2. Double check your organization's requirements

Before offering experiential learning to a student, please double check the organization's requirements (affiliation agreement, background check, drug testing, format, etc.). Make sure to communicate this to the student and let them know if they are responsible for the cost and the expected timeline.

New affiliation agreements

We highly recommend an affiliation agreement for Kinesiology undergraduate experiential learning.

Creating a new affiliation agreement requires collaborating with the Contract Services Office on campus.

Due to the volume of affiliation agreements that this office is responsible for, please allow several weeks to months, depending on complexity.

The affiliation agreement lasts 3 years and allows professional liability coverage to follow the student to the site.

Background checks

It is not OSU policy to perform background checks or hold medical records for vaccines for OSU students. OSU does not certify or vouch for the background of the students who participate in this experiential learning.

You must conduct your own background check and obtain other information from the student if it is a site requirement. If you need the school to perform duties, talk with the experiential learning coordinator.

3. Identify an experiential learning preceptor

The site should designate at least one supervisor to the student during the entire internship process that is available to sign paperwork, meet with the student, provide mentorship and feedback on work projects, orientations, and onboarding procedures.

4. Provide relevant projects

Make sure the activities fit with the areas of kinesiology and the student’s area of interest.

5. Provide workspace (if on site)

It is the responsibility of the site to provide the student with workspace, expectations of work schedule, and office policies of the site.

6. Provide 30-90 hours within a ten week academic term

Experiential Learning can be 30-90 hours for one ten-week term or over multiple terms.

Kinesiology students are required 3 credits at 30 hours per credit but may arrange varied time depending on credit load.

These hours can include the student attending staff meetings, engaging in professional development opportunities, attending relevant committee meetings, conferences, workshops, instructing fitness, creating patient handouts, implementing adapted exercise plans, demonstrating movements to patients/clients, following you in your day, etc.

7. Meet regularly with the student

The supervisor should meet regularly with the student through email, phone, and in person.

The supervisor and student should schedule regular meeting times to sign assignment documentation, receive input, and discuss activities.

8. Provide feedback to the student

Most students will be seeking employment after their internship. It is vital that they receive ongoing feedback regarding their performance, skills, and projects.

It is the expectation that students come ready to learn, be flexible, honest, and show integrity.

It is important to show the student what it is like in the day of the job with appropriate supervision (do not leave student alone with patients).

There will be an opportunity to sit together with the Canvas portal for midterm and final evaluations at a minimum to give feedback.

9. Complete paperwork by the deadlines

Complete the paperwork before and throughout the term with the student by the designated deadlines in the student’s course Canvas portal. The student should be independent and guide this experience. You will also be sent the course syllabus prior to the start of the term.

The paperwork to be completed includes:

Learning Agreement

Completed before the internship, agreement between organization, student, and Kinesiology Experiential Learning Coordinator.

Affiliation Agreement (good for 3 years)

Completed the term before the internship if not on file, agreement between organization and OSU regarding liability.

Three (3) to Four (4) measurable goals

Completed by week 2 of the internship term, should be outcome and process based and shaping the experience the student will have over the term, this takes about 20-30 minutes if the student is organized and has it started.

Weekly check ins

The student should review and have supervisor sign off on tasks achieved and hours completed for the PRIOR week. For example, week 2 is submitted week 3.

This meeting should take about 15 minutes if the student is prepared.

A shared Google Doc with hours and tasks helps keep this organized.

Midterm Progress Report

Completed by Week 6 of the experiential learning term, takes about 30 minutes through student’s Canvas platform.

Final Evaluation

Completed by Tuesday of Week 11 of the experiential learning term, takes about 30 minutes through student’s Canvas platform.

10. Contact us

Contact the kinesiology general undergraduate experiential learning coordinator with any questions!

Dee Gillen is available throughout the process to meet, answer questions, and do virtual or in-person site visits (depending on geographic location).

Our students are expected to hold a high level of accountability and if they fall short, the coordinator is here to help put things on track.

Site supervisor handbook

The Kinesiology Experiential Learning Site Supervisor Handbook (pdf) highlights important information about kinesiology experiential learning, including key roles and responsibilities, kinesiology internship criteria, University policies, and tips for success.

Pre-Therapy Allied Health

If you have a student working with the PTAH (Pre-Therapy Allied Health) option, please work with their coordinator Emily Norcross.

Want to host a student?

Please contact Dee Gillen, kinesiology experiential learning coordinator.