Specific course content will be determined by the interns' assignments. These assignments will be made on the basis of each student's academic and personal background and qualifications, and on the requirements of the sponsoring agency/company. Thus, the course content for each semester will, of necessity, vary.

The field instructor is responsible for planning and conducting an orientation program which will help the student become part of the agency. There should be some assignments ready for the student to begin work immediately.

Selections of assignments should grow out of careful and thoughtful study of the student's developing educational needs and the available learning opportunities. Specific assignments may be discussed with the faculty consultant. The type and number of agency-based assignments is left largely to the filed instructor and is determined by the nature and program of the agency, the type of problems the agency addresses or the clients the agency serves, as well as the professional development of the student.

Conferences between the field instructor and the student are required. The need for conferences is most important at the beginning of the semester. The field instructor shall assist the student in delineating objectives for the student ("Student Learning Contract").

When the student goes to the field agency, the student is responsible for carrying out policies and procedures of the agency and for conducting him/herself in a professional manner. Gradually, the student gains knowledge of the function, structure and administrative organization of the agency. Also, it is his/her responsibility to learn the community resources as well as the agency's function in relation to the total system.

Although the field instructor has overall responsibility for the student on site, it is hoped and expected that the learning opportunities can be deepened through exposure to other professional opinions and exposure to staff members with special expertise within the agency.

Interns are selected on the basis of their backgrounds, interests and ability to meet the needs of the sponsoring organization. The Director will screen applicants whose academic record reflects junior or senior status, a minimum of 2.5 GPA, and a minimum of 9 credits completed in Sociology. A personal interview with the Director of the Internship Program is required in the semester preceding the internship.

In addition to the paper assignments you are also required to keep a weekly journal of experiences at your agency. The journal does not have to be typed, but must be readable. The journal should be a detailed account of your activities that have accurred on each day at your internship. Emphasis should be placed on documenting the activities, tasks and experience that you have had. We are not looking for one sentence summaries. We would rather see some insight and personal reaction to your various experiences. Please use a standard size notebook for your journal so that you can keep things organized. If a detailed and organized journal is kept, it will be a tremendous aid to you when you write your final paper. The journal should be handed in with your final paper at the last seminar.

DO: Prepare for your first meeting with your Cooperating Supervisor and dress appropriately. Once you are an intern at an organization, remember:

1. Be punctual.
2. Your internship responsibilities take precedence over any and all other activities.
3. You represent the program and are expected to act accordingly.
4. In case of illness or other emergency necessitating your absence from your internship, notify your Cooperating Supervisor at once.
5. Be loyal to your Cooperating Supervisor and the organization.
6. Follow instructions.
7. Be willing to learn from others.
8. Expend and extra effort.
9. Remember that the success of the business operation must be the Supervisor's first concern.
10. In an internship situation you are expected to be present. Whenever it is possible, your Cooperating Supervisor will work out personal problems, but do not expect an unusual amount of sympathy.
11. This is your internship. It is ultimately your responsibility to meet your objectives, therefore, IT IS UP TO YOU TO TAKE THE INITIATIVE.

1. DO NOT talk negatively about the Cooperating Supervisor, organization or the employees.
2. DO NOT expect extra consideration.
3. DO NOT walk off your internship. If there is a problem that you and your Cooperating Supervisor can not solve, contact the Program Director immediately.