mph internship handbook - university of maryland · 2016-05-03 · the 200-hour (3 credit)...

MPH Internship Handbook KNES 785: Internship in Physical Activity and Public Health

February 2016

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KNES | MPH Internship Handbook | February 2016

Contents

I. Introduction II. Overview of the Internship Program

III. International Internships IV. Objectives of the Internship V. Internship Preparation

VI. Specifics About Internship Site Selection VII. Internship Process

VIII. Responsibilities IX. Internship Evaluation X. Additional Information

XI. Timeline and Forms XII. Appendix

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Department of Kinesiology School of Public Health

University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 MPH Internship Guidelines

I. Introduction To obtain a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Physical Activity, students are required to complete a 200-hour practicum experience/internship (KNES785: Internship in Physical Activity and Public Health). It is the student’s responsibility to identify and obtain approvals for an internship. The internship allows students to integrate knowledge and skills developed in the classroom and apply them to real-world settings. Thus, a beneficial partnership emerges in which the organization gains from the intern’s participation in and/or development of a needed program, evaluation, or other activity, and the intern gains from hands on experience with colleagues. While exploring potential internship opportunities, students should review the MPH competencies for the specialization in physical activity. All of the Physical Activity competencies must be addressed between the internship and the culminating project. Students should work with their advisor to identify how each competency will be met during this “Capstone Experience” (practicum experience/internship + culminating project). It is important to note that the activities of the internship and the project must be separate experiences. This handbook provides information to interns and internship organizations about the Department of Kinesiology policies and procedures regarding the MPH Internship in Physical Activity and Public Health. The forms that are needed for the internship program are provided in the Appendices. II. Overview of the Internship Program The 200-hour (3 credit) internship is normally undertaken close to the completion of all other academic requirements. Required pre-requisites are EPIB610, EPIB650, HLSA601, HLTH665, MIEH600, KNES600, and KNES601. Completion of KNES602 is also recommended. The internship includes a 10-hour per week minimum hourly requirement. The intern and site preceptor negotiate specific hours and days of the internship. Interns are required to work the weekly hours onsite, guaranteeing access to a preceptor assigned by the participating organization. The preceptor provides onsite advice and guidance to the intern and in addition, provides feedback to the KNES Internship Coordinator about the intern’s progress and learning opportunities. Meanwhile, interns register for the internship under the KNES785: Internship in Physical Activity and Public Health course using the designated section number for the KNES Internship Coordinator. The KNES Internship Coordinator works with interns to provide guidance for and evaluation of the internship. Interns must adhere to agreed-upon agency work schedules and administrative policies. At the same time, interns typically follow the University calendar, observing University holidays and breaks, and school closings due to inclement weather. However, interns are responsible for informing their preceptor about any absences, and whenever possible, the intern should negotiate absences ahead of time. Interns are encouraged to share the University calendar with their preceptor prior to the beginning of the internship (during the interview or negotiation of a weekly schedule) to avoid any confusion related to Labor Day, religious holidays, Thanksgiving, spring break, or other calendar events.

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Before the internship, the student intern is responsible for developing learning objectives and an educational plan that is customized to his/her internship. During the internship, the student is responsible for carrying out that plan. At the completion of the internship, the student is responsible for submitting a final written internship report and providing an oral presentation about the internship experience. Internships may be funded or non-funded by the sponsoring organization. Some organizations pay an hourly wage, others offer stipends and still others are unable to provide any financial assistance. Interns are encouraged to judge sites according to professional and educational opportunities provided, not solely on the remuneration involved. All sponsoring organizations are expected to reimburse interns for expenses incurred in fulfilling their responsibilities (i.e. assigned travel, copying, or workshops). It is the joint responsibility of the intern and site preceptor to agree upon which expenses will be reimbursed (i.e. transportation, parking). III. International Internships In keeping with the philosophy of the University of Maryland, KNES encourages its MPH students to take advantage of international internship opportunities. International internships offer special challenges and special rewards. International internships must be part of an ongoing, established program by a legitimate and recognized organization (e.g. World Health Organization). The organization must have a site preceptor who has experience supervising interns and is qualified in the technical field of expertise. Both the organization and the site preceptor must be pre-approved by the student’s faculty advisor, the KNES Internship Coordinator, and the University’s Office of International Programs. Refer to the latter’s web page on International Internships for more information: http://www.international.umd.edu/ge/4950. International internships must be coordinated through the University’s Office of International Programs, which will help with local arrangements. Students should allow extra time to work out the details concerning international internships. Students undertaking international internships must demonstrate knowledge of the country’s language and culture prior to the internship. In some cases the working language may be English, but it will still be advantageous to speak the local language and be aware of cultural sensitivities. It is the student’s responsibility to determine any special requirements of the specific internship opportunity. Students can take courses in language and/or culture or government as electives prior to the internship. International internships are not allowed in countries that are on the U.S. Department of State’s advisory list. It is the student’s responsibility to check this list prior to departure, and to work with the University’s Office of International Programs in this regard. In the event that a country becomes listed during an internship, the KNES Internship Coordinator will contact the student with instructions on how to proceed. If other circumstances occur beyond the control of the site preceptor, site organization or local government that may endanger the student’s personal welfare, the student is required to notify the KNES Internship Coordinator immediately and may be required to return home without finishing the internship. Such circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and decisions will always be governed by concerns for the student’s safety.

