Arranged between student, practicum site, and faculty member within each semester. Requires 70-80 hours onsite.
The student will:
Students must identify a suitable practicum site approved by the faculty. The faculty member will then facilitate the establishment of an affiliation agreement. Sufficient time must be allowed for the signing of this agreement and it must be on file before the student is allowed to continue in the course. If a signed affiliation agreement is not on file by the official MSU drop date for the current semester, the student WILL be administratively withdrawn from the course and will have to sign up and pay for the course again the next time it is offered.
Incompletes are ONLY given for emergencies and at the discretion of the faculty.
Portfolios MUST be submitted to the MSU faculty 2 weeks prior to the end of the semester. ALL late submissions will be automatically dropped one letter grade. Failure to submit a portfolio by the last week of the semester WILL result in an F for the course. An F in the course will result in automatic dismissal from the graduate program.
To meet semester deadlines, practicum hours should be scheduled early in the semester and changes should be avoided.
Students are required to include in the portfolio a journal for all time spent on this practicum, including experiences and observations at both the Practicum site, and the off-site development of materials, applicable observations, and course work. The student must contact the MSU instructor while onsite to obtain the needed evaluations.
The value to the student of the practicum goals and objectives have to be explained in the portfolio. Any changes to the originally approved goals and objectives have to be approved by the faculty before they are incorporated in the practicum experience. Documentation of approval of this revision must be included in the portfolio
Site contracts, immunization clearances by Vinson Health Center, and liability insurances all must be handled before students are eligible to participate in the practicum experience.
A portfolio is to be developed reflecting the learning experience and received by the faculty member at least 2 weeks before the end of the semester to allow sufficient time for grading. The portfolio must include the following elements and will be graded accordingly.
Practicum Portfolio Development Instructions
Criteria met
Criteria not met: explanation
The practicum experience is designed to allow students to successfully complete pre-established objectives. Following completion of the practicum, each student is expected to submit a “portfolio” that reflects the outcomes of the experience. The portfolio should demonstrate completion of established objectives along with evidence of other activities in which the students were involved. All materials should be typed and incorporated in a sturdy, large “three ringed” notebook. The portfolio due date will be agreed upon by the Practicum Course Coordinator and the student. The portfolio should include:
Practicum Course Evaluation
GRADE
Attendance consists of 70-80 hours onsite with the agreed upon facility and preceptor. Failure to meet this time will result in grade reduction or failure of the course.
Special Needs:
Any student with special needs because of learning disabilities or other kinds of disabilities should
discuss these with the faculty at the beginning of the semester. Campus resources are available for all students.
Evaluation:
Portfolio 85%
Preceptor Evaluation 15%