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FIELD PRACTICUM

In this major practicum students must complete 425 hours in the field. Practicum must be applied for by the quarter prior to the quarter in which it is to begin. Students are expected to begin the practicum in either the Fall or Winter quarters following the completion of SW 375, 380 and 490. The Practicum Coordinator, taking into account the interest areas and needs of the student, plans the placement.

There are two ways to take the practicum: 1) over three quarters or 2) in 2 quarters. The preferred plan is a 3-quarter concurrent placement (4 hours each quarter for a total of 12 hours of credit). With the 3-quarter experience, students are in the agency approximately 15 hours per week. Students without prior agency experience should enroll in the three-quarter concurrent practicum. You must present credible reasons for being granted permission to take the two-quarter sequence. Having had previous social work experience is the primary reason for acceptance of this option. Circumstances such as military orders, birth of a child, and other personal concerns can also be grounds for the petition.

It is the student's responsibility to make initial contact with the Practicum Coordinator regarding the practicum process. The initial practicum interview will include:

  • Reviewing the types of practice sites available (on file in the Social Work Office)
  • Student interest
  • Role Clarification - student, practicum coordinator & agency-based field instructor/supervisor

Points to Remember About Your Practicum

  • All social work majors are encouraged to volunteer as early in the major as possible in a social service setting.
  • Students must start the practicum by taking SW 481 and SW 487 concurrently.
  • Students must take all practice courses (SW 481, 482, 483, 484) concurrent with SW 487, 488, 489.
  • Students should have obtained and completed the Student Profile Form (available in 270 Millet Hall and SW 487 web page @ wright.edu/~theresa.myadze) before the initial practicum advising appointment.
  • Students should develop a list of goals and objectives for their practicum experience.
  • Emotional readiness is an integral part of the practicum requirements.
  • Because SW 487 requires permission of the instructor, all students registering for SW 487 must be interviewed by the Practicum Coordinator and have the Practicum Coordinator's permission to register for SW 487.
  • Student must meet with the faculty/advisor/mentor and develop a curriculum plan. The curriculum plan must be signed by the advisor and presented to the field coordinator at the practicum advising appointment.
  • SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF BOTH THE MINI PRACTICUM (SW 271 AND SW 380) AND THE MAJOR PRACTICUM (SW 487) IS NECESSARY TO GRADUATE AS A SOCIAL WORK MAJOR!!!
    Updated March 30, 2007
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