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IV. Objectives of the Internship The broad objectives of the internship are to enable the intern to: • Broaden student understanding of the functioning of health and/or physical activity related

agencies in the community setting; • Integrate and apply MPH coursework to community-based practice or research; • Gain an understanding of the organization, administration, program activities, and problems of

health and/or physical activity agencies; • Improve student skills through on-the-job professional practice; and • Allow the student to assume specific responsibilities for planning, implementing, administering,

and/or evaluating some specific part of the agency's program(s). V. Internship Preparation

During the semester prior to the internship, the student must complete these tasks: • Meet with the KNES Internship Coordinator to review expectations and requirements of the

internship • Develop learning objectives and an educational plan (1-2 pages, single-spaced) • Meet with the faculty advisor and KNES Internship Coordinator to review learning objectives and

educational plan, ensuring that both meet a number of the Physical Activity Competencies (all competencies must be met between the internship and the culminating project)

• Identify potential internship sites that mesh with the learning objectives and educational plan devised by the student

• Contact potential sites, interview with them and choose a site (see section VI below for details) • Obtain approval from faculty advisor and the KNES Internship Coordinator • Register for KNES785

Learning objectives and educational plan: The learning objectives and educational plan are the foundation for the internship experience. The learning objectives sought from this experience are agreed upon by the student, site preceptor, KNES Internship Coordinator and faculty advisor. Learning objectives: These are statements about competencies, skills, knowledge, or understandings that the student plans to achieve in order to enhance his/her physical activity knowledge and practice abilities, and to optimize future professional employment placement. The learning objectives should be specific, measurable, and be able to be completed within the time period of the internship experience. The educational plan follows the learning objectives and details the specific internship activities that will be done to meet the learning objectives. To develop learning objectives, the student should consider the knowledge, skills, and experiences s/he would like to gain. These four areas should be considered:

1. Personal development: What are your personal needs in regard to advancing your education in physical activity and public health?

2. Academic learning: What physical activity and public health topics would you like to learn more about?

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3. Career development: What physical activity and public health career options would you like to explore?

4. Skill development: Would you like to gain or hone specific skills such as how to evaluate a program’s effectiveness, or how to design or conduct a survey?

Other questions for students to ask themselves as they develop learning objectives are:

1. Is there a target population, target exposure, or target outcome that you are most interested in working with?

2. Is there a specific agency in which you are most interested? Do you want to learn more about health departments, hospitals, government agencies, research agencies, non-profit organizations?

Students should develop at least three learning objectives prior to the start of the internship. These must be approved by the student’s faculty advisor and the KNES Internship Coordinator. Educational plan: The educational plan (1-2 pages, single-spaced, including the learning objectives) is tied to the learning objectives and provides details on what the student plans to do during the internship. The plan is initially developed with the student and site preceptor, and then reviewed (and possibly revised) by the faculty advisor and the KNES Internship Coordinator. The initial plan is due to the faculty advisor and KNES Internship Coordinator no later than the end of the second week of the internship semester. The final plan must be approved by the site preceptor, faculty advisor and KNES Internship Coordinator. The educational plan has the following components:

