Recreation Program

Western Washington University
 
 

Internship Checklist	Date Completed
I. Preparation Phase
Complete Form l - Personal Goals and Information
1:1 Meet with your faculty advisor to review your goals and discuss internship possibilities.	__________
1:2 Make initial agency contact	__________
1:3 Develop tentative Internship Agreement with agency (Form 2).	__________
l:4 Submit agreement to faculty advisor for revision and approval at least two weeks prior to beginning of internship. Faculty advisor speaks with site supervisor.	__________
1:5 Discuss weekly reports, special projects, journal or other internship requirements with faculty advisor.	__________
II. Implementation Phase
2:1 Initiate work with agency	__________
2:2 Contact faculty advisor to confirm beginning of work and to clear up any initial problems.	__________
2:3 Submit Work Schedule to faculty advisor by end of first week (Form 3).	__________
2:4 Participate in Mid-Term Agency Evaluation with agency supervisor (Form 4).	__________
2:5 Conduct mid-term conference with faculty advisor.	__________
III. Final Evaluation Phase
3:1 Participate in Final Agency Evaluation with agency supervisor (Form 5). Submit copy of evaluation and final journal report to faculty advisor.	__________
3:2 Participate in final conference with visiting faculty advisor.	__________
3:3 Submit Student Internship Evaluation (Form 6). Submit project or report on project.	__________

 

This section of the manual answers questions about the Phase III Internship Program. Feel free to address further questions and comments to the Recreation Program, 6 Old Carver, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington, 98225-9067.

Ph. (360) 650-3782. (Or faculty members Jim Moore, 650-3540; Jill Heckathorn, 650-7559; Chris Bowling, 650-7572; Charles Sylvester, 650-3541).

WHAT IS THE PHASE III INTERNSHIP PROGRAM?

The program gives students a practical, in-depth experience in the professional field they plan to enter.

Students enroll in Rec 47l for 15 hours of credit. Once students select an internship site, they report to the agency and work under agency supervision for an agreed period of time, usually 400 hours over the 10 week university quarter. Supervision of the intern's experience is coordinated jointly by the participating agency and the university faculty advisor.

WHAT ARE THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM OBJECTIVES?

l. To provide opportunities to apply theory to practice.

2. To help students develop professional skills and knowledge.

3. To help students learn as much as possible about the agencies they serve and the broader communities served by those agencies.

4. To help students to establish a foundation for professional growth and development.

5. To help students assess their personal values and goals in light of Professional expectations and commitments.

6. To help students identify personal strengths and weaknesses.

7. To contribute to preparation for entry level employment.

HOW IS THE INTERNSHIP DIFFERENT FROM A JOB?

It is expected that students will have the opportunity to experience the full range of professional responsibility within the participating agency - program, administration and management, leadership, operation of areas and facilities and other general work related functions.
 
 

IS THIS THE FIRST WORK RELATED EXPERIENCE STUDENTS HAVE PARTICIPATED IN?

Students are encouraged to get involved in various practical field experiences throughout their undergraduate years. Built into the curriculum are opportunities for numerous on-site observations and visitations. Students must complete 200 hours of field work prior to their internship. They are encouraged to gain extended experience through summer employment, part-time jobs and volunteer experiences. Because of the unique nature of the Recreation Program, whereby students take their major area courses during one quarter of each school year, such possibilities are even more enhanced.

WHEN IS A STUDENT ELIGIBLE FOR THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM?

Internships may be completed during the spring and summer quarters. Winter or fall experiences may be arranged with special permission of the faculty.

To be eligible for the program, students must meet the following requirements:

l. Credit Hours - Students must have successfully completed Phase II of the Recreation Program.

2. Major - Students must be declared majors in the Recreation Program.

3. Previous Experience - Students must have completed a minimun of 240 hours of pre-internship fieldwork. This can include practical experience, paid or volunteer, in recreation or related fields.

4. Enrollment - Students must be enrolled for university credit during the period of their internship (Rec 471).

5. Advisor approval - Each student's faculty advisor must approve his/her internship site selection.
 

HOW DO STUDENTS SELECT THEIR INTERNSHIP SITES?

With the assistance of their faculty advisor, students select the potential internship site and make initial contact with the agency. Once they work out an internship agreement, the student submits the agreement to the faculty supervisor for final approval. The supervisor may approve, reject or suggest appropriate changes in the agreement.

WHERE MAY STUDENTS LOOK FOR INTERNSHIP SITES?

