Practicum is one of the most important and unique courses within the Student Affairs program. It is designed to provide a blend of practical experience in a setting similar to that in which the student expects to be employed. Within this context, on-site supervision is provided by the field supervisor (host), and individual/group processing of the experience is provided by the university instructor. The final course grade is determined by the university instructor with input from the site host.
PRACTICUM SITE

An appropriate site is one where the student can become familiar with a variety of student affairs services and activities including direct work with the student population. It allows the student to obtain supervised experience in organization development and interaction with clientele appropriate to their program area (students, prospective students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, outside agencies, etc.) and provides the opportunity for participation in a wide range of professional resources and activities. The site should have a host who is available to work with the student, who possesses a degree and/or certifications equivalent to that for which the student is preparing, and who has a minimum of two years of professional experience. All practicum sites must be approved by the university instructor.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Student Responsibilities

1. To obtain an appropriate site location for the practicum experience.

2. To develop, with the practicum supervisor, a Prospectus which outlines the details of the practicum arrangement.

3. To adhere to the policies and operational procedures of the host organization.

4. To complete a minimum of 100 hours of supervised practicum experience.

5. To complete all assignments, including readings, reports, case studies, practicum journal, and evaluation forms issued by the instructor.

6. To attend all course seminars (minimum 10 meetings or 22 class hours).

7. To maintain confidentiality of client, school, or agency information.

8. To maintain professional liability insurance appropriate for the site location.

9. To seek prior written approval for any and all research conducted within the host organization.

10. To provide the instructor with a schedule indicating when the student will be at the host site.

11. To exercise courtesy and professionalism in dealing with all individuals either in class or at the host organization.

Instructor Responsibilities

1. To approve the host site.

2. To approve the Prospectus developed by the practicum student and the supervisor.

3. To consult with the host regarding student progress.

4. To conduct individual and group supervision.

5. To maintain confidentiality regarding client information obtained during supervisory sessions.

6. To evaluate and submit a grade for the student.

Host Responsibilities

1. To interview prospective practicum students and indicate preference for placements.

2. To develop, with the practicum student, a Prospectus which outlines the details of the practicum arrangement.

3. To orient the student to the purpose, goals, and operating procedures of the organization.

4. To facilitate practice in a wide range of duties normally assigned to professional staff employed in the organization.

5. To participate in the evaluation of the student.

6. To consult with the instructor regarding the student's progress.

GUIDELINES

Practicum is designed to provide experience in Student Affairs work for students before they enter their chosen field. This is done under the guidance of a field supervisor who coordinates student experience at the on-side location, and the professor, who supervises development of relevant skills areas. All practica must be completed during either the fall or spring semesters. The course number for practicum is CNS 590.

An essential part of the Student Affairs program is the opportunity to put theory into practice. In order to effectively accomplish this objective, students must:

1) know and be supportive of the educational mission of the institution,

2) understand and be able to respond to the developmental needs of college students,

3) understand and be able to articulate appropriate management and/or programming techniques, and

4) have a commitment to students and the profession. The practicum is an "apprenticeship."

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Student Affairs practicum are:

(1) To gain in-depth experience and understanding of one or more specialized Student Affairs areas.

(2) To enhance organizational as well as interpersonal communication skills.

(3) To enhance analytical decision-making and problem- solving skills.

(4) To explore leadership potential within a realistic context.

(5) To develop a personal philosophy of Student Affairs work.

(6) To prepare for employment in a Student Affairs unit upon completion of the program.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN...

1. You must have completed: (Introduction to Student Affairs), CNS 572 (The College Student Experience), CNS 574 (Student Development), and 6 additional hours in the Student Affairs major. Concurrent enrollment in practicum and any of these courses is not acceptable.

2. You are responsible for identifying a practicum site and field supervisor in the track in which you are obtaining your degree (Student Affairs). Your supervisor should be a person with a degree equivalent to the one which you are seeking.

a. Obtain clearance for your practicum from the organization. Some sites require application forms before accepting practicum students.

b. Discuss with your field supervisor a variety of activities that you may be involved in on-site as well as opportunities for on-site supervision. Your activities should be representative of the entire scope of duties performed by your supervisor.

3. Depending upon your practicum site, it may be advisable to obtain some form of liability insurance either through the American Counseling Association (ACA), the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), the American College Personnel Association (ACPA), or privately.

ONCE YOU BEGIN...

Although the requirements of the course ultimately rest with your professor, you may expect:

1. To attend a minimum of 10 class meetings (at least 22 hours of class time) at the time listed in the registration schedule. Individual meeting with your instructor will also be required.

2. To spend at least 100 hours (including class time) in practicum experiences. A minimum of 40 of those hours will be spent in delivery of student services to the designated target population. Each student is also required to engage in 3-5 developmental activities which facilitate insight into the practical applications of Student Affairs work.

3. To keep a log of on-site hours to be turned in periodically to the professor.

4. To complete all assigned readings with appropriate critiques.

"TYPICAL" REQUIREMENTS

1. Seminars. Attend and participate in scheduled seminars.

2. Conferences. Attend regularly scheduled individual supervisory sessions with the practicum instructor.

3. Experience. Accumulate approximately at least 100 quality on-site practicum hours. These hours are to be documented in a Practicum Journal.

4. Activities. Engage in developmental activities which facilitate insight into the practical applications of Student Affairs work.