SUNY College at Cortland. Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies. Internship Manual

Transcription

1 1 SUNY College at Cortland Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies Internship Manual A Guide for Students and Agencies Participating in REC 470 Senior Seminar & REC 475 Internship in Recreation and Leisure Services

2 2 Table of Contents Congratulations 3 Pre-Internship (REC 470) REC 470: Senior Seminar 5 REC 470: Student Requirements 6 REC 470: Steps to Select and Secure an Internship Site 7-9 Thank You/Acceptance Letter Agreement Paragraphs 10 Pre-Internship Forms Sample Internship Time Line 12 Checklist for Internship Eligibility and Degree Completion 13 Professional Experience Requirement 14 Directions for Completing Checklist for Internship Eligibility & Degree Completion Internship Site Description Form The Supervisor The Internship Agency-Student Agreement Form 23 Internship Evaluation Forms (Practice and Actual) Internship (REC 475) General Policies and Prerequisites and Qualifications 29 Goals of the Internship 30 Student Requirements for the Internship Sample Learning Agreement Journal Page Guidelines 38 Sample Journal Page 39 Sample Weekly Report Student, Agency and Campus Responsibilities Internship Forms Learning Agreement Weekly Report Forms Mid-Semester Evaluation Form Final Evaluation Form Internship Site Evaluation 50-60

3 3 Congratulations on your progress in the Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies major! The internship is one of the final experiences in your degree program and your readiness for it represents much effort and learning on your part. The internship is intended to provide you with a practical learning experience that gives you the opportunity to integrate theory with the "real world" of recreation and leisure services delivery. After all, theory comes from the real world, so it is a powerful learning experience when you can complete this loop. This experiential learning has been successful in helping undergraduates move from being students to being new, well-educated professionals in the field and citizens in their communities. The agency and the agency supervisor are key ingredients for a good internship. It is important to do a thorough job of investigating possible internship sites and selecting the best possible site for your needs and goals. This manual is intended to outline the steps you will follow to select and secure an internship site and the requirements for successfully completing the internship experience. Although Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies faculty and staff will assist you throughout the entire experience, from site selection to internship completion, it is fundamentally your responsibility to see that all requirements are met.

4 4 Pre-Internship

5 5 REC 470 Senior Seminar Senior Seminar is a three-credit course that is a prerequisite for REC 475 Internship in Recreation and Leisure Services. Through self-assessment exercises, lectures, group work and feedback, writing, role-playing, fieldwork hours and reflection students will be given the opportunity to: develop and analyze internship and career goals; explore the characteristics of the profession including a focus on professional ethics and continuing professional development improve individual marketability. Additionally students will be given the opportunity to complete the steps necessary to select and secure an internship site.

6 6 Student Requirements for REC 470 Senior Seminar Class Participation and Exercises You will complete assigned exercises and engage in small group work and in-class discussions. A random review (i.e., collection) of completed exercises as well as regular documentation of attendance will occur throughout the semester. NOTE: Exercises will be collected during class only. Internship Log You will maintain a two-part Internship Log. This will require you to collect and organize evidence or documentation of all actions or steps taken as you successfully identify and secure an internship site. Internship Log: Part 1 will include a completed and signed Checklist for Internship Eligibility and Degree Completion form; an optional Time Line; OK d and final copies of your internship and career goals, resume and cover letter; an optional practice interview evaluation; two completed Internship Site Description Forms; contact record sheet; and resume and cover letter ready for mailing. Internship Log: Part 2 will include an evaluation of at least one actual interview, completed Agency/Internship Agreement Form, OK d and final copies of thank you/acceptance/decline letters, contact record sheet, and thank you/acceptance/decline letters ready for mailing. (NOTE: Do not attempt to complete this assignment without carefully reading and adhering to the Steps section of this manual.) Professional Fieldwork Experience You will complete at least 30 hours of fieldwork with a recreation/leisure services agency while registered for REC 470. In addition to providing you with yet another practical experience, this fieldwork will be used to simulate the assignments and seminars that will be expected as part of REC 475 Internship in Recreation and Leisure Services. (NOTE: Do not attempt to complete this assignment without carefully reading and adhering to the field experience handout distributed in REC 470. Current Issue Debate You will engage in a somewhat formal debate with anther student. On the day of the debate, those debating will submit a position paper. All others will react to the debate, serve as moderator, vote on the outcome, and/or continue the discussion. Portfolio Presentation You will be given 8-10 minutes during one of the last two class sessions or the final examination period to present yourself to the class and perhaps a wider audience. The presentation, based on materials gathered for your professional Portfolio, will highlight and reflect upon your academic career and introduce your future plans.

