The University of Texas at DallasSchool of Interdisciplinary Studies
The University of Texas at Dallas

Site Supervisor

How to start an internship program in your organization

This brochure was written by Dr. Susan Chizeck for the Wellness Corporation of America, who has graciously permitted us to also display it on our website as well. Although aimed at wellness professionals starting an internship program, the procedures and principles can be used by anyone wishing to start heir own program.
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Internship 972-883-2057
Fax 972-883-2440

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM INFORMATION FOR SITE SUPERVISOR

  1. Student interns are selected on the basis of their academic record, career goals and level of maturity. Placements are based on the relevance of the work to the student's individually designed degree program and career goals.

  2. A 3-credit-hour internship requires 140 hours of supervised work a semester, about 10 hours per week. If the work requires more than the specified number of hours, this must be negotiated between the student and the site supervisor.

  3. While it is not mandatory, UTD requests that students be granted some compensation. We suggest that profit-making companies pay students at least the federal minimum wage and that non-profit agencies compensate students for travel expenses incurred. Compensation should be negotiated between the student and the site supervisor.

  4. There are 2 required internship meetings for students this semester, the orientation meeting on Thursday, August 28 , and the midterm meeting on Monday, October 27 at 4:30 .  We request the student be allowed to leave in sufficient time to attend these mandatory meetings.

  5. Obligations of the site supervisor:

    1. Makes sure the student clearly understands what work is expected.

    2. Utilizes the student in a way that is not only beneficial to the site, but also beneficial to the student in terms of learning new skills and gaining experience in the workplace.

    3. Makes sure the student completes the work assignments satisfactorily.

    4. Consults with the Internship Director concerning the academic aspects of the internship or about any problems with the student's work performance.

    5. Helps the student solve any interpersonal problems that occur at the site.
    6. Provides the student with written or oral feedback concerning their performance on a monthly basis. If written feedback is provided, please send a copy to the Internship Director.


  6. A visit to the internship site will be made at the request of the student or site supervisor.

  7. Paperwork:

    1. The student will receive a Learning Agreement where you will indicate the work projects and goals you have for the student. It is important to discuss this as soon as possible with the student and it should be completed by the third week of the Internship,Thursday, September 11 .

    2. A midterm appraisal form will be sent to you and should be returned by October 3.

    3. A final evaluation form for the student and general internship evaluation form will be sent at the end of the semester and both are due by December 8 . This evaluation is used to help determine the student's grade, and must be in by the designated time to meet our deadline for the submission of grades.

    4. Please make a note of these due dates and meeting dates on your calendar.