NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

1525 W. California

Gainesville, Texas 76240

EQUINE SCIENCE

GUIDELINES FOR INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Objectives of the Program

1. Provide the student an opportunity to participate in actual “on-the job” educational experiences consistent with their educational objectives.

2. Provide student the opportunity to apply the skills and the techniques acquired at North Central Texas College to actual work in the equine industry.

3. Provide the student an opportunity to observe accepted techniques and work under a successful equine business in their chosen area of interest within the equine industry.

4. Provide student the opportunity to meet and become associated with potential employers in their specific areas of interest within the equine industry.

5. To allow a successful equine business to evaluate the employment potential of the student.

6. To allow a student to evaluate a particular career objective within the equine industry.

Requirements and Regulations of the Program

1. The student must have approval of an Equine Program Instructor prior to enrolling in AGEQ 2386 Internship-Equine Science.

2. The Equine Science Program at North Central Texas College will select the equine businesses with the advice from the Equine Advisory Committee and Equine/Ag. Dept. Faculty.  Students may also submit businesses for consideration.  The businesses selected will be prominent equine related business operations that agree to give students a total educational experience.

3. “Full Time” Internships require a minimal of four days/week with a minimal of 36 hrs/week, for a total of two months (eight, “Weekly Report and Work Record” forms).  “Part Time” Internships require a minimal of three days/week with a minimal of 18 hrs/week, for a total of four months (fifteen, “Weekly Report and Work Record” forms).  Actual time requirements beyond these minimal hours are the student’s responsibility in agreement with the internship business selected.

4. The completed Memorandum of Agreement must be evaluated and signed by the student, business supervisor, and an Equine Program Instructor, prior to the starting date of the semester in which the internship course is taken. 

5. The student is expected to meet with an Equine Program Instructor to discuss their experience upon completion of their internship program.  Minimal internship time requirements must be completed the week prior to final grade posting and all required reports and evaluation forms must be turned in before the last day of finals for semester student is enrolled in the course.  A grade will be assigned based upon paperwork completed and turned in.  No “incompletes” (I) will be assigned as a grade.

How to Proceed

1. Pick up the Guidelines for Internship Program packet from an Equine Program Instructor.  Review all forms and submit Student Application form with your resume’.  If you are eligible for AGEQ 2386, you may further proceed.

2. Equine Program Instructor will work with you to find an appropriate supervisor, according to your educational objectives and personality.  Student is required to meet with the selected business supervisor and work out an internship program that is satisfactory to both of you.  Internship program specifics must be stated in writing on enclosed forms and signed by all parties, in hopes that there will be no misunderstanding as to what each person expects during the internship.

3. Submit all completed and signed forms, including the Memorandum of Agreement, Internship Liability Release Form, to the Equine Program Instructor before beginning internship program.

4. The student is responsible for arranging transportation to and from the place of their internship, coverage for health and accident insurance, workmen’s compensation and liability insurance.

Evaluation

1. An Equine Program Instructor has the primary responsibility in completing the evaluation of a student’s internship program.

2. Equine Instructor will expect a weekly written report from the student worth up to 25 points per report.  Additionally, the student is to keep a daily work journal detailing hours worked and duties performed and submit a final term paper covering the total educational experience while on their internship. 

3. Equine Instructor will make assignment of the final grade from the student’s file including the weekly reports, journal, final report, and evaluation forms.

4. Final grade will be allocated on a percentage scale as follows:

            Weekly written report                         40%                                                     A         90 – 100%

            Journal                                                 20%                                                     B         80 – 89%

            Final term paper                                  10%                                                     C         70 – 79%

            Supervisor evaluation                         20%                                                     D         60 – 69%

            NCTC Instructor evaluation               10%                                                     F          <  - 60%

            Total                                                   100%