Applied Learning and Program Accreditation Internship - Academic Success Center

About the Office: 

Vol Study Center – Academic Success Center, Division of Student Success The Vol Study Center supports student learning and academic success through collaborative, peer-led, research-based programs including Supplemental Instruction (SI) and Peer Learning Assistance (PLA). Our mission is to help students become confident, independent learners by connecting them with peers and strategies that promote deep understanding, effective study habits, and academic growth. The Vol Study Center also provides opportunities for student employees and interns to develop professional skills in research design, behavioral observation, data collection, and program evaluation — skills highly relevant to psychology and the social sciences.

About the VOLinternship Program: 

The VOLintern Program is UTK's on-campus internship program. Each internship will run for the duration of one academic semester. Students will be able to gain real work experience without leaving campus! Gain access to real-world experience, enhanced professional development, and industry mentors by applying now! 

About the Internship:

The Applied Learning and Program Accreditation Internship provides an opportunity for a psychology, education, or social science student to apply concepts from research methods, learning theory, and human behavior in a real-world educational setting. The intern will design and manage the observation and evaluation process used to document and improve the performance of Supplemental Instruction (SI) Leaders as part of the Vol Study Center’s accreditation process. Through this experience, the intern will gain hands-on skills in behavioral observation, qualitative and quantitative data collection, program evaluation, and organizational improvement — all valuable in fields such as psychology, education, human resources, program evaluation, and data analysis. This is a semester-long, 100-hour, on-campus internship supervised by the Associate Director for the Academic Success Center at the Vol Study Center. Hours are flexible (approximately 7 hours a week).

Internship Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement a structured observation schedule for approximately 45 SI Leaders each semester.
• Design and refine an observation tool to track facilitation techniques, collaboration, and learning strategy use.
• Collect, organize, and interpret observation data to monitor SI Leader growth and program trends.
• Collaborate with staff to evaluate observation results and identify developmental themes for training.
• Assist with preparing observation data and summaries for the SI program’s accreditation packet.
• Reflect on and document professional growth in applied research, observation, and program evaluation.

Qualifications 

• Preferred Majors: Psychology, Sociology, Education, or other social science disciplines.
• School Year Classification: Sophomore, Junior, or Senior. Currently enrolled and in good standing with the university.
• Skills and Attributes:
  • Strong attention to detail and organization.
  • Interest in behavioral observation and program evaluation.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Curiosity about how people learn and collaborate effectively.
• Technical Skills: Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel; basic skills in data entry and data organization.

Additional Information: 

This internship offers practical, transferable experience in research methods, data interpretation, and applied behavioral observation — skills that are directly relevant to graduate study and professional roles in psychology, education, evaluation, human services, and organizational development.

How to Apply: 

• Apply via Handshake by submitting your Resume and Cover Letter
• For preference, please make sure to address how this position with help you gain experience for your career goals and how an on-campus internship with benefit you in your Cover Letter.