Students are free to complete their internship in any setting providing opportunity for an optimal professional experience. They do not have to remain in the state of Washington. However, they may not complete their internship in their home community unless they have special permission of the faculty advisor. Interns situated beyond a 200 mile radius of Bellingham will not be visited by a faculty member. Communication with the intern and supervisor will be by telephone and through the mail.

MAY STUDENTS BE PAID FOR THEIR INTERNSHIP?

Typically the internship is unpaid. Paid employment is acceptable where it does not limit the opportunity for students to gain a well-rounded educational experience.

The agency is not required to arrange living quarters for students or defray student living expenses while they are engaged in the internship, unless the experience is taking place in a resident setting. The agency is encouraged to provide assistance.

WHAT IS REQUIRED OF THE AGENCY REGARDING THE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE?

1. The agency must be approved by the student's faculty advisor.

2.The agency must provide a productive, representative experience for students that contributes to professional growth and development.

3. The agency must have adequate resources to provide students with a valid experience.

4. The agency must employ a professional staff capable of fulfilling the responsibilities outlined for the internship supervisor, a staff able to help students grow into their chosen profession.

5. Students should be provided with a variety of experiences ranging from program, through administration and management, areas and facilities, general responsibilities and specialized functions.

Administration and Management: Students should study, observe and assist in the implementation of agency policies and practices. This includes study of the agency's legal status, board relations, financial and supervisory practices, general staff operations and working with internal and external publics in an effective manner.

Program: Students should help plan and carry through programs characteristic of the agency. They should be involved in direct program leadership and evaluation.

Areas and Facilities: Students should have the opportunity to relate theoretical and practical experience regarding facility planning and operation. They should gain familiarity with maintenance responsibilities and understand the mutual impact among areas, facilities and program.

General Experiences: Students should be introduced to public relations, attend board and community meetings, work with committees and fulfill other general responsibilities associated with agency operations. It is also important for students to be fully introduced to specialized functions carried on by the agency. Student involvement should be directly correlated to the degree such functions are inherent in the agency's operation and success.

1. To be responsible for the agency's end of the relationship between the university and agency. The agency supervisor should help create a working environment within which students grow in regard to their duties and responsibilities.

2. To interpret the internship program to the agency board or controlling body and to the community, and to obtain official agency approval of the internship program.

3. To interpret the internship program to the agency staff and help students gain acceptance as staff members.

4. To help students understand their work as it relates to the agency and the community it serves.

5. To define student responsibilities and facilitate their growth and development through:

a. Meetings with students to lay out the program they will pursue.

b. Meeting weekly with students to discuss problems, leadership techniques, operational methods and other matters which will assist students in fulfilling their internship functions.

c. Keeping students informed of all rules and regulations to be observed.

d. Supportively require performance standards facilitating the student's professional growth.

6. To evaluate student work through:
a. Scheduled and unscheduled conferences with the student as they are necessary; scheduled conferences with the student and university advisor.

b. Cooperation with the university advisor in establishing evaluative criteria for student work. The organization supervisor should use the criteria for:

(1) Oral evaluations of student work during the internship.

(2) Written mid-term and final evaluations, a copy of which may be kept by the student.

1. To be responsible for the university's end of the internship.

2. To confer with the student and provide advice and support.

3. To supervise arrangements for and give final approval of internship agreements

4. To evaluate internship reports, the student's overall performance, and communicate progress to the student.

5. To communicate with the organization supervisor.

6. To be available for consultation as necessary.

7. To serve as a resource person for both the organization supervisor and intern student.

8. Exchange ideas directed toward improvement of the internship program and related academic experiences.

HOW OFTEN WILL THE STUDENT BE VISITED BY THE UNIVERSITY INTERNSHIP SUPERVISOR?

Students working within a 200-mile radius of the university will be visited at least once during the internship period. Out-of-state students will communicate with the university advisor via regular written reports and telephone conferences. The role of the agency supervisor, in terms of supervision and evaluation, becomes even more prominent for out-of-state students.

CAN THE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE BE TERMINATED BY THE AGENCY OR STUDENT?

If there is cause for dissatisfaction between the agency and student, either may terminate the experience after consultation with and approval of the student's faculty advisor. Just cause for termination must be shown in either case. Where possible, and if circumstances are warranted, the faculty advisor will attempt to help the student locate another internship site.

ARE INTERN STUDENTS INSURED?

Interns are covered by Western Washington University liability insurance as long as they are taking part in a Western sponsored activity. The internship qualifies as such a program. A certificate of insurance is available on request. Medical insurance is also available through Student Health Services.

WHAT COURSE RELATED RESPONSIBILITIES DOES THE STUDENT HAVE REGARDING THE INTERNSHIP?

