Date of Award

Spring 2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs

Committee Chairperson

Matthew Kruger-Ross, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Orkideh Mohajeri, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Jacqueline S. Hodes, Ed.D

Abstract

High Impact Practices include opportunities or experiences students participate in during the college career that can have a greater impact on learning and can increase student engagement and retention rates. The number of students participating in these practices is increasing and some institutions are requiring students to participate in a high impact practice as a requirement to graduation. For these practices to be meaningful experiences for students, they must be done well. Thoughtful planning, implementation, and evaluation are important components to increasing quality of these experiences. Internships, are just one of the many high impact practices that students can participate in. One starting point to increasing the quality of internship experiences is providing students with knowledge early in their college career to learn about the internship process. Preparation can include a review of on campus resources, career exploration, as well as risks, financial or legal, that can be associated with student involvement in an internship. An intervention will be presented in the form of a six-part module that students will complete if they are enrolled in a degree program with an internship requirement. Early preparation and ongoing support will provide students the opportunity to make informed decisions and ensure they have resources to succeed. While student preparation and support are only one starting point to create quality experiences, future research is needed.

Share

COinS