Student

Develop a schedule with the Site Supervisor to meet the required number of hours for the internship. For the fall and spring semesters, the minimum number of hours is 480. For the Summer semester, because of Penn State's academic schedule, the minimum number of hours is 415. If students must miss days at their internship site because of weather or sick days, they should consult with the Site Supervisor to make up the missed hours. Students who miss three or more days during the internship should notify the Internship Coordinator in the event there is need to make up missed hours.

Treat the internship as a professional commitment. Although still a student, the Site Supervisor, and other staff will perceive the student's role as similar to that of an employee. As such, demonstrating good work habits, being receptive to supervision, and following through on assigned work are key elements of this commitment.

  • Observe and follow agency/facility procedures, policies, and regulations.
  • Ask for assistance and supervision when needed.
  • Attend conferences, staff meetings, counseling sessions, and other learning experiences assigned by the Site Supervisor.
  • Inform the Site Supervisor of work-related difficulties and challenges.
  • Participate in weekly supervision (minimum 1 hour) with a qualified Site Supervisor.

Internship Coordinator

The Coordinator will contact the agency/facility supervisor three times over the course of the semester: at the beginning of the semester (within the first two weeks), at midterm, and before final evaluations are due (last two weeks of the semester). The Internship Coordinator will visit agency/facility sites only on a case-by-case basis as needed.

  • Review and approve the Internship Application.
  • If needed, prepare students for the internship experience.
  • Assist students in using supervision effectively.
  • If needed, help students refine internship goals.
  • Address problems and concerns that may develop between student and Site Supervisors.
  • Assess students' progress and professional behavior, and provide feedback to students on mid-semester and final semester evaluation.
  • If necessary, assist students with integrating knowledge and theory with fieldwork.
  • Develop and maintain field instruction program.
  • Monitor student progress via weekly reports, phone conversations, evaluation reports, and, when necessary, site visits.
  • Be available for consultation should questions or problems arise. 

Site Supervisor

Provides:

  • An opportunity for internship experience in a professional setting.
  • Orientation to the student, explaining agency/facility mission and goals, services, and policies and procedures.
  • The student with opportunities to observe relevant aspects of agency/facility services.
  • Opportunities to integrate knowledge and practice new skills.
  • Opportunities for case recording and reporting.
  • Opportunities for interactions with clients.
  • Individual student supervision at least 1 hour per week.

The Supervisor will also:

  • Model professional and ethical competence and conduct.
  • Stay current on the number of internship hours the student has completed.
  • Inform student of strengths and weaknesses, as well as areas needing improvement during mid-semester and final evaluations.
  • Complete mid-semester and final evaluations with the student in a timely manner.
  • Communicate any concerns about the student's internship experience to Internship Coordinator.