ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ

Learning to interpret requires student interpreters to develop frameworks of understanding, knowledge, skills, and dispositions to use in making interpreting decisions. Field experiences provide the link between theory and practice to facilitate the acquisition of those critical frameworks.

The internship is organized according to the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE) Standards (2019) by which the interpreting program is accredited. In addition, each intern will develop a Professional Development Plan. This diagnostic goal plan assists interns in identifying areas that need improvement or growth and specifies activities to accomplish this growth.

The Interpreter Education Program internship is based on these guiding principles:

• We value alliance with the Deaf and DeafBlind communities and respect the cultural norms inherent to these populations.
• We emphasize a spirit of respectful collaboration, partnership, and collegiality.
• We encourage a combination of professional skills development and dispositional growth in emerging interpreters.
• We promote personal responsibility and ownership for self-development and self-assessment.
• We foster an open-minded approach to diversity of all kinds.

Purpose

The purpose of the Interpreting Practicum Handbook is to guide the placement site’s Institution Representatives, Supervising Interpreters, Practicum Instructors, and interns in planning, implementing, and assessing the practicum experience. The handbook includes materials, tools, tips, and suggestions for creating a successful internship experience. Student interns should read this handbook extremely carefully prior to registering for INT 4947 Interpreting Practicum.

Goals of the Practicum Experience

• To provide the intern with intensive field-based practical experience that develops the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required for a career in interpreting.
• To provide the intern with opportunities to observe, assist and learn from experienced interpreters.
• To provide the intern with opportunities to engage in reflective self-assessment of interpreting performance and use constructive feedback from others to refine interpreting skills.
• To encourage the intern to draw upon interpreting theories and the Code of Professional Conduct in order to solve problems.
• To sequentially provide the intern with increasingly comprehensive and complex experiences in interpreting, interaction management, and self-assessment.

The internship experience is collaborative in nature. It is a partnership among interns, Practicum Instructors, and interpreting service providers (Institutional Representatives and Supervising Interpreters). Each partner brings valuable expertise to the team, which enables students to progress toward professional growth and competence. An effective internship experience requires a climate of trust and rapport among team members. The ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Interpreter Education Program greatly appreciates the time and effort provided by partners who make the internship a valuable experience for students.

 Internship within a practice profession, such as interpreting, requires a systematic process of observing, incorporating and practicing new skills, self-assessing, listening to feedback from qualified mentors, targeting areas that need strengthening, remediating errors, reflecting on growth, and following a specific plan for improvement. In INT 4947 Practicum and Portfolio Presentation, interns work through this systematic process via collaboration with the internship team and completion of course requirements, such as participating in videoconference meetings, journaling, self-assessing, developing a Practicum Development Plan, etc. The primary goal of the internship is to collaboratively solve problems and facilitate development of effective interpreting practices and enhanced self-efficacy. This goal is achieved when the team members interact with respect and unconditional positive regard.

 Interns

Student interpreters are referred to as ‘interns’, who assume the roles of observer, interpreter, reflective thinker, facilitator, communicator, and team member during the internship experience. The internship assists interns with (1) developing a set of professional understandings and skills, and (2) learning to examine experiences for valuable lessons while seeking to meet the communication needs of consumers.

 Intern Responsibilities

(see Appendix D: Attributes of a Successful Intern for more tips):

• Think of yourself as a professional interpreter, not a student. Having a strong mindset as the interpreter will give you confidence to behave in the way you have been trained, including behaviors like asking for clarification, negotiating turn-taking, interpreting with confidence, etc.
• Arrive early. If you are on time, you are late to an interpreting assignment.
• Maintain regular attendance. Report every absence to the Supervising Interpreter, the Institutional Representative, and the Practicum Instructor. Extended absences due to illness should be communicated to the Interpreting Program Director. Excessive absences can lead to a discontinuation of internship.
• Establish a positive working relationship with the Practicum Instructor, Supervising Interpreter, and all consumers. You are the interpreter.
• Respect the goals and business practices of the placement site as if you are an employee, and only speak positively about your ‘employer’. If problems cannot be resolved onsite through civil discourse, contact the Practicum Instructor to assist.
• Adequately prepare for all interpreting assignments and debrief with the Supervising Interpreter after assignments.
• Use corrective feedback from the Supervising Interpreter and the Practicum Instructor to become a reflective practitioner. Everyone has something to learn!
• Furnish the Practicum Instructor with a copy of your weekly schedule, as applicable.
• Record time in the Practicum Timesheet and submit weekly.
• Develop and implement a Practicum Development Plan at the start of the semester.
• Complete all assignments and requirements of the Supervising Interpreter and Practicum Instructor.
• Attend and participate in all required meetings with the Practicum Instructor.
• Be professional in your attire, disposition, communication, and behavior at all times.
• Show gratitude to the volunteers who are trying to give you a valuable internship experience. They are investing in your future.
• Manage and assess the interpreting environment.
• Focus on the work, avoid outside distractions, prioritize internship placements, and take responsibility for your own learning.
• Know the content matter you are interpreting, and effectively communicate that content to a wide range of consumers.
• Assume the professional roles and responsibilities of an interpreter in your assigned setting.
• Systematically reflect upon your practice and learn from your experiences.
• Demonstrate the proficiencies identified in the CCIE standards.
• Complete internship course requirements, including the minimum of 200 hours of interpreting experience under the supervision of an interpreter who is academically qualified, experientially prepared, and/or holds a valid certification for the interpreted interactions.

Practicum Instructors

The Practicum Instructor is the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ instructor responsible for supervising the internship of a specified number of interns (also called an ‘Instructor of Record’). Practicum Instructors serve as interpreter educators, mentors, facilitators, and liaisons between ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ and placement sites. Practicum Instructors lead the Practicum Team, which consists of the intern, Institutional Representative(s), and Supervising Interpreter(s) and assume major responsibility for coordinating and planning internship experiences, assessing performance, suggesting ways in which competencies may be strengthened and/or enhanced, and providing guidance and structure for the Practicum Development Plan (see Appendix A).

 Responsibilities of Practicum Instructors:

• Serve as liaison between the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ College of Education and Human Services and the placement site.
• Convey ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ policies, procedures, and requirements to all personnel involved in internship experiences.
• Know the criteria to be used in assessing the intern’s performance.
• Assess and provide feedback on recorded interpretations submitted by the intern.
• Confer with the intern and Institutional Representative/Supervising Interpreter, as needed, during the internship placement.
• Coordinate the internship by initiating and facilitating communication among the practicum team members and specifying expectations for the internship experience.
• Assist in the creation, implementation and assessment of the intern’s Practicum Development Plan.
• Discuss with the intern how the internship experience will be evaluated and how final grades will be determined.
• Inform the intern that the Interpreter Education Program will not secure alternative internship placements if student misconduct caused a placement to be disrupted.

Interpreting Service Providers

All placements are conducted under the direct supervision of a Sponsoring Institution Representative and a Supervising Interpreter(s). According to the CCIE standards, interns must be directly supervised by interpreters who are academically qualified, experientially prepared, and/or hold a valid certification for the interpreted interactions.   Supervisors must be regularly available to observe interns working and to meet with them regarding their progress. (NOTE: In some instances, the Institutional Representative and Supervising Interpreter role are held by the same individual.)

Mentoring interns as they begin interpreting is a challenging task. There is no “one plan” that will fit all circumstances; however, frequent feedback throughout the internship will promote professional growth. One must remember that the intern is learning to be an interpreter and is expected to make some mistakes. The Practicum Team is able to help the intern learn from these mistakes and develop strategies that will minimize or prevent them in the future. One of the most effective methods of assessing changes in behavior is through self-assessment. Interns are encouraged to look at themselves objectively and to assess their strengths and weaknesses. It is advisable for the Supervising Interpreter and intern to set aside a predetermined time each week to assess the week’s events, plan for the week ahead, discuss possible interpreting strategies, discuss specific problems, identify areas of interpreting that have been successful and others needing improvement, and make an entry in the intern’s Professional Development Plan.