1. Students are responsible for selecting their internship site, establishing initial contact with the agency, developing the tentative internship agreement and gaining final faculty approval for the experience, and completing all requirements and assignments in a timely fashion.

2. Students shall submit the following reports to their faculty advisor.

a. Personal Goals and Information Statement: (See completed and reviewed prior to initial agency contact, possibly near the close of the student's field work experience.

b. Internship Agreement: (See Form 2) To be completed cooperatively with the prospective internship agency and submitted to the faculty advisor for final approval.

c. Internship Work Schedule: (See Form 3) To be submitted to the faculty advisor by the end of the first week of internship experience.

d. Reports: Students shall submit weekly written reports, a summary report(3-5 pp.) and reports related to special projects.

e. Final Evaluation: (See Form 6) At the close of the internship experience, students shall submit their evaluation of the experience.

Students will receive a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grade upon completion of their internship experience. The grade will be based on:

l. The agency supervisor's written student evaluations.

2. Satisfactory completion of internship assignments as outlined on page l.

Evaluations will be based on job performance and completion of the assigned university tasks. The faculty advisor will assign the final grade.

Recreation Program

Western Washington University

Internship Form l - Personal Goals and Information
 
 

Name:_______________________________

Date__________

What are your internship goals and aspirations?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

What are your goals upon graduation?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

What are your strengths?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

In what areas do you feel you need further growth? (Include both personal attributes and professional concerns.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Personal Goals and Information:
 
 

List and briefly describe your previous work experience. (Paid and voluntary)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

List areas in which you feel comfortable with your program leadership skills.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

List areas in which you are currently certified. (Water Safety Instructor, first aid, etc.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Additional comments and information.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Recreation Program

Western Washington University
 
 

Internship Form 2 - Internship Agreement
 
 

____________________	hereby accepts	____________________
(Name of Agency)		(Name of Student)

 

as an internship student and employee for the time and under the specifications listed below.

Starting Date ____________	Terminating Date ____________
Salary Per Week ____________	Agency Telephone ____________
Agency Address ____________	Agency Fax ____________

Specific Description of Internship Assignment:

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Date ___________	Signed ___________________ (Agency Internship Supervisor)
Date ___________	Signed ___________________ (Internship Student)
Date ___________	Signed ___________________ (Faculty Advisor)

 

Internship Agreements: The following are additional examples of work agreements developed as guidelines for intern experiences.

INTERNSHIP AGREEMENT GUIDELINES

Internship Student: ___________________________ Quarter:_______________________

Location of Internship:_______________________________________________________

Supervisor:________________________________________________________________

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., flexible for evening meetings and weekend programs.

Work Site: Redmond Park Department office, second floor of Redmond City Hall, and program sites as scheduled.

The internship student will be responsible for completing the following agreed upon duties and becoming familiar with stated information. It will also be the responsibility of the student to update this agreement and review information with his/her supervisor.

I. Orientation to Redmond Parks and Recreation Department

___1. Meet Staff

___2. Office procedures

___3. Review policy manual

___4. Tour park and program facilities

___5. Review scheduling procedure and use policies

II. Attend Meetings

___1. Weekly briefing with supervisor

___2. Coordination meeting

___3. Department staff meeting

___4. City Council meeting

___5. Park Board meeting

III. Programming - Direct Leadership

___1. Razzamatazz - leadership

___2. Fun Factory - leadership

___3. Run*Row*Ride Relay -leadership and staff support

___4. Program registration

___5. Special event -plan and implement

IV. Programming - Observation and Training

___1. Cultural Arts - preschool, youth, adult, senior citizen

___2. Physical recreation

___3. League Sports - review tournament planning, umpire youth sports

___4. Outdoor programs

___5. Senior programs

V. Publicity

___1. Develop program flyers

___2. Assist with layout and printing of summer brochure

VI. Budget Review

___1. Become familiar with budget

___2. Purchasing procedure

___3. Revenue analysis

___4. Class fee structure

___5. Instructor fees and salaries

VII. Personal Procedures

___1. Staff interview panel

___2. Hiring process

___3. Training schedule and orientation - review

VIII. Department Orientation by Division

___1. Administration

a. Half-day with Director

b. Half-day with office manager

c. Half-day with Recreation Supervisor

___2. Park Maintenance

a. Half-day with Park Superintendent

b. One day with park crew at community park

c. One day with park crew at neighborhood park

___3. Park Planning

a. One day with Park Planner - review master plans, land acquisition, park

development, and construction.

___4. Community Services Division

a. Half-day with Community Services Manager

IX. Attend Professional Meetings and Conferences

___1. NRPA Conference, April 25-28

X. Public Relations

I. Administration

A. Learn to develop and administer a program, and its publicity.

B. Review Budget operation procedures.

C. Learn public relations with groups, group leaders, and their relationship with outdoor program section operations including the Advisory Council and volunteers.

