Department of Health & Exercise Science 2115 Summit Avenue

Mail # 4004 St. Paul, MN 55105

651-962-5982

INTERNSHIP GUIDELINES

AND REQUIREMENTS

Printed: 9/30/2019

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

Purpose of Internship ........................................................................................................................................... 3

Course Description................................................................................................................................................ 3

Course Objectives ................................................................................................................................................. 3

Pre-Registration Requirements and Procedures ............................................................................................... 4

Getting Registered ................................................................................................................................................ 4

Documents Submitted After Internship Completion......................................................................................... 4

Responsibilities of Faculty Advisor ..................................................................................................................... 5

Responsibilities of On-Site Supervisor ................................................................................................................ 5

Internship Application.......................................................................................................................................... 6

Professional and Ethical Code of Conduct ......................................................................................................... 7

Request for Credit Proposal ................................................................................................................................ 8

Exercise Science/Health Promotion Internship Evaluation .............................................................................. 9

Student Evaluation of Internship Site Form .................................................................................................... 12

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Purpose of Internship

These guidelines have been developed for the purpose of clarifying the policies and procedures for the Department of Health and Exercise Science (HES) Internships at the University of St. Thomas. The internship experience is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to gain observation hours and/or practical experience at a qualified agency or institution. The intern will work with a qualified on-site supervisor at an agency or institution, take part in meaningful work experiences and will be evaluated by the on-site supervisor as well as the St. Thomas faculty advisor.

Course Description

This course is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to observe and take part in meaningful work at a clinic, agency setting or health promotion program. Students are required to complete 100 hours at a site that is directly involved in some aspect of health promotion or clinical exercise science field. Students will be under the direct guidance of an on-site supervisor. Commonly accepted internship sites for the Exercise Science major include in-patient clinics, outpatient clinics and private practice. The St. Thomas faculty advisor may approve other sites. Commonly accepted internship sites for the Health Promotion major include corporate settings, community-based fitness clubs, health promotion consulting firms, and in-house health promotion programs, state or county agencies and vendors of health promotion services. Prerequisite: Permission of HES Faculty Advisor

Course Objectives

The following objectives shall be met for Exercise Science and Health Promotion majors:

1. The student shall demonstrate the use of health, fitness, and/or clinical laboratory equipment as deemed appropriate by the site supervisor.

2. The student shall demonstrate an understanding of assessment processes pertinent to the clinical or health/fitness setting as deemed necessary by the site supervisor.

3. The student shall describe the safety issues, problems and components of an exercise prescription, as deemed necessary by the site supervisor.

4. The student shall develop individual exercise prescriptions, which are based upon exercise test results including modality, intensity, frequency and duration for both apparently healthy populations and clinical populations, as deemed necessary by the site supervisor.

5. The student shall understand concepts of legal liability and ethical issues, as related to their specific site and deemed necessary by the site supervisor.

6. The student shall have a basic knowledge of the cultural environments and organizational structures in which clinical and health/fitness programs are typically conducted.

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Pre-Registration Requirements and Procedures

1. You must register for the internship prior to accumulating any hours; hours accumulated prior to beingregistered for the internship, will not count towards fulfilling the required 100 total.

2. Locate a site for your internship. You must have an individual agree to be your on-site supervisor anddiscuss the purpose of the internship experience (see “Responsibilities of On-site InternshipSupervisor”).

3. Fill out the “Internship Application” in this packet and have the on-site supervisor sign and agree to theguidelines outlined in the booklet.

Getting Registered

Request a meeting with your faculty advisor and turn in the following documents in order to be registered:

1. Submit signed “Internship Application” for approval of internship site on page 6.2. Submit “Code of Conduct” form on pages 7-8.3. Submit “Request for Credit” form available on HES website, or click on link.4. Submit “Request for Credit Proposal” on page 9.

Documents Submitted After Internship CompletionAfter you have completed the 100 hours required for the internship, the following will be turned in:

1. Weekly Log/Journal - Keep and submit a typed & dated weekly log or journal of the activities you areinvolved in through your internship and apply any material or information learned from your courses.

2. Internship Evaluation - Request your on-site supervisor complete & sign page 9-11 in this packet.3. Student Evaluation - Complete the student evaluation on pages 12-13 in this packet.4. Write a 3-5 page Typed Paper – Write about your internship experience.

