General Internship Policies

The student should arrange a meeting with the Program Director of Wellness Management to discuss the steps for planning a search for an internship site.  The student will investigate various internship sites of interest and make a proposal to the Program Director of Wellness Management for the site the student has selected to fulfill the internship requirement.  Sites should be selected considering the student's skills, interests, and career endeavors. 

 Information on all internship sites previous wellness management students have selected is on file in the Internship Library located at the Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology.  While the responsibility of securing an internship site which satisfies the internship requirements of the master's degree program in wellness management ultimately lies with the student, the Program Director of Wellness Management must approve all internship assignments prior to the student beginning the internship experience.  The student should not contact or correspond with any potential internship site until the student has had preliminary discussions with and approval to do so from the Program Director of Wellness Management.

Students may fulfill the internship requirement during any fall, spring, or summer semester approved by the Program Director of Wellness Management.  The Program Director of Wellness Management reserves the right to limit the number of students involved in internships during any semester.  Internships to be completed during the fall and spring semesters will be 600-hour, 15 week requirements.  Summer internships will coincide with the summer schedule and will be 400-hour, 10 week requirements.

The 600-hour (400-hour for summer) internship requirement is expected to be completed by the student working a 40-hour work week, for 15 weeks (10 weeks for summer), unless permission is granted by the Program Director of Wellness Management to reduce the number of hours worked per week and expand the total number of weeks worked.  In instances where the internship will last more than 15 weeks, the student may be required to submit monthly progress reports to the Program Director of Wellness Management.  Students not completing internships within the semester in which the credit hours are registered will receive a letter grade of "I" (incomplete) until all internship assignments have been received and approved by the Program Director of Wellness Management.  Internship coursework not completed within 12 months of registration, which received a grade of "I," will automatically convert to letter grade "F."

Internship sites are not required to compensate the student during the internship experience.  However, many sites do provide such incentives as a stipend, or room and board.  Note:  Students on internships are not under contract with the University and therefore, will not receive compensation from the University.  A student holding a graduate assistantship the two semesters immediately prior to the semester in which he or she will register for internship credit hours may be eligible for a tuition fee waiver.  The student will, however, be responsible for the dedicated student services fee charged each student registered for credit hours at the University.

Special circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with the final determination and course of action to complete the internship requirement lying with the Program Director of Wellness Management.

Internship Goals and Objectives

In broad terms, the goal of the wellness management internship experience is to help students strengthen their professional philosophy and understanding of the management of wellness/health promotion programs and services.

This experience may be accommodated within large corporate settings, non-profit agencies, hospitals, entrepreneurial and private vendor operations, and other venues which offer students an opportunity to pursue their interest in the delivery and oversight of health and wellness services.

Students are not directed to any particular internship site.  Rather, they have the opportunity to focus on a variety of settings and select their internship experience according to their major area of interest.  An internship information library file is maintained in the Institute containing all the sites at which students have held internships, in addition to many other potential sites.

In whatever setting the internship takes place, the internship experience should include:  a close working relationship with an experienced professional, an opportunity for the student to increase his or her confidence by experiencing firsthand involvement in planning, implementing, marketing, and evaluating health and wellness services, an opportunity for the student to apply personal and professional knowledge and skills, and an opportunity for the student to receive supervisory midterm and summative evaluations geared toward identifying strong areas of skill and expertise as well as those areas that may need to be enhanced or strengthened.

Internship Responsibilities

The Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology will...

1. Orient the student to the purpose of the internship experience as an integral part of the curriculum in wellness management.
2. Share information with the student regarding potential internship opportunities with various internship sponsors.
3. Provide guidance to the student in formulating his/her personal objectives for the internship experience.
4. Discuss with the student the process of his or her final self-evaluation of the internship experience.
5. Communicate with potential cooperating internship sponsors regarding a willingness to accept students as interns.
6. Communicate with potential cooperating internship sponsors about the purpose of the internship experience and whether sponsors are equipped to provide appropriate field experiences for the student.
7. Work with the internship sponsor in the development of an appropriate internship program for the student which satisfactorily meets the needs of the student, the Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology, and the internship sponsor.

