Department of Health & Exercise Science
2115 Summit Avenue
Mail # 4004
St. Paul, MN 55105
651-962-5982
INTERNSHIP GUIDELINES
AND
REQUIREMENTS
Printed: 9/30/2019
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
Purpose of Internship ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Course Description................................................................................................................................................ 3
Course Objectives ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Pre-Registration Requirements and Procedures ............................................................................................... 4
Getting Registered ................................................................................................................................................ 4
Documents Submitted After Internship Completion......................................................................................... 4
Responsibilities of Faculty Advisor ..................................................................................................................... 5
Responsibilities of On-Site Supervisor ................................................................................................................ 5
Internship Application.......................................................................................................................................... 6
Professional and Ethical Code of Conduct ......................................................................................................... 7
Request for Credit Proposal ................................................................................................................................ 8
Exercise Science/Health Promotion Internship Evaluation .............................................................................. 9
Student Evaluation of Internship Site Form .................................................................................................... 12
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Purpose of Internship
These guidelines have been developed for the purpose of clarifying the policies and procedures for the
Department of Health and Exercise Science (HES) Internships at the University of St. Thomas. The internship
experience is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to gain observation hours and/or practical
experience at a qualified agency or institution. The intern will work with a qualified on-site supervisor at an
agency or institution, take part in meaningful work experiences and will be evaluated by the on-site supervisor
as well as the St. Thomas faculty advisor.
Course Description
This course is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to observe and take part in meaningful
work at a clinic, agency setting or health promotion program. Students are required to complete 100 hours at
a site that is directly involved in some aspect of health promotion or clinical exercise science field. Students
will be under the direct guidance of an on-site supervisor. Commonly accepted internship sites for the
Exercise Science major include in-patient clinics, outpatient clinics and private practice. The St. Thomas
faculty advisor may approve other sites. Commonly accepted internship sites for the Health Promotion major
include corporate settings, community-based fitness clubs, health promotion consulting firms, and in-house
health promotion programs, state or county agencies and vendors of health promotion services. Prerequisite:
Permission of HES Faculty Advisor
Course Objectives
The following objectives shall be met for Exercise Science and Health Promotion majors:
1. The student shall demonstrate the use of health, fitness, and/or clinical laboratory equipment as
deemed appropriate by the site supervisor.
2. The student shall demonstrate an understanding of assessment processes pertinent to the clinical or
health/fitness setting as deemed necessary by the site supervisor.
3. The student shall describe the safety issues, problems and components of an exercise prescription, as
deemed necessary by the site supervisor.
4. The student shall develop individual exercise prescriptions, which are based upon exercise test results
including modality, intensity, frequency and duration for both apparently healthy populations and
clinical populations, as deemed necessary by the site supervisor.
5. The student shall understand concepts of legal liability and ethical issues, as related to their specific
site and deemed necessary by the site supervisor.
6. The student shall have a basic knowledge of the cultural environments and organizational structures in
which clinical and health/fitness programs are typically conducted.
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Pre-Registration Requirements and Procedures
1. You must register for the internship prior to accumulating any hours; hours accumulated prior to being
registered for the internship, will not count towards fulfilling the required 100 total.
2. Locate a site for your internship. You must have an individual agree to be your on-site supervisor and
discuss the purpose of the internship experience (see “Responsibilities of On-site Internship
Supervisor).
3. Fill out the Internship Application” in this packet and have the on-site supervisor sign and agree to the
guidelines outlined in the booklet.
Getting Registered
Request a meeting with your faculty advisor and turn in the following documents in order to be registered:
1. Submit signed Internship Application for approval of internship site on page 6.
2. Submit Code of Conduct form on pages 7-8.
3. Submit Request for Credit form available on HES website, or click on link.
4. Submit Request for Credit Proposal on page 9.
Documents Submitted After Internship Completion
After you have completed the 100 hours required for the internship, the following will be turned in:
1. Weekly Log/Journal - Keep and submit a typed & dated weekly log or journal of the activities you are
involved in through your internship and apply any material or information learned from your courses.
2. Internship Evaluation - Request your on-site supervisor complete & sign page 9-11 in this packet.
3. Student Evaluation - Complete the student evaluation on pages 12-13 in this packet.
4. Write a 3-5 page Typed Paper Write about your internship experience.
Reflect on and address the following: What were the objectives of the internship? Why did you
choose to go to the location you did? What did you hope to gain from this experience? How did
your previously completed coursework prepare you for this experience? What specifically did you
do? Did you learn and/or enjoy the experience? What did you like or dislike about the internship?
Did this experience provide you with insight into the sort of work you may or may not want to
pursue as a career? Elaborate on how this was a valuable (or not) experience for you. Feel free to
make any additional comments that you have regarding the internship experience.
