Course Requirements

I. What is the Internship?

Course Description: An experience external to the college for an advanced student in a specialized field involving

a written agreement between the educational institution and a business or industry. Monitored and supervised by a

workplace employee, the student achieves objectives that are developed and documented by the college and that are

directly related to specific occupational outcomes. This course may be repeated if topics and learning outcomes vary.

Course Rationale: Internship – Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia is an advanced course that is

intended to provide students with valuable learning experiences in the graphic design, graphic arts production or

interactive design industries. Students are mentored and supervised by a workplace employee in a business or studio

at an off-campus location. Through the process of attaining an internship position and working for an employer as

an intern, students acquire skills in multiple areas including: the techniques of getting a job, the efficient and accurate

performance of work duties, and the development of good work habits and positive interpersonal relationships.

Course Prerequisites: This advanced course requires a minimum of 30 credit hours completed in the ACC Visual

Communication program.

 

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to

• Discuss the application of classroom theory in the context of the student’s work experience

• Apply appropriate skills in the techniques of getting a job

• Recognize knowledge and skills that relate to the technical aspects of their discipline

• Demonstrate in a written work report a broad understanding of the organization for which the student worked

• Practice good work habits

• Establish interpersonal relationships through personal contacts on the job and employer evaluations

All of these goals and objectives are parts of the Internship program. For some students, some of the objectives may

be more important than the others. However, the Internship is designed to be an individual course of study flexible

enough to meet the special individual needs of students and employers.

 

Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Graphic Design program, students will be able to:

• Use industry standard vector, raster, and layout software tools to produce graphic design for print and digital media

• Apply the design process (define problem, define audience, research and gather ideas, create form, evaluate and

assess, produce and explain final solution) in the production of graphic design for print and digital media

• Select appropriate color, typefaces, layouts and concepts to produce graphic design for print and digital media

• Produce designs, concepts and layouts based on current industry standards for print and digital media

 

Upon successful completion of the Graphic Arts Technology program, students will be able to:

• Use industry standard vector, raster and layout software tools to produce graphic design for print and digital media

• Apply style guides (character, paragraph, grids, appropriate formatting, typefaces) to produce graphic design for print and digital media

• Apply the production process (define project parameters, prepare assets, produce design, prepare output) for print and digital media

• Develop a project working independently according to the delivery specifications for print or digital media

 

Upon successful completion of the User Experience Design program, students will be able to:

• Produce prototypes for software applications using industry standard methods, tools, and techniques

• Apply a user centered design process in the creation of software applications

• Design and develop responsive layouts for multi-device, and multi-channel applications

• Demonstrate proficiency in team collaboration

• Demonstrate professionalism and proficiency, in the presentation, design, and delivery of a UX portfolio

 

Upon successful completion of the Motion Graphics program, students will be able to:

• Generate digital styleboards that show understanding of the most commonly acknowledged design principles

• Demonstrate mastery of industry standard motion graphics software core functionality, including keyframeanimation and  digital compositing

• Create motion graphics animation to appropriately convey common subject matter including stories, advertisements and emotions

• Reproduce an industry-modeled studio team project from concept to completion, including milestones, peer critique and deadlines

 

Instructional Methodology:

The Internship is a different kind of course in structure. Unlike other classes, students do not receive identically written

learning objectives and there are no weekly classroom meetings. The Internship experience is not conducted in

college facilities under the observation and supervision of ACC faculty, instead learning takes place in an off-campus

workplace. Because the learning experiences of the different internships are quite varied, the student in cooperation

with his or her employment supervisor and the Internship instructor must establish learning objectives specific to the

individual experience. The purpose of ongoing contact of the principal participants, the various forms and their filing

deadlines and the student’s final written report is to document the fact that valuable learning experience did occur.

 

Grading System:

Grading will be determined by several factors, including the actual work performed with the participating company.

Additionally grading will be based upon the following criteria:

• attendance at 2 class meetings

• forms submitted by deadlines (3 from the student, one from the employer)

• regular weekly email reports

• internship report submitted at end of semester

 

Missed or Late Work:
The Internship Report and final two class forms are due on the last day of the semester and will

not be accepted after that date. Failure to submit the report and final forms will result in an F for the course.

 

Passing Grade Policy:
Effective September 2005, D’s are not accepted as a passing grade within Visual Communication

Department courses. Students receiving a grade of D must retake the course to receive credit and to progress to the

next level course. Students who made a D prior to September 2005 will be allowed to proceed to the next level course.

 

Advantages of Student Participation in the Internship:

1. Makes academic work more relevant by applying theory to real world situations.

2. Broadens student outlook and shapes behavior to meet the demands of the design professions.

3. Develops an understanding of the importance of human relations on the job.

4. Builds a portfolio and work experience.

5. Provides useful employment contacts.

6. May provide financial benefit.

 

College Credit:
Up to three hours of college credit may be awarded per semester for a student’s Internship

experience. If needed, the course may count as a Restricted Elective for a student’s degree plan. Students follow the

ACC academic calendar and are not expected to work holidays or during other college breaks. The student must

work a minimum of 12 hours per week and complete job-oriented learning objectives.

Pay: The pay and other benefits that a student receives for work are at the discretion of the employer.

However, the supervising instructor protects the interests of the student.

 

Advantages of Employer Participation:

The Internship program helps to maintain a flow of trained visual designers for business and industry. The program

attracts capable students and serves as an actual testing ground, permitting employers to identify and select welltrained

personnel.

 

Requirements of the Student to Participate in the Internship:

1. Create a resume and prepare for interviews.

2. Develop appropriate job-oriented learning objectives. Students will make appropriate plans to accomplish those objectives by the end of the semester. Both employers and students should realize that these objectives can be reevaluated and changed by mutual agreement of the student, employer, and supervising instructor.

3. Write a comprehensive report of Internship experience, describing the work experience.

4. Meet with the instructor and other classmates at the beginning of the semester and at the end of the semester to discuss work experiences.

5. Submit examples of projects that the student participated in the production of during their work experience,

unless non-disclosure agreements with the employer prohibit showing actual projects.

6. Follow the rules and regulations outlined in the ACC Graphics Internship agreement. The Internship agreement form will be provided by the Internship instructor at the initial class.

 

Attendance/Participation:
Regular and punctual attendance at the two class meetings and at the place of work is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw a student from the class.

 

What you’ll learn that will help in the workforce:

In 1989, the U.S. Department of Labor education jointly surveyed U.S. employers to find out the most important skills and competencies needed by workers. The results of that survey identified SCANS (Secretaries Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills). These are skills that employers need the most from their workers. SCANS skills are the predictors of success in workplace.

 

Internship:

Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia satisfies the following SCANS Competencies: 

RESOURCES

1.1 Manages Time

 

INTERPERSONAL

2.1 Participates as Member of a Team

2.3 Serves Clients/Customers

2.5 Negotiates

2.6 Works with Cultural Diversity

 

INFORMATION

3.1 Acquires and Evaluates Information

3.2 Organizes and Maintains Information

3.3 Uses Computers to Process Information

 

SYSTEMS

4.1 Understands Systems

4.2 Monitors and Corrects Performance

 

TECHNOLOGY

5.1 Selects Technology

5.2 Applies Technology to Task

5.3 Maintains and Troubleshoots Technology

 

BASIC SKILLS

6.1 Reading

6.2 Writing

6.3 Arithmetic

6.4 Mathematics

6.5 Listening

6.6 Speaking

 

THINKING SKILLS

7.1 Creative Thinking

7.2 Decision Making

7.3 Problem Solving

7.4 Mental Visualization

7.5 Knowing How To Learn

7.6 Reasoning

 

PERSONAL SKILLS

8.1 Responsibility

8.2 Self-Esteem

8.3 Sociability

8.4 Self-Management

8.5 Integrity/Honesty

 

For expanded details on the above SCANS Competencies please visit: http://www.academicinnovations.com/report.html

II. College Policies

Withdrawal: It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should

he or she decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should

he or she feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted

before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal

form for their records.

 

Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall, 2002, may be charged a higher

tuition rate, for that course. State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire

undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities. With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically

count towards this limit. Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog.

Incomplete: An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the

objectives for the passing grade in a course. An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the

following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline

for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.

 

An incomplete (I) will be granted to a student in extremely rare circumstances. Generally, to receive a grade of I, a

student must have completed all examinations and assignments to date, be passing, and have personal circumstances

that prevent course completion that occur after the deadline to withdraw with a grade of W.

Scholastic Dishonesty: A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission

of the college as an educational institution. Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of

their own thought, research, or self-expression. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated

college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions

constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, and

falsifying documents. Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range

from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college. See the Student

Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow

Copyright: The software programs that you in the labs are licensed to the college as the original purchaser and as

such are not available for students to duplicate for their personal use. Do not use college equipment to duplicate software

for other students or to produce work-for-profit. Do not download, copy or scan copyrighted material for use in

your projects.

 

Student Rights and Responsibilities:
Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution

to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility to

accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process.

Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided

by the evidence of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied by an

equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing partners in learning, students must

comply with college rules and procedures.

 

Privacy policy: 
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act protects confidentiality of your educational records.

Grades cannot be given over the phone, posted, over non ACC e-mail, or through a fellow student.

Statement on Students with Disabilities: Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented

disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request

them through Student Accessibility Services (SAS). Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they

register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations

may be delayed.

 

Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor

with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements

for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’

from the student. Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved

Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be

needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations.

 

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/sas

Safety Statement: Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for

study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and

agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs.

Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the

Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency

procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency

can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.

 

Please note, you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who

thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s

activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

You are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or

intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s

activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

Use of ACC Email Communication: All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the

student’s ACC email account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC

will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students

should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students

should use their ACC email account when communicating with instructors and staff. Instructions for activating an

ACC email account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/index.php.

Cell phone policy: Please silence your phone during scheduled class times. Please do not check your phone or

text during class time; you may check messages during your break.

 

Student And Instructional Services

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.

Information on these services and support systems is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/support

Links to many student services and other information can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/current/

ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course to be tutored.

The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at: http://www.autincc.edu/tutor/students/tutor

For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC

Learning Lab.

 

III. THE INTERNSHIP: PROCEDURE

The semester before the Internship:

■ Interested student contacts the supervising instructor to schedule a meeting and instructor assists student in identifying goals and skills.

■ Student contacts prospective employers and interviews with employers.

■ Internship jobs are offered and accepted or rejected. The student registers for the Internship class.

 

During the semester:

■ Student, employer, and supervising instructor sign the Internship agreement.

■ With the employer, each student develops job-oriented learning objectives, which the student writes with the assistance of the supervising instructor. The student, employer, and instructor sign the Job-Oriented Learning Objectives document.

■ The supervising instructor has weekly contact with all Internship students and conducts two scheduled class meetings: one during the first week of the semester and one during the last week of the semester. Students respond with weekly email reports detailing tasks worked on at the internship.

■ If requested, the supervising instructor will make a worksite visit to meet with the student and the employer.

■ The student submits the work report and the Objectives Rating Sheet at the end of the semester.

■ The employer completes the Job Performance Rating Sheet during the last week of the semester.

■ The supervising instructor reviews the employer’s evaluation, the student’s work report and self evaluation,

and awards the student’s grade.

 

IV. OBJECTIVES OF THE INTERNSHIP

■ The student will learn appropriate procedures for job applications.

With guidance from the instructor, the student will prepare a resume and graphic portfolio, apply for jobs at

companies the instructor recommends, and obtain a training position if an appropriate one is offered.

■ The student will learn procedures for documenting the work experience by using the Graphics Internship Agreement

form, and by defining productive work goals on the Job-Oriented Learning Objectives form.

At the beginning of each semester, the student will receive neccessary forms for the class with a timeline for

completion (see Course Outline page 8) and questions can be addressed at the class meeting and by email.

■ Students will establish appropriate job-oriented learning objectives (see Appendix page 9).

 

Following are steps for creating these objectives:

1. The student will meet with the on-the-job supervisor during the first two weeks of the semester, advise the supervisor

of the need for job-oriented learning objectives, and enlist the supervisor’s help in defining the objectives.

Objectives are most effective if they are discussed directly by the supervisor and the student employee.

2. In the third week of the semester, in conference with the supervising instructor, the student will complete the

statement of job-oriented learning objectives by:

a. Reviewing the job description.

b. Writing the objectives.

c. Designing a plan to accomplish the objectives.

3. Student will give a copy of the objectives to the employer.

■ The student will strive to improve job-oriented skills by evaluating the relevance of their objectives and self-rating on

their accomplishment.

 

1. In the middle of the semester, the student and the employer will have a conference to decide if the student’s

progress to that point indicates that the objectives will be accomplished and whether any changes, deletions, or

additions are needed.

2. By the end of the semester, the student will evaluate accomplishment of the stated objectives by completing the

Objectives Rating Sheet.

■ The student will understand the structure and function of his or her area of the employing organization.

 

1. Weekly email progress reports should be sent to the supervising instructor.

2. At the end of the semester the student employee will write a report describing his or her area of the employing

organization.

3. The report will be evaluated for completeness, clarity, and comprehensiveness by the supervising instructor.

■ The student will observe and analyze the value of the Internship experience.

 

At the end of the semester, the student employee will include an evaluation of the Internship education experience

as part of the end-of-semester student work report.

 

 

V. STUDENT WORK REPORT

The student work report is a written project due at the end of the semester during which the student is enrolled in the

Graphics Internship. At the end of the semester, the student will submit the report to the supervising instructor, either

in print or digitally as a pdf.

 

REQUIREMENTS OF THE WORK REPORT.

Format requirements of the work report are as follows:

■ Title Page: The report’s first page will list the report’s title, the student’s name, the semester for which the report is

written, the date of submission, and the company at which the student was employed.

■ Headings: Each section of text will be marked with a descriptive heading at the top of the page.

 

The report’s content will be developed into sections as follows:

■ Introduction: The introduction will define the purpose, order, scope and subject of the report.

■ Internship Job Requirements: The student will include a job description, duties, necessary skills, and graphic

products characteristic of his or her Internship placement. The student will also discuss all conditions of Internship

employment, including salary, employment procedure, and orientation to the organization.