D. Give information to the public in person and on the phone.

A. Give instruction in outdoor skills, i.e., rock climbing, survival, firecraft, nature interpretation, compass use.

B. Assist with youth camping weekend program including program planning, volunteer training, leadership, and program evaluation.

C. Opportunity for auditing evening workshops to improve skills and knowledge of outdoor activities.
 
 

A. Publicize and coordinate with Seattle Public Schools day and overnight school field trips.

B. Develop and schedule activities with teachers and group leaders.

C. Implement program schedule and serve as resource guide during school field outings.

D. Evaluate field outings with group leaders and field work supervisor.

 

SOME STUDENT OBJECTIVES FOR THERAPEUTIC RECREATION

DEPARTMENT

The student will develop or gain:

1. Knowledge of the organizational procedures of the Therapeutic Recreation Department.
2. The ability to extract pertinent information from reports on the patients and their progress.
3. An awareness of the inter-relationships of the various members of the rehabilitation team.
4. An awareness of the concept of total patient care.
5. The ability to establish long and short term goals for patients.
6. Insight into the continuum of Therapeutic Recreation care, by observing both acute and long term follow-up patients.
7. The ability to conduct group sessions, and individual sessions.
8. Proficiency in the use and care of equipment and modalities common to Therapeutic Recreation programs.
9. The ability to evaluate a patient through formal or informal assessment.
10. Understanding of the rationale for Therapeutic Recreation.
11. The ability to counsel a patient and his family.
12. Proficiency in the organization, writing, of materials necessary for Therapeutic Recreation programs.
13. The ability to communicate with other members of the rehabilitative team by giving oral reports at rounds, and conferences, and writing accurate progress notes.
14. An exposure to other areas involved in patient care.
15. Ability to establish rapport with patients and staff.
16. Ability to modify programs to meet individual patient's needs.
17. Ability to maintain close contact with the Therapeutic Recreation Department and contribute pertinent information to the therapists.
 

1. Students are expected to cooperate amongst themselves and work as a team.
2. Students are expected to encourage interaction and participation of patients, friends, and family in all activities.
3. Students are expected to maintain a professional distinction between their personal social life, and their role as recreational workers.
4. At all times, please inform supervisor of your whereabouts. This is true if you are alone or with patients.
5. If feasible, emergency and unique situations should be reported directly to supervisor before action is taken.
6. If it is necessary to obtain help from the public, the student is responsible for supervising these aids i.e., help with using public toilet facilities and opening doors.
7. Upon the discretion of the supervisor, students are responsible for supervising volunteers.
8. Students should always wear appropriate clothing, especially shoes.

Recreation Program

Western Washington University

Internship Form 3 - Work Schedule

Name:________________________________	Residence Phone:________________________
Residence Address:______________________________________________________________
Internship Agency:______________________________________________________________
Agency Address:________________________________________________________________
Agency Phone:_________________________	Supervisor:____________________________
Agency Fax:____________________________
Work Schedule:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Has your agency supervisor informed you of your role in emergencies and the procedures you are to follow? Yes:_____ No:_____ (If no, give date by which this will be done.)
 
 

Has your agency supervisor informed you of agency standards and regulations applicable to your internship employment? Yes:_____ No:_____ (If no, give date by which this will be done. Recreation Program

Western Washington University

Internship Form 4 - Student Internship Evaluation

A. General

1. Have you enjoyed the internship? Explain.
 
 
 
 

1. What were the most valuable skills/information you gained through this experience?

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2. Describe any personal skills or knowledge deficiencies that were revealed to you during this internship.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3. List any of your initial personal learning objectives that you did not attain through this internship.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

4. Do you have any plans or ideas for filling the "gaps" identified in #3 and #4 above? Yes No If "yes," please give details.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

5. What suggestions can you make for improving the communication between university supervisors and internship students?

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

6. What suggestions can you make for students taking this type of internship next quarter?

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

7. If you had to describe your internship in one word, what would that word be?

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

8. Was your agency supervisor available and helpful? Explain.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

9. What did your agency supervisor provide in terms of advice, leadership assistance and information which helped you in your activities and development of leadership skills? Explain.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

10. What suggestions do you have for improving communications between the agency supervisor and student?

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

11. What requirements did the agency ask of you? Did you complete them? Explain.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

12. What suggestions would you make to the agency to improve internship for future students?

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

13. Additional Comments:

Signed:___________________________ Date:__________________________

(Internship student)