1. California State University, Los Angeles Department of Public Health
PH 4960: Internship Course Information Session
Internship Course Policies & Site Information
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kisler Pisca
March 20 & 21, 2017

2. Internship Prerequisites
In order to register for PH 4960 and carry out your internship, first you must:
Be in your Senior year or have completed at least 1 year in the program.
Receive permission from Dr. Kisler Pisca.
Internships may be carried out during the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters.
You may only enroll during the longer (10-week) Summer Intersession, not the shorter May Intersession.
You may not enroll during the short Winter Intersession.

3. Step 1: Identify an Internship Site.
First, you need to identify an internship site.
Visit the Department of Public Health “Internship” website at:
Click on the Internship Placement List document.
Currently, there are 47 internship sites that are approved by the Department.

4. Department of Public Health Internship Site Placement: Revised May 2016
The following internship sites have approved contracts in place with CSULA Department of Public Health
1736 Family Crisis Center 2116 Arlington Avenue , Suite 200 Los Angeles, CA 90018
Avigal Horrow Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator
Families affected by domestic violence, runaway youth
(310) Ext. 209
American Heart Association 816 S Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90017
Cevadne Lee Regional Director of Multicultural Initiatives
Health promotion, program implementation
Office: (213)
American Diabetes Association Greater Los Angeles Area 611 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 900 Los Angeles, CA 90017
Mercy Willard Director of Mission Delivery & Advocacy
Community wellness, Nutrition, Physical Fitness, Public Health
(213) Ext. 7452
American Lung Association 3325 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 900 Los Angeles, CA 90010
Anthony Ortiz-Luis Community Engagement Director
Taisha, resp. diseases, cancer, tobacco prevention & control
Office: (310)
alifornia/about-us/
Applied Technology Center College High School 1200 W. Mines Avenue Montebello, CA 90640
Sue Keppler
Planning, implementation & evaluation of activities for Health Science pathway HS students
Office: (323)
ARPI, Inc. Home Health Care Services 801 Chevy Chase, Dr., Ste. 205 Glendale, CA 91205
Verjine Keleshyan, Administrator
Office: (818) Fax: (818)
Arthritis Foundation 800 W. Sixth Street, Suite 1010 Los Angeles, CA 90017
Isela Monterrosas
Office: (714)

5. Step 1: Identify an Internship Site.
If you do not find a site on the Department of Public Health Internship Placement List, review the list provided by the Center for Engagement, Service, and the Public Good.
This list can be accessed on the Department website.
However, these internships are not necessarily related to public health.
Therefore, you MUST ensure you select a site that can offer you a public health-related internship.
Ideas can be run by Dr. Kisler Pisca.

6. Step 1: Identify an Internship Site. Adding a New Internship Site.
If you are interested in doing an internship at an agency that is not on the list of approved sites, there is a potentially lengthy process for gaining approval.
This process for adding a new site to the approved list includes the following required steps:
Contact the potential site and confirm their interest in hosting Public Health interns.
The site must be interested in hosting interns beyond your service.

7. Step 1: Identify an Internship Site. Adding a New Internship Site.
Write a ~1-page proposal that includes the following information:
Name, address, and website of agency.
Name, phone #, and address of an agency contact person.
Your rationale for proposing this site, including:
What you plan to do during your internship;
List of learning objectives for your internship;
Your reasons for why the site may be of potential interest to other students in the Department.
the proposal to Dr. Kisler Pisca at least 6 weeks prior to the start of the semester.

8. Step 1: Identify an Internship Site. Adding a New Internship Site.
If the site seems appropriate, Dr. Kisler Pisca will contact and vet the site.
Informational packet and contract will be sent to potential site IF deemed appropriate.
It can take MONTHS to get the legal paperwork and contract signed, so start early!
You will only be allowed to conduct your internship at this site IF the contract is signed and submitted before the start of the semester in which you wish to do your internship.

9. Step 2: Contact the Internship Site.
Second, you need to contact the internship site to inquire about hosting you as an intern.
Reach out to the site via and/or phone to inquire about an internship.
Include a résumé when you contact the site.
For help with résumés and interviews, visit the Career Center:
They offer excellent workshops and one-on-one assistance!
When contacting sites, always be professional.
You may need to make repeated contacts, but allow the sites sufficient time to respond.

