The R News Commitment

Internships are reciprocal relationships. While we require interns to make a commitment to us, we have a responsibility to provide a high quality professional work experience for each student and their respective institution. R News provides:

• Orientation to appropriate policies and practices
• Meaningful work that will help each student attain his or her internship goals
• A single point of reference in the R News internship coordinator to address any questions or concerns, and oversee the intern’s performance
• A cooperative staff willing to assist in professional development
• Mid-internship and final evaluation of the intern’s performance

Since internships are widely considered an integral part of a college student’s formal education, R News is well aware of its responsibility in this partnership. We share in the notion put forth by the National Society for Internships and Experiential Education (NSIEE) that an internship should be a “carefully monitored” work experience with “intentional learning goals.” To that end, our program features mechanisms to assure the student meets internship goals, and R News meets its obligations to the student and the college or university.

During the course of their internship at R News students are required to:

• Maintain a journal to be reviewed by the R News internship coordinator every two weeks
• Create and maintain a portfolio of written work (scripts, weather forecasts, etc.)
• Produce a tape containing at least three internship-related elements (news stories, video editing samples, weather forecasts, etc.)
• Be punctual, work the required number of hours as scheduled, and maintain a time sheet
• Notify the workplace if unable to attend  
• Check out work site responsibilities with the R News internship coordinator
• Discuss any problems with the R News internship coordinator
• Dress appropriately
• Remember that he or she is a guest of R News and a representative of their college or university
• Be aware that an internship has its share of mundane, but necessary, tasks including answering phones, making calls, logging tapes, organizing paperwork, etc.

To get the most from an internship, students should be positive and enthusiastic. The opportunity is what each intern makes of it. Interns are encouraged to be aggressive and take initiative to volunteer for additional tasks.

In addition to assessment tools used by each institution, R News monitors a student’s progress through journal reviews, mid-internship, and end-of-internship evaluations. Our assessment of an intern’s performance includes:

• Journal, portfolio, and videotape

• Assignments are completed neatly, accurately, and thoroughly
• Written and verbal communication is clear and easily understood
• Demonstrates an ability to work under deadlines and learns from previous mistakes

• Willingness to make contributions with little direction
• Attempts non-routine tasks
• Requests clarification of tasks as needed
• Exhibits energy and enthusiasm

• Demonstrates understanding of job duties, equipment, and procedures
• Plans and performs work in an organized manner
• Student has confidence in his or her abilities

• Displays appropriate behavior and work attire
• Accepts constructive criticism
• Communicates effectively with supervisor and others

• Attendance
• Punctuality
• Accepts responsibility
• Follows instructions

The internship coordinator will conduct the evaluation. His assessment will be based on his observations, feedback from staff, and a review of the intern’s journal, portfolio, and videotape.