1. Internship title/position 2. Brief description of the internship and internship site 3. Learning objectives 4. Activities/methods for accomplishing the learning objectives 5. Proposed product and/or deliverables 6. Timeline for proposed activities 7. Evaluation methods to determine if learning objectives are met 8. Tentative dates that the intern will meet with the site preceptor for mid- and final-evaluation of

progress 9. How internship is consistent with student’s career goals

VI. Specifics About Internship Site Selection It is the student’s responsibility to choose an internship site (through consultation with the faculty advisor and the KNES Internship Coordinator). Potential sites can be identified through communications with organizations seeking interns, from formal internship programs, from faculty connections with organizations, from other students, or from networking at professional meetings. When a student finds a potential internship site, s/he should assess how the site will help her/him achieve her/his learning goals. If the site appears appropriate, the student will schedule an interview (either in person or by telephone) with a site contact to discuss possible internship opportunities. If the internship site is part of a formal internship program, it is the student’s responsibility to complete the necessary application materials. Internship sites must:

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• Be an organization, agency, or community in which the student can meet her/his learning objectives

• Provide a site preceptor who is willing and able to spend regularly scheduled time with the student to provide guidance

• Be willing to increase student responsibility and independence over the course of the internship • Require that the student complete the internship on site, and provide work space and resources

in order to do so The internship site must be approved by both the KNES Internship Coordinator and the Faculty Advisor. Site preceptor selection: The site preceptor may be selected by either the intern or the sponsoring organization depending on the situation. This person must have expertise in the assigned project areas and sufficient time and interest to mentor the student during the internship. The site preceptor will need to provide on-site supervision of the intern’s work and be able to meet with the student regularly to discuss progress and other issues related to the student’s activities. The ability to provide constructive feedback to the students is crucial. The site preceptor also must agree to complete the mid-evaluation and final evaluation forms during and after the internship. VII. Internship Process Once an internship site has been selected, the intern needs to complete the Internship Contract form with the site preceptor and provide the form to the KNES Internship Coordinator. Correspondence with faculty advisor and KNES Internship Coordinator: During the internship, the student will correspond with their faculty advisor and the KNES Internship Coordinator at least once every 2 weeks during the internship via bi-weekly emails to the advisor. Specific information on the content of the correspondence is provided in the KNES785 syllabus. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval for human subjects research: If the internship activities involve human subjects, IRB approval should be requested after the internship has been approved by the faculty advisor and the KNES Internship Coordinator. The student’s faculty advisor is the actual IRB applicant on behalf of the student. The student may prepare the IRB application under the advisor’s direction, but the advisor must take the ultimate responsibility for the student’s work with respect to the protection of human subjects. Any student who collects data from human subjects (qualitative or quantitative) must obtain IRB approval before collecting any data. For complete details, visit the UMD IRB website at http://www.umresearch.umd.edu/IRB/index.html. Students collecting data from human subjects also need to complete an online Collaborative Institutional Training Institute (CITI) course (www.citiprogram.org). Typically it is the “Biomedical Research - Basic/Refresher, Basic Course” that should be completed; however, students should check with their advisors before they begin the online course. Students may choose to (and are encouraged to) complete CITI training before submitting an IRB proposal. Be aware that a separate IRB may have to be submitted at the internship site.

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VIII. Responsibilities Student Semester Before Internship

• Identifies core MPH competencies to be addressed during the internship and capstone experiences

• Identifies internship learning objectives • Meets with faculty advisor to discuss and refine learning objectives and finalize core

competencies addressed during internship and capstone experiences • Meets with KNES785 faculty coordinating the MPH Internship to begin planning

internship selection and collect paperwork for processing internship • Identifies potential internship sites • Interviews sites and narrows choices. Provides each site with the handout “Hosting an MPH

Intern”. • Meets with faculty advisor to identify best internship site • Inform KNES785 faculty coordinating the MPH internship of internship site/preceptor for final

approval • Registers for KNES785

Internship Semester

• Completes Site Confirmation form • Develops educational plans • Meets with MPH internship coordinator and field site preceptor to discuss and refine

educational plans • Submits educational plan to the KNES Internship Coordinator prior to due date • Completes all KNES785 assignments, including bi-weekly e-mails, evaluations, hours log, final

report, final presentation, etc. • Provides professional, quality work • Complies with the policies and procedures of the organization • Works with site preceptor to strengthen weaknesses and build upon strengths that become

apparent during the internship • Prepares and gives and oral presentation on the experience • Formally thanks the field site preceptor and organization for the internship opportunity • Evaluates the intern experience

Faculty advisor Semester Before Internship • Meets with student to discuss and refine learning objectives • Meets with student to discuss core MPH competencies addressed during the capstone

experience (MPH internship and project). • Meets with student to identify best internship site

Internship Semester • Work with student if IRB approval is required • Attend final presentation of internship experience, assess core competencies met during

internship

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KNES MPH Internship Coordinator Semester Before Internship Begins

• Conducts an Internship Orientation session for students planning to do their internship the following semester. This session guides students in identifying an appropriate internship site and reviews requirements and deadlines

• Meets with interns to discuss their internship site options and assess how a site will help achieve their learning goals

• Updates information on available internship sites and informs interns about new sites seeking interns

• Approves new internship sites Internship Semester

• Meets with student to discuss and refine educational plans • Maintains regular contact with student to assess progress of internship through bi-weekly e-

mails from students • Grades assignments • Communicates with site preceptor mid-way through the internship • Attends final presentation of internship experience, assess core competencies met during

internship • Keeps electronic copy of final internship report

Field site preceptor

• Works with the intern as a mentor to help him/her meet learning objectives and educational plan

• Orients the intern to the work environment • Provides work space and needed resources to the intern • Mentors the intern • Provides constructive feedback to the intern on progress • Evaluates intern’s performance • Communicates with faculty advisor on issues that arise • Provides honest feedback and evaluation on intern’s skills and abilities • Completes mid and final evaluations

IX. Internship Evaluation Evaluations: The field site preceptor will complete first evaluation and final evaluation forms. At the end of the internship, the intern will complete an internship site evaluation form. These forms should be turned into the KNES Internship Coordinator.

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Internship report and oral presentation: A final internship report (8-10 pages) is required by the end of the semester in which the student is registered for the internship. A student cannot receive a grade for KNES785 without submitting a final report. The report should include the following:

1. Brief description of the internship site, the department/unit mission and how that fits into the organization’s broader structure, and the physical activity and public health issues that the organization addresses

2. Elements of the educational plan (build subheadings from that plan) 3. Results of the internship activities/Are there specific skills that you improved or developed

during your internship?/Are there any areas of coursework that you feel would have helped better prepare you for your internship experience?

4. Specifics about how the student learning objectives and competencies were met/How did your internship help synthesize MPH coursework? Which courses were valuable to you in conducting your internship activities?

5. Evaluation of the internship placement a. What was the least satisfying part of your internship experience? b. What was the most positive part of your internship experience?

6. A copy of the thank-you letter written and sent to the site preceptor The oral presentation should provide an overview of the internship experience summarizing the results of the final internship report. The presentation (15 minutes with a discussion to follow) should also include a table summarizing the MPH program competencies met during the internship experience and a summary of the specific activities for each competency. Presentations of all students who have recently completed internships will be made during a specified time. Further detail regarding the presentation and report can be found in the KNES785 Syllabus.

X. Additional Information Internship Site and Safety Precautions: The University of Maryland cannot guarantee the safety of internship sites and experiences. Interns should discuss safety issues and concerns with the site preceptor or organization contact person prior to accepting the internship. Interns are urged to take precautions to assure their safety while at their internship sites. Should an intern be asked to do something that she/he deems unsafe during an internship experience, or if she/he believes that conditions at an internship site are unsafe, the intern should report such safety concerns to the site preceptor and/or the KNES Internship Coordinator immediately. If there is no time to contact the Coordinator or site preceptor, the intern should refuse to engage in the activity and then report this action as soon as possible to the KNES Internship Coordinator and site preceptor. In the event of emergency political or weather conditions, the intern is instructed to place his or her safety first and to notify the site preceptor and the KNES Internship Coordinator at the earliest opportunity. The student should not accept a position to be responsible for the personal safety of others – this is the responsibility of the site preceptor and supervising organization. Sexual Harassment: Although the intern’s internship is often off the university campus, the University of Maryland is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment in which interns, faculty, and staff are free from sexual harassment. Therefore, should the intern encounter sexual harassment, he/she should

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abide by the University’s Policy and Procedures on Sexual Harassment. They are posted on this website:http://www.inform.umd.edu/CampusInfo/Departments/PRES/policies/vi120a.html. An intern who believes she/he has been subjected to sexual harassment may report the problem to the KNES Internship Coordinator, faculty advisor or any other University official, including the KNES Director, School of Public Health Dean, departmental or college equity officer, the Office of Human Relations, the Office of Judicial Programs or the President’s Legal Office. The KNES Internship Coordinator or other person receiving the report will inform the intern about the University’s sexual harassment policy and procedures and, within that context, will support the intern’s initiative in taking the most appropriate reporting steps.

XI. Timeline and Forms

Task Timeframe Form • Internship planning Semester prior to internship Capstone Competencies Planning

Form Hosting an MPH Intern (for site visits/interviews)

• Selecting/confirming internship site Semester prior to internship Site Confirmation Form Liability Insurance Information form

• Educational plan Initial plan due two weeks into internship semester

Educational Plan Approval

• Complete internship tasks • Communicate with KNES Internship

Coordinator

Entire semester

• Mid-term evaluation Approximately midway through internship period

Field site preceptor first evaluation form

• Final evaluation Near end of internship period Field site preceptor final evaluation form

• Internship report • Internship presentation

End of internship semester Capstone Competencies Assessment (Faculty – advisor and coordinator)

Review KNES785 syllabus for additional tasks and deadlines.

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Appendix

1. Competency planning form 2. Hosting an MPH intern 3. Site confirmation form 4. Liability insurance information form 5. Educational plan approval form 6. Field site preceptor first evaluation form 7. Field site preceptor final evaluation form 8. Capstone competencies assessment

Rev. 02/16

MPH in Physical Activity

Capstone Competencies Planning Form

Student: Date:

Advisor Signature: Date:

Instructions: Your overall capstone experience must address each of the 6 MPH competencies in physical activity. Please indicate which capstone component (internship or project) will address each competency. You will be evaluated on how well the competencies were met during your final presentations. This form must be completed in the semester before your capstone begins. If you are completing your internship and project in different semesters, you will complete this form twice.

Competencies for MPH in Physical Activity Internship Project

1. Explain how physical activity integrates within the core areas of public health.

2. Apply evidence-based knowledge and

understanding of the relation of physical activity to health and function across the life-span.

3. Design, implement, and evaluate physical

activity interventions in a variety of populations and community settings.

4. Utilize a conceptual understanding of social,

behavioral, and cultural theories to promote and implement physical activity programs and policies.

5. Evaluate the impact of physical activity and

sedentary behavior at the community level.

6. Develop and utilize the ability to collaborate

with public health professionals at local and/or federal levels to promote physical activity research, practice, and policy.

At this time, I am planning:

• Concurrent internship/project Semester __________________ • Internship only Semester __________________ • Project only Semester __________________

Please provide a brief paragraph regarding how you expect to address the competencies.

Internship

Project

School of Public Health Department of Kinesiology

Hosting an MPH Intern (An overview for the agency/preceptor)

Thank you for taking the time to interview a potential intern (MPH graduate student) from the Department of

Kinesiology (KNES). Internship placements for the Fall 2016 semester are scheduled to begin Tuesday,

September 1, 2016 and should be completed on Monday, December 12, 2016. Students interviewing for a

potential fall placement are required to confirm an internship prior to the beginning of the semester.

MPH students are expected to work a minimum of 10 hours a week at their internship site, for a total of 200

hours during the semester. The internship follows the semester schedule, is attached to a course (KNES785), and

is worth 3 academic credits. The University (State of Maryland) provides liability insurance coverage for each

student intern.

The objectives of the internship are for students to integrate community/public health theory with community-

based practice, to gain understanding of community/public health agencies, and to develop professional skills

through on-the-job training. Interns have completed most of the coursework for their degree and the internship is

one of the last phases of their MPH program.

Below is an overview of the primary responsibilities of a host agency/intern supervisor: • Designates a qualified “preceptor” for the intern who is available to mentor and meet regularly with the

student. Typically this person has an MPH degree or 5 years experience in community/public health.

• Provides meaningful work that promotes the professional growth of the intern in the field of

community/public health while pursuing the goals of your organization.

• Provides an orientation and training program for the intern, similar in quality to that provided to new

employees. This includes orienting the student to the background, structure, regulations, and operations of

the agency.

• Works with the student to develop an Internship Work Plan (an overview of activities or projects in which

the intern is likely to participate).

• Offers a range of opportunities for learning (such as staff meetings, conferences, public hearings, etc.)

whenever possible.

• Provides the intern with adequate workspace and supplies. Interns from KNES are required to work on-

site.

• Makes agency staff available to the intern to answer questions and provide support when needed.

• Communicates with the KNES Internship Coordinator during the semester to discuss the internship

experience and the student's progress.

• Prepares two evaluations of the intern’s performance (forms provided by KNES).

• Signs-off on intern’s bi-weekly hours log (provided by the intern).

• Provides updated information and materials related to the internship (change in preceptor, new

opportunities etc.).

While it is not a requirement that organizations pay interns, and many organizations are unable to do so, some type of stipend or reimbursement for expenses is increasingly necessary to enable students to participate in an internship. We would greatly appreciate if you could consider some amount of assistance for the intern if at all possible. Thank you again for your interest in interviewing an MPH intern from KNES. We feel confident that you will find the experience of hosting an intern mutually beneficial for your agency and our student internship program. Benefits will include: • Assistance in pursuing organizational goals from an interested and enthusiastic student with current training

in public health. Interns provide valuable work and service to the organization.

• Fresh perspectives, insights and ideas on a variety of projects and tasks, given that the student has just

completed her/his course work in the field.

• An opportunity for your organization and the university to collaborate, providing mutually beneficial

outcomes to the community.

• An opportunity to contribute to the further development of community health/public health professionals.

For More Information Contact:

Jennie Phillips, PhD - MPH Program Coordinator Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health

University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742 Office location: SPH 2337, Phone: 301-405-3056, E-mail: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Department of Kinesiology University of Maryland School of Public Health

MPH INTERNSHIP SITE CONFIRMATION PLEASE PRINT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION NEATLY – It is the student’s responsibility to complete this form and obtain signatures.

Semester of Internship:

Student Intern:

Email and Phone:

Internship Placement Site (name of agency or organization):

Address:

Street

City State Zip

Phone Number:

Area Code Number Fax Number:

Area Code Number

Website Address:

Intern’s Site Supervisor:

Title:

Phone Number:

Area Code Number

Email Address:

Briefly (but include specifics) describe the potential activities in which you will participate as an intern at this site:

Weekly Schedule (hours of agency operation and intern’s proposed schedule, include the possibility of any night time or weekend hours for special events etc.): NOTE: MPH interns from the Department of Kinesiology are required to work a minimum of 10 hours each week during their internship semester, accumulate a total of 200 hours, and typically follow the University’s schedule for closings.

Start Date: End Date:

Are you currently employed at this site? Yes No

Does your site pay interns? Yes No

Signature of Site Supervisor: Date

Signature of Student Intern: Date

Submit Original to: Jennie Phillips, Ph.D., MPH Program Coordinator, Department of Kinesiology

If the Site Confirmation is being faxed or sent through the mail, it is the responsibility of the student to confirm that the form has been received. Provide a copy to your Site Supervisor and keep a copy for your files.

Questions and concerns may be directed to Jennie Phillips, Ph.D. Department of Kinesiology University of Maryland School of Public Health College Park, MD 20742 Phone: 301-405-3056 Fax: 301-405-5578

Liability Insurance Information Form

Department of Kinesiology

MPH Internships

Student intern contact information

Name

Best phone number

Best email address

Agency name (Internship site)

Agency address

Agency phone number (General “front desk”)

Agency fax number (Required by State of MD)

Preceptor’s contact information

Name (Mr., Ms., Dr.)

and job title

Direct phone number

Email address

Rev. 02/16

MPH Internship Educational Plan

The educational plan provides detail on what the student plans to do during the internship. The educational plan is tied to the learning objectives. The plan is initially developed with the student and site preceptor, and then reviewed and revised with the faculty advisor.

The initial plan is due to the faculty advisor no later than the end of the second week of the internship semester.

Components 1. Internship title/position 2. Brief description of the internship and internship site 3. Learning objectives 4. Activities/methods for accomplishing the learning objectives 5. Proposed product and/or deliverables 6. Timeline for proposed activities 7. Evaluation methods to determine if learning objectives are met 8. Tentative dates that the intern will meet with the site preceptor for mid- and final-evaluation of progress 9. How internship is consistent with student’s career goals

Approvals

I have read ______________________________ Educational Plan, and agree to work with him/her toward meeting the work plan’s stated objectives.

