SEXUALITY, MARRIAGE, AND FAMILY STUDIES
St. Jerome’s University at the University of Waterloo
Practicum FAQ's
What is practicum?
Practicum is an 8-month (two-term) unpaid work experience (15 hrs/week) within a local community service agency (Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener or Waterloo area) that provides a hands-on human service learning experience, creating the opportunity for students to apply their academic training to real world situations.
The practicum placement is set up with the expectation that students will be at their placement agency 15 hours per week. The placement days and times are negotiated between the student and their agency supervisor. A minimum of 180 placement hours must be completed per semester in order to meet course requirements.
In addition, students participate in a weekly 3 hour seminar that incorporates a supervisory component, as well as readings, projects, and assignments equal in time and demand to any 400-level course.
The two practicum courses must be taken in consecutive terms:
Fall practicum course: SMF 490 – Practicum and Professional Ethics
Winter practicum course: SMF 491 – Practicum and Applied Theory
What is the difference between practicum courses, and the Human Services Practicum Specialization?
The Human Services Practicum Specialization consists of the two practicum courses plus two other course requirements and is only available to Honours SMF students.
Students in the Honours SMF plan may also take the practicum courses as elective courses, independent of the specialization and its additional requirements.
How many credit units are the practicum courses weighted at?
Each practicum course, SMF 490 and SMF 491, is weighted at .75 units. Together, they account for 3 academic course units towards your degree when completed.
Can I take a full course load or thesis and still complete practicum at the same time?
The time demand associated with the practicum is greater than that of a standard course, so students should plan a course load that will afford them success. The optimal number seems to be no more than 3 courses per semester (including the practicum course) to manage placement hours along with other academic demands. Be sure to speak to your academic advisor about how to best structure your final year if you plan to include the practicum experience.
Students choosing to do a practicum placement are still eligible to complete a thesis; however, due to the time demands associated with of each of them it is recommended that students speak to their academic advisor to discuss if completing both is the right decision for them.
What types of placements are available to practicum students?
Students have the opportunity to indicate the type of placement they are interested in during the application process as well as meeting with the agency prior to committing to that placement.
General Service Sectors to Choose From When Applying:
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Children, Youth, and Family Services
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Counselling, Therapy, Facilitating, and Mental Health Services
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Disabilities Services
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Educational, Teaching, and Learning Services
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Health and Well-being Services
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Legal and Advocating Services
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LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans & Queer) Services
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Outreach Services
The list of agencies accepting students for placement changes annually. It is the responsibility of the practicum coordinator to act as a liaison between the student and the agency in order to negotiate placement opportunities that will meet the SMF Departmental learning requirement and facilitate a positive learning experience for the student.
What if I don't like my placement or my priorities change?
Students must commit to completing both practicum terms (8 months). The agencies that the University partners with have set this expectation in order to be able to offer student placements.
Only in extenuating circumstances, and with the discretion and guidance of the practicum instructor, would a student be moved to a different agency once the placement has begun.
What on-boarding and training do students receive as part of their practicum?
The agency may have on-boarding training requirements to be completed prior to starting the placement. Occasionally, this might occur during the spring or summer depending, on when the agency is offering the training. Most agencies typically complete their on-boarding and training at the start of the Fall semester.
Students are responsible for attaining a vulnerable sector police check prior to beginning their placement.
A comprehensive practicum manual is provided to both the student and the agency supervisor that outlines the course expectations and the documentation that must be completed at various points throughout the practicum.
What supervision and support do students in practicum receive?
The practicum course instructor acts as students’ on-campus supervisor – someone they can process their practicum experience with and contact if any emergencies arise while at placement.
Students also have an agency supervisor who they will report to in the field and who will be responsible for overseeing their time at the placement.
The practicum course instructor, agency supervisor, and student will meet in person at least once per term to discuss the student’s progress towards their goals .
The weekly seminar classes include a supervisory element during which students have the opportunity to share their experiences and get assistance in working through any issues that come up at placement, from both their peers and the practicum course instructor.
What are the opportunities and challenges that come with practicum?
An 8-month practicum experience is a valuable asset to have on a resume when applying for work. Employers appreciate and look for candidates that have field experience. Several SMF students have even been hired by their placement agency upon graduation!
Students have the opportunity to exert a degree of independence and self advocacy as they are responsible for creating their personal learning goals (in conjunction with their agency supervisor) and then monitor and adjust their progress toward these goals.
Practicum provides the opportunity to build professional connections as well as to take advantage of additional professional training opportunities that often present themselves during the course of the placement.
Balancing your school / work / life responsibilities can be difficult at times. It is important to build in self-care and utilize the support resources available to help ensure success and a great experience overall. This is a skill that will be called on frequently when entering the workforce, so it is a wonderful learning opportunity.