Health & Exercise Science Internship Grading Rubric
100 HR Internship Evaluation completed by On-Site Supervisor
70%
Typed Weekly Log or Journal
10%
Student Evaluation of Internship Site Form
10%
3-5 Page Typed Paper Reflecting on Internship Experience
10%
Total
100%
After you have turn in the above materials, you will be given a S (satisfactory) or a N (not satisfactory) as a
grade. See the grading rubric below and note that 90 out of 100 pts are needed to receive a S.
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Responsibilities of Faculty Advisor
The HES Faculty Advisor will:
1. Approve all student placements of internships.
2. Communicate with the on-site supervising administrator, if necessary, to discuss the policies and
procedures involved in the internship experience or student behavior.
3. Approve any deviations from the basic requirements as unique situations arise. The internship
director and the department chair shall discuss any deviations of the normal requirement.
4. Observe the student at his or her internship site as deemed necessary or by invitation.
5. Review all documents from internship (work log, summary paper and internship supervisor report)
and determine grade for the experience.
Responsibilities of On-Site Supervisor
The On-site supervisor will:
1. Provide the HES Faculty Advisor with a list of skills, competencies and activities that the student will
learn/perform at the specific site.
2. Assume the responsibility for defining the practical experiences for the student at the beginning of
the semester within the guidelines designated by the university.
3. Contact the HES Faculty Advisor immediately, if a need occurs. No problem is too small to be
discussed. The office telephone number is 651-972-5982.
4. Keep the student informed of his or her plans.
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University of St. Thomas
Department of Health & Exercise Science
Internship Application
Name____________________________________________ Student ID#_______________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________________________
City State Zip
Email Address: _______________________________ Cell Phone #_____________________Year(So,Jr,Sr)____
Organization in which internship is desired: ______________________________________________________
Organization address: _______________________________________________________________________
City State Zip
Organization Telephone__________________________
Name of On-Site Supervisor __________________________________Phone #__________________________
Email Address of On-Site Supervisor____________________________________________________________
I, _________________________________, agree to the terms contained in this guideline and agree to act as
the on-site supervisor for the above listed student. My position title is _______________________________.
________________________________________________
Signature Sign electronically or print and sign
____________________
Date
Please return to St Thomas Faculty Advisor
University of St. Thomas - Department of Health & Exercise Science
2115 Summit Avenue Mail # 4004
St. Paul, MN 55105
Phone: 651-962-5982 or Fax: 651-962-5946
Thank you for agreeing to work with this intern. Their experiences at your location serve an important role
in enhancing the intern’s professional growth and development.
click to sign
signature
click to edit
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Professional and Ethical Code of Conduct
The following Professional and Ethical Code of Conduct has been established to help facilitate a positive
internship experience; and serve as a reflection of your commitment and professionalism. As a University of
St. Thomas student intern, you are representing not just yourself, but the University and your fellow students.
I. Best Practices and Conduct Statements: By participating in a University of St. Thomas/Department of Health
and Exercise Science Internship you agree to conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times during your
time as an intern. Students, therefore, agree to all of the following (but not limited to):
1. Abide by all policies, rules, and regulations of the on-site supervisor and employer.
2. Report for the internship on time and give advance notice if you are unable to report for work.
3. Dress appropriately for the work setting.
4. Observe all established safety rules and avoid unsafe work practices.
5. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding information obtained on any clients, members, customers,
patients, employees, and products or services associated with the internship site.
6. Report changes in work schedule, supervision or problems on site to your appointed company on-site
supervisor and to your faculty advisor without delay.
7. Demonstrate honesty, cooperation, integrity, courtesy, and a willingness to learn.
8. Use appropriate written and oral communication in all interactions with all supervisors, employees,
clients and university staff.
9. Give your best effort, follow through on commitments and meet internship obligations.
10. Engage in positive, ethical, and legal behavior.
11. Accept responsibility and accountability for decisions and actions taken while at the internship site.
12. Keep a positive attitude and open mind, accept constructive criticism, and strive to improve
performance and acquire new skills.
13. Treat all customers, clients, patients, supervisors, and fellow employees with dignity and respect.
14. Be observant of the manner in which employees organize their ideas and respond to and ask
questions.
15. Refrain from conducting personal business during work hours (e.g. social media, texts, emails, visits
from friends, etc.).
II. Acknowledgement of Professional Standards: I understand and agree with the professional standards of
the internship program as listed in the preceding general and specific statements. I understand if any facet of
the code of conduct is not adhered to, I may be at risk of losing academic credit/tuition, or in some other way
may be penalized. You may sign electronically or print and sign agreement.
