FIELD PLACEMENT ORIENTATION Field Placement Coordinator: Jackie Walker jwalker@mail.sdsu.edu (619) 594-2393

1. FIELD PLACEMENT ORIENTATION Field Placement Coordinator: Jackie Walker jwalker@mail.sdsu.edu (619) 594-2393

2. GLOSSARY • Field Placement (a.k.a. field practice, internship, field practicum) – The placement of a student in a real world setting that gives the student an educational experience in direct public health work. Application of what is learned in course work. • Field Placement Coordinator – Your go-to person for assistance and guidance through the internship or career development process. • Field Placement Site (a.k.a. Preceptor, Agency Site, Field Site) The organization/company where the practicum will take place. • Field Placement Planning Form (FPPF) – A required form for all students wishing to obtain PH 650/750 credit. Includes learning objectives and tasks/duties for planned internship.

3. GLOSSARY CONT. • Field Supervisor (a.k.a. Field Practice Supervisor) – Management-level employee individual of the field agency that is responsible for on-site supervision of the student. Must agree to meet with the student at least 2 hours/week for guidance and feedback. • Professional Liability Insurance - Known as malpractice coverage; this protects students against liability for damages and cost of defense based upon his/her alleged or real professional errors and omissions or mistakes. • Service-Learning Agreement – A formal agreement between SDSU/GSPH and the field sites. Sites with agreements on file will ensure student liability through the SDSU Student Professional Liability Insurance Program (SPLIP).

4. Purpose of Field Practice The primary purpose of the field practice is to provide GSPH students with a real-world public health learning experience, where the student will have the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they have acquired through their coursework. 4

5. BENEFITS • Enhances your resume with career related experience. • Contacts for your future job search. • Learn more about your chosen industry or field. • Apply academic learning to hands-on situations. • Become more knowledgeable about general work functions. • Investigate organizational culture. • Learn career-related skills such as, public speaking, report- writing, dealing with customers... • Polish communication skills needed in the workplace.

6. PAID OR UNPAID? Hard times means most need paid jobs or internships, however don’t be quick to reject unpaid internships. Consider these reasons: • You stand out to that employer as someone who is sacrificing $ for the opportunity and they will look for ways to keep/pay you. • As a student, you get the first foot in the door during a rough economy with thousands of people looking to get in. • You get the opportunity to network and may find a part-time job in the field.

7. Unpaid internship: When is it legal? 1. It must be an educational experience, the equivalent of vocational school. 2. It must primarily benefit the trainee. 3. The intern cannot do work that would otherwise be done by a paid employee, and must work under the close supervision of a manager. 4. The employer cannot profit from the intern's work. 5. The employer must not promise upfront a paid job at the conclusion of the internship. It's OK to offer a job once the internship ends. 6. The intern and employer must agree if no wages are to be paid. It's best to put this understanding in writing, and have both parties sign the paper. Sources: Jay Zweig, a Phoenix labor lawyer; U.S. Labor Department

8. Field Placement Policies All MPH students are required to have successfully completed a community-based public health field practice experience before graduation. Requirement of a minimum of 3 units in a community setting, and a maximum of 12 units of PH 650/750 (6 of 650/6 of 750) will be allowed One unit of field practice credit equates to 60 hours or 180 hours for 3 units (360 hours for 6 units) 8

9. Community-based Internship • Exposure to community health issues, practices and culture. • Experience with diverse ethnicities/cultures. • At least 60% of your duties/activities involve working outside of a university research office. For example, community members, public health/healthcare professionals and other stakeholders.

10. Field Placement Policies Cont. Requests to work on a research project of SDSU or any other university for the community field practice credit is acceptable as long as it can be demonstrated that it is a “community-based” project. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: PROJECT DESCRIPTION - If you cannot find the name of the project on the list of Approved Sites located on the GSPH field practice website, then the project description on the FPPF must demonstrate that it is a “community-based” research project. ACTIVITIES/DUTIES IN COMMUNITY – On the FPPF, you must clearly indicate which duties will be in the research office and which will be in the community (i.e. community organization, outside venue, other public health orgs). 10

11. Field Placement Policies Cont. Students employed in the public health field may be approved to work at their site for credit; however, students must demonstrate that the experience will not be part of currently assigned work-related duties. Hours spent on reassigned duties must equal that of the required hours. Students requesting a continued internship may be approved to continue at the same site for credit; however, students must provide new learning objectives and demonstrate that the experience will include advanced skill acquisition and other new learning opportunities. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: Employer/Preceptor Verification of Field Practice Requirements form along with FPPF 11

