academic knowledge base; (3) inquire and reflect on personal and professional goals; (4) provide evidence of internship performance; (5) document acquisition of specific skills and competencies; and (6) focus attention on environmental, social, economic, and cultural sustainability impacts. By reflecting on their internship and documenting their experiences, students focus on assessing their successes and failures as part of the life-long process of learning. The internship portfolio provides tangible evidence of this segment of their journey. Although the portfolio is a creative and innovative product that documents learning in a particular internship, the following structure is suggested to maximize the learning process and to identify the specific content of the internship portfolio. Following are guidelines that may assist students to construct their presentation or portfolio.

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Presentation format (generally using PowerPoint or Prezi visual aids)

Cover slide identifying student’s name, internship organization & location, and semester/term of internship

Internship goals/objectives/learning expectations

Types of activities performed; associated key learning

Observations about the organization – positive and/or constructive

Comparison of key learning points in the context of coursework/formal education

Conclusions drawn from the internship experience

Was the internship experience as “success.” Why/why not? See also the discussion below for additional content suggestions.

Portfolio format

On the outside front cover [your name, semester, internship site]

Title Page [name, date, semester, number of credits, course enrollment (e.g., MGMT 390/490, ENTP 390/490, INTB 390, INTL 390, etc), SNC faculty advisor]

Table of Contents [with page or section numbers]

Introduction a. Introductory Essay [2–3 pages] on why you chose this particular internship

b. Job or Internship Description c. Organizational description and other materials d. Internship Contract [your learning plan]

Documentation of Learning a. Internship Time Sheet b. Samples of internship work, acknowledgments, assignments c. Complete collection of journal entries

d.. Reflective Essay [7–10 pages, describing key learning outcomes and discussing how practical insights compare with concepts learned during coursework.

e. Bibliography [annotated list of professional or academic readings] The integrative essay is a reflection on the meaning of the internship experience. It needs to contain a self-evaluation of intellectual and personal growth. Journal entries will provide a starting point for thinking about the student’s learning. It might discuss thoughts related to attainment of learning objectives; successes and failures; how this experience changed the way the student understand the world; new insights into the practices and challenges in this field of work; contributions made to this site; which classroom experiences provided preparation for this internship; what coursework or experiences are needed to continue career preparation; best aspects of this experience; ways the student, as a result of the experience, is now more professional, more capable, and better able to communicate with others; and what the student intends to do differently as a result of this internship experience.

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G. Performance Evaluations The student intern will be evaluated on his or her work performance within the organization providing the internship experience. The student is responsible for copying and supplying to his/her field supervisor the final performance evaluation of the intern form to the field internship supervisor. [This form is included in this internship handbook as Appendix E.] The field internship supervisor will evaluate the student intern’s work performance and verify hours worked during the internship period. The final performance evaluation of the intern form must be completed at the end of the semester corresponding with the completion of the internship experience and required work hours. H. Required Reading As required by the seminar course syllabus. IV. FACULTY ADVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES SNC faculty advisor responsibilities include: (1) approval of the internship experience with a designated organization; (2) collaboration with the student intern and the field internship supervisor in the development of the internship contract; (3) review the periodic and final evaluations of student intern performance, to be provided by the field internship supervisor; (4) schedule a minimum of three meetings with the student intern, or several student interns, to review and assess the internship contract, the internship experience, required reading(s), and internship journal entries; (5) provide the student intern with office hours, as needed, to discuss internship challenges and explore possible solutions; (6) assess and provide feedback on the internship portfolio; and (7) provide the registrar with a final grade for the student’s internship experience. The SNC faculty advisor may choose to visit with the field internship supervisor to discuss the work performance of the student intern and the SNC internship program. V. FIELD INTERNSHIP SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES The field internship supervisor responsibilities include: (1) collaboration with the student intern and the SNC faculty advisor in the development of the internship contract; (2) provide a detailed job description with expectations and responsibilities of the student intern; (3) provide the basic rules and regulations related to their organization; (4) provide adequate training and resources to the student intern; (5) provide the student intern with times available to discuss internship challenges and explore possible solutions; and (6) completion of the final student performance evaluation. The field internship supervisor may choose to visit with the SNC faculty advisor to discuss the work performance of the student intern and the SNC internship program.

