Graduate Internship and Independent Study in Student Affairs Practice

Description: This internship experience consists of two components, one involving practical application and the second involving an approved independent study.

• The Graduate Intern will work on one or more projects or activities in an appropriate student affairs or student support services unit.  This practical experience must include specified learning outcomes and appropriate documentation of work and learning.
• The Graduate Intern will identify a topic for independent study that must be approved by the CSPA Internship Coordinator (Dr. Hurd).  This independent study will result in a final paper (20-30 pages) that thoroughly explores and demonstrates the student’s understanding of the topic.  Possible topics include but are not limited to:
• student development theory
• student characteristics and effects of college on students
• multiculturalism
• leadership and organizations
• individual, group, and organizational interventions
• organization and administration
• student learning outcomes
• assessment, evaluation, and research
• The internship will be for 3 hours of graduate credit.

Internship Goals: The practical experience component will provide Graduate Students with the opportunity to observe first hand how a particular student affairs or student services unit operates and to learn about critical issues, essential knowledge, and applicable skills required to be successful in the field.  The independent study portion of the internship will allow the Graduate Intern to develop an area of special interest and expertise.

Internship Responsibilities: The Graduate Intern will have the following responsibilities:

• Practical application :
• Work with the Site Supervisor to develop a plan of work.
• Make a satisfactory effort to meet or exceed the expectations of the Site Supervisor.
• Submit a 5-7 page paper (APA Style) that is a reflection of the internship experience:  What was learned?  What was unexpected?  How did you contribute?  What would you do again?  What would you do differently? 
• Submit a protfolio documenting evidence of work accomplished by the intern. Artifacts for the portfolio might include materials created by the student , meeting notes, etc.
• Independent Study
• Select an appropriate topic for approval by the Internship Coordinator
• Prepare a 20-30 page paper (APA Style) that thoroughly explores and demonstrates the student’s understanding of the topic.