Name (print): ___________________________________________ Student ID: ______________________
Student Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: _____________________
Faculty Advisor (print):____________________________________________________________________
Faculty Advisor Signature_______________________________________ Date: _____________________
Sign electronically or print and sign
click to sign
signature
click to edit
click to sign
signature
click to edit
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Request for Credit Proposal
Health & Exercise Science
Experiential Learning / Internship
Detailed description of the experience for which credit is sought and a statement of its academic
significance and validity for the program. Developed by faculty and student.
An indication of any supplementary academic requirements to be fulfilled: papers, reports, etc.
The academic requirements for this internship are outlined in the “Internship Guidelines and Requirements”
document provided by the Department of Health & Exercise Science. The following will need to be completed
for the internship: 1) 100 hour Internship Evaluation completed by on-site supervisor, 2) a typed and dated
weekly log or journal of internship activities, 3) a student evaluation of internship site form and 4) a 3-5 page
typed paper reflecting on internship experience.
The name of the person at the University of St Thomas who will approve the proposal, maintain periodic
contact with the off-campus supervisor and student, and corroborate the evaluation of the experience.
The University of St. Thomas faculty advisor _________________________ has reviewed and approved the
proposal above and will maintain periodic contact with the off-campus supervisor and student and
corroborate the evaluation of the experience.
An outline of the evaluation procedures to be used.
After the requirements above have been fulfilled, the faculty advisor will review the required documentation
noted and will award a S (satisfactory) or a N (not satisfactory) grade. The rubric below weighs each
requirement and a 90% is required to receive a S.
Health & Exercise Science Internship Grading Rubric
100 HR Internship Evaluation completed by On-Site Supervisor
70%
Typed Weekly Log or Journal
10%
Student Evaluation of Internship Site Form
10%
3-5 Page Typed Paper Reflecting on Internship Experience
10%
Total
100%
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Exercise Science/Health Promotion Internship Evaluation
To Be Completed By On-Site Supervisor
Intern’s Name: ___________________________________________ Student ID: ____________________________
Site Supervisor’s Name (please print): _________________________________________________________________
Company Name:_____________________________________________________________________________________
Company Address: _________________________________________________________________________________
Email Address of Supervisor:_________________________________________________________________________
Supervisor Phone Number: _________________________Dates of Internship: _______________________________
Date this evaluation was completed: __________________________ Hours Completed:________________________
Directions: Please circle the category of evaluation that the student most frequently exhibited while working as an
Intern at your site.
Excellent
4
Good
3
Satisfactory
2
Needs Improvement
1
N/A
Appearance
1. Grooming and personal
appearance were consistent
with facility expectations.
Student always
dressed and
looked
professional in
appearance
Student usually
dressed and
looked
professional
Student only
looked
professional half
the time during
the internship
Student needs to
groom and seek
professional attire
Punctuality
2. Reported to facility on time
and consistent with facility
expectations.
3. If must be absent or late,
notified facility in a timely
manner.
Student was
always punctual
Student arrived
late 1-2 times
during the
internship
Student was
frequently late
Student rarely or
never arrived on
time
Student always
reported being
late or absent or
never missed and
was never late
Most of the time
the student
reported being
late or absent
beforehand
Most of the time
the student did
not report being
late or absent
beforehand
Student never
notified the facility
when they were late
or absent
Relationship with Staff
4. Accepted criticisms and
improvement suggestions in an
appropriate manner.
Student always
responded well to
criticisms
Student
responded well to
criticisms in most
situations
In some
situations, student
did not listen to
criticism and did
not change
behavior
Student ignored
criticisms and was
not receptive to
suggestions for
improvement
10
Excellent
4
Good
3
Satisfactory
2
Needs Improvement
1
N/A
5. Maintained professional
demeanor during resolution of
professional differences.
6. Followed through on
suggestions from supervisor
about professional practice.
7. Demonstrated through
positive attitude and actions,
acceptance of feedback.
Student was
professional in all
conflict
resolutions and
maintained
demeanor
throughout.
Student was
professional in
most conflict
resolutions and
maintained
demeanor
throughout
A couple instances
occurred where
student lost
control in
professional
demeanor
Student had
frequent conflicts
with employees and
clients on a near
daily basis and did
not maintain
professionalism
Student intently
listened to
suggestions from
supervisor and
made changes
Student listened
to supervisor most
of the time and
made appropriate
adjustments
Student listened
to supervisor most
of the time but
made
inappropriate
adjustments
Student never
listened to
suggestions from
supervisor and never
made behavior
changes
Student
maintained a
positive attitude
and readily
accepted feedback
Most of the time
the student
listened and
accepted
constructive
feedback
Most of the time
the student did
not listen or
accept
constructive
feedback
Student maintained
a negative attitude
and never accepted
feedback in a
positive manner
Relationship with Clients
8. Demonstrated effective
interpersonal communication
with clients.
9. Responded appropriately to
information provided by clients.
10. Greeted clients in a
professional manner and
displayed a positive attitude to
all clientele.
11. Showed empathy to all
clients regardless of diversity or
disability.
Student easily
communicated
with clients and
provided valuable
instruction and
insight
Student effectively
communicated
with clients but
instances did
occur where
interpersonal skills
were lacking
Student can
communicate
effectively but
most of the time,
poor interactions
with clients
occurred
Student
communicated
poorly with clients
and never provided
valuable instruction
and insight
Student listened
to clients and
showed concern
for their progress
Student listened
to clients’ needs
most of the time
but ignored them
a couple times
Student only
listened to clients
when it suited the
students needs
Student never
displayed much
concern for client
progress nor
listened to their
concerns
Student always
maintained a
positive attitude
and was well liked
Student had a
pleasant
disposition but at
times, seemed
irritated
Student usually
did not positively
greet clients and
always seemed
pessimistic
Student maintained
a negative attitude
and was not
respected by clients
Student deeply
cared about the
clients and
showed great
concern for
progress
Student showed
concern for clients
most of the time.
Student usually
did not care about
the clients or their
progress
Student did not care
about the clients
and showed little
concern for their
progress
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Excellent
4
Good
3
Satisfactory
2
Needs Improvement
1
N/A
12. Demonstrated through
speech and posture, receptivity
to others.
Student always
demonstrated
receptivity to
others through
appropriate
mannerisms
Student usually
demonstrated
receptivity to
others through
appropriate
mannerisms
Student rarely
demonstrated
receptivity to
others through
appropriate
mannerisms
Student often
displayed
mannerisms that
indicated
indifference
Knowledge Base
13. Displayed knowledge of
concepts of Exercise Science /
Health Promotion.
14. Correctly applied scientific
principles of Exercise
Science/Health Promotion to in-
practice situations.
15. Can state rationale for
recommendation in terms of
scientific application of data.
Student displayed
wide knowledge
of key concepts in
the field
Student had a
good
understanding of
the field but could
use some more
training
Student knew
some key facts but
further
coursework is
needed
Student needs more
education to
understand and
apply key ideas and
principles
Student knew how
to apply theory to
practice in all
situations
Student applied
theory to practice
in most situations
but needs more
experience
Student can apply
scientific
principles but
rarely did so
Student did not
know how to apply
theory to practice
and is not familiar
with scientific
principles
Student clearly
understood the
science of the field
and how to make
improvements
based on science
Student had a
general
understanding of
science but does
not use it always
for effective
application
Student rarely
used science in
effective
applications
Student clearly
misunderstands the
science of the field
and never used it to
make improvements
based on science
Organizational Skills
16. Demonstrated creativity,
initiative, and flexibility.
17. Demonstrated observable
change in professional behavior
consistent with supervisor
suggestions.
Student had many
ideas that were
used for program
improvements
Student had some
ideas and
creativity but did
not initiate any of
them
Student seemed
to have ideas and
initiative but
rarely acted upon
them
Student had no
ideas that were used
for program
improvements
Student showed
evidence of
growth and had
positive
professional
manner
Student displayed
many
improvements in
behavior but some
areas of growth
were lacking
Student displayed
a few
improvements in
behavior but
many areas of
growth were
lacking
Student showed no
evidence of growth
development from
the internship
Site Supervisor’s Signature: ____________________________________________________________
Sign electronically or print and sign
Thank you for agreeing to work with this intern. Their experiences at your location serve an important role in
enhancing the intern’s professional growth and development.
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University of St. Thomas
Department Health & Exercise Science
Student Evaluation of Internship Site Form
Students return this completed form to their faculty advisor upon completion of the internship. We urge a
candid assessment for the benefit of other students seeking internships with this employer.
Student’s Name: ____________________________________________Semester/Year: __________________
Internship Site: ____________________________________________________________________________
Supervisor’s Name:_________________________________________________________________________
1. Describe your main duties and responsibilities in this internship.
2. List the learning objectives accomplished through this experience.
3. What knowledge, skills and abilities did you strengthen through this internship?
4. What challenges or problems did you encounter during this experience?
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5. What did you like best about this experience?
6. What would you change about this internship to increase your overall satisfaction and success?
7. Would you recommend this organization and/or internship to another student? Why or why not?
8. Please provide additional comments you may have about this internship experience.
Student Signature: ____________________________________________________________
Sign electronically or print and sign
Date:____________________
Please contact the Department of Health & Exercise Science if you need assistance.