Supervision is viewed as a crucial component of the successful internship experience.  Every effort is made to assure that the intern will receive quality supervision from both the University and the internship site. The student will be expected to exhibit initiative and assume an active role in this process.

University Supervisor.  Telephone contacts will be scheduled between the University supervisor, the intern, and the Site supervisor early in the internship to assure that the placement is satisfactory and that each has a clear understanding of the program.  It is critical that the Site supervisor be available for this communication.  A meeting of the intern, University supervisor, and agency supervisor will be scheduled at approximately the midpoint of the internship.  If the internship agency is beyond the normal travel range of the faculty supervisor (approximately 300 miles one-way), the supervisory meeting will be conducted by conference call.  The University supervisor will schedule additional meetings should it be necessary.  It is hoped that the Site supervisor will feel free to contact the University supervisor any time should questions or problems arise.

Site Supervisor.  The Site supervisor is the primary key to the success of the internship program.  An initial conference is held to determine as nearly as possible the responsibilities and duties of the intern.  A tentative schedule should be provided by the Site supervisor for both the intern and the University supervisor.

The host assumes full responsibility for the direct supervision of the intern. The Site supervisor utilizes the agency's operation to integrate classroom and practical experience while furthering the student's professional growth and confidence.  The Site supervisor should maintain an open relationship and make the intern feel wanted while insisting on the professional conduct of student responsibilities.

• The Site should assign one specific supervisor to the intern and it is suggested that they be assigned only one intern.  This does not preclude the intern from at times working under the supervision of another staff member for special experiences, for a limited amount of time.
• The University and Site shall jointly agree upon the designation of the Site supervisor prior to placement of the intern and review the status after each assignment.
• Therapeutic Recreation Certification standards require that the internship be supervised by a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS).  The Site supervisor must provide proof of current certification before the placement will be approved.

Specific responsibilities of the agency supervisor include:

• Serve as liaison between the Site and the University.
• Interpret the internship program to administrators, staff, and clientele.  The intern should be introduced to the organization's staff in such a way as to insure acceptance as a co-worker.
• Provide the intern with a thorough orientation to goals and objectives, policies, procedures, administrative structure, programs, facilities of the Site.
• Meet formally at least once each week with the intern to:
  a) finalize the schedule for the upcoming week.
  b) discuss problems encountered during the past week.
  c) assess leadership techniques and methods utilized by the intern.
  d) discuss various factors and conditions that pertain to the leadership as well as administrative functions within the organization.
• Help the intern gain a better understanding and appreciation of the role and responsibilities of a full-time practitioner.
• Share with the intern the organization's resources and materials (pamphlets, forms, charts, et cetera) used in the administration of programs, activities.
• Provide challenging experiences to help the intern and the Site supervisor assess the intern's strengths and deficiencies as a professional practitioner.
• Praise the intern for work well done and present criticism, suggestions in a constructive, objective, and tactful manner.