7 7 Steps to Select and Secure an Internship Site As you proceed through the steps required to select and secure an internship site, you will maintain a two-part internship log. This will require you to collect and organize evidence or documentation of all actions or steps taken as you successfully identify and secure an internship site. Submission of Part 1 of the log allows you to accept interviews at potential internship sites. Submission of Part 2 secures the internship site. Internship Log Part 1 Internship Log Part 2 Signed Internship Eligibility Actual Interview Evaluation Checklist and CAPP Report Completed Agency/Student OK d Time Line (optional) Agreement Form Internship and Career Goals Thank you/acceptance letter (OK d and final copies) (OK d and final copies) and/or Resume (OK d and final copies) Thank you/decline letter (OK d Cover letter (OK d and final and final copies) copies) Letter(s) and Agreement Form Practice Interview Evaluation ready copy for mailing (optional) Contact Record Sheet Two complete Internship Site Description Forms Resumes and letters ready for mailing Contact Record Sheet Step One: Self-Assessment and Direction This step is intended to help you remember who you are and what you have to offer a potential internship site. It is also intended to help you determine your eligibility for the internship, clarify your internship and career goals, and to establish an action time line. Eligibility Checklists will require work on your part as well as a meeting with your academic advisor. CHECK THE CURRENT REC 470 SYLLABUS FOR EXACT DEADLINES. Include (1) a SW Signed copy of your Check List for Internship Eligibility and Degree Completion, (2) your Timeline (optional), and (3) the SW OK d and final copies of your Internship and Career Goals in Part 1 of your Internship Log. Step Two: Search and Research This step will facilitate a systematic search for an internship site. This can be an exciting, frustrating and time-consuming process, so you are encouraged to begin this process as soon as the semester begins, or even sooner. You will want to chat with faculty members and the internship coordinator; examine the internship database and files; as well as contact, and likely visit, your potential sites to better investigate their quality, requirements, and application process. Include two completed Internship Site Description Forms along with all the required attachments in Part 1 of your Internship Log. Don t forget to maintain a Contact Record Sheet throughout all steps in the process.

8 8 Step Three: Preparation for Formal Contact with Potential Internship Sites During this step, you will develop the cover letter and construct the resume that you will use to inform potential internship sites of your interest as well as your experiences, skills, and achievements. You will also prepare for and be given the opportunity to practice an interview. You are encouraged to utilize the resources and staff expertise available through SUNY Cortland Career Services located in B-5 Van Hoesen and at Your cover letters need to be OK d by SW; your resumes need to be OK d by Career Services. CHECK THE CURRENT REC 470 SYLLABUS FOR EXACT DEADLINES. Include (1) the SW OK d and final copies of your cover letters; (2) the Career Services OK d and final copies of your resume; (3) clean copies of your cover letters and resume ready for mailing (i.e., signed and tri-folded in an addressed, stamped, unsealed envelope); and (4) if appropriate, the completed evaluation of your practice interview in Part 1 of your Internship Log. Once you have completed the first three steps, you are ready to submit Part 1 of your Internship Log. Logs are reviewed in my office with you present. Be sure to schedule an appointment. If OK d you will be instructed to send your cover letters and resume and you will receive an Agency-Student Agreement Form. LET ME BE PERFECTLY CLEAR! You may not accept an interview until Part 1 of your Internship Log has been SW OK d. Moreover, if you do not have an OK d Log: Part 1 by 3:00 pm on the last day to withdraw as determined by the Registrar and indicated on the current REC 470 syllabus, then you must withdraw from REC 470. Step Four: Interview Once your cover letters and resumes have been mailed, you are in the final stages of the process. Contact the agencies to set up interview dates, make follow-up phone calls to confirm the interview dates and times, and then participate in the interview. The interview will end in one of several ways. You may or may not be offered an internship; you may or may not accept an internship that you were offered. They may contact you later; you may contact them later. This is an important decision so take as much time as you need. Eventually, however, you will need to have the Agency-Student Agreement Form completed. Agency-Student Agreement Form If you are offered an internship and this is the one that you want, then complete the form at the end of the interview. Ask the agency to indicate its acceptance of you as an intern by completing and signing the agency sections. Indicate your intent to complete an internship with the agency by completing and signing the student sections. Tell the agency that you must bring the form back to the Internship Coordinator for the final signature and that you will send them a copy of the completed form. You will include a copy of the completed form in your official thank you/acceptance letter. If you are offered an internship and want the time to think about whether or not you will accept the offer, then have the agency complete and sign the agency sections to