12. FP COURSE DESCRIPTIONS • PH 650 (option of 3 or 6 units) – The first internship experience. Should be the “community-based” field practice requirement. After you meet requirement your next internship does not have to include duties in the community. NOTE: If you choose 3 the first semester, you can enroll in another 3 in another semester, but not recommended unless you have to. • PH 750 (option of 3 or 6 units) – The second/third internship. An advanced training experience. May be at the same site. • Course has corresponding division code: A = EPI/BIO D = EH E = HSA F= HP

13. ENROLLMENT OPTIONS 3 UNITS (180 hours) or 6 UNITS (360) • Hours can be spread out over two semesters (max). • Register in the semester the hours will be completed (at least 80% of hours must be completed by the last day of classes) or in the semester following. Example: You start in June and you will finish by end of August. You could register in the summer OR fall. OR You start in September and you’re pretty sure you will have worked 144 hours by Dec.18th. You can register in Fall. If not, you would register in Spring. NOTE: You must complete required hours (180/360) by the end of the month.

14. FIELD PRACTICE FORMS • Field Placement Planning Form (FPPF)– Site info, learning objectives & duties.All students are required to email me a DRAFT (without signatures) no less than 2 weeks before last day of spring classes (summer) or 2 weeks before last day to add/drop (fall/spring). • Employer/Preceptor Verification of Field Practice Requirements – Supervisor/student verification that internship is different. Only for those who request another semester at the same site OR credit for work at place of employment. Must be turned in with FPPF.

15. FIELD PRACTICE FORMS Verification of Professional Liability Insurance Coverage: ONLY IF: • A Service-Learning Agreement is NOT on file; • You are employed by site; • You are covered with company liability policy (need to ask supervisor or HR dept.); • You purchase your own liability coverage (see instructions on form)

16. FIELD PRACTICE FORMS CONT. • Field Practice Enrollment Application (web-based) – Schedule number application.Submit only AFTER you received email approval from Field Placement Coordinator. • Student Evaluation of Field Placement (web-based)– Within 2 weeks of completing hours or by the last week of classes, whichever comes first. • Supervisor Evaluation of Field Placement (web-based) - Within 2 weeks of completing hours or by the last week of classes, whichever comes first.

17. Options for Liability Coverage 1. SDSU Student Professional Liability Insurance Program (SPLIP) - all students are eligible to be covered under the university insurance policy, Student Professional Liability Insurance Program (SPLIP) as long as a formal Service Learning Agreement is on file between the university and the internship site. NOTE: SLA sites will be posted on website.Process of establishing agreement can take at up to 4 weeks.

18. Options for Liability Coverage • Employer Coverage – Students employed by their field site are most likely covered. Have Supervisor complete the Verification of Professional Liability Coverage form. • Personal Coverage – Students who select a site without a formal agreement in place and do not want to wait 2-4 weeks to establish a Service-Learning agreement may opt to purchase their own coverage (approx. $20-30 annually). The student must sign the Verification of Professional Liability Coverage form and email or attach copy of policy.

19. Examples of Field Sites In order to ensure that students are getting a truly integrative learning experience, the field practice must be completed in in a community setting including but not limited to: Hospitals Managed Care Organizations Government Agencies Community Based Organizations Research Institutions Private Institutions Some SDSU research projects/services (check policy) 19

20. PRECEPTOR REQUIREMENTS • Site, project and duties are relevant and appropriate to concentration. • For “community-based” requirement: Duties/Tasks must include activities in the field/community via interaction with community members and/or public health professionals (for “community-based” requirement). Examples include interviews, surveys, community meetings, health fairs, outreach, etc. • Organization can provide the student with two or more learning opportunities, and has adequate staff and support (i.e. not just data entry).

21. PRECEPTOR REQUIREMENTS CONT. • Field Supervisor (FS) holds a paid management-level position within the organization, with the ability to assign duties. • FS is able to devote at least 2 hours per week to field training activities, including planning, supervision and evaluation. • FS agrees to complete online Evaluation Survey.

22. FIELD PLACEMENT PLANNING FORM (FPPF) • Read instructions and utilize sample FPPF on the website. • Fill out completely and thoroughly. • Provide bulleted learning objectives; comprehensive description of the organization AND the project and list duties in office AND community. • Email me DRAFT at least 2-3 weeks BEFORE your planned start date (longer if no SLA on file). No signatures at this time.