The Internship Site will...

1. Accept responsibility for collaboration with the Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology in the provision of a field experience for a specific student for a specific period of time.  Internships are generally expected to include a consecutive 15-week, 40-hour per week experience for fall and spring semesters and a 10-week, 40-hour per week experience for summer semester.
2. Provide a Fact Sheet containing such information as the name of the agency and designated wellness professional (contact person) to whom correspondence should be addressed and the Intern will report.
3. Request, when necessary, additional information from the Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology to assist in the planning of the field experience for a particular student.
4. Orient the student to policies, practices, protocols, etc. that attend the internship experience.
5. Plan for any visits of the Program Director of Wellness Management while the student is in the internship.
6. Review evaluation reports and, if indicated, clear any conflicts or problem areas within the internship experience.
7. Provide a mid-experience evaluation of the student regarding his or her general progress.
8. Arrange a final conference to discuss the student's self-evaluation and to formulate the final evaluation with the student that will be submitted to the Program Director of Wellness Management.

The Intern will...

1. Accept the internship sponsor's guidance and appraisal of performance.
2. Share with the internship supervisor feelings about the experience as it progresses.
3. Participate in the internship sponsor's planning for any projected visit by the Program Director of Wellness Management.
4. Clear preliminary draft of the student internship experience report with the internship supervisor and any other involved health/wellness professionals before the internship field experience is completed.
5. Check with the internship supervisor for the accuracy of conclusions and interpretations made in the student internship experience report.
6. Provide current name, address, and telephone/fax information for the internship site supervisor and for himself/herself during the internship.

Special Note

It is the responsibility of each student approaching the time for an internship experience to become completely familiar with all of the information included in this Internship Manual prior to initial discussions with the Program Director of Wellness Management.

Foreword

The information provided in this internship program manual is designed to provide an overview of the Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology and the master's degree program, as well as detail the protocol for planning, implementing, and completing a successful internship experience.  The information is correct at the time of publishing.  However, it is subject to periodic revision.  This manual is for use by all Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology graduate student interns and their selected internship site host agencies.  All forms included (i.e., Fact Sheet, checklists, and assignment and evaluation forms) may be reproduced for the exclusive use of corresponding with the Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology.

The wellness internship is required as a basic component of the graduate program in wellness management at Ball State University.  The internship (WELNS 698) is the six credit hour laboratory experience designed to blend academic knowledge, skills, and professional experiences in a meaningful and functional manner.  The internship presents opportunities to assist in the planning, implementation, management, and evaluation of wellness programs.  Because effectiveness of a wellness management practitioner is highly influenced by the mix of the academic and work settings, the intern should carefully select an internship site which closely matches his or her individual skills, interests, and career endeavors; the selection of an internship site is critical to the success of the intern and the continued success of the internship program.  Thus, the internship program is a collaborative effort involving the Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology, the host agency (Internship Site), and the student.

The Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology and Ball State University greatly appreciate the willingness of host agencies to share their expertise and successes.  Through internship opportunities wellness management graduate students develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities first-hand in a quality work setting.  The relationship between the host agency and the Institute is one we consider a critical partnership in educating and training future professionals in the field of health promotion and wellness management, and we look forward to a mutually beneficial association in our endeavor.

Sincerely,

Jane Ellery, Ph.D.

Associate Director,
Program Director of Wellness Management
Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology
Ball State University
2000 University Avenue
Muncie, Indiana  47306

(765) 285-8259  Main Office
(888) WELLBSU  Toll-free
(765) 285-8237  Fax

Description of Internship Assignments & Required Evaluations

Expectation Statement - Worksheet A

The Intern and Internship Supervisor should work together to develop a list of expectations and objectives for this internship experience.  The list should address specific internship objectives, responsibilities, and projects; special projects; dress code; anticipated starting date; anticipated ending date; work hours; compensation; and any other pertinent information that explains what the internship will involve and ask of the intern.   This assignment should be completed by the Intern and the Internship Supervisor and should be submitted through this site. If you prefer it can also be mailed or faxed to the Program Director of Wellness Management at the Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology one month prior to the student beginning the internship experience (this allows time to process the required University contracts).

Mid-term Evaluation

This evaluation is designed to provide structured feedback for the Intern, the Internship Supervisor, and the Program Director of Wellness Management on the Intern's progress.  Based on initial evaluations, adjustments can be made to maintain a meaningful and productive experience for all parties involved.

The Mid-term Evaluation form and Definition of Evaluation Terms should be used to evaluate the Intern's performance and progress toward meeting the objectives set forth in the Expectation Plan (Worksheet A).  The Intern and Internship Supervisor should discuss and agree upon the manner in which the Intern will be evaluated.  It is suggested that each provide feedback independently, then come together for the final copy to be submitted to the Program Director of Wellness Management.  Again, differing views may occur and are expected, and should be reported accordingly.  The Intern's demonstrated  strengths, areas for growth, and comments from the Intern and Internship Supervisor should be reported on the evaluation form.  The Mid-term Evaluation form must be signed and dated by both the Intern and Internship Supervisor, and submitted through this site. If you prefer it can also be mailed or faxed to the Program Director of Wellness Management at the end of WEEK #7 (WEEK # 5 during summer semester).

Expectation Statement - Worksheet B

From Worksheet A (completed before the beginning of the internship), indicate how each expectation and objective was achieved, providing an explanation for each.  The Intern and Internship Supervisor should work together to review the progress toward meeting the original expectations and objectives and report how future planning may be improved or enhanced to help meet those expectations and objectives not met, and possibly exceed those which were met.  Differing views may occur and are expected, and should be reported accordingly.  This assignment should be submitted through this site. If you prefer it can be completed and mailed or faxed to the Program Director of Wellness Management at the end of WEEK #15 (WEEK # 10 during summer semester).

Final Evaluation

Like the mid-term evaluation, the final evaluation is designed to provide structured feedback for the Intern, the Internship Supervisor, and the Program Director of Wellness Management on the Intern's progress at the end of the internship experience.  The Final Evaluation form and Definition of Evaluation Terms should be used to provide an evaluation of the Intern's performance and progress toward meeting the objectives set forth in the Expectation Plan (Worksheet A).  Similar to the mid-term evaluation, the Intern and Internship Supervisor should provide feedback independently, then come together for the final copy to be submitted to the Program Director of Wellness Management.  The Final Evaluation form, including all comments and suggestions, must be signed and dated by both the Intern and Internship Supervisor. Please submit the evaluation through this site. If you prefer it can be mailed or faxed to the Program Director of Wellness Management at the end of WEEK #15 (WEEK # 10 during summer semester).

Student Internship Experience Report

The Student Internship Experience Report is designed to provide a detailed description and ultimate student evaluation of the internship experience.  The report should be well organized, thorough, and clearly written.  This is not a routine document.  The Experience Report represents important information valuable to both the Fisher Institute (including its Internship Library) and to future student interns.  Along with internship supervisor evaluations of student performance, the report constitutes a critical factor in the determination of the final internship grade.

The focus of the report will be on what occurred, the results of student internship activities (assignments), and what was learned.  The report should follow the format as articulated below:

Introduction (1 - 2 paragraphs).  This section should prepare the reader for the rest of the report.  It should contain the specific purpose and the objective of the report.

Organizational Setting ( 1 - 2 pages).  This section of the report will describe the nature of the organization and its demographic characteristics.  Key aspects may include (but are not limited to) a.) the organization's name, address, telephone and fax numbers, name and title of  the internship supervisor, other program leaders, period of time the internship was completed, stipend, etc., b.) the organization's history, its goals, objectives, c.) the nature of the culture of the organization and its management style, etc., d.) the nature of the organization's industry, i.e., its market, clientele, niche, etc., e.) size and location(s) of facilities, etc.

