Classified Staff Innovation Internship
Information & Guidelines
Purpose

The Classified Staff Innovation Internship (CSII) Program is offered for employees interested in
professional development or technical training helpful in preparing for leadership, *faculty,
management, and support opportunities with the Maricopa Community Colleges.
(*) Faculty internships must meet all Faculty Employment requirements

The program is also geared toward employee retention.

The ideas, programs, and plans generated are often shared and promoted throughout the district. Thus,
everyone benefits from the internship program.
Eligibility
CSII may be granted to a full-time employee with a minimum of three (3) years of consecutive service with
the District as a Classified Staff employee at the time the leave would begin.
Administration

The current CSC PG committee will serve as the inaugural FY17/18 CSII approvers with the VP of CSC
serving as the committee chair.

The duties of the committee are to review applications, provide feedback, screen and score
applications, and select recipients.

The duties of the Chair are to send award/denied notifications and insure the employee submits
required CSII reports and deliverables.
How it works:

In the CSII Program, employees identify areas of interest and design their own work plan under a
mentor or mentor group to receive varied experiences, and to allow integration of community college
processes with practical experience.
The Internship is self-motivated program employee creates. It could be a project/program employee
design, which is implemented outside current department within MCCCD. First preference will be
given to the most unique and original ideas.
Duration and Reapplication

CSII may be granted to employees based on the time requirements for internship goal and
objectives. The internship shall not extend beyond one fiscal year (July 1st - June 30th).
Recommended length of the internship is no less than 6 months.

CSII may be granted once per employee over their employment lifetime.
Restrictions
The intent of the CSII full time leave is to be away from work to complete a professional growth
opportunity outside current position/department. A project within current department position should be
sponsored by the department/college.

Employees maintain their current rate of pay, full flex benefits, normal progression on the salary scale,
normal accumulation of sick leave and vacation time, but take a leave from their current jobs while
gaining new skills in the internship.

MCCCD supports the internship program by providing replacement funds (including appropriate
benefits) to the employee’s department for the backfill position up to employee’s current grade, step two
(2).
Upon completion of the Internship:

An employee is guaranteed the return to previous position, equal position, or to a position agreed to
prior to the internship.
The Maricopa Community College District is an EEO/AA Institution
Revised March 9, 2017
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Classified Staff Innovation Internship
Information & Guidelines

An employee is not guaranteed a new position in the MCCCD by virtue of completion of the
program, but will be better prepared to compete for positions that become available.
Mentor Component

Each employee will have to identify a mentor and receive his/her endorsement prior to the submittal
of the proposal. Find and cultivate a relationship with a MENTOR. A mentor is a person or persons
qualified in the area or department where your internship will be based. An example would be an
idea to develop and implement a program at a campus or in a district office. The intern candidate
would design the program with the assistance of a MENTOR who is recognized as highly
knowledgeable about the need for such a program. The Intern and the Mentor collaborate to
create the program application document. If you need help with finding a mentor, contact “Dee Dee”
Tapson, at Employee and Organizational Learning @ 480-731-8299.

The mentor will actively participate in development of the CSII proposal.

The mentor will work with the intern to ensure the achievement of his/her program objectives.

The intern and the mentor will keep a log or notes describing activities and experiences (to help the
intern recall the important events of the experience and complete a progress report). Three
progress reports are required to be submitted by the intern to the mentor for review and feedback,
and then to the CSC VP chair and PG coordinator. Reports will be due:
For 12 month internship by second Friday in the following month:
o Initial -- September
o Intermediate -- February
o Final -- June
For internship shorter than 12 months by Friday according to the following schedule:
o Initial -- fifth week of the internship
o Intermediate -- in the middle of the internship
o Final -- two weeks prior to the end date of the internship
o
Progress report templates are available at the CSII website.
o
The internship can be terminated at any time when one of the parties wishes to end the internship.
In this event the CSC VP chair and PG Coordinator must be notified.
Resources for Internship Applicant
For any questions regarding the Internship Program please contact your CS/PG committee representative, the
CSC VP Chair, or the PG Coordinator. Please see the CS website for contact information.
Application Process
Deadline
CSII Periods and Deadlines based on the start date of the leave
July 1st – December 31st
January 1st – June 30th
Applications are due second Friday in April by 5:00 pm
Applications are due second Friday in September by 5:00 pm
CSII application MUST BE submitted:

Via e-mail to [email protected]. The committee will accept the e-mail date and time
stamp as proof of submission by the deadline. (No exceptions) AND

Via inter-campus mail the original application with all required signatures to the Classified Staff PG
Coordinator at DO Center for Employee & Organizational Development (CEOD) department.
Please begin working on this application with your representative at least two (2) weeks prior the deadline.