 Responsibilities of the Institution Representative:

• Model professional interactions with consumers.
• Familiarize the intern with the placement site and assignment locations.
• Orient the intern to institutional policies, practices, and routines.
• Clarify the intern’s roles and responsibilities at the start of the internship experience.
• Explain your expectations to the intern.
• Conduct midterm and final evaluations of the intern’s performance.
• Grant permission for a practicum to occur within its jurisdiction.
• Determine interpreting opportunities that are appropriate for the intern’s interpreting credentials and experience.
• Sign a weekly time sheet confirming hours worked.
• Complete an evaluation about the intern’s performance at the midterm and end of placement based on the input of the Supervising Interpreter(s) with whom the intern has worked;
• Work with the intern to record live or mock interpreting situations at the beginning, middle, and end of the placement.
• Contact the Instructor if any issues arise with the intern that cannot be resolved interpersonally with the student intern directly.

 Responsibilities of the Supervising Interpreters:

• Provide formative and summative feedback on interpreting process and product.
• The intern is a learner on a continuum and needs guidance and support. Be patient with the intern. Offer lots of encouragement, but frankly address any problems or issues with the intern. Interns will differ in their ability to take on responsibilities. Gradually initiate the intern to your work environment.
• Help the intern locate resources and materials for professional development.
• Invite the intern to engage in reflective self-evaluation. Ask questions. Encourage the intern to describe, evaluate, and refine his/her interpreting.
• Confer regularly with the intern and the Practicum Instructor concerning the intern’s progress. Identify weaknesses early and design strategies for remediation.
• If conflicts or problems arise, discuss them confidentially with the intern and the Institutional Representative or Practicum Instructor.
• Serve as mentors and be available to observe the intern working regularly.
• Conduct meetings with the intern and Practicum Instructor regarding progress.
• Allow interns to interpret alone in settings that are appropriately matched to the intern’s skills and allow for debriefing mentorship afterwards. (Under no circumstances should the intern be used as a substitute for a qualified interpreter.)

During the internship experience, interns are supervised by the Practicum Instructor, Institutional Representative, and Supervising Interpreter(s). Interns adhere to the procedures and policies governing professionals assigned to the individual placement sites as well as the guidelines within this handbook that are specific to the ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ.

Placement Procedures

• Students who have met the prerequisites for internship complete a Notice of Intent in the Spring semester of thier junior year and submit a ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ ASL/English Interpreting Program Practicum Application, following the timelines published in the Undergraduate Handbook, in September.
• Students are responsible for inquiring about potential placement sites and for completing any application materials. Students may contact sites to see if they have internships but should not begin any application procedures with the placement site. Site applications must be filled out and submitted to the Practicum Instructor for review prior to submission to the potential site. If the site has an online application, students should provide copies of the application materials to the instructor for approval before completing the online application.
• Students do not negotiate their own placements. It is the responsibility of the Program Director or Practicum Coordinator to communicate directly with the potential placement sites, and the intern will be informed when they may begin the application process with the placement site (e.g., sample interpretations, background checks, fingerprinting).
• Students should CC (copy) their Practicum Instructor on ALL email communication once they are approved to begin the site’s application process. If the placement site communicates with you, you should forward this email communication to your instructor immediately.
• Students should not make travel arrangements or otherwise communicate with the placement site until officially accepted by the site and an affiliation agreement between ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ and the site is in place.
• The affiliation agreement is initiated by the instructor, not by the student.
• The instructor will inform the student when he/she may have direct contact with the placement site.
• The Institutional Representative assigns each intern to a Supervising Interpreter(s) who meets the  criteria established by the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE).

Practicum Experience

The practicum experience is designed to provide opportunities for the intern to develop and refine essential interpreting competencies, to link theory to practice, and to develop personal theories about the interpreting process that will guide professional practice. Professional growth and development is an ongoing process which begins with internship and continues throughout your professional career.

 Per CCIE standards (8.1), students must acquire a minimum of 300 hours of observation, teaming, professional responsibilities, duties, and/or activities (e.g., scheduling, preparation, invoicing, meetings, and in-service training) in authentic settings where interpreters are employed during their program.  The standards (8.2) require that “a minimum of 100 hours of authentic interpreting services must occur during the capstone experience and must be directly supervised by interpreters who are academically qualified, experientially prepared, and/or hold a valid certification for the interpreted interactions.  These 100 hours may be reflected within the total 300 hours of field experience.”

 For our program the capstone experience is the INT4947 Practicum.  The practicum is one semester in length OR until the required number of hours is met. During the practicum, interns must spend a minimum of 200 hours engaged in interpreting work (teaming, observing, preparation, debriefing, interpreting).  This minimum (200 hours) includes the minimum of 100 hours of authentic interpreting services.  This means that at least 100 hours must be actual interpreting hours while the remaining hours can be interpreting hours or can be hours of observation, professional responsibilities, duties, etc.  The 200 hours is in addition to the 100 hours already accumulated through the Field Experience class.

 The accumulation of 200 hours is one aspect of the course and there are other assignments, journals and discussions that must be completed. If a student does not have the required 200 hours by the end of the semester, he or she may need to retake the course the next time it is offered. A successful internship depends upon obtaining all the required hours--nothing short of the 200 hours required by CCIE will result in course completion.

 Failing to acquire the necessary hours in an internship placement within the semester constitutes course failure. There is no automatic extension for the semester’s 200-hour requirement. An ‘Incomplete’ for the course is only a possibility if (1) the intern has been steadily acquiring hours throughout the semester and making progress toward goal completion (as noted in the Practicum Development Plan), AND (2) through no fault of the intern, the placement becomes unable to provide interpreting work and mentorship. The Practicum Instructor makes the decision about allowing an extension (see Grade Determination for more information).

 Attendance

Interns are expected to arrive 15-20 minutes before an interpreting assignment is scheduled to begin unless otherwise instructed by the Supervising Interpreter. Internship is a full-time responsibility and regular attendance is critical to the development of the intern’s interpreting competence. Students are expected to be available during normal work hours throughout the entire internship semester (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm).   If you are unable to commit to full-time availability (Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm), you will not be successful in completing the practicum and should delay enrollment in INT 4947 Practicum and Portfolio Presentation until you can commit to a full-time placement.

 Absence

Only absences due to illness or emergency are acceptable. Absences will not be excused for personal business barring extraordinary circumstances. The intern is responsible for notifying the Practicum Instructor, the Institutional Representative, and the Supervising Interpreter in the event that illness prevents fulfillment of responsibilities. Extended absences due to illness should be communicated to the Interpreting Program Director. The Practicum Instructor in consultation with the Interpreter Education Program Director and Institutional Representative will determine if the internship should be discontinued or extended.

 Conduct

Interns are considered professional members of the interpreting team and should adhere to the customs, policies, and regulations governing professionals at the placement site to which they are assigned. Information concerning consumers and the placement site should be held in confidence. Interns are expected to abide by the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct throughout their internship experience. This includes being respectful of consumers, interpreting mentors, and all those persons with whom the intern might interact.

 Confidentiality

All placement-related information is strictly confidential. Interns may discuss appropriate information with the Institutional Representative, Supervising Interpreter, or the Practicum Instructor. Conversations about placement should not be shared with classmates. Practicum journals are kept for the strict purpose of skill development and professional growth and are confidential between the intern and Practicum Instructor. No confidential information about consumers, supervisors, sponsoring institutions, or colleagues should be included in journals. Absolutely NO social media postings regarding any activities of Practicum are permitted (text, photo, or video). Social media postings that are a breach of confidentiality under the RID Code of Professional Conduct  will result in dismissal from the practicum site and failure of the course.

 Attire

Interns are expected to dress professionally and appropriately for the situation. Business attire is expected for agencies and businesses and a suit is expected for legal settings. Interns should verify with the Supervising Interpreter what attire is appropriate for the work setting. Dress with future employment in mind. Specific guidelines include:

• Jewelry should be kept to a minimum (no big earrings, bangles, etc.).
• Visible facial and industrial piercings should be removed.
• Make-up should be conservative and not distracting for consumers.
• Fingernails should be well-groomed (trimmed and clean). This is especially important when working with DeafBlind consumers. Ideally, nail polish should not be worn. If it is, it should be a neutral color that is not distracting for consumers.
• Facial hair should be trimmed so it is not covering the mouth or neck area.
• Tattoos on the upper body should be covered by clothing.
• Shirts should cover the cleavage and button-down shirts should have no more than the top two buttons open.
• Hair grooming styles should be out of the interns’ face and not distracting to consumers or other involved participants (this might include maintaining typical hair colors and adopting more typical hairstyles).

 What not to wear: Sleeveless or strapless shirts, flip flops, stilettos, sandals, t-shirts, jeans, leggings, dresses and skirts above mid-thigh, shorts, athletic shoes, character ties, patterned shirts, long or brightly colored nails, excessive make up, excessive perfume/cologne, or hats. NOTE: There may be some settings where jeans, shorts, or sneakers will be appropriate. Ask the Sponsoring Institution Representative for guidance before wearing more casual attire.

 Communication and Gossip

Keep the lines of communication open with your Supervising Interpreter and Practicum Instructor. Learn how to communicate positively with colleagues, consumers, fellow interns, and other professionals. Communication is an important first step in building a relationship with your colleagues. If you have a question, ask it! When you fail to keep the lines of communication open, problems and misunderstandings may develop.

 Negativity has no place in the internship experience. As an intern, you should avoid talking negatively about the placement site, fellow interpreters/students, or other individuals related to the internship experience. Engaging in this negative behavior leads to a lack of trust in the intern and contributes to closing the lines of communication. Criticizing business practices or judging professional decisions made by the hosting entity is unprofessional. A professional does not listen to or contribute to the gossip cycle.

 Teamwork

Learn to be a team player. This is a skill that will benefit you greatly in your career.  You, your Supervising Interpreter, and other professionals at your placement site are a team because the interpreting profession requires a collaborative effort. You cannot be an effective interpreter without help. As a guest, take every opportunity to learn from your Supervising Interpreter and other professionals. Approach the internship with humility. Arrogance about your existing skills is unbecoming of a professional. You may not always agree with your Supervising Interpreter, but do not try to change the system or give unsolicited advice about problems you see within the placement site. You will have many opportunities to share your ideas. Good relationships with your Supervising Interpreter, Institutional Representative, Practicum Instructor, and consumers are important. Your reputation in the interpreting community and the Deaf community rests heavily on your conduct during internship placements. Future job references could rely on the support and recommendations from your internship team members, so it is in your best interest to work collaboratively and maintain an open mind to growth during this time. 

Preparation

Preparation is crucial for an effective interpretation. This preparation includes preparing for the setting, topic, and consumer(s). Consider demands that may arise and appropriate controls that you could implement. Prepare for the unexpected - bring professional development materials to work on during down time, have an extra set of clothes in your car for emergencies, and create an Interpreter’s Kit (see these websites for ideas on what to include:    ).

 Full-Time Commitment

Internship is a full-time commitment and interns are expected to give their full attention to internship during this time. Interns are expected to attend all meetings and other assignments as directed by the Institutional Representative and/or Supervising Interpreter. Approval to take a course concurrently with internship is an exception to academic policy that must be given by the Interpreting Program Director PRIOR to registering for Practicum and Portfolio Presentation.

 Full-Time Employment

If you are otherwise employed full time, arrangements will need to be made to clear your schedule sufficiently to acquire internship hours during the day and on a daily basis. Typical interpreting work happens from 8:00 am through 5:00 pm. There may be additional opportunities on the weekend or evenings, but this is not the norm and will not provide enough interpreting hours to complete the hours required.

Termination of Internship

Interns are responsible for preparing for interpreting assignments, maintaining good professional relations with their Supervising Interpreter(s) and Institutional Representative, and working effectively with consumers. Should the intern fail to meet any or all of the responsibilities of internship, the Institutional Representative and/or Practicum Instructor in collaboration with the Interpreting Program Director and Department Chairperson have the option to extend and/or terminate the internship contract.

 If the intern’s interpreting performance or professional behavior is considered unsatisfactory or inappropriate, the Practicum Instructor and/or Supervising Interpreter will identify the area(s) of concern and outline strategies for remediating these concerns. The Practicum Instructor will provide, where possible, sufficient time for the intern to incorporate new behaviors into interpreting performance or professional behavior prior to deciding to terminate the placement.

 Interns may be removed from the internship experience at the request of the Institutional Representative or Practicum Instructor if it is determined that the intern is not making satisfactory progress after intervention strategies have been initiated, or if the intern’s presence is detrimental to other interpreters or consumers. The termination of internship may result in a letter grade of “D” or “F.”

 The Practicum Instructor in collaboration with the Interpreting Program Director and Department Chairperson will notify the student of dismissal from the practicum. Once a dismissal has happened, interns should contact the Interpreting Program Director.  a remediation plan may be developed to allow the student to work on areas that have been identified as problematic. All courses within the Interpreter Education Program may be repeated only once.

 Grade Determination

Grades are calculated through a variety of channels including informal and formal feedback from Supervising Interpreters and Practicum Instructors, completion of two-way journals, and development of a professional development plan. Interns will receive formative feedback regarding their performance from the Supervising Interpreter(s) and Practicum Instructors throughout the internship experience. This verbal and written feedback is designed to assist the intern in maintaining effective behaviors and in reducing/changing ineffective ones. The written feedback also serves to document progress during internship.

 Final evaluation includes written documentation of the intern’s demonstration of the CCIE Standards. The Practicum Instructor, in consultation with the placement representative/Supervising Interpreter, determines the final grade. A grade lower than “C” reflects unsuccessful completion of the internship and the course must be repeated the following year. In the case of course repetition, students will begin with a new notice of intent and application as new interns.

 The final grade for Interpreting Practicum will be based upon the following criteria (see Appendix D: Categories of Internship Hours for more details):

• timely submission of assigned tasks,
• satisfactory completion of course assignments, including:
  • completion and submission of timesheets on a weekly basis totaling 200 hours (100 of which must be interpreting),
  • successful completion of Practicum Development Plan,
  • interpretations and self-assessments (beginning, midpoint and final),
  • journal entries,
  • attendance and participation at all meetings and onsite classes,
  • other assignments as deemed appropriate by the Practicum instructor,
  • successful display of professionalism throughout internship.

 Professional Development Plan

Cooperatively, the intern and Practicum Instructor will create a Practicum Development Plan that sets measurable and discrete goals. Included in this plan are activities that will enable the intern to strengthen areas of weakness, identify progress, and record improvements. The goal plan is a dynamic document that changes as new goals are needed and new focus areas are added to the internship experience.

 Possible activities for skill development might include reading specific materials, demonstrating a targeted interpreting skill for the intern; attending workshops; completing recorded rehearsed interpretations which demonstrate targeted behaviors; specific self-assessment on recorded interpretations; critiquing a skill via videotape; team interpreting with the intern; or role playing.

Practicum Instructor Checklist

_____  Read the Practicum Handbook. Know your role as an Instructor, the role of the Supervising
            Interpreter, the role of the Institutional Representative, and the requirements for your    interns.

 _____  Communicate regularly with the interpreting program director, the Institution
            Representative/Supervising Interpreter, and your assigned interns.

____    Refer to the Intern Calendar for important dates.

 ____    Make an introductory call or email to the sites where your interns are placed.

 ____    Orient your interns and their Supervising Interpreters to your expectations.

 ____    Maintain a file on each intern assigned during the term. The file should contain notes about
            communication with the students, their placement site, and evaluations of
            performance and progress during the semester.

 ____    Review the Practicum Development Plan in cooperation with the intern and make
            adjustments as needed during the semester.

 ____    Review the midterm and final site evaluations. Share the results with the intern as appropriate.

 ____    Assign a midterm and final grade for the intern, based on coursework and feedback from the
            Supervising Interpreter. 

 ____    Initiate Affiliation Agreement process with the Office of Academic Support and Information Services.

Intern Checklist

______Attend the Internship Orientation.

 ______Participate in meetings with the Practicum Instructor if required.

 ______Read the Interpreting Practicum Handbook.

  ______Complete all assignments as listed in the course syllabus.

 ______Complete all online surveys.

______Regularly communicate all changes and related practicum business to your practicum instructor.

 ______Communicate regularly with your internship supervisor, including any needs and/or issues that arise 

 ______Turn in Practicum Timesheets with appropriate signatures to the Practicum Instructor weekly 

 ______Sign and date the Interpreting Practicum Handbook page once above is completed.

Student Interns are considered guests of hosting sites. Interns represent the ASL/English Interpreting Program, ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ, and the interpreting profession to the community; therefore, personal conduct should reflect this fact. The Practicum is a controlled learning experience, and supervision by a certified Site Supervisor is required, unless otherwise arranged by ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ Faculty. Interns are expected to follow all agency/institution rules and regulations, and the following Rules of Conduct:

CONFIDENTIALITY

All placement-related information is strictly confidential. Interns may discuss appropriate information with the Sponsoring Institution Representative (SIR) or the course professor. Practicum journals are kept for the strict purpose of skill development and professional growth and are confidential between the intern and professor. No confidential information about clients, supervisors, or colleagues should be included in journals. Absolutely NO social media postings regarding any activities of Practicum are permitted (text, photo, or video). Social media postings may result in your dismissal from the practicum site and failure of INT 4947.

 ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

Interns should arrive at the placement on time and stay until the specified departure time. Permission to change times must be pre-approved by the SIR. If an intern expects to be absent for any reason, he/she should notify the SIR or Supervising Interpreter. If absence is extended for more than two days, the student must also inform the course professor. Repeated absences or excessive tardiness may be grounds for removal from Practicum placement.   

 BEHAVIOR & PROFESSIONALISM

Interns should conduct themselves professionally at all times, maintain a positive demeanor, engaging with fellow interpreters as colleagues, and not speaking negatively about ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ or the agency. Guidelines regarding behavior include the following:

• Interns are to follow the direction of the SIR or Supervising Interpreter. 
• If problems, concerns, or complaints arise onsite, interns should discuss them first with the SIR or Supervising Interpreter for resolution and report them to the course instructor. 
• Cell phones should be turned off during time onsite unless other policies exist at the practicum site. Incoming calls, emails, and text messages should be returned after work is completed or during breaks. Students should not wear electronics on their person while interpreting (this includes wearable technology, such as smart glasses, smart watches, or earbuds). In case of emergency, interns may notify the Supervising Interpreter prior to beginning work for permission to receive and return incoming messages.
• Interns should not use office equipment (computers, copy machines, fax machines, etc.) at the site for personal use without permission.    

 WEAPONS

No guns, knives, weapons, or any item that might reasonably be determined to constitute or represent a weapon may be brought onto the property of the work site.

USE OR DISPENSING OF TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, DRUGS

No use of illegal substances or alcohol is permitted on field premises or during work time. The use of tobacco products is restricted to designated areas and appropriate break times. At no time should interns use e-cigarettes, tobacco chew or other oral nicotine products while actively working. Interns are not to be under the influence of any substance during internship hours. Under no circumstances shall any illegal, prescription or over-the-counter substances be given to or shared with anyone at the work site. 

SOLICITATION

Interns do not represent personal interests during placements. They may not sell, solicit, advertise, or proselytize any product, service, or belief at the host site (either during documented hours or outside of documented hours), including handing out business cards, pamphlets, religious tracts, or sales material.

HARASSING, DISCRIMINATORY, OR HOSTILE BEHAVIOR

Under no circumstances shall interns engage in discriminatory, harassing or hostile behavior (i.e. verbal, graphic, gestural, or written action or conduct directed against a person or group with intent to demean or create a hostile or threatening environment) or sexual harassment (i.e. unwanted, unwelcome, inappropriate, or irrelevant sexual or gender-based activities, comments or jokes). 

SEXUAL ACTIVITY

A ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ student is in a position with unequal power, authority, and/or influence over students and consumers or under their internship supervisors; therefore, no student shall begin an amorous relationship, with anyone at the field placement during the semester of placement.
                   
Complaints of violation of the above-mentioned rules will be taken seriously and addressed by the department. Substantiated infractions of the Rules of Conduct may result in the intern being placed on probation or withdrawing the intern from placement, which will adversely affect course completion. Students whose placement is terminated for violation of the Rules of Conduct will be required to repeat the course.    

Listed below are examples of activities that demonstrate the different categories of internship

hours:

Observation

• Observe the Supervising Interpreter.
• Observe other interpreters as appropriate.
• Observe billing procedures and other administrative duties.

 Preparation/Debriefing

• Review topics relevant to interpreting assignments
• Watch videos of consumers to identify language match
• Discuss interpreting assignments with Supervising Interpreter before and after assignments.
• Discuss interpretation process with consumers before and after assignments.
• Review recordings of mock or live interpretations.
• Perform self-assessments of interpretations.

 Interpreting

• Interpret in authentic (live) settings with hearing and deaf consumers present.
• Actively team interpret with a Supervising Interpreter or peer at placement site.

 The intern demonstrates a growth mindset by:

• consistently maintaining a professional and friendly attitude
• displaying the ability to accept challenges and move safely out of his or her comfort zone
• remaining open-minded and willing to learn from Supervising Interpreter
• exhibiting a positive self-image

 The intern demonstrates an appropriate understanding of interpreted situations by:

• adapting language use to meet the needs of the consumer
• using appropriate vocabulary in English and American Sign Language
• maintaining a professional attitude and appearance
• adequately preparing for all interpreting assignments
• establishing attainable professional goals and implementing strategies to meet these goals
• handling confidential information appropriately
• practicing courtesy with other interpreters and consumers
• refraining from making derogatory comments to colleagues

 The intern demonstrates appropriate concern for personal health and vitality by:

• being prompt and in attendance each day
• practicing proper self-care strategies
• asking for help when exhibiting symptoms of vicarious trauma
• exercising good time management and organization skills

 The intern demonstrates the ability to work cooperatively with others by:

• listening rather than talking at appropriate times
• assuming shared responsibilities
• responding positively to supervision
• accepting criticism and suggestions
• sharing materials, strategies, and space with others

 The intern demonstrates the ability to learn from feedback by:

• taking feedback in a positive way
• utilizing self-assessments
• being available and willing to discuss feedback
• using interpreter and consumer feedback for professional development
• incorporating feedback into future practice

 The intern demonstrates maturity of judgment and the ability to make realistic decisions by:

• weighing alternatives and selecting wisely
• basing decisions on adequate information
• behaving calmly and rationally
• embracing an attitude of unconditional positive regard
• making decisions that support professional goals

 The intern demonstrates a commitment to internship by:

• spending adequate time in preparation
• actively participating in internship meetings
• focusing attention on consumers’ needs rather than on personal concerns
• continuing to correct weaknesses and enhance strengths
• giving internship top priority

 The intern engages in continuing professional growth by:

• participating in professional growth activities
• sharing and seeking professional materials and ideas
• participating in professional organizations