Field Directors

Hello Everyone,

As we begin to jump into the placement and matching process for the upcoming academic year (26-27), I am wondering how other programs structure their information sessions. Is this considered a formal Orientation (for current students).

Thank you in advance

Aisha

Good Morning,

We initially offered online Zoom informational sessions covering the overall internship timeline and planning process, followed by optional, topic-specific sessions on areas such as out-of-state placements and employment-based internships. These sessions were recorded and uploaded to SONIA, our internship management system, along with an orientation manual. However, we found that students were not consistently reviewing these materials.

To address this, two years ago we developed a comprehensive orientation on Canvas, organized into modules covering topics such as the planning process, safety considerations, cover letters and resumes, and anything else that was already represented in our field planning manual. We also included recorded informational sessions, document examples, timelines, and other key resources. Students have to complete each module and answer a very short quiz to ensure they have the key take away messages.

Now in the second year of implementation, we've found that students come to planning meetings better prepared and more informed about the overall process. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting that the Canvas orientation was very helpful. This change has also made our process more efficient, allowing us to spend less time answering repetitive questions and more time addressing students' specific needs. I hope this helps, do not hesitate to reach out with further questions!

Hello Everyone,

As we begin to jump into the placement and matching process for the upcoming academic year (26-27), I am wondering how other programs structure their information sessions. Is this considered a formal Orientation (for current students).

Thank you in advance

Aisha

Good Morning,

We initially offered online Zoom informational sessions covering the overall internship timeline and planning process, followed by optional, topic-specific sessions on areas such as out-of-state placements and employment-based internships. These sessions were recorded and uploaded to SONIA, our internship management system, along with an orientation manual. However, we found that students were not consistently reviewing these materials.

To address this, two years ago we developed a comprehensive orientation on Canvas, organized into modules covering topics such as the planning process, safety considerations, cover letters and resumes, and anything else that was already represented in our field planning manual. We also included recorded informational sessions, document examples, timelines, and other key resources. Students have to complete each module and answer a very short quiz to ensure they have the key take away messages.

Now in the second year of implementation, we've found that students come to planning meetings better prepared and more informed about the overall process. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting that the Canvas orientation was very helpful. This change has also made our process more efficient, allowing us to spend less time answering repetitive questions and more time addressing students' specific needs. I hope this helps, do not hesitate to reach out with further questions!

Hello Everyone,

As we begin to jump into the placement and matching process for the upcoming academic year (26-27), I am wondering how other programs structure their information sessions. Is this considered a formal Orientation (for current students).

Thank you in advance

Aisha

Thank you for sharing - that is a great idea and something I may look into. I typically host a Planning for Practicum Orientation that goes over the nuts and bolts of practicum securement, policies, requirements of sites and field instructors, etc. I would love to have something that they completed before coming into that so they are better prepared. What is the timeline that they have to complete those items? 

Good Morning,

We initially offered online Zoom informational sessions covering the overall internship timeline and planning process, followed by optional, topic-specific sessions on areas such as out-of-state placements and employment-based internships. These sessions were recorded and uploaded to SONIA, our internship management system, along with an orientation manual. However, we found that students were not consistently reviewing these materials.

To address this, two years ago we developed a comprehensive orientation on Canvas, organized into modules covering topics such as the planning process, safety considerations, cover letters and resumes, and anything else that was already represented in our field planning manual. We also included recorded informational sessions, document examples, timelines, and other key resources. Students have to complete each module and answer a very short quiz to ensure they have the key take away messages.

Now in the second year of implementation, we've found that students come to planning meetings better prepared and more informed about the overall process. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting that the Canvas orientation was very helpful. This change has also made our process more efficient, allowing us to spend less time answering repetitive questions and more time addressing students' specific needs. I hope this helps, do not hesitate to reach out with further questions!

Hello Everyone,

As we begin to jump into the placement and matching process for the upcoming academic year (26-27), I am wondering how other programs structure their information sessions. Is this considered a formal Orientation (for current students).

Thank you in advance

Aisha