Site Preceptor Date

Faculty Advisor Date

Student Intern Date

MPH Internship Coordinator Date

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MPH Internship Site Supervisor’s First Evaluation

General Information

Intern’s Name:

Site Supervisor’s Name:

Site Supervisor’s Title:

Organization:

Semester:

Internship Dates:

Hours Completed to Date:

Evaluation

Please complete the intern evaluation using the attached performance checklist. Internship sites include a wide range of agencies spanning government and private research organizations, hospitals, health maintenance, and community health institutions. For that reason, some of items on the evaluation may not apply to your organization or to the nature of the internship. In those cases, check the NA box. Please use the comment sections and the section at the end to evaluate aspects of the internship experience that are not captured in the checklist but contribute to the overall evaluation of the student’s progress. Suggested Procedure for Discussing the Evaluation: This evaluation form provides an opportunity for the student and site supervisor to discuss the student’s progress, strengths, and areas for growth. Your intern will request a meeting to discuss his/her evaluation. After he/she meets with you, he/she will submit the completed and signed evaluation form to his/her faculty supervisor.

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Performance Checklist for MPH Site Supervisor’s First Evaluation

Areas of Performance

Unsatisfactory

Satisfactory

Good

Outstanding

NA

A. Scholarly work Works with site supervisor to develop:

1. Internship Educational/Work Plan

2. Projects or activities to achieve work plan activities and agency goals

3. Means to evaluate the activities In general, to meet his/her goals, the student: 4. Gathers background information on the

specific topics from original as well as other resources

5. Obtains information from known authorities at the agency and elsewhere (if appropriate)

6. Demonstrates ability to critically evaluate and describe general trends in data related to projects

7. Adapts to the changing circumstances and needs of the organization

Comments:

B. General Practice Skills 1. Writes clearly and concisely 2. Listens carefully 3. Communicates ideas clearly 4. Organizes time effectively 5. Handles confidential matters appropriately

Comments:

C. Work with Colleagues, Staff, and Target Population 1. Sensitive to diverse cultural perspectives 2. Works effectively with target population 3. Works effectively with other staff

Comments:

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Unsatisfactory

Satisfactory

Good

Outstanding

NA

D. Work in a Research Environment 1. Understands the overall problem or idea 2. Contributes to problem solving 3. Takes responsibility for at least one

component of the project

4. Contributes to data collection 5. Contributes to data analysis interpretation 6. Reviews literature relevant to the study

Comments:

E. Work in an Organization 1. Observes work hours, rules and regulations 2. Seeks supervision when appropriate 3. Shows respect for perspectives of

colleagues and other staff

4. Perceived as being a cooperative, “team player”

5. Open and accepting of constructive criticism. Comments:

F. Work in a Community 1. Understands the relationship of the

organization to the broader community

2. Appropriately represents the interests of the clients with community contacts

3. Knows relevant community resources Comments:

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Summary Comments

Briefly summarize the student’s strengths and weaknesses if not adequately represented above. Feel free to add additional comments.

Signature of Student Date

Signature of Site Supervisor Date

Note to intern: After obtaining signatures, submit original to your faculty supervisor, keep one copy for your files, and submit one copy to your site supervisor.


MPH Internship Site Supervisor’s Final Evaluation

General Information

Intern’s Name:

Site Supervisor’s Name:

Site Supervisor’s Title:

Organization:

Semester:

Internship Dates:

Hours Completed to Date:

Evaluation

Please complete the intern evaluation using the attached Performance Checklist and MPH Degree Competency Evaluation. Internship sites include a wide range of agencies spanning government and private research organizations, hospitals, health maintenance, and community health institutions. For that reason, some of items on the evaluation may not apply to your organization or to the nature of the internship. In those cases, check the NA box. Please use the comment sections and the section at the end to evaluate aspects of the internship experience that are not captured in the checklist but contribute to the overall evaluation of the student’s progress. Consider the intern’s overall performance and growth throughout the internship period. Suggested Procedure for Discussing the Evaluation: The evaluation form provides an opportunity for the student and site supervisor to discuss the student’s progress, strengths, and areas for growth. Your intern will request a meeting to discuss his/her evaluation. After he/she meets with you, the intern will submit the completed and signed evaluation form to the faculty supervisor.