9 9 indicate its acceptance of you as an intern. Let them know exactly when they can expect to hear from you with your final decision. If you decide to accept the offer, then complete the student sections of the form and bring the form to me for the final signature. You will include a copy of the completed form in your official thank you/acceptance letter. If the agency tells you that they will let you know (or they had rather wait until you decide before they actually sign the form), then just hold onto the blank form. Later, if they decide to accept you as an intern and you accept their offer, then you will complete the student sections and then include the incomplete form in your official thank you/acceptance letter. They will complete the agency sections and return the form to you. Bring it to me for the final signature. You will provide the agency with a copy of the completed form when you arrive for your internship. NOTE: Agency-Student Agreement Forms will not be signed by the Internship Coordinator until Part 2 of the Internship Log is complete. Registration for REC 475 will continue to be blocked until this form has been signed by all parties. Step Five: Follow-up and Final Selection After the interview(s), you will follow-up with either a thank you/acceptance letter and/or a thank you/decline letter. (NOTE: You may want to respond more immediately with a hand-written note card simply expressing your thanks for the interview and for the opportunity to see the facility and to meet the agency supervisor and agency staff.) If the Agency-Student Agreement Form has been completed and signed by all three parties (i.e., them, you, me), then include paragraph #1 in your thank you/acceptance letter. Include paragraph #2 in your thank you/acceptance letter if the only completed and signed sections are the student sections. Once your thank you/acceptance and/or thank you/decline letters are SW OK d, you need to prepare your letter(s) and agreement form for mailing. Include the SW OK d and final copy of your letter(s) and a completed evaluation for at least one of your actual interviews in Part 2 of your Internship Log. Be sure to keep records of your contacts. Once you have completed steps four and five, submit Part 2 of your Internship Log (i.e., interview evaluation, OK d and final copies of your thank you/acceptance and/or thank you/decline letters, a completed agreement form, and contact record sheet). This secures the agency as your internship site. You will receive two copies of the completed agreement form, one for you and one for the agency. The original will go Darleen who will then remove the REC 475 block so that you can register. Failure to register for REC 475 before REC 470 final grades are submitted will result in an E for REC 470. Failure to complete Part 2 of the Internship Log before REC 470 final grades are submitted will result in an INC for REC 470. Even with all other pieces in place, an E or an INC will prevent you from going on your internship.

10 10 Thank You/Acceptance Letter Agreement Paragraphs Include Paragraph #1 in your thank you/acceptance letter if all sections of the Agency-Student Agreement Form have been completed. Include Paragraph #2 in your thank you/acceptance letter if only the student sections of the Agency-Student Agreement Form have been completed. PARAGRAPH #1 Enclosed is a copy of a contractual agreement between the Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies at SUNY Cortland and your agency. You may keep this copy for your records. If you identify any inaccuracies, please notify the Internship Coordinator, Dr. Susan Wilson (607/ ) or susan.wilson@cortland.edu immediately. PARAGRAPH #2 Enclosed is a copy of the Agency-Student Agreement Form. I have confirmed my intent to complete an internship with by completing and signing the student information section. Please confirm your acceptance of me as an intern by completing and signing the agency information section. Return the completed form to me as soon as possible so that I can submit it to Dr. Wilson for final approval. I will bring you a copy of the completed form when I report for my internship.

11 11 Pre-Internship Forms

12 12 Task Complete eligibility form Develop internship and career goals Compile list of potential agencies Research potential agencies Prepare cover letter Construct resume Select agencies to pursue as sites Complete Internship Site Description Forms Participate in and evaluate practice interview Prepare resume and cover letters for mailing Submit Part 1 of Internship Log Sample Internship Time Line Starting Date Target Date Completion Date Make follow-up contact to set up interview dates Confirm interview dates and times Participate in interviews Select internship site Prepare Agency-Student Agreement Form Complete interview self-evaluation form Write thank you/acceptance/decline letters Prepare letters for mailing Submit Part 2 of Internship Log Time Line Guidelines/Reminders Notice DUE DATES on the current REC 470 syllabus as you determine your timeline. Tasks may certainly be completed before the stated due date. Your score, however, on an individual task will be lowered by 5 points each day it is late. You may accept interviews only after Part 1 of your Internship Log has been submitted and determined to be complete. Your internship is officially secured only after Part 2 of your Internship Log has been submitted and determined to be complete. Documentation of all correspondence must be maintained using the Contact Record Sheet found in Seagle, Smith, and Dalton (or something similar). This is required for both parts of the log.

13 SUNY Cortland Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies Check List for Internship Eligibility and Degree Completion 13 In order to enroll in REC 475 Internship in Recreation and Leisure Services, you must meet the following qualifications/requirements: 2.5 GPA in the Recreation major at SUNY Cortland 2.0 overall GPA at SUNY Cortland Successful completion of core courses in the RPLS degree program, including REC 470 Removal of all incompletes Documentation of 160 of professional field experience With your advisor and the most recent CAPP report, use this form to document your eligibility for internship and your progress toward the completion of your degree. Students and advisors should retain a copy of this completed form. Name COO# Major Code (degree and concentration and/or minor) Advisor Major GPA Overall GPA Expected Date of Graduation Total credits earned Additional transfer credits expected Number of semester credits currently enrolled in Y N Y N Incompletes? Additional WI (3)? Academic probation? COM 210? 45 Cortland credits? First Aid? 60 LAS credits? CAP 100? Cortland Composition (6)? Foreign Language? Cortland Quantitative (3)? Two different activity courses (2-6)? Cortland GE? 160 hours of professional experience? RPLS WI (3)? Child Abuse Recognition Workshop? List remaining requirements. If requirements are met for the area, write OK in the box. Courses in MAJOR Courses in CONCENTRATION Courses in MINOR CORTLAND GENERAL EDUCATION Student Signature Advisor Signature Internship Coordinator Signature Date Date Date