■ Function of the Employing Organization: The student will describe the main services the employing organization

provides and the types of products it produces. (Emphasize the services and products of the immediate section or

work area if this is appropriate.) This section should explain what the employing organization actually does and the

organization’s part in the Austin/Travis County graphic design/multimedia community.

■ Structure of the Work Area: The student will explain the structure and lines of accountability of the immediate

work area. This section should also discuss equipment and technical processes used and any special policies or

procedures.

■ Student’s Role and Work Responsibilities: The student will discuss objectives and any additional skills and learning

goals. At this point, the student should add any comments about orientation, procedure, or expectations which

might help future Internship students.

■ Conclusion: The student will summarize skills, knowledge, and any samples of art work he or she has produced on

the job. The student will also evaluate the Internship as a learning experience, relating it to other training.

VI. THE INTERNSHIP: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Internship depends on the successful identification and interaction of three individuals: the Internship student, the

employer, and the instructor. This section defines the role of these three individuals.

 

THE INTERNSHIP STUDENT

■ indicates an interest in taking part in the Internship to the Internship instructor in Visual Communication at least

one month in advance of the Internship course.

■ updates his or her resume and references. It is recommended that the student write an outline of his or her skills,

training and special graphic arts interests. This outline should include all graphic design, web, interactive or multimedia

coursework completed as well as technical skills and any experience in design, illustration, or production.

■ interviews with potential employers identified by the Internship instructor.

■ learns and agrees to the terms of employment as part of accepting an offer.

■ registers for the semester of employment.

■ completes all employment and orientation procedures required by the employer.

■ performs work duties under the supervision of the employer.

■ learns about and works responsibly within lines of accountability of the job.

■ responds positively to criticism and on-the-job training.

 

Course Outline/Calendar for 16 week semester:

Week 1

Class meeting

Discussion of Internship Manual and course requirements.

Confirm Internship position.

Complete Graphics Internship Agreement form. Email or fax the form to instructor.

 

Week 2

Instructor confirms student placement.

Student schedules meeting with on-the-job supervisor to discuss job-oriented objectives.

 

Week 3 
Complete job-oriented learning objectives (with help of instructor if needed). Share copy with

supervisor. Email or fax form to instructor.

 

Week 4-8
Students work at their participating companies, report any problems and email instructor a

weekly report on their progress.

 

Week 9 Week 9
Meet with on-the-job supervisor to decide if learning objectives will be accomplished and if

changes are needed.

 

Week 10-14 
Students email weekly report on progress.

 

Week 15  
Review all paperwork that is due and prepare final forms to turn in.

 

Week 16 

Class Meeting Review & share Internship experience with class and turn in reports.

■ maintains weekly contacts with the supervising instructor and participates in scheduled meetings with other Graphics Internship students.

■ keeps open lines of communication with the employer and instructor.

■ fulfills all requirements of the employer and of the Internship course as it is outlined in this manual.

 

The Employer 

■ interviews Internship applicants.

■ outlines job requirements.

■ serves as the student’s immediate supervisor and mentor in the work setting.

■ provides or makes available necessary training for the student.

■ provides feedback and direction for the student.

■ completes evaluation of the student’s job performance.

■ receives a copy of the student’s work report.

 

Instructor 

■ identifies employers and student candidates for Internship work.

■ serves as liaison between the student and the employer.

■ provides weekly contact for the student, conducts seminars and coordinates Graphics Internship student’s interaction.

■ provides guidance and support for the student.

■ acts as instructor of record for the Internship course.

■ assembles documentation of the learning experience.

■ evaluates the student’s objectives and work report.

■ determines and awards the student’s final grade, which is based on the instructor’s review of the objectives, the work report and the recommendations of the employer.

 

 

 

Readings

Recommended Text/Materials: 

It is suggested to read any documetation that the company provides.

Periodicals that deal with the industry.

Course Subjects

Course Outline/Calendar for 16 week semester:
 

Week 1:

Cass meeting

Discussion of Internship Manual and course requirements.

Confirm Internship position.

Complete Graphics Internship Agreement form. Email or fax the form to instructor.

 

Week 2:

Instructor confirms student placement.

Student schedules meeting with on-the-job supervisor to discuss job-oriented objectives.

 

Week 3:

Complete job-oriented learning objectives (with help of instructor if needed). Share copy with

supervisor. Email or fax form to instructor.

 

Week 4 through 8:
Students work at their participating companies, report any problems and email instructor a

weekly report on their progress.

 

Week 9:

Meet with on-the-job supervisor to decide if learning objectives will be accomplished and if

changes are needed.

 

Week 10 - 14:

Students email weekly report on progress.

 

Week 15:

Review all paperwork that is due and prepare final forms to turn in.

 

Week 16:

Class meeting

Share Internship Experience with the class, Turn in Reports.

 

 

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives