Selecting an Unapproved Internship Site in Recreation Management

There are two instances where an unapproved site may be approved:

  1. The university does not currently have an approved site for that specific profession.
  2. A site is recognized by the profession for its top ranking nationally/internationally.

If you find an internship site that is not approved and it fits either of these cases, you must follow the following procedures:

  1. You must submit a letter of appeal to the Internship Coordinator within the first seven weeks of the REC 449 Pre-Internship course. The letter must clearly state logical, justifiable reasons why this site warrants consideration based upon the cases described above. The name, title, address and phone number of the person willing to supervise you must be included. Include all promotional literature that helps to explain the site and show proof of its excellence. Later in the approval process, a resume or bio letter outlining the supervisor’s educational background and past work experience must be submitted as well as a proposed job description. Submitting these two documents with your initial appeals letter is helpful but not be mandatory at that time.
  2. To help ensure that you not only select a quality site but that you get it approved, investigate at least three sites. Then, in your appeal letter compare the sites’ strengths and weaknesses, giving sound evidence as to why the site you have chosen is best and describe your reasons for selecting the site you chose.
  3. The Internship Coordinator will review your appeal letter. If the site is approved, it will be approved for only you (not a permanently approved site). Next submit a resume or bio letter outlining the supervisor’s educational background and past work experience (if it is not already submitted) as well as a draft of your proposed job description The site’s final approval will only occur after the job description and the supervisor’s credentials have been carefully reviewed. We want to ensure that you receive a quality, comprehensive experience with adequate support and supervision.
  4. You will be notified as to whether your appeal is accepted or rejected. If the site is not approved, the letter will state the reasons for denial.

If the site is approved and you have a memorable internship experience, the site may seek a permanent internship site status. To do so they should contact the University Internship Coordinator. The Internship Coordinator will then send them an internship application packet.