14 Professional Experience Requirement 14 AGENCY HOURS COMPLETED DOCUMENTATION RECEIVED* TOTAL HOURS COMPLETED * Advisors: Your initials in this column verify that documentation of hours has been received. Plan, if necessary, for completion of 160 hours: Student Advisor Signatures Date

15 15 Directions for Completing the Checklist for Internship Eligibility and Degree Completion The most important and most urgent REC 470 task you need to turn your immediate attention to is the completion of the Checklist for Internship Eligibility and Degree Completion. 1. Print out a current copy of your CAPP Report. Print it out in color and reduce the side margins to zero. 2. Make an appointment with your advisor. 3. Carefully read the notes below as you complete the Checklist. 4. Make notes on your checklist if you have questions for your advisor. 5. Take your CAPP, your completed Checklist and a clean copy of the Checklist to the appointment with your advisor. 6. Complete final copy of Checklist with your advisor and get his or her signature. 7. Submit to SW with your CAPP. 8. SW will review, sign, copy and return the CAPP and the copy to you. Remember that drop/add is the first week of classes. If, as a result of completing the Checklist, it is discovered that you need to alter you current schedule, this can only happen during the first week of classes. Name: C00#: Major Code: on CAPP report referred to as program. If incorrect, then file appropriate document. Advisor: on CAPP (a simple click can send him or her an !). Major GPA: on CAPP referred to as Courses Calculating Major GPA. Overall GPA: on CAPP in All College Requirements box on the first page. Expected Date of Graduation: Not on CAPP. The choices are three: May, August, or December. Be sure to indicate the year. The internship, as well as all other requirements, must be completed before you can graduate. Total credits earned: Please note that CAPP includes and considers courses for which you are currently registered. To determine total credits earned subtract current credits from the number indicated on CAPP under Act across from total credits. Additional transfer credits expected: This includes any credits completed but not yet transferred in or credits that you plan to complete and then transfer in. This does not include credits already transferred in. CAPP will indicate credits already transferred in. Number of semester credits currently enrolled in: at the end of CAPP referred to as in-progress courses. Check the numbers! Adding the above three numbers plus the 15 credit internship plus any other requirements not yet completed should at least match the required number of credits for your particular degree. And remember that it s not just numbers; all the slots have to be filled as well! Incompletes: at the end of CAPP referred to as incomplete & late grades. Please note that all incompletes must be removed before you will be allowed to go out on your internship. Academic Probation: on CAPP referred to as academic standing. If you are currently on academic probation (below a 2.0), then you probably should not be in this room! 45 Cortland Credits: This is not indicated anywhere on CAPP and so will need to be calculated. This is rarely a problem unless you transferred in more than 64 credits (from a 4 year program). Remember that you still have the 15 credit internship to complete. 60 LAS credits: on CAPP (will be posted as met or not) and can be found on the first page in the all college requirements box or near the middle of CAPP in the liberal arts & science req section. Cortland Composition (6): on CAPP in the Cortland Degree Requirements section, specifically CPN 100 and CPN 101. Cortland Quantitative (3): on CAPP in the Cortland General Education section referred to as 01 QUAN SK.

16 16 Cortland GE: on CAPP referred to as Cortland General Education and will post a green Met or a red NOT Met. Note that this is a new system: no Cortland GEs and SUNY GEs; just 13 Cortland GEs (i.e., 1-10 and 11-13). RPLS WI and Additional WI: back to the Cortland Degree Requirements section on CAPP referred to as WRITE INTV. A green Yes or a red No will be posted. COM 210: on CAPP in the Recreation Core section and will post a green Yes or a red No. HLH 120: NOT ON CAPP! This requirement is presented in the advisement manual and can be fulfilled in a variety of ways. There is a sticker on your academic folder to remind you and your advisor to post how it was met. CAP 100: on CAPP in the Recreation Core section and will post a green Yes or a red No. Foreign Language: on CAPP in the Cortland General Education section referred to as 09 FOR LAN. Two different activity courses: on CAPP in the Recreation Core section and will post a green Yes or a red No at ACTVTY REQ. 160 hours of professional experience: Not on CAPP. Hours must be verified by completing the back of the Checklist with advisor. This form will be checked (along with gpa) before students are allowed to actually go out on the internship. Child Abuse Recognition Workshop: on CAPP on first page in the Workshops and Field Experience box and will be posted met or not List remaining requirements: Include here the requirements that are being met by courses currently enrolled in as well as any courses to be completed later. Don t forget REC 475! Remember that met includes courses currently enrolled in and so are not actually met until the particular requirement has been successfully met. And finally, most questions that you have about degree requirements can be answered in the advisement manual. But wait! Perhaps most importantly, issues need to be addressed! If you still have an INC, for example, then do what you need to do to remove it and make sure that the professor submits the removal of INC form in a timely fashion. The issues that need to be addressed are yours; not mine, not your advisor s. Your signature and that of your advisor means that the two of you have conducted a thorough search and believe you have identified everything standing between you and your internship, you and graduation; and suggests that plans are in place to address any issues. I will only sign completed checklists. My signature means that I have received a completed checklist and the checklist appears to have identified issues which need to be addressed. I will make two copies of the completed checklist: one for you and one for your academic folder. Ask questions, get answers, follow up!

