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
April 10th & 11th, 2018

2. What Does he Public Health Internship Requirement Entail?
As part of the Public Health major curriculum, a 180-hour PUBLIC HEALTH internship is required.
In order to receive credit, a student MUST go through a formalized process, which includes:
Acceptance to complete the internship at a single approved site.
Receiving permission to enroll in and take PH 4960.
Completing 180 hours of fieldwork at the approved site.
Completing the requirements of PH 4960, which include 3 in-class meetings, reflections, submission of timesheets, an evaluation, and participation in a brief presentation at the end of the semester.

3. Internship Prerequisites
In order to register for PH 4960 and carry out your internship, you must:
Have advanced Senior standing (minimum 1 year completed in the PH program).
Preferably, PH 4960 is completed in your final semester.
Receive permission via a permit from Dr. Kisler Pisca after completion of the application process.

4. PH 4960 Enrollment
Internships may be carried out during the Fall or Spring Semester (for a 15-week long experience). Or
You may only enroll during the 10-week Summer Intersession, not the shorter May Intersession.
You may not enroll during the short Winter Intersession.

5. 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 List of Approved Public Health Internship Sites document.
Currently, there are 50+ internship sites that are approved by the Department.
The list is revised often, so check back regularly!

6. Department of Public Health Internship Site Placement
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)

7. Adding a New Internship Site.
*Alternate Step 1:
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.

8. Adding a New Internship Site.
*Alternate Step 1:
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 months prior to the start of the semester in which you hope to intern at the site.

9. Adding a New Internship Site.
*Alternate Step 1:
Adding a New Internship Site.
If the site seems appropriate, Dr. Kisler Pisca will contact and vet the site.
An informational packet and contract will be sent to the 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.

10. 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.

11. Step 3: Formalize the Internship Site.
Third, you need to obtain a Letter of Acceptance from the site once you have been offered an internship.
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.

12. Step 4: Formalize the Internship Site.
Fourth, you need to establish a Learning Plan.
On the website, click the Learning Plan link.
READ, print, complete, and sign both pages of 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 so that they align with your proposed internship responsibilities.

13. Don’t forget to initial!
180
1st day of semester
Last day of semester
Dr. KP’s signature
Don’t forget to initial!

14. 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: _______SIGN___________________________________________ Date: __/__/____ 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 #
180
1st day of semester
Last day of semester

15. Step 5: Formalize the Internship Site.
Fifth, you need to complete the Application to Register for PH 4960 Internship form.
On the website, click the Application to Register for PH 4960 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. Most of this will come from your Site Letter of Acceptance.
Site Supervisor’s name 3
Most of this will come from your Site Letter of Acceptance.
Sign & date!
Dr. KP’s signature

17. Step 6: 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 two weeks to review the documents and issue a permit.

18. Step 7: 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.

19. Step 7: Register for PH 4960.
Everyone who is eligible for PH 4960 and follows the proper protocol will be admitted into the course.
There is no course enrollment cap!
You do NOT need to enroll during your registration slot!
You must enroll, however, by the start of the semester in which you plan to conduct your internship.
For example, by August 20th for Fall, 2018

20. Step 7: Register for PH 4960.
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.

21. Step 8: 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.

22. Step 8: Carry Out Your Internship
A PH 4960 Syllabus will be shared with you at the start of the semester via Moodle.
There are 3 on-campus in-class meetings during the semester.
The course will have regular assignments, including bi-weekly online reflections, monthly timesheets, an internship “Show-and-Tell,” and an evaluation of your internship experience.

23. Tips for Success Start looking for a site early!
~2-3 months before the start of the semester.
Be aware of application deadlines.
Take your time finding the right internship site for you.
Reach out to more than one site.
Get your paperwork completed sooner rather than later.
Capitalize on the knowledge and experience of your peers.
Visit the Internship “Show-and-Tell!”
Take advantage of the Faculty Advisor!

24. 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 after you have completed at least one year of Public Health courses. 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 the Spring semester right before you graduate.

25. 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 your Academic Advisor 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.

26. FAQs
Q: What types of sites and tasks 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 a proposed site or the responsibilities assigned to you at an approved site.

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

28. 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.

29. 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. Again, apply early!

30. FAQs
Q: If I don’t make the 180 hours in 1 semester, can I get an incomplete (INC) grade?
A: Under most circumstances, NO. If you do not complete your 180 hours during the semester in which you are enrolled, you will need to take PH 4960 again and start accruing hours from scratch.
However, if you experience an unforeseeable/emergency situation, you may be granted an INC.
You will need to get approval from Dr. Kisler Pisca and provide documentation as soon as possible, as well as come up with a plan for completing your hours in the following semester.

31. FAQs Q: Can I complete my hours at more than 1 site?
A: No. You must complete 180 hours at the same site.

32. Still have questions?

33. Still have questions?
Ask me!

34. Dr. Kisler Pisca, Faculty Advisor
Office Hours: T/Th from 1:30-3:30 PM Simpson Tower, Room #306

35. Or better yet, ask a current intern!
Still have questions?
Or better yet, ask a current intern!

36. Visit the Internship “Show-and-Tell”
WHO: YOU!
WHAT: An internship fair with interactive displays highlighting the work and experiences of current PH 4960 interns.
Get the real deal on approved sites!
WHEN: Today! Tuesday, April 10th & Wednesday, April 11th from 3:00-4:15 PM
WHERE: Library Community Room (LIB North, Level B, Room 131)