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APPENDIX A

… CONNECTING THE CLASSROOM TO LIFE EXPERIENCES

INTERNSHIP APPLICATION & CONTRACT Please return a copy of this application to: Office of Academic Services and Instructional Support, Sierra Nevada College, 999 Tahoe Boulevard, Incline Village, NV 89451, or fax a copy to 775.832.1696. Students must return this application prior to last day to add a course, as shown in the Academic Calendar.

Student Information (Print Clearly)

Student Name:___________________________________________________________ Email:____________________________ Student ID#___________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Home Phone: ______________________ Work Phone:__________________________ Class Standing: FR SO JR SR SNC Graduation Date:_________ SNC Major:______ Academic Internship Advisor: ___________________________________

Internship Information (Print Clearly)

Organization Name:_______________________________________________________

Field Internship Supervisor :________________________________________________

Type of Work:____________________________________________________________

Semester of Enrollment: _______________Academic Credits/Intern Hours ___________ Estimated Start and Finish Dates: ____________________________________________ How did you learn about this internship? _______________________________________ Please attach any information you may have about the organization or the internship program within this organization. Please attach a separate sheet of paper that lists 3 – 6 student learning objectives (see pages 5 & 6 of the Internship Handbook for details and suggestions).

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The purpose of the internship contract is to affirm the responsibilities of the student intern, the SNC faculty advisor, and the field internship supervisor. In consideration of the mutual provisions herein, the parties hereby agree as follows: It is understood that the student intern is responsible for:

Completing all requirements of the internship program

Maintaining satisfactory work performance

Accepting challenges as opportunities and demonstrating skills in effective communication, social intelligence, and integrity.

Meeting with the SNC faculty advisor for a minimum of 3 class sessions to review required reading materials and assess work performance;

Abiding by all rules and regulations of the internship site

Providing the field internship supervisor with copies of the monthly and final evaluations of student performance.

It is understood that the SNC faculty advisor is responsible for:

Teaching, coaching, and assessing student learning objectives throughout the internship experience;

Scheduling a minimum of three meetings during the semester of the internship experience.

It is understood that the field internship supervisor is responsible for:

Challenging, mentoring, supervising, and coaching the student intern throughout the internship experience;

Submitting the monthly and final evaluations of student performance.

Signing this contract affirms that the learning objectives, proposed strategies, commitment to internship hours, and the responsibilities listed above are acceptable to the Student Intern, the SNC Internship Advisor, and the Field

Internship Supervisor. _____________________________________________________ Student Intern Signature Date

__________________________________________________________ SNC Faculty Advisor Signature Date

__________________________________________________________ Field Internship Supervisor Signature Date

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APPENDIX B

. . . CONNECTING THE CLASSROOM TO LIFE EXPERIENCES

INTERNSHIP SITE ASSESSMENT Please complete at the completion of the internship and return to the: Office of Academic Services and Instructional Support, Sierra Nevada College, 999 Tahoe Boulevard, Incline Village, NV 89451, or fax a copy to 775.832.1696.

Student Information (Print Clearly)

Student Name:___________________________________________________________ Semester and Year Enrolled in Internship: __________________ Credits Earned: ____ Class Standing: FR SO JR SR SNC Graduation Date:_________ SNC Major:______

Internship Information (Print Clearly)

Organization Name:_______________________________________________________

Organization Contact:_____________________________________________________

Organization Location/Address:______________________________________________ Type of Work:____________________________________________________________ How did you learn about this internship?

Assessment Please attach a one-page assessment of the site, responding to the following:

Would you recommend this internship to a friend? Why or why not?

How effective was your Field Internship Supervisor? Do you think he or she gave you sufficient challenges, guidance, and feedback?

Were you treated appropriately, i.e., ethically, professionally, and respectfully?

As a learning experience, did this internship complement your curriculum and career goals? Please explain.

How did this internship affect your academic studies (positively and/or negatively)?

APPENDIX E

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APPENDIX C

. . . CONNECTING THE CLASSROOM TO LIFE EXPERIENCES

INTERN FINAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Student Intern: Internship Position: Field Internship Supervisor: Department: Organization Name/Address: Phone: ______ Fax: E-mail: ______ Please evaluate the Student Intern based on the following: (1) Skills and Responsibilities: (2) Professionalism and Leadership: (3) Punctuality and Attendance: (4) Qualities and Talents: Additional Comments: I verify the Student Intern has worked ___ hours during the period ________, 20 ____. Field Internship Supervisor Signature____________________________ Date_________ Please return copy to: Student’s Internship Advisor (name): ______________________________

Sierra Nevada College

999 Tahoe Blvd. Incline Village, NV 89451

APPENDIX E

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APPENDIX D

. . . CONNECTING THE CLASSROOM TO LIFE EXPERIENCES

Date Address Dear ______________________________: Thank you for your interest in Sierra Nevada College’s Internship Program. The purpose of this program is to help our students obtain experiences in work settings that relate to their educational and career goals. We believe that these experiences will cause them to be more valuable and successful employees as well as more competitive when applying for future jobs or advanced education in graduate schools. When you agree to accept a student intern, you as an employer gain enthusiastic student workers who appreciate the opportunity to learn and perform tasks which relate to their professional goals and supplement and enhance classroom theory. The Internship Program is designed for the student who has decided on a major, has taken classes in his or her major, and is ready for on-the-job experience. Students are screened and referred to employers for interviews. Selected students meet with an Internship Advisor to identify specific learning objectives and then ask your assistance in selecting which goals can be accomplished at your work site. The Dean of Academic Support Services at SNC serves as a resource person throughout the internship placement. Sierra Nevada College offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees. These degrees and required course work are outlined in the SNC catalog which can be viewed at http://www.sierranevada.edu/academic/registrar/Catalogs.html. You may find this information helpful in identifying internship opportunities within your organization. Once you have determined needs within your organization that could be met with the use of a student intern, please complete a copy of the attached “Internship Program Organization Request Form” for each intern position that you wish to offer. After we receive the form, we will promote your internship opportunity to interested students and screen applicants for your position. When identifying internship opportunities within your work setting, please keep in mind that a student intern needs substantive learning opportunities and structured supervision to benefit from the placement. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (775) 831-1314, ext 7475. Your participation in our internship program is greatly appreciated. Sincerely,

Henry Conover Director of Student Support Services Office of Academic Services and Instructional Support Sierra Nevada College 999 Tahoe Blvd. Incline Village, NV 89451

APPENDIX E

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Internship Form

Submit this completed form and all appropriate signatures to the Registrar’s Office no later than the end of the second week of the semester.

Name: _________________________________________

Semester:______________________________

Student ID Number: ______________________________ Major: ________________________________

Course Title: __________________________________________________________________________

Start Date: ____________________________End Date: _______________________________________

Subject: ________________Course Number: ________________ Semester Credit Value: _____________

Please provide a brief description about the internship including company name, supervisor and responsibilities:

ENROLLMENT IN AN INTERNSHIP IS A CONTRACT AND BECOMES PART OF THE STUDENT’S LOAD. PROCEDURES FOR WITHDRAWAL FROM SUCH COURSES ARE THE SAME AS FOR REGULARLY SCHEDULED COURSES.

By signing below, I certify that I received and read the departmental Internship guidelines and

agree to comply with its stated provisions.

Student Signature: __________________________________________Date: ______________

Required Approvals:

Instructor:

_______________________________________________________ Print Name

__________________________________________________ Date:______________ Signature

Department Chair: _______________________________________________________

Print Name

__________________________________________________ Date:______________

Signature

Provost: ___________________________________________________ Date:______________ Signature

Registrar: ________________________________________________Date:___________

Signature