1. Department of Community Engagement
Adler University
Department of Community Engagement
Social Justice Practicum (SJP)
Orientation and Training

2. Adler’s Mission
The Mission of Adler University continues the pioneering work of the first community psychologist Alfred Adler by graduating socially responsible practitioners, engaging communities, and advancing social justice.

3. Community Engagement
Our department is committed to Community Engagement as we believe that we can increase our capacity to develop our students with your mentorship and expertise; and our students can assist you in achieving greater capacity as you strive to fulfill the mission of your respective organizations.

4. Transition from CSP to SJP
The word “service” can have many meanings within the context of community engagement.  More recently “service learning” language has been criticized for the power dynamics that arise in community-based work.  To serve, is to provide duties or services for another person or an organization.  However, the CSP learning experience is designed to help students learn how to work alongside the community as an agent of social change.  The CSP is a pillar of experiential education that anchors Adler students in the philosophy and practice of being a socially responsible practitioner.  As the Adler School of Professional Psychology has transitioned to become Adler University the Department of Community Engagement has strategized to strengthen the first-year practicum to ensure that students will embody the knowledge, skills and perspectives personally and professionally.

5. Transition from CSP to SJP (cont.)
In an effort to firmly anchor the first year learning experience for students and develop an aligned institutional standard for mission- based experiential education at Adler University, the Department of Community Engagement is launching the Social Justice Practicum (SJP) for the Fall of 2015.
The overall goal of the SJP is to help students develop knowledge, skills, and perspectives to be agents of social change by understanding power, privilege, systemic oppression, and tools for social justice

6. What do you get out of hosting an intern?
An opportunity to impart knowledge, skills and new perspectives regarding social problems and how to address them
An extra set of hands to help with the mission of your organization
Potential volunteers beyond the SJP
A fresh set of eyes to provide a different perspective on projects and new initiatives

7. What do students get out of being an intern at your site?
Real world learning experiences
Unique lessons and skills that will shape their professional approach to progressive social change
Increased awareness about your organizations’ missions, causes, and deliverables
Upcoming colleagues that will become a part of your network

8. Projects Project Descriptions should include the following:
Context of Social problem(s) within the Community:
History, Environment, ripple effects, etc.
Populations that are affected by these social issues:
Demographic indicators such as: race, gender, class, sexual orientation
Systemic Impact:
How social problems affect the quality of life of community members through their experience navigating human systems (education, healthcare, justice)
Connection to Cultural Competencies for Social Justice

9. Site Mentor Expectations
We want you to share your knowledge, skills with our students as well as your analysis of today’s social problems that you are working to combat.
Furthermore, we want you to challenge our students to think critically about social justice and how they will incorporate what they learn into their professional and personal identity

10. Site Mentor Expectations
Monitoring and guiding interns during the SJP learning experience.
Verifying all intern SJP hours.
Providing feedback to interns about their SJP progress.
Completing the SJP Intern Evaluation Form at midterm and end of placement.
Providing a minimum of one (1) hour of supervision for every 10 hours of SJP training.

11. Site Mentor Challenges
Managing team dynamics
Managing Millennial social norms
Interns that don’t take initiative
Intern schedule conflicts (class, work, etc.)
Inclement Weather
Providing a full hour of supervision

12. Intern Responsibilities
Maintain professional conduct and ethical manner at all times
Devote at least 8-10 hours each week to the SJP (over a 6 month period) to complete a minimum of 200 hours
Shall not be employed at the practicum site, nor will the student accept employment at their SJP site during the period of their practicum
Communicate any scheduling changes to the site mentor in a timely manner and make the appropriate arrangements to make up missed hours

13. Adler Practicum Tool (APT)
Go to

14. APT: First Login
Great! Once you have logged-in, you’ll be asked to change your user-name and password, please do so and hit save:

15. APT: Forgotten Username
Click “Forgot your username or password?” Then type in adlersjp in the Organization ID, select Field Instructor/Supervisor in the User Type box, and finally enter your address.

16. APT: Main Screen

17. APT: Site Mentor Detail

18. Communications with Community Engagement
Any questions regarding the SJP or Adler University should first be sent to the Manager of Community Partnerships through .
The Manager of Community Partnerships will answer all SJP-related questions.
Any non-SJP questions will be forwarded to the appropriate staff by the Manager of Community Partnerships.
Community events should be shared with the Manager of Community Partnerships to provide the Adler campus the opportunity for the school to support and/or participate.
Staff Changes
If a Site Mentor will be leaving his or her position, please notify the Manager of Community Partnerships as soon as possible to ensure that interns are reassigned to a new Site Mentor.

19. Getting Started with SJP Interns
Site on-boarding
HR requirements, backgrounds checks, finger-printing, etc.
Initial meetings with students
Orientation to site, mission, and staff
Project review and guidance
Regular supervision day and time
Student schedule per term
Academic breaks
Deadlines for hour logs and evaluations

20. Department Support
As a department we are here to support our students as well as our community partners
We will monitor student progress by reviewing hour logs and evaluations
We will also conduct site visits to review the progress of projects
If you need to make changes to projects or staffing changes occur please inform us so that we can assist in any transitions that need to take place
NEW WEBSITE:

21. SJP Timeline Placement notification Sept. 18th SJP begins October 5th
Initial Meetings: Week of October 5th
Students should be on site through the end of Spring Term 2016
Annual Community Engagement Symposium in early May (TBD)

22. Time for Q&A SJP General Questions New steps Project Descriptions
Placements
Adler Practicum Tool (APT)
Other

23. We’d like to know your thoughts about:
How can we help you with capacity building and sustainability of your organization?