Incomplete applications will not be considered for approval, no exception.
The Maricopa Community College District is an EEO/AA Institution
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Classified Staff Innovation Internship
Information & Guidelines
Complete application packet consists of the following components:
Internship Mentor Agreement & Notice of Leave - completed and signed by all required parties:
Proposal (include all sections)
Affirmative Action Data Sheet (optional)
Note: you can check each box when each section
is finished to ensure completion of your application.
Current Resume
Please Note: The application form allows you to type in the fields, you may use Tab key to move forward from
one field to another. There are three areas in the proposal that can accommodate any amount of text, and will
retain any format if copy/pasted from a Microsoft Word document. Please limit information to no more than 1
page for each category, for total of three pages.
Application Evaluation
The CSII Committee will meet for review and approval. CSII applications that meet the eligibility and deadline
requirements will be evaluated based on clarity and completeness of the application in addressing the items
listed under each of the three categories: Internship Overview, Goal, Objectives and Activities.
Use this outline to write your proposal and be sure to address each of the categories.
Evaluation based on 0-5 point scale where:
0 - no answer, 1 - very poor, 2 - poor, 3 - average, 4 - good, 5 - very good
1. Internship overview evaluation:
Max. Points Possible
(25)
The need of this opportunity is clearly defined.
The key responsibilities of the intern position are described in detail.
To what extent the expected professional growth, performance
improvement will impact/influence this intern/individual.
How greatly the expected contribution(s)/benefits will impact the
organization (Dept., College, District).
Overall, the project idea is innovative (unique, original, creative).
2. Goal evaluation:
Max. Points Possible
(20)
The goal aligns with the MCCCD mission and values statement.
The goal aligns with the MCCCD strategic commitments.
The goal clearly states positive outcome oriented terms.
The goal aligns with the mission and values of the specified college
3. Objectives, Activities, and Timeline
evaluation:
Max. Points Possible
(0-5)
(0-5)
(0-5)
(0-5)
(0-5)
Points Earned
(0-5)
(0-5)
(0-5)
(0-5)
(15)
The objectives clearly define and align with the specified goal.
The activities clearly define and align with the objectives.
A timeline with activities and objectives supporting the overall goal to be
achieved by the specified time.
Max. Points Possible
Points Earned
Points Earned
(0-5)
(0-5)
(0-5)
(60)
The Maricopa Community College District is an EEO/AA Institution
Revised March 9, 2017
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Classified Staff Innovation Internship
Information & Guidelines
After application is submitted:

The CSI committee will review all applications to determine if the applicants meet basic eligibility
requirements and submit all required information and documentation.

After final approval determination, the committee chair will send award or denial notification letter.
After receiving the approval
Intern will need to review the CSII Authorization Agreement that contains all necessary instructions and
information regarding the compensation for Intern’s replacement position and more details regarding the
internship. The agreement must be signed by all appropriate approval authorities, and returned to the
Professional Growth Coordinator at the District Office for final processing.
While on the Internship
Keep a journal/good notes so you can reflect on your experiences in the required reports an submit them on
time.
Writing Goal, Objectives, Activities and Timeline
Your application proposal goal and objectives should be similar to the following example:
Goal: To improve the artistic quality of our orchestra.
Objective 1: Recruit 10 new musicians within the next 6 months  Time Frame: Begin Date-End Date
Specific Activity 1: Place advertisements in four trade
publications
 Time Frame: Begin Date-End Date
Specific Activity 2: Describe second activity
 Time Frame: Begin Date-End Date
Specific Activity 3: Describe second activity
 Time Frame: Begin Date-End Date
Objective 2: Engage three guest soloists during the next season  Time Frame: Begin Date-End Date
Specific Activity 1: Interview three violinists, three pianists and three lyric opera singers within the
next 90 days
 Time Frame: Begin Date-End Date
Specific Activity 2: Describe second activity
 Time Frame: Begin Date-End Date
Objective 3: Retain quality artists through competitive salary structure Time Frame: Begin Date-End Date
Specific Activity 1: Evaluate and renegotiate the existing contract with the
band toward improving the benefits package. Time Frame: Begin Date-End Date
Specific Activity 2: Describe second activity
 Time Frame: Begin Date-End Date
Goal:
Choose 1 goal only
Defining a problem in a project may lead you to different goals

Choose the most relevant one

Your proposal should address a goal that is important to both you and your organization

The project contribution to the chosen goal should be clearly defined (Use terms such as: establish,
implement, obtain, develop, demonstrate…")
The Maricopa Community College District is an EEO/AA Institution
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Classified Staff Innovation Internship
Information & Guidelines
Your listed goal should represent the broad statement of the desired outcome, accomplishment or ultimate
achievement. Use general terms, but provide programmatic direction. Focus on ends (e.g., develop efficient
computerized inventory control system) rather than means. It may be useful to think of a goal as an end.
Examples:

Students will enhance their appreciation and knowledge of classical music

DO Computer Systems Services will be able to switch from a non-efficient “paper/pencil” to
efficient computerized inventory control system
Your goal statement should reflect the mission, vision and values of MCCCD as set forth in the Strategic
Plan 2013-2016.

Your goal statement should be communicated in positive outcome-oriented terms.

Do not use figures, time-frames or other quantifiable elements in your goal statements – save them for
the objectives.
In many situations people use the words goal and objective as interchangeable. Yet, in the context of goal
setting for this application, the difference between goal and objectives has an important practical meaning.
There should be a single goal and several objectives listed to accomplish the overall goal.
Objectives:
Objectives describe the specific measures used to determine whether the goal has been achieved. They use
precise language, they are clear, realistic, specific, measurable, and time-limited statements of actions which
when completed will move towards goal achievement. Objectives tell how to meet a goal. Objectives may be
thought of as the means to the end. They should detail the steps you expect to take in order to achieve the
goal.

Use precise numbers for time frames or quantities expected

Incorporate achievement standards such as accurately describe or fully complete/develop. Use active
verbs such as create, design, provide, identify, interview, etc.

By the end of the semester, students will be able to identify four classical composers and
recognize one major work by each one.
Generally while projects have one major goal, they are likely to have a number of objectives.
There are two types of objectives: outcome objectives and process objectives.
1. Outcome objectives address the ends to be attained. They usually begin with words like to reduce,
increase, to lower, or to improve. For example:
Outcome Objective 1: To increase the amount of requests processed by 10 percent by Dec 2012.
There can be several levels of objectives.

Immediate objectives, when implemented, help achieve the actions specified in the intermediate
objective.

Intermediate objectives, when implemented, help achieve the actions specified in the ultimate
objective.

Ultimate objectives present the eventual or longest term action.
Examples:
Ultimate outcome objective 1: To lower ….. rate from 5% in FY 12 to 3% in FY 13.
Intermediate outcome objective 1.1: To reduce the number of …….. during the previous 3
months by 20% ……. during Sep 2012.
The Maricopa Community College District is an EEO/AA Institution
Revised March 9, 2017
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Classified Staff Innovation Internship
Information & Guidelines
Immediate outcome objective 1.1.1: To have .. more ……. by May 2012.
2. Process objectives specify the means to achieve the outcome objectives. They usually begin with words
such as to provide, to serve, to train, etc. For example:
Process Objective 1.1.1.1: To provide……so many ##…. by Dec 31, 2013
When you are thinking about achieving your goal, formulate the answers to the following questions, it will help
you to write your objectives.

Which skills should you develop?

What knowledge should you acquire?

Is there anything significant you should achieve before you can reach your goals?

Do you have access to the baseline data (i.e. statistical data of efficiency, enrollment etcetera)? If yes,
what is the baseline data?
Note that objectives are also more than just activities. Activities are things that you just do.
Activities:
Work performed in order to achieve each objective of the project. This is where the “who, what, when, where
and how” elements fit in:

What will be done?

How will it be done?

Who will do it?

Where will it be done?

When will it happen?
Activities and tasks do not need to be sequential; two or more may be carried out concurrently. Provide
enough detail so anyone can understand the project.
Your final task is to describe the activities that you plan to undertake in order to accomplish the objectives and
reach your goal. The activities should not re-state the objectives, but instead, should tell the reader how the
objectives will be carried out.
To achieve success, you need both persistence and flexibility. When you face difficulties and unexpected
problems, use all your persistence and determination to stick to your goal, but always stay flexible with your
activities. If the way you do things now does not work, try another way. Keep trying until you find the one
that works.
Do not change the ends, change the means, and never forget the difference between ends and means,
between goals and objectives.
The Maricopa Community College District is an EEO/AA Institution
Revised March 9, 2017
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