Field Education Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

No- Students do not select their own practicum settings.  Practicum settings and field instructors are chosen according to the criteria outlined earlier in the Practicum Manual. However, the School of Social Work is open to learning about new settings to negotiate and approve for future placements.

Full-time students have the opportunity to learn about potential field placements through a Placement Fair and pre-placement interviews.  Students identify their learning goals and choices of potential practica with the School of Social Work. The School determines the placement of students. 

Part-time students may suggest potential settings that interest them and meet for pre-placement interviews with such settings. The School of Social Work determines the placement of students.

No - BSW students will be expected to complete their field practicum in one setting.

The majority of practicum agencies will require students to submit documentation prior to the beginning of Practicum.  This documentation may include a Police Records Check for Services with the Vulnerable Sector, a health/immunization record, and/or a Children’s Aid Society Records check. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the agency requirements well in advance of the practicum. A student may be required to have a valid Ontario Driver’s License and access to a car.

Full time students:  Students enrolled in the Full Time Program may not begin employment with their Practicum Agency until completion of their academic year.

Part time students: Should you wish to complete the practicum in your current work setting you must contact the School of Social Work to make this request. The following criteria must be met:

• The practicum must be carried out in an area of work that is clearly different and distinct from your employment responsibilities (i.e. different department, different branch office, different program).
• Field instruction must be carried out by a social worker who is not responsible for the day to day administrative or practice supervision of the student in the work setting.
• The Field Instructor must satisfy the School of Social Work criteria.
• The proposed practicum must be realistic and possible given the time constraints and employment demands of the student/Field Instructor/agency.
• The School determines the placement of students. 

No - Part-time students negotiate with their field instructors the days and amount of hours they work per week.  The Part-Time Practicum must be a minimum of two 7-hour days per week between Monday and Friday.

Many of our students live out of the region and wish