17 INTERNSHIP SITE DESCRIPTION FORM 17 Complete all sections of this form to assist you in selecting an internship site to best fit your educational and professional goals and objectives. Agency Street City/Town THE SITE State Zip Code Operations: Days per week Hours per day Number of staff in the recreation department: Type of Agency (e.g., community recreation, recreation management, commercial recreation, organized camping, outdoor/environmental education, therapeutic recreation): Types of programs or services offered: Types of facilities available:

18 18 General characteristics of participants (e.g., age, gender, socioeconomic status, disability): NOTE: Attach brochures of programs and other materials that describe the agency s scope of operation, participants served, and available facilities. Is liability insurance provided? Yes No Is housing available? Yes No Is a stipend provided? Yes No Is there provision for time off? Yes No Is there provision for holidays? Yes No Is there provision for conference attendance? Yes No Is travel necessary for agency business? Yes No What is considered proper attire (e.g., casual, business casual, activity appropriate)? What are your impressions of this agency? How does this agency fit with your educational and professional goals and objectives?

19 THE SUPERVISOR NOTE: Complete this section for all agency staff who would serve as supervisors. Make extra copies if necessary. 19 Name of Internship Supervisor Title Phone ( ) FAX ( ) Number of years supervising interns Check type of certification CTRS CPRP Other Provide certification # and expiration date # expiration date # expiration date # expiration date NOTE: Please attach verification of these and other current credentials. Academic Preparation (beginning with most recent degree awarded) College/University Major Name and Location Degree Awarded Year Degree Awarded Employment History (beginning with present position) Agency Name and Location Description of Duties: Title Dates of Employment Agency Name and Location Description of Duties: Title Dates of Employment Agency Name and Location Description of Duties: Title Dates of Employment Professional Involvement List affiliations with professional organizations and any leadership positions held with these organizations. Indicate any recent and/or regular conference attendance:

20 20 NOTE: Attach a copy of the resumes of all agency staff who would serve as supervisors. What are your impressions of the agency staff? How does the agency staff fit with your educational and professional goals and objectives?

21 THE INTERNSHIP 21 Type of student desired (e.g., skills, knowledge, background): List the typical duties and experiences an assigned intern would receive at this site: NOTE: Attach a copy the agency internship manual or a detailed description of the responsibilities and assignments for a 14 week internship. What are your impressions of the internship this agency would be able to provide you? How does it fit with your educational and professional goals and objectives?

22 Overall Evaluation and Summary of Impressions PROS CONS 22 Bottom Line

23 SUNY CORTLAND DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION, PARKS AND LEISURE STUDIES INTERNSHIP IN RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES 23 AGENCY-STUDENT AGREEMENT FORM The internship is designed to provide the student with maximum exposure to the recreation profession at the entry level during the 14-week experience. It is one of the final experiences of the student s degree program and represents much effort and learning on the part of the student. It is intended to provide students with a practical learning experience that gives them the opportunity to integrate theory with the real world of recreation and leisure services delivery. The student, the campus supervisor, and the agency supervisor will share the responsibilities of the experience. BY ALL PARTIES COMPLETING THE INFORMATION REQUESTED BELOW AND SIGNING, THIS DOCUMENT STANDS AS AN OFFICIAL AGREEMENT FOR AN INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE BETWEEN THE STUDENT, AGENCY, AND SUNY CORTLAND, PROVIDING ALL ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS ARE MET BY THE STUDENT. Agency Name: AGENCY INFORMATION: Address: (Street) Phone: ( ) (City) (State) (Zip) Name SAMPLE and Title of Agency Supervisor: Certification (please circle all that apply): CLP Expiration Date: CTRS Expiration Date: STUDENT INFORMATION: Name: (Last) (First) (MI) C00# Address: (Street) Phone: ( ) (City) (State) (Zip Code) INTERNSHIP DATES (Please check one): SPRING INTERNSHIP JANUARY XX MAY X, 200X SUMMER INTERNSHIP MAY XX AUGUST XX, 200X FALL INTERNSHIP AUGUST XX DECEMBER X, 200X Agency Supervisor Student Intern RPLS Internship Coordinator PLEASE SIGN BELOW: Date Date Date

24 24 REC 470 Senior Seminar PRACTICE INTERVIEW SELF-EVALUATION FORM Interviewee Date of Interview Interviewer Agency Review the information on pages in Seagle, Smith, and Dalton: Displaying Professionalism. Provide evidence of your effectiveness in each of the following areas. I completed all the necessary advance preparation. I was prompt. My physical appearance was appropriate. I spoke clearly, distinctly, and with appropriate communication My answers were direct, clear, and concise. They were understood by the interviewer(s). I was self-confident, open and at ease in my responses.