23. FPPF - Learning Objectives The competencies, skills, knowledge or understanding that you hope to acquire through your field experience, NOT duties. Minimum of 3 Specific, reasonable and realistic Concise statements Written in present tense with action verbs that describe how learning will be demonstrated *See FPPF Instructions and Field Practice Manual for more guidance 23

24. Examples of Learning Objectives Acquire skills in survey design and administration for a Latino health study assessing physical activity and nutrition habits of adult Latinas. Develop and facilitate HIV health education classes for youth ages 12-24. Network and develop working relationships with members and participating organizations of the Coalition of Children and Weight.   24

25. Examples of Tasks/Duties OFFICE DUTIES • Review, revise and prepare study protocols • Perform literature review • Data Entry/Analysis • Research and develop study tools, materials and curriculum. IN COMMUNITY • Participate in outreach activities including health fairs and other community events. • Conduct street surveys, stakeholder surveys and focus groups at various sites. • Conduct health education classes for teens at community recreation centers. • Attend community and professional meetings.

26. Preparing for Field Practice Go to the GSPH website and SDSU Career Services for resources (i.e. internship listing and ideas): www.publichealth.sdsu.edu Sign-Up for GSPH List-Serve (Student Handbook) as well as others (i.e. APHA/ASPH) Determine what semester to do your field practice in (consider class load/finances, etc.) Do a complete self-assessment of your skills, personality traits, interests, goals and preferences for work settings (office, lab, field, etc.). 26

27. Preparing for FP Cont. Set up Informational Interviews with several organizations/companies. Network with faculty, students, friends, etc. Update your resume & cover letter (SDSU Career Services) GET INVOLVED!! - DSAC, clubs, community coalitions related to your health area of interest, professional organizations (APHA) 27

28. Selecting a Site Does the internship site/project qualify as an appropriate GSPH field practice site? Are the duties/responsibilities appropriate and relevant to my concentration? Skill level? Will I be able to apply what I am/have been learning in the program? Will I learn a new skill (s) that I have wanted to learn? 28

29. Selecting a Site Is the work setting/environment a good fit with my personality? Will I have the opportunity to participate in trainings, conferences or other professional development events? Does the Field Supervisor have sufficient time and interest in being a mentor/supervisor? Is there a potential thesis opportunity? 29

30. Tips for your Internship Keep yourself in check: You may be a student but it is expected that you adhere to the same rules as the employees. Observe the office rules/environment/culture and adapt to it. Always be professional: Good manners, respect, appropriate dress and language at all times. Don't refuse any task: Take on all tasks and do them well and willingly…you will get noticed and rewarded. Ask questions: It is okay if you don’t know something, even if you think you should. Keep a journal/portfolio: Keep track of your contacts, resources and products you developed. 30

31. Tips for your Internship • Utilize me as your resource to assist you throughout your internship and pathway to your public health career. • Tell me about problems: If your supervisor is not giving you the guidance/support you would like, you’re not being given a variety of learning experiences, you don’t’ have the resources you need to do your job, etc….then PLEASE TELL ME! 31

32. PH 650/750 Approval Process • Read Field Practice Manual thoroughly. • Download the Field Placement Check-List • Email DRAFT of FPPF and other documents: 1. Summer- 2 weeks prior to the last day of spring classes; 2. Fall/Spring- 2 weeks before the last day to add/drop; 3. During a semester- 2 weeks before the start of the internship.

33. PH 650/750 Approval Process • I review and approve. If not completed correctly I will send back to you. Otherwise if okay I then send to your Faculty Advisor for final approval. • Once the site/project has been approved, I will send you an email with approval and instructions to obtain signature from field supervisor & complete online Field Practice Enrollment Application. • When you submit the application you will receive an electronic confirmation informing you that the schedule number and add code (for late registration) will be sent to you within 5-7 business days.

34. Approval Process Cont. Use schedule number (and add code if applicable) to officially add your course through WEBPORTAL. IMPORTANT: University deadlines apply, therefore do not delay this step. 34

35. Important Dates December – Submit evaluations for completed fall internships by last week of classes Dec/January – Submit FPPF for spring internships May • Submit FPPF for summer internships • Submit Evaluations for spring internships by last week of classes. July/August • Submit FPPF for fall internships • Submit Evaluations for completed summer internships

36. PH 650/750 Summer Enrollment Options Option #1 – You want to work in the summer, but get credit in the Fall. Must submit paperwork before summer break. Wait until Fall registration to submit Enrollment App. Option #2 – You want to work and get credit in the summer (Not an option for all divisions- Check summer schedule). You will need to submit your paperwork no later than April 30th. Must submit enrollment application at least 1 week prior to last day of summer registration 36