Assessment
at the University of Nebraska at Kearney

department assessment
    > Sociology Department
    > Internship

assessment home | department means | department home

ASSESSMENT PLAN
Majors in Sociology are encouraged to enroll in SOC 475 Internship, a work experience in a public agency.
1999-2000 ASSESSMENT
None completed this year.
1999-2000 ASSESSMENT
1998-99 ASSESSMENT
Two students completed internships with the Central Nebraska Initiative for Families and Youth. The on-site internship supervisor reported that both students acted in a professional manner and provided computer skills that were useful in entering the data that had been collected by the agency. The supervisor also reported that the interns were able to attend workshops that enhanced their skills and provided them the opportunity to network with professionals in the field. The everyday duties of the interns allowed them to practice sociological research skills including spreadsheets, preparing surveys, and data analysis.

A new contract for the internships is being created to make requirements clearer and standardized.

1997-98 ASSESSMENT
No internships were contracted this academic year. Once the new community emphasis degree option produces upper class students, there will be more of an opportunity for internships and service learning.
1996-97 ASSESSMENT
The intern students worked in public agencies -- one with United Way and another at a care center for the elderly, relating directly with clients or indirectly with other agencies, and did so well based on their background sociological training. Of those who completed internships during the past academic year, supervisors noticed "a great desire to learn" and "a great deal of patience in learning new ideas." Extra projects "we could not have done without her." This student found working independently without supervision and discussion "hard for her initially, but improved significantly." A second supervisor said of her intern, "Work skills were great. She should continue what she is doing now -- had no problem or concerns about her skills." These internships confirmed that our students are well prepared.
1995-96 ASSESSMENT
The Department had two students who completed internships during the past academic year. Her supervisor described one as having "a great desire to learn" and as one who "exhibited a great deal of patience in learning new ideas. " It was noted that she helped the agency with extra projects "we could not have done without her." This student found working independently without supervision and discussion "hard for her initially, but improved significantly." A second supervisor said of her intern, "Work skills were great. She should continue what she is doing now--had no problem or concerns about her skills." These students worked in public agencies--one with United Way and another at a care center for the elderly. These students were relating directly with clients or indirectly with other agencies, and did so well based on their background sociological training.
1994-95 ASSESSMENT
In this past year, our internship program was utilized by seven students. Their academic preparation in sociology apparently prepared them well to work in public agencies where they were dealing with confidential information and relating directly with clients. Two were subsequently employed by the interning organization.

In response to student needs for more careful supervision of Student Internships, we are vigorously pursuing the recovery of our lost faculty position.

1993-94 ASSESSMENT
One student enrolled to do an internship. The department concurs with her agency supervisor that, because of her hands-on experience in observing how client experiences feed into their present behaviors, she was able to make the connections between conceptual relationships and actual behavior. This intern felt she had developed a stronger sense of herself as a budding young sociologist.

A proposal for more field experiences in social agencies is being entertained, and a pilot program will be initiated in Spring Semester as part of one departmental course.

assessment home | department means | department home

17 May 2005
academicpublications@unk.edu