▪ Reflect on and address the following: What were the objectives of the internship? Why did youchoose to go to the location you did? What did you hope to gain from this experience? How didyour previously completed coursework prepare you for this experience? What specifically did youdo? Did you learn and/or enjoy the experience? What did you like or dislike about the internship?Did this experience provide you with insight into the sort of work you may or may not want topursue as a career? Elaborate on how this was a valuable (or not) experience for you. Feel free tomake any additional comments that you have regarding the internship experience.

Health & Exercise Science Internship Grading Rubric 100 HR Internship Evaluation completed by On-Site Supervisor 70%

Typed Weekly Log or Journal 10%

Student Evaluation of Internship Site Form 10%

3-5 Page Typed Paper Reflecting on Internship Experience 10%

Total 100%

After you have turn in the above materials, you will be given a S (satisfactory) or a N (not satisfactory) as a grade. See the grading rubric below and note that 90 out of 100 pts are needed to receive a S.

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Responsibilities of Faculty Advisor

The HES Faculty Advisor will:

1. Approve all student placements of internships. 2. Communicate with the on-site supervising administrator, if necessary, to discuss the policies and

procedures involved in the internship experience or student behavior. 3. Approve any deviations from the basic requirements as unique situations arise. The internship

director and the department chair shall discuss any deviations of the normal requirement. 4. Observe the student at his or her internship site as deemed necessary or by invitation. 5. Review all documents from internship (work log, summary paper and internship supervisor report)

and determine grade for the experience.

Responsibilities of On-Site Supervisor

The On-site supervisor will:

1. Provide the HES Faculty Advisor with a list of skills, competencies and activities that the student will learn/perform at the specific site.

2. Assume the responsibility for defining the practical experiences for the student at the beginning of the semester within the guidelines designated by the university.

3. Contact the HES Faculty Advisor immediately, if a need occurs. No problem is too small to be discussed. The office telephone number is 651-972-5982.

4. Keep the student informed of his or her plans.

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University of St. Thomas Department of Health & Exercise Science

Internship Application

Name____________________________________________ Student ID#_______________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Email Address: _______________________________ Cell Phone #_____________________Year(So,Jr,Sr)____ Organization in which internship is desired: ______________________________________________________ Organization address: _______________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Organization Telephone__________________________ Name of On-Site Supervisor __________________________________Phone #__________________________ Email Address of On-Site Supervisor____________________________________________________________ I, _________________________________, agree to the terms contained in this guideline and agree to act as

the on-site supervisor for the above listed student. My position title is _______________________________.

________________________________________________ Signature – Sign electronically or print and sign ____________________ Date Please return to St Thomas Faculty Advisor University of St. Thomas - Department of Health & Exercise Science 2115 Summit Avenue Mail # 4004 St. Paul, MN 55105 Phone: 651-962-5982 or Fax: 651-962-5946 Thank you for agreeing to work with this intern. Their experiences at your location serve an important role

in enhancing the intern’s professional growth and development.

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Professional and Ethical Code of Conduct

The following Professional and Ethical Code of Conduct has been established to help facilitate a positive internship experience; and serve as a reflection of your commitment and professionalism. As a University of St. Thomas student intern, you are representing not just yourself, but the University and your fellow students.

I. Best Practices and Conduct Statements: By participating in a University of St. Thomas/Department of Health and Exercise Science Internship you agree to conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times during your time as an intern. Students, therefore, agree to all of the following (but not limited to):

1. Abide by all policies, rules, and regulations of the on-site supervisor and employer. 2. Report for the internship on time and give advance notice if you are unable to report for work. 3. Dress appropriately for the work setting. 4. Observe all established safety rules and avoid unsafe work practices. 5. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding information obtained on any clients, members, customers,

patients, employees, and products or services associated with the internship site. 6. Report changes in work schedule, supervision or problems on site to your appointed company on-site

supervisor and to your faculty advisor without delay. 7. Demonstrate honesty, cooperation, integrity, courtesy, and a willingness to learn. 8. Use appropriate written and oral communication in all interactions with all supervisors, employees,

clients and university staff. 9. Give your best effort, follow through on commitments and meet internship obligations. 10. Engage in positive, ethical, and legal behavior. 11. Accept responsibility and accountability for decisions and actions taken while at the internship site. 12. Keep a positive attitude and open mind, accept constructive criticism, and strive to improve

performance and acquire new skills. 13. Treat all customers, clients, patients, supervisors, and fellow employees with dignity and respect. 14. Be observant of the manner in which employees organize their ideas and respond to and ask

questions. 15. Refrain from conducting personal business during work hours (e.g. social media, texts, emails, visits

from friends, etc.).