25 25 The interviewer(s) got to know the real me. I displayed enthusiasm for the agency and its services. I made a positive final impression. What do you feel were your strong points or strengths during the interview? What do you feel were your weaknesses, and what steps will you take to improve upon them during future interviews? How would you rate your overall performance?

26 26 REC 470 Senior Seminar ACTUAL INTERVIEW SELF-EVALUATION FORM Interviewee Date of Interview Interviewer Agency Review the information on pages in Seagle, Smith, and Dalton: Displaying Professionalism. Provide evidence of your effectiveness in each of the following areas. I completed all the necessary advance preparation. I was prompt. My physical appearance was appropriate. I spoke clearly, distinctly, and with appropriate communication My answers were direct, clear, and concise. They were understood by the interviewer(s). I was self-confident, open and at ease in my responses.

27 27 The interviewer(s) got to know the real me. I displayed enthusiasm for the agency and its services. I made a positive final impression. What do you feel were your strong points or strengths during the interview? What do you feel were your weaknesses, and what steps will you take to improve upon them during future interviews? How would you rate your overall performance?

28 28 INTERNSHIP

29 General Policies and Prerequisites and Qualifications 29 In order to enroll in REC 475: Internship in Recreation and Leisure Services, you must meet the following qualifications and requirements: 2.5 GPA in the RPLS major at SUNY Cortland 2.0 overall GPA at SUNY Cortland (2.5 overall GPA at SUNY Cortland for International Internships) Successful completion of core courses in the RPLS degree program, including REC 470 Removal of all incompletes Documented of 160 hours of pre-internship professional experience as evidenced in portfolio Internships will be completed only at agencies having an established cooperative internship agreement with the SUNY Cortland Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies. In addition, therapeutic recreation agencies will need a current clinical affiliation. Students will not typically complete internships at agencies that have employed them in the past. The internship coordinator will make final approval of the internship site. An internship is a full-time commitment and the primary focus of the student s academic life for the 14-week period. Interns must be as available to work during the times the agency is typically in operation as a full time employee would be (i.e., weekdays, evenings, and weekends). Internships may be completed during the fall or spring semesters. Summer internships are only available to the extent that departmental staffing is available. Students completing internships through the International Programs must complete all the REC 475 assignments as presented in this manual in order for a course substitution to be approved.

30 Goals of the Internship 30 For the Student: To achieve integration between theory and practice (i.e., to recognize an experience or an observation from the site as an instance of some broader theory or concept); to contextualize knowledge To acquire skills and competencies needed for practice in recreation and leisure services (some of the skills and competencies will vary depending on concentration) To discover one's strengths and limitations within the field of recreation and leisure services in order to begin to develop a commitment to lifelong professional development To develop an awareness of the total range of the field of practice (i.e., methods, activities, settings) and gain a better understanding of the day-to-day operations of a specific agency For SUNY Cortland Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies: To provide the student with opportunities for practical experiences in recreation and leisure services with professional supervision and guidance To improve the educational process and enlarge the scope of the curriculum To foster close working and learning relationships with practitioners To provide a means of assessing and monitoring the relevance of the academic program in terms of community needs For the Internship Site/Agency: To provide the agency the opportunity to assist in the education of future professionals To provide the opportunity to recruit trained professionals and to evaluate prospective staff candidates for future employment To provide the opportunity for exchange of ideas between professionals and students To foster close working relationships with the SUNY Cortland Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies

31 Student Requirements for REC 475: Internship in Recreation and Leisure Services 31 Time Commitment The internship course is 15 semester credits A minimum of 14 consecutive weeks is required. Any week dropping below 20 hours will not count as a week resulting in a break in the 14 consecutive weeks. As a result of this break, the intern will start over the next week at week #1. No hours over 45 in any given week will be counted towards the required 490 cumulative hours. Students may not count hours spent completing daily journals and weekly reports toward the weeks cumulative hours. If an agency is closed for a holiday, and there is no activity or possible supervision, the student will not report for their internship that day. However, the student must not go below 20 hours in a week, and must make up those missed hours over the course of the internship. History and Mission Paper You must write a 2-3 page paper which describes the history, goals, objectives, philosophy, and general mission of your agency. Supporting materials may be appended to your work but will not be accepted as a substitute for your own personally crafted report. Due Date: Within the first two weeks of the internship. Learning Agreement You must provide a written learning agreement for your internship. The learning agreement assumes self-responsibility on the part of the student and sponsorship and collaboration on the part of the faculty and site supervisor. The learning agreement must contain the following: Coversheet indicating accurate contact information for both the student and the site supervisor, and work schedule. Goals and learning objectives (stated in behavioral terms) that specify the knowledge, skills and competencies that you will develop over the course of the internship experience Activities and strategies to meet each learning objective Evidence of how you will show that the learning objective has been met Completion date for each objective The learning agreement should be accomplished in collaboration with faculty and site supervisors and should contain 2-3 objectives for each goal. It is also a good idea to leave room for an additional objective to be developed later in the internship once you come across something you didn t know you didn t know. An outline of the 14-week schedule as well as a student intern job description will help organize your learning agreement into the overall flow of your internship. Keep in mind that the learning agreement is not intended to create additional assignments for you as an intern. Consider how you might use the assignments that are already in place to help you accomplish your objectives and as evidence of having met your objectives. (See Learning Agreement Example) Due Date: Within the first two weeks of the internship; changes to be negotiated throughout the internship.

