Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions by internship sites & supervisors

What undergraduate degrees do the School of Community Resources and Development offer? 

We offer a variety of BS programs in Tourism, Recreation, and Recreation Therapy. A comprehensive list can be found here: https://scrd.asu.edu/programs/undergraduate/majors 

How can I advertise an internship opportunity to the School's students?

Please contact Erin Schneiderman, Erin.Schneiderman@asu.edu 

What are the responsibilities of the internship host agency? 

Senior internship agency guidelines

1.  The agency must provide an experience (paid or volunteer) that would be similar in responsibility to an entry-level professional position.

2.  The agency must be able to provide the student with an experience that meets the duration and hourly requirements of the Senior Internship in the fall, spring or summer semesters. The internship can range from a full time 40 hours a week experience to a part time 270 hours. It's best to discuss the options with each specific intern.  Therapeutic Recreation students are required to have 14 weeks, 560 hours per week (fall, spring, summer).

3.  The agency must be willing to assign a qualified on-site Agency Internship Supervisor to work with the student.

4.  The agency must be willing to sign the required documents (Student Educational Agreement and Student Placement Agreement sent via Adobe Sign).  

5.  The agency must provide an appropriate workspace and necessary resources (computer, phone, desk, chair, office supplies, etc.) for the student to fulfill the responsibilities of the student’s internship position.

6.  The agency must provide the student with an appropriate period of orientation to the agency and its operation during the early part of the internship experience.

Agency internship supervisor guidelines

1.  The Agency Internship Supervisor must be a full-time paid employee of the agency and be available to the student for the duration of the experience.

2.  The Agency Internship Supervisor must have a minimum of a B.S or B.A. degree, and/or equivalent experience appropriate to the position held at the agency.

3.  The Agency Internship Supervisor must have adequate experience with the Internship Agency to provide the Internship Student with the opportunity to strengthen his or her management and supervisory skills within the parameters of the student’s internship responsibilities.

4.  The Agency Internship Supervisor must be able to communicate effectively with the Internship Student and the student’s Academic Internship Supervisor (English). 

5.  The Agency Internship Supervisor must be willing to meet with the Internship Student on a regular (weekly or bi-weekly) basis to discuss the Internship Student’s progress, strengths, and areas in need of development.

6.  The Agency Internship Supervisor must be willing to complete and submit a mid-term evaluation to the student’s Academic Internship Supervisor as well as to meet with the student to discuss the evaluation. The Mid-term evaluation form will be sent by email to the Agency Internship Supervisor by the student’s Academic Internship Supervisor. 

7.  The Agency Internship Supervisor must be willing to complete and submit a final evaluation to the student’s Academic Internship Supervisor and make a final grade recommendation. The Final Evaluation form will be sent by email to the Agency Internship Supervisor by the student’s Academic Internship Supervisor.

8.  The Agency Internship Supervisor must be willing to verify that the student has completed the total number of required hours (480 hours spring, summer, fall; 560 hours, spring, summer fall for Therapeutic Recreation students) at the conclusion of the internship experience. 

What does a host agency/site supervisor do?

Listed below are some basic principles that must be applied:

• Supervise: Throughout the duration of the internship, the student must be placed under the management of a direct supervisor. The supervisor should be willing to provide the student with an orientation, adequate instruction and training, outline of goals and expectations, communicate with the student on a regular basis to discuss performance and progress, act as mentor by exposing the student to the total operations of the organization and provide encouragement and motivation. 
• Communicate: The ASU School of Community Resources & Development Internship Academic Supervisor will visit interns at locations within a 50-mile radius of Phoenix in order to meet with the student’s Agency Internship Supervisor during an on-site visit to discuss the student’s performance and progress. In addition, it is requested that the supervisor communicate immediately with the student's Internship Academic Supervisor in the case of an emergency or failure of the student to perform adequately.

What are the benefits to the student?

• Apply classroom knowledge to the laboratory of the work world in order to test theories, concepts and philosophies.
• Test skills in management, supervision and leadership.
• Develop valuable contacts in the field by networking with professionals.
• Analyze his or her commitment to the field while it is still relatively easy to change.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the degree competencies.
• Identify technical and/or theoretical competencies that need further development.
• Develop motivation and self-confidence.
• Assume professional responsibilities and substantive tasks.

What are the responsibilities of the student? 

• Maintain a positive attitude and accomplish all tasks with enthusiasm and in a timely manner.
• Make a determined effort to gain as much experience as possible.
• Demonstrate professionalism in the workplace at all times.
• Understand and practice the policies and procedures of the agency.
• Complete all course assignments, including weekly lessons, online discussion forum, educational contract, mid-term evaluation, mid-term site visit/phone conference, and final report.

When does the formal internship experience take place?

The Senior Internship is the final semester in which students enroll. The internship course must be completed during the student’s final semester at ASU and can only take place after the student has successfully completed all required on-campus courses. Because students do not have to return to the ASU campus following the internship, it affords both the student and the agency the opportunity to continue the work experience after the internship is completed.

What if I need the intern to commit to a 6-month internship?

Students must meet the minimum duration requirements only and are therefore free to choose an internship that may exceed the commitment for the course. After this required period is completed, the student will no longer have to report to the Coordinator at the ASU School of Community Resources & Development but can continue their work experience.

Is the student required to complete any coursework during the internship?

Yes. Internship students are engaged in an online course during their internship.  Although the interns are not reporting to a classroom, they are required to report about their internship experience and submit weekly reports and assignments, complete mid-term and final evaluations, as well as compile and present a final comprehensive report.