II. Acknowledgement of Professional Standards: I understand and agree with the professional standards of the internship program as listed in the preceding general and specific statements. I understand if any facet of the code of conduct is not adhered to, I may be at risk of losing academic credit/tuition, or in some other way may be penalized. You may sign electronically or print and sign agreement.

Name (print): ___________________________________________ Student ID: ______________________

Student Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: _____________________

Faculty Advisor (print):____________________________________________________________________

Faculty Advisor Signature_______________________________________ Date: _____________________

Sign electronically or print and sign

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Request for Credit Proposal Health & Exercise Science

Experiential Learning / Internship

Detailed description of the experience for which credit is sought and a statement of its academic significance and validity for the program. Developed by faculty and student. An indication of any supplementary academic requirements to be fulfilled: papers, reports, etc. The academic requirements for this internship are outlined in the “Internship Guidelines and Requirements” document provided by the Department of Health & Exercise Science. The following will need to be completed for the internship: 1) 100 hour Internship Evaluation completed by on-site supervisor, 2) a typed and dated weekly log or journal of internship activities, 3) a student evaluation of internship site form and 4) a 3-5 page typed paper reflecting on internship experience. The name of the person at the University of St Thomas who will approve the proposal, maintain periodic contact with the off-campus supervisor and student, and corroborate the evaluation of the experience. The University of St. Thomas faculty advisor _________________________ has reviewed and approved the proposal above and will maintain periodic contact with the off-campus supervisor and student and corroborate the evaluation of the experience. An outline of the evaluation procedures to be used. After the requirements above have been fulfilled, the faculty advisor will review the required documentation noted and will award a S (satisfactory) or a N (not satisfactory) grade. The rubric below weighs each requirement and a 90% is required to receive a S.

Health & Exercise Science Internship Grading Rubric 100 HR Internship Evaluation completed by On-Site Supervisor 70%

Typed Weekly Log or Journal 10%

Student Evaluation of Internship Site Form 10%

3-5 Page Typed Paper Reflecting on Internship Experience 10%

Total 100%

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Exercise Science/Health Promotion Internship Evaluation To Be Completed By On-Site Supervisor

Intern’s Name: ___________________________________________ Student ID: ____________________________

Site Supervisor’s Name (please print): _________________________________________________________________

Company Name:_____________________________________________________________________________________

Company Address: _________________________________________________________________________________

Email Address of Supervisor:_________________________________________________________________________

Supervisor Phone Number: _________________________Dates of Internship: _______________________________

Date this evaluation was completed: __________________________ Hours Completed:________________________

Directions: Please circle the category of evaluation that the student most frequently exhibited while working as an Intern at your site.

Excellent 4

Good 3

Satisfactory 2

Needs Improvement 1

N/A

Professionalism

Appearance 1. Grooming and personal appearance were consistent with facility expectations.

Student always dressed and looked professional in appearance

Student usually dressed and looked professional

Student only looked professional half the time during the internship

Student needs to groom and seek professional attire

Punctuality 2. Reported to facility on time and consistent with facility expectations.

3. If must be absent or late, notified facility in a timely manner.

Student was always punctual

Student arrived late 1-2 times during the internship

Student was frequently late

Student rarely or never arrived on time

Student always reported being late or absent or never missed and was never late

Most of the time the student reported being late or absent beforehand

Most of the time the student did not report being late or absent beforehand

Student never notified the facility when they were late or absent

Relationship with Staff 4. Accepted criticisms and improvement suggestions in an appropriate manner.

Student always responded well to criticisms

Student responded well to criticisms in most situations

In some situations, student did not listen to criticism and did not change behavior

Student ignored criticisms and was not receptive to suggestions for improvement

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Excellent 4

Good 3

Satisfactory 2

Needs Improvement 1

N/A

5. Maintained professional demeanor during resolution of professional differences.

6. Followed through on suggestions from supervisor about professional practice.

7. Demonstrated through positive attitude and actions, acceptance of feedback.

Student was professional in all conflict resolutions and maintained demeanor throughout.