32 32 Daily Journal You need to complete a daily journal of your experiences. The journal should be reflective and should document an ongoing attempt on your part to integrate theory with practice. The journal can be shared on a regular basis with your site supervisor during your weekly supervision meetings. It is an excellent communication tool and an effective way for you to process your own feelings, thoughts, and learning experiences. You will also use your journal to complete your weekly summaries and to participate in on-campus seminars. Additionally, if you are using your Daily Journal as evidence of having met an objective (as indicated on your Learning Agreement) it may be helpful to add the objective to the Journal Page Guidelines. That way you will be prompted to note any related interactions and reactions. (See Journal Page Guidelines; see Sample Journal Page) Due Date: Bring your Daily Journal to the mid-semester seminar. Your campus supervisor will want to review your overall journal as well as a random selection of journal entries. You and your supervisor will decide at midsemester whether or not it is necessary for you to continue journaling on a daily basis. If you would like to receive feedback on your journal from your campus supervisor before the oncampus seminar then simply include a copy of a page or two of your journal in a weekly report. Weekly Report Weekly written reports, using the Weekly Report Form, are required. Your journal will be helpful to you in completing weekly summary reports. It is suggested that a regular day each week be determined to the weekly report forms to your campus supervisor. The report should include information about what you are doing, what experiences you had that were particularly rewarding, and what experiences you had that may have been frustrating or disappointing. The report should be reviewed with your site supervisor who will sign it and possibly offer his or her own comments. (See Weekly Report Example) Due Date: A completed weekly report form is to be sent at the end of each week of the internship or at the beginning of the next week. Most campus supervisors prefer . the report to your agency supervisor who will then the report to your campus supervisor. Keep originals (signed by agency supervisor) in your portfolio. Your campus supervisor will expect to receive each weekly report no later than the middle of the next week (e.g., weekly report #2 by the middle of week #3). GATE #1: If your campus supervisor has not received an acceptable history and mission paper, learning agreement, and at least two weekly reports by the end of the third week, then you will be REMOVED from the agency and assigned a FAILING grade for your internship.

33 Seminar Reflection is the key to the seminar experience, and the goal is to achieve a level of integration of theory and practice. Several methods will be used in the seminar, including discussion and peer feedback. 33 You will participate in two on-campus seminars, a mid-semester and final seminar, generally held on Wednesday afternoons. Spring seminars are generally held during week #7 and Wednesday (study day) of the week following week #14. Summer seminars are generally held on Wednesday of week #6 and week #14. Fall seminars are held during week #7 and a day, to be determined, during the week following week #14. Seminars are generally held in the afternoon and last for 2-3 hours. For the first seminar, you will need to bring your Daily Journal with critical issues, incidents, or cases identified. These cases will be used in small groups as we apply the group supervisory technique practiced in REC 470. For the final seminar, you will be required to present 3-4 cases. The presentation will include an explanation of an incident or critical issue and how it was resolved. You will then connect the case and its resolution to some theory, concept or principle learned during your academic preparation. Notes: Interns will earn an 8 hour day for seminar participation. If the location (i.e., outside of the designated circle) of your internship prohibits you from attending the on-campus seminar, you will be asked to submit the assignments in writing so that they can be shared at the seminars. Mentoring It is a basic expectation of a professional to help mentor less experienced members. The purpose of this mentoring is to provide information and insight about your internship experience and answer questions. It is hoped that prospective interns will contact you later to visit your site and learn more about your internship. Mentoring sessions are held on the same day as the mid-semester seminar during REC 470. Summer interns are not required to complete a mentoring assignment. Special Project You will need to complete a special project for the agency. The project is to be agreed upon between you and your site supervisor, and then approved by your campus supervisor. It must integrate knowledge, theory, and competencies from your coursework and be of use to the internship site. This project must be of a significant nature (e.g., a program plan, an evaluation plan, a protocol, planning and implementing a large-scale special event, preparing an agency or program budget). Due Date: Your plan for your special project is due during the first half of the internship and no later than the mid-semester seminar. Once approved, you will work on it throughout the experience. A copy or a written description of the completed special project must be submitted to your campus supervisor by the end of the internship. Resource Notebook/File You will compile a resource notebook, or file, throughout your internship. In the resource notebook organize any information you feel will be useful to you as a practicing professional (e.g., policies and procedures, assessment tools, program protocols, standards of care or practice, leisure education worksheets, employee evaluation tools, brochures, copies of