10. Step 3: Formalize the Internship Site.
Third, you need to obtain a Letter of Acceptance from the site.
The site should provide the following information on their letterhead stationery:
A statement that they are willing to take you on as an intern for 180 hours, and the dates of the internship (semester).
What you will do (your specific responsibilities).
The name of your site supervisor.
A statement that they approve of your proposed Learning Plan.
The signature of a site representative.

11. Step 3: Formalize the Internship Site.
Fourth, you need to establish a Learning Plan with the internship site.
On the website, click the Learning Plan Agreement link.
READ, print, complete, and sign the 2-page Learning Plan.
You will need to develop:
Service Objectives: primary responsibilities at the site
Learning Objectives: the ways in which your internship will support/further your course work
Work with the internship site to establish these objectives.

13. PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
1. I will devote ______ hours per week towards completion of the service and learning objectives listed in my learning plan for a total of _______ service hours, effective from ____________ to ____________ (“learning activity”). I agree to complete any paperwork and orientations required by my professor or site supervisor as part of this learning activity.
2. I understand and acknowledge that there are potential risks associated with this learning activity, some of which may arise from (a) my assigned tasks and responsibilities, (b) the location of the learning activity, (c) the physical characteristics of the Learning Site, (d) the amount and type of criminal activity or hazardous materials at or near the location of the learning activity, (e) any travel associated with the learning activity, (f) the time of day when I will be present at the Learning Site, (g) the criminal, mental and social backgrounds of the individuals I will be working with or serving, and (h) the amount of supervision I will receive. I further understand and acknowledge that my safety and well being are primarily dependent upon my acting responsibly to protect myself from personal injury, bodily injury or property damage.
3. Being aware of the risks inherent in this learning activity, I nonetheless voluntarily choose to participate in this learning activity. I understand that I may stop participating if I believe the risks become too great.
4. While participating in this learning activity, I will (a) exhibit professional, ethical and appropriate behavior; (b) abide by the Learning Site’s rules and standards of conduct, including wearing any required personal protective equipment; (c) participate in all required training; (d) complete all assigned tasks and responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner; (e) request assistance if I am unsure how to respond to a difficult or uncomfortable situation; (f) be punctual and notify the Learning Site if I believe I will be late or absent; and (g) respect the privacy of the Learning Site’s clients.
5. While participating in this learning activity, I will not (a) report to the Learning Site under the influence of drugs or alcohol; (b) give or loan money or other personal belongings to a client; (c) make promises to a client I cannot keep; (d) give a client or representative a ride in my personal vehicle; (e) engage in behavior that might be perceived as harassment of a client or Learning Site representative; (f) engage in behavior that might be perceived as discriminating against an individual on the basis of their age, race, gender, sexual orientation, mental capacity, or ethnicity; (g) engage in any type of business with clients during the term of my placement; (h) disclose without permission the Learning Site’s proprietary information, records or confidential information concerning its clients; or (i) enter into personal relationships with a client or Learning Site representative during the term of my placement. I understand that the Learning Site may dismiss me if I engage in any of these behaviors.
6. I agree to contact the University’s Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at (323) if I believe I have been discriminated against, harassed or injured while engaged in this learning activity.
7. I understand and acknowledge that neither the University nor the Learning Site assumes any financial responsibility in the event I am injured or become ill as a result of my participating in this learning activity. I understand that I am personally responsible for paying any costs I may incur for the treatment of any such injury or illness. I acknowledge that the University recommends that I carry health insurance.
I have read, understand and agree to comply with these guidelines.
Student Signature: ______________________________________________________ Date: __/__/____
Parent/Guardian Name: Date: _________ Parent/Guardian Signature: (Required if student is under the age of 18.)
CSU Resource Guide for Managing Risk in Service Learning Copyright 2011

14. Step 3: Formalize the Internship Site.
Fifth, you need to complete the Application to Register for Internship form.
On the website, click the Internship Application Form link.
Print, complete, and sign the 1-page document.
You will need to list your primary responsibilities at the internship site.
Establish this ahead of time with the site.
Be clear and specific!