Student was professional in most conflict resolutions and maintained demeanor throughout

A couple instances occurred where student lost control in professional demeanor

Student had frequent conflicts with employees and clients on a near daily basis and did not maintain professionalism

Student intently listened to suggestions from supervisor and made changes

Student listened to supervisor most of the time and made appropriate adjustments

Student listened to supervisor most of the time but made inappropriate adjustments

Student never listened to suggestions from supervisor and never made behavior changes

Student maintained a positive attitude and readily accepted feedback

Most of the time the student listened and accepted constructive feedback

Most of the time the student did not listen or accept constructive feedback

Student maintained a negative attitude and never accepted feedback in a positive manner

Relationship with Clients 8. Demonstrated effective interpersonal communication with clients.

9. Responded appropriately to information provided by clients.

10. Greeted clients in a professional manner and displayed a positive attitude to all clientele. 11. Showed empathy to all clients regardless of diversity or disability.

Student easily communicated with clients and provided valuable instruction and insight

Student effectively communicated with clients but instances did occur where interpersonal skills were lacking

Student can communicate effectively but most of the time, poor interactions with clients occurred

Student communicated poorly with clients and never provided valuable instruction and insight

Student listened to clients and showed concern for their progress

Student listened to clients’ needs most of the time but ignored them a couple times

Student only listened to clients when it suited the student’s needs

Student never displayed much concern for client progress nor listened to their concerns

Student always maintained a positive attitude and was well liked

Student had a pleasant disposition but at times, seemed irritated

Student usually did not positively greet clients and always seemed pessimistic

Student maintained a negative attitude and was not respected by clients

Student deeply cared about the clients and showed great concern for progress

Student showed concern for clients most of the time.

Student usually did not care about the clients or their progress

Student did not care about the clients and showed little concern for their progress

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Excellent 4

Good 3

Satisfactory 2

Needs Improvement 1

N/A

12. Demonstrated through speech and posture, receptivity to others.

Student always demonstrated receptivity to others through appropriate mannerisms

Student usually demonstrated receptivity to others through appropriate mannerisms

Student rarely demonstrated receptivity to others through appropriate mannerisms

Student often displayed mannerisms that indicated indifference

Student Preparedness

Knowledge Base 13. Displayed knowledge of concepts of Exercise Science / Health Promotion.

14. Correctly applied scientific principles of Exercise Science/Health Promotion to in-practice situations.

15. Can state rationale for recommendation in terms of scientific application of data.

Student displayed wide knowledge of key concepts in the field

Student had a good understanding of the field but could use some more training

Student knew some key facts but further coursework is needed

Student needs more education to understand and apply key ideas and principles

Student knew how to apply theory to practice in all situations

Student applied theory to practice in most situations but needs more experience

Student can apply scientific principles but rarely did so

Student did not know how to apply theory to practice and is not familiar with scientific principles

Student clearly understood the science of the field and how to make improvements based on science

Student had a general understanding of science but does not use it always for effective application

Student rarely used science in effective applications

Student clearly misunderstands the science of the field and never used it to make improvements based on science

Organizational Skills 16. Demonstrated creativity, initiative, and flexibility. 17. Demonstrated observable change in professional behavior consistent with supervisor suggestions.

Student had many ideas that were used for program improvements

Student had some ideas and creativity but did not initiate any of them

Student seemed to have ideas and initiative but rarely acted upon them

Student had no ideas that were used for program improvements

Student showed evidence of growth and had positive professional manner

Student displayed many improvements in behavior but some areas of growth were lacking

Student displayed a few improvements in behavior but many areas of growth were lacking

Student showed no evidence of growth development from the internship

Site Supervisor’s Signature: ____________________________________________________________ Sign electronically or print and sign

Thank you for agreeing to work with this intern. Their experiences at your location serve an important role in enhancing the intern’s professional growth and development.

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University of St. Thomas Department Health & Exercise Science

Student Evaluation of Internship Site Form

Students return this completed form to their faculty advisor upon completion of the internship. We urge a

candid assessment for the benefit of other students seeking internships with this employer. Student’s Name: ____________________________________________Semester/Year: __________________

Internship Site: ____________________________________________________________________________

Supervisor’s Name:_________________________________________________________________________

1. Describe your main duties and responsibilities in this internship. 2. List the learning objectives accomplished through this experience. 3. What knowledge, skills and abilities did you strengthen through this internship? 4. What challenges or problems did you encounter during this experience?

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5. What did you like best about this experience? 6. What would you change about this internship to increase your overall satisfaction and success? 7. Would you recommend this organization and/or internship to another student? Why or why not? 8. Please provide additional comments you may have about this internship experience.

Student Signature: ____________________________________________________________ Sign electronically or print and sign

Date:____________________

Please contact the Department of Health & Exercise Science if you need assistance.