Performance Checklist for MPH Site Supervisor’s Final Evaluation


Unsatisfactory

Satisfactory

Good

Outstanding

NA

A. Scholarly work Works with site supervisor to develop: 1. Projects or activities to achieve work plan

activities and agency goals.

2. Means to evaluate the activities In general, to meet his/her goals, the student:

3. Gathers background information on the specific topics from original as well as other resources

4. Obtains information from known authorities at the agency and elsewhere (if appropriate)

5. Demonstrates ability to critically evaluate and describe general trends in data related to projects

6. Adapts to the changing circumstances and needs of the organization

Comments:


Unsatisfactory

Satisfactory

Good

Outstanding

NA

B. General Practice Skills 1. Writes clearly and concisely 2. Listens carefully 3. Communicates ideas clearly 4. Organizes time effectively 5. Handles confidential matters appropriately Comments:

C. Work with Colleagues, Staff, and Target Population 1. Sensitive to diverse cultural perspectives 2. Works effectively with target population 3. Works effectively with other staff Comments:


Unsatisfactory

Satisfactory

Good

Outstanding

NA

D. Work in a Research Environment 1. Understands the overall problem or idea 2. Contributes to problem solving 3. Takes responsibility for at least one

component of the project

4. Contributes to data collection 5. Contributes to data analysis interpretation 6. Reviews literature relevant to the study Comments:

E. Work in an Organization

1. Observes work hours, rules and regulations 2. Seeks supervision when appropriate 3. Shows respect for perspectives of

colleagues and other staff

4. Perceived as being a cooperative, “team player”

5. Open and accepting of constructive criticism. Comments:

F. Work in a Community 1. Understands the relationship of the

organization to the broader community

2. Appropriately represents the interests of the clients with community contacts

3. Knows relevant community resources Comments:

MPH Degree Competency Evaluation

The student has identified the following experiences as addressing the MPH Program Competencies. Please rate the student’s performance on these tasks.

Check one for each competency & provide comments Competencies & associated experiences Unsatisfactory Marginal Satisfactory Very Good Outstanding 1. Explain how physical activity integrates within the core areas of public health.

2. Apply evidence-based knowledge and understanding of the relation of physical activity to health and function across the life-span.

3. Design, implement, and evaluate physical activity interventions in a variety of populations and community settings.

4. Utilize a conceptual understanding of social, behavioral, and cultural theories to promote and implement physical activity programs and policies.

5. Evaluate the impact of physical activity and sedentary behavior at the community level.

6. Develop and utilize the ability to collaborate with public health professionals at local and/or federal levels to promote physical activity research, practice, and policy.

Summary Comments

Briefly summarize the student’s strengths and weaknesses if not adequately represented above. Feel free to add additional comments.

Signature of Student Date

Signature of Site Supervisor Date

Note to intern: After obtaining signatures, submit original to your faculty supervisor, keep one copy for your files, and submit one copy to your site supervisor.

Rev. 02/16

MPH in Physical Activity

Capstone Competencies Faculty Evaluation Form

Student: Date:

Faculty evaluator:

Check one: Internship Presentation Project Presentation Upon graduation, a student with a Master of Public Health in Physical Activity is expected to have achieved the following competencies. A student’s capstone experience – the combination of internship and applied project – is the final opportunity for the student to demonstrate synthesis and integration of knowledge, application of theory, and proficiency of the required competencies. Using the following scale, evaluate the student’s level of mastery of each of the program competencies.

0 = Not Met 1 = Partially Met 2 = Met NA = Not applicable

Competencies for MPH in Physical Activity Rating

1. Explain how physical activity integrates within the core areas of public health.

2. Apply evidence-based knowledge and understanding of the relation of

physical activity to health and function across the life-span.

3. Design, implement, and evaluate physical activity interventions in a

variety of populations and community settings.

4. Utilize a conceptual understanding of social, behavioral, and cultural

theories to promote and implement physical activity programs and policies.

5. Evaluate the impact of physical activity and sedentary behavior at the

community level.

6. Develop and utilize the ability to collaborate with public health

professionals at local and/or federal levels to promote physical activity research, practice, and policy.

mph internship handbook - university of maryland · 2016-05-03 · the 200-hour (3 credit)...

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