CaRES Intern/Preceptor Expectations for Summer 2021


CaRES faculty preceptors and student interns who have agreed to work together are expected to work effectively to make the most of the internship experience.  General expectations are listed below.  Some items on these lists are not applicable to all types of internship projects (i.e., laboratory projects versus clinical projects versus community-based projects).

The CaRES Preceptor should . . .

  1. Be a model of professional work habits and attitudes.
  2. Review and discuss with the student the objectives, activities, and anticipated outcomes of the internship before it begins (to be documented by the CaRES Mentoring Contract found on our website).
  3. Explain to the student the structure and function of the laboratory or research program.
  4. Introduce the student intern to collaborating faculty, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, and staff.
  5. Provide one-on-one mentorship as often as possible and ensure that the student has access to trusted and capable colleagues who can mentor the student in your absence.
  6. Invite (or require) the student to attend regular lab meetings or research progress meetings.
  7. Hold one-on-one meetings with the student each week, as described in the mentoring contract.
  8. Check with the student periodically to ascertain whether he / she is satisfied with the internship and determine how satisfaction can be increased.
  9. Deal directly with the student if his / her attendance or performance is inadequate; then contact Dr. Waterbor if student performance does not improve, so that Dr. Waterbor can meet with the student to discuss how improvements can be made. 
  10. Inform Dr. Waterbor if the student resigns from his / her CaRES position or if the student should be dismissed from his / her CaRES position.  In most instances, wewill transfer the student to another CaRES project so that he / she can make a research contribution and possibly earn the full CaRES stipend anticipated.
  11. After the student has completed his or her internship, complete the CaRES “Exit Evaluation” form that will be sent to all CaRES preceptors at the end of the summer.

The CaRES Student should . . .

  1. Exhibit professionalism in all aspects of the internship including dependability, superlative work ethic, and maintenance of positive relationships with the preceptor, collaborating faculty, fellow students, and staff. 
  2. Remain fully aware of all expectations and agreements regarding completion of the research project.
  3. Report to work on the schedule agreed upon and be fully prepared to work hard each day. 
  4. Become part of the research team and adhere to all research program guidelines, procedures, and policies.
  5. Treat all members of the research team with respect, regardless of their degrees, rank, duties, or limitations.
  6. Fully prepare for one-on-one meetings with the preceptor each week, as described in the mentoring contract.
  7. Inform the preceptor, as far in advance as possible, of anticipated work absences due to illness, vacations, or other reasons, so that arrangements can be made to get your work done by other members of the research team. 
  8. Deal directly with the preceptor if mentorship seems inadequate, work duties seem trivial, or if there are other concerns.  If concerns are not resolved promptly, contact Dr. Waterbor who will intervene if necessary.
  9. Attend the CaRES Orientation Luncheon, Seminar Series, and Poster Session, and prepare a poster describing research goals, methods, and preliminary results, for presentation at the CaRES Poster Session
  10. If possible, work with the preceptor and collaborators to prepare an abstract, poster, or podium presentation for a professional meeting or conference; and / or publish a paper, relating to the CaRES research project.
  11. After the internship, complete the CaRES “Exit Evaluation” form that will be sent to all CaRES students at the end of the summer; and participate in other evaluation activities if invited to do so.         

February 13, 2020