Library Resources Contact Us Site Map
University of Arkansas
See Students in Action: Click Here Read Our Blog: Click Here Donate to Scholarship Fund: Click Here Alumni Connections Sign Up for E-Newsletter: Click Here

Apply to be a Field Service Partner

The community organizations where our students complete their field service projects receive the help of talented graduate students who are dedicated to making a difference and accomplishing high-level work. However, because these projects are part of the Clinton School curriculum, they do require significant support from both the Clinton School and our community partners with providing mentoring, supervision, training and organizational resources. Below are some things to consider if you would like to become a community partner hosting a Clinton School field project. Click here for information about applying to be a field service partner organization.

Support
Projects that fit our field project requirements should be driven by community or organizational needs and goals. Therefore, we recommend that potential partners consider the following:
  • What projects are a priority for your organization and the community right now?
  • Is this the right time for these projects to be accomplished or are there other organizational priorities that need to be tackled first?
  • Are these projects going to be supported by stakeholders?
  • Do you have a fairly clear idea of what you want accomplished through the projects that is reasonable in the time allotted and supportable by your organization?
  • Do you have the resources needed to support these projects at this time?
Project Supervisors
Community partners are asked to provide a project supervisor who is fully involved in the project providing supervision, mentoring and continuous feedback. That individual will:
  • Regularly communicate with the student(s) to ensure that they are meeting organizational expectations.
  • Work with the student(s) to develop specific, measurable outcomes and deliverables.
  • Evaluate the performance of the student(s).
  • Communicate with the Clinton School about work progress and if problems arise.
  • Inform the student(s) of any developments in the community that affect project work.
Project Orientation
Community partners are also asked to provide the student(s) with a thorough orientation to the project, organization and community. This will typically include:
  • Project, organization and community background information.
  • Stakeholder and partner introductions.
  • Tours of the organization, community or any other place relevant to the project.
  • Site-specific training believed to be necessary to accomplish the project.
  • Training on site-specific requirements such as confidentiality, safety, communication, etc.
Other Resources
Some of these additional resources could be needed to accomplish field project(s):
  • Student travel (e.g., mileage, lodging, food)
  • Adequate workspace, office supplies and access to office equipment (e.g., telephone, fax, internet access, printer, copier)
  • Accident and liability insurance coverage (the same coverage is recommended as what would be purchased for a volunteer)
  • Project-related supplies
    • Printing and mailings (e.g., final reports, invitations, thank you notes, signs)
    • Meeting supplies (e.g., room rental, refreshments, A/V equipment, flip charts)
    • Technical expertise (e.g., web site designer, legal advisor, database developer, graphic designer).
    • Incentives for completing surveys
  • Project-related trainings/conferences and travel expenses associated with attending
  • Stipends (not provided for practicum or international projects; optional for capstone projects)

Click here for information about applying to be a field service partner organization.

For more information, contact:

Julianne Dunn, assistant director of field service education Phone: (501) 683-5392 Email: jbdunn@clintonschool.uasys.edu