34 34 budgets, news releases). This notebook will be a valuable resource to you as a beginning professional in the field. Due Date: Your resource notebook/file will be reviewed by your campus supervisor during both on-campus seminars. Agency Visitation You will visit one other agency during your internship. This visit can be from 1-2 days and can be at a similar or very different agency. Your site supervisor will assist you in arranging and scheduling this experience during your internship, as part of your internship experience. The purpose of the visit is to increase your awareness of service delivery systems and to facilitate networking. For students concentrating in therapeutic recreation, the visit will need to be completed during one of the last two weeks of the internship. Document your agency visitation in your journal and your weekly report. Mid-term and Final Evaluations Your site supervisor will be completing a mid-term and final evaluation of you, and will discuss these evaluations with you. Unless otherwise approved, the SUNY Cortland Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies evaluation forms will be used. It is the supervisor's responsibility to get these done, but you do have a responsibility to remind him or her and to provide him or her with the forms. (See Mid-term and Final Evaluation Forms) Due date: Mid-term evaluations should be completed 6-7 weeks into the internship and submitted no later than the mid-semester on-campus seminar. Final evaluations should be completed within the last two weeks of the internship and submitted no later than the final on-campus seminar. GATE #2: If your campus supervisor does not have, for review, a daily journal, resource notebook, mid-semester evaluation, and a written plan for your special project; and has not received at least six weekly reports; and you have not completed at least 175 hours by the end of week #7, then you will be REMOVED from the agency and assigned a FAILING grade for your internship. Moreover, failure to participate in either the mentoring session with the REC 470 students or the mid-semester seminar will result in you being REMOVED from the agency and assigned a FAILING grade for the internship. Agency Evaluation At the conclusion of the internship, you will complete an evaluation of the site. The evaluation will not be shared with the internship site (unless you choose to share it), but will be shared via the internship file with other students who are considering the same site for their internship. (See Internship Evaluation Form). Also, you are expected to provide updated or additional information about your site for the SUNY Cortland Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies Internship File (e.g., brochures, internship manuals, certifications, changes in contact names and numbers). Due Date: Bring the completed internship evaluation and updated agency information to the final on-campus seminar.

35 GATE #3: If your campus supervisor does not have, for review, a daily journal (if continued), resource notebook, final evaluation, a copy of or written description of your completed special project, and evidence of a completed agency visitation; and has not received fourteen weekly reports; and you have not completed at least 490 hours by the end of week #14, then you will be assigned a FAILING grade for your internship. Moreover, failure to participate in the final seminar will result in you being assigned a FAILING grade for your internship. 35 Final Notes The agency may have additional requirements apart from the requirements presented above. You are expected to complete these requirements with the same level of quality as the requirements directly associated with your internship. It is the policy of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies to inform preintern students that some human service agencies (e.g., developmental centers, group homes, correctional facilities) are requiring interns to take a Hepatitis B test before starting an internship. This test can be taken on campus, at Health Services, or at the agency itself. As a representative of SUNY Cortland, the Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies, and the profession, we trust that you will act in a professional manner throughout your internship. Complete all of your work with the highest quality and be certain that your behaviors and actions reflect integrity, honesty, and caring. Adhere to the policies, procedures, and expectations of the agency, the college and department, and the ethical standards of the profession. Treat the people who receive services and support at your internship site with the highest regard. Please familiarize yourself with other internship requirements of external agencies such as certification boards, accreditation councils, and professional associations. (See the RPLS Department web site for links to relevant associations and agencies.)

36 36 SUNY Cortland Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies LEARNING AGREEMENT EXAMPLE Learning Objective Activities/Strategies Evidence Completion Date Goal #1: To achieve integration between theory/academic understanding and practice of recreation and leisure services. A)To apply basic principles and theories of group dynamics and effective recreation leadership A) Review group dynamics and leadership literature. Observe a variety of groups and leaders. Discuss leadership styles and choices with staff. A) Daily Journal, Weekly Report; and bringing critical issue to oncampus seminar A) End of week #7 Goal #2: To acquire skills and competencies needed for practice in recreation and leisure services. A)To be able to make accurate and minimal modifications to activities A) Review activity modification materials; Complete activity and participant profiles for at least 5 activities A) Special Project A) Due at final oncampus seminar

37 37 Goal #3: To discover one s strengths and limitations within the field of recreation and leisure services. A) To enhance my understanding of my personal time management skills A) Monitor efficient completion of tasks; request feedback from supervisor A) Daily Journal, Weekly Reports and midsemester evaluation A) End of Week #6 Goal #4: To develop an awareness of the total range of the field of practice (i.e. methods, activities, settings), and gain a better understanding of the day-to-day operations of a specific agency. A) To better understand the strategies used to promote agency programs. A) Gather and review promotional materials and methods used by agency. Talk to personnel involved in promotion of programs A) Daily Journal, Weekly Report, Resource Notebook. A) Due at final oncampus seminar Intern Date Agency Supervisor Date Campus Supervisor Date