IEP Sponsor Information

Why do we need more sponsors? Enrolment in all the programs at MSVU has grown significantly in recent years and is continuing to grow.  The Dietetics program at MSVU has doubled to over 200 students since 2003 and there are over 25 students in the MScAHN. As MSVU recognizes the importance of completing the internship for future careers it makes every effort to accommodate all eligible students in the IEP. As a result there are now over 45 interns in the IEP and over 50 sponsors in a wide variety of clinical, community and administrative settings throughout the Atlantic region and Ontario. 

There does however continue to be a growing demand, in particular for clinical settings.  Therefore, MSVU is responding to the demand for internships from students in the Dietetics and MScAHN programs by continuing to seek out more traditional and non-traditional sponsors.

What are the benefits to being a sponsor?

 Our dietetic sponsors at MSVU have stated numerous benefits to both themselves and to their organizations from serving as a sponsor.

“I believe that I have grown both professionally and academically from what I have learned over the years through the dietetic interns that we have had at our organization”

“…The interns brings their own skill-set, literature updates, technology advances and professional network”

“…Our facility has benefited from gaining information/resources that I would not normally have time to source…”

“…They (interns) make us look at aspects of our own operation as well as our decision making criteria.  It also helps to focus our thoughts and let them know which items we see critical in our operations”

“Projects or an activity that students complete is work that actually needs to be done.  The research projects at the organization have been part of a bigger initiative and the interns contributed to that.  If it was not for the students, some of these projects would not be completed due to time and funding constraints…Staff also benefit from the projects because the interns many times present the project work at lunch and learns”

“It keeps me up-to-date”

“…I spend more time thinking about how I come to decisions because I try to explain what I am doing as I go along so the intern has some insight and rationale.  The benefit of having an intern is that you strengthen your own skills”

What are the Tasks and Responsibilities of the Sponsor Organization and Sponsor?

Internship tasks and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

1. Respond to solicitation letter request for Internship positions.

2. Discuss with the Internship Coordinator/Faculty Supervisor the learning opportunities that can be provided in the organization.

3. Read and synthesize the information provided in the Internship Education Program Policy and Procedure Manual and the Internship Education Program Manual to provide specific learning opportunities for the Intern appropriate for the level.

4. Ensure the Internship Agreement is signed and communicate any foreseeable changes (i.e. participation).

5. Provide a supportive learning environment for the Intern ensuring matters related to the performance of the Intern are handled confidentially and that provincial labour standards and human rights legislation are observed.

6. Ensure research projects (completed by undergraduate Interns) and assignments are of appropriate workload scope and that Interns complete and follow Department Research Ethics Review requirements. Consult with the Faculty Supervisor as necessary.

7. Ensure learning objectives have been developed for each Intern and that the evaluation for each rotation/experience is based upon the achievement of these objectives.

8. Remain in contact with the Faculty Supervisor to ensure all participating staff and other dietitians are kept informed of activities and requirements of the Program.

9. Initiate communication with the Faculty Supervisor if the Intern is having difficulty with achieving entry-level competencies to discuss an appropriate plan of action.

10. Ensure Intern has been properly orientated to the organization by forwarding orientation checklist and Program plan to Coordinator/Faculty Supervisor.

11. Supervise and evaluate the Intern's progress as the Intern experiences the learning opportunities. Meet regularly with the Intern.

12. Support Intern attendance at conferences, workshops, etc. sponsored by DC, NSDA and other relevant professional associations

13. Complete oral and Internship term report evaluations for all reports and send to Faculty Supervisor at the end of the Internship.

14. Complete all evaluation forms. Sign the written evaluation form and indicate readiness for next level, yes or no.

15. Evaluate the Internship Education Program by completing the Participant Feedback Evaluation form and send to Internship Coordinator.