16. Step 3: Formalize the Internship Site.
Sixth, you need to submit the Letter of Acceptance, Learning Plan, and Application to Register to Dr. Kisler Pisca for approval before the start of the semester in which you will conduct your internship.
Once you have printed, completed, and signed the 3 required forms, give them directly to Dr. Kisler Pisca (room #306) or place them in Dr. Kisler Pisca’s box (Room #302).
You must submit hard copies; electronic copies will not be accepted.
Please allow Dr. Kisler Pisca at least a week to review the documents.
All forms must be submitted prior to when registration opens up.

17. Step 4: Register for PH 4960.
Seventh, you need to register for PH 4960.
Once your paperwork has been approved by Dr. Kisler Pisca, you will be ed a permit to register by Ms. Caroline Trejo, Administrative Support Coordinator.
Your permit expires within 2 days.
You need to register for PH 4960 once your regular enrollment period has opened up.
This is a 3 unit course.
You must register for PH 4960 during the semester in which you wish to complete your internship hours.
You may not start your internship hours prior to enrollment in PH 4960 or until the semester has officially begun.

18. Step 5: Carry out your internship
Eighth, you are expected to start your internship at the beginning of the semester when classes begin.
The following should be completed before the start of the semester: internship site established, paperwork completed and approved, and enrolled in PH 4960.
It is expected that you complete all 180 of your internship hours before the end of the semester in which you are enrolled.
A PH 4960 Syllabus will be shared with you at the start of the semester via Moodle.
The course will have regular assignments, including online reflections, an internship “show-and-tell,” and a few in-class meetings on campus.

19. Tips for Success Start looking for a site early!
Take your time finding the right internship site for you.
Get your paperwork completed sooner rather than later.
Capitalize on the knowledge and experience of your peers.
Take advantage of the Faculty Advisor!

20. FAQs Q: What if I am still on the quarter system?
A: There is no reason for a student to still be on the quarter system. If you are still on the quarter system, please see Veronica Arroyo to switch over to the semester system ASAP. Therefore, no student should be completing two internships; all students should be completing a single 180-hour internship.

21. FAQs Q: What types of sites are appropriate for an internship?
A: Many sites are appropriate, but your internship must involve tasks related to courses you took in your major in public health and your option in community health. Check with Dr. Kisler Pisca if you are unsure about the appropriateness of your internship responsibilities.

22. FAQs Q: Can I get a paid internship?
A: If you find one, of course! However, many internships are unpaid.

23. FAQs Q: I already work at an agency. Can I do my internship there?
A: You are encouraged to do an internship at a site other than where you work.
However, it may be possible to conduct your internship at your current place of employment IF the site already has a contract with Cal State LA and you can carry out responsibilities that are different than your current responsibilities. To show this, your agency should provide a letter detailing these new responsibilities with the hours allocated to each one of these activities and a strong rationale. Dr. Kisler Pisca will need to approve your request.

24. FAQs Q: What if I want to intern for LA County?
A: Internships with LA County are a wonderful opportunity! However, these internships require a lengthy application process, so you must apply early.
First, visit this website:
Second, review the current available internship projects on the website. You will have to identify 3 internships of interest.
Third, apply through the website listed above. It is suggested that you initiate this process at least 6 weeks prior to the start of the semester in which you will intern.

25. FAQs Q: I’m a new Public Health major. When should I do my internship?
A: You will do your internship during your Senior year. Internship is an opportunity for you to use the knowledge and skills you’ve gained as a Public Health major. You are encouraged to take your internship during Spring semester right before you graduate.

26. FAQs
Q: If I don’t make the 180 hours in 1 semester, can I get an incomplete grade?
A: Yes, only if you provide documentation of an unforeseeable/emergency situation.
You will need to provide documentation to Dr. Kisler Pisca prior to final exams week.
You will also need to contact Dr. Kisler Pisca in the following semester to schedule a meeting to discuss the requirements for completing the course.

27. Still have questions?
Ask a current intern!

28. Or drop by office hours in Room #306:
If you have further questions or would like advice or assistance with this process, please feel free to contact the Faculty Advisor, Dr. Kisler Pisca, at
Or drop by office hours in Room #306:
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00-1:00 or by appointment.