Description of Major Internship Assignments (1 - 4 pages).  This section will include a thorough and accurate description of major internship responsibilities, including clientele served, program offerings, activity or program evaluations, impact of activities and/or programs, acceptance by clientele served, reaction and response of organizational leaders, plans for the future, etc.  In short, this is the critical body of your report.

Discussion  (1 - 3 pages).  This section of the report affords the opportunity to reflect on all dimensions of the internship experience, to highlight and explain both special experiences and insights gained, as well as things unanticipated.  The information you provide should allow future potential interns the opportunity to evaluate the appropriateness of the internship site. 

 Note:  In preparing the report, it is expected that the Internship Supervisor will assist the Intern by providing guidelines and relevant information about the organization as well as the projects assigned to the Intern.

Your report is the last impression you will make for many at the Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology.  Give it your all.

Internship Site Evaluation

The site evaluation is completed by the Intern at the end of the internship experience and is submitted (with Worksheet B, the Final Evaluation form, and the Student Internship Experience Report) to the Program Director of Wellness Management.  The purpose of the form is to collect subjective information from the Intern regarding the internship experience.  The information provided is filed in the Internship Library for confidential and proprietary use by future wellness management students considering this Internship Site.

DEFINITION OF EVALUATION TERMS

Quality of Work:  Work performance meets prescribed standards of excellence as established by the host agency.

Quantity of Work:  The amount of work accomplished meets prescribed standards of excellence as established by the host agency.

Knowledge of Assignments:  The Intern has demonstrated consistent and thorough understanding of prescribed work tasks and responsibilities.  In addition, the Intern asks appropriate questions to receive clarification of work assignments before beginning a project.

Professional Conduct:  The Intern consistently demonstrates appropriate behavior in all settings when interacting with colleagues, clients, or the public-at-large.  In addition, the Intern dresses in appropriate professional attire for the setting in which he/she is working.

Cooperation:  The Intern consistently demonstrates a willingness to be a team player and contributor to project assignments at the host agency.

Follows Instructions:  The Intern consistently completes assigned tasks and responsibilities in a sequential and prescribed approach as determined by the host agency.

Assertiveness:  The Intern consistently demonstrates an ability to create "win-win" scenarios in his/her interaction with clients, supervisors, and colleagues.  He/She honors the rights of others to share ideas, opinions, questions, feelings, and to be accountable, and also reserves this same right for himself/herself.

Initiative:  The Intern is a self-starter and needs little direction or encouragement to accomplish a stated goal once he/she is provided clear instructions as to the task he/she is supposed to achieve.

Small Group Process:  The Intern demonstrates the ability to facilitate group meetings through his/her leadership and people skills.  He/She is able to creatively involve all members as active participants.  He/She is assertive, uses active listening skills, and provides appropriate recognition for the contributions of the group members.

Management Skill:  The Intern demonstrates the ability to direct projects from the design phase, through implementation, management, and evaluation of a project.  He/She demonstrates the ability to create an environment that empowers others to take ownership in assigned tasks.  He/She nurtures teamwork and communicates regularly and effectively with colleagues and subordinates. He/She recognizes others for their achievements, helps others to succeed, and inspires trust among all team members.

Leadership Skill:  The Intern demonstrates the ability to "lead by example" through his/her enthusiasm, integrity, vision, maturity, curiosity, and daring.  He/She inspires trust, pays attention to the needs of clients and colleagues, and challenges the status quo.  His/Her pursuit of excellence and innovation is constant.

Time Management:  The Intern demonstrates the ability to efficiently and effectively make use of his/her time while at the worksite.  He/She is organized, does not procrastinate, and is a self-starter.

Communication Skills:  The Intern consistently demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate with clients, colleagues, subordinates, and supervisors in a professional manner.  He/She demonstrates assertiveness, active listening skills, and has the ability to communicate appropriately in written and verbal form consistent with the company culture in which he/she is serving.