TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an affiliation agreement and any necessary amendments thereto, with Western Governor's University for student field placement, internship and preceptorship with the City. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Institutions of higher learning and hospitals regularly contact the Department of Health and Human Services to request field placement of their students or residents-in-training. The placements range from undergraduate students seeking experience working in public affairs, administration, public health, and social work, to nursing students and residents-in-training seeking to engage in a clinical rotation at the Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department).
Western Governor's University, an online university driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, has requested to enter into an affiliation agreement with the City to allow their students and residents-in-training to intern or be placed with the Health Department to expand and gain first-hand knowledge of working in the public health setting. This program is beneficial to the City in that the students, while on rotation, learn about the role and function of the Health Department, and the importance of public health in the community. The students and residents-in-training provide enhanced clinical and program capacity during the term of their rotation at the Health Department. These programs also serve as sites for the Health Department to recruit future public health professionals.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on May 2, 2012 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on May 3, 2012.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council approval is requested on May 22, 2012 in order to enter into these affiliation agreements and to commence program and clinical rotation activities.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no cost or local job impact associated with this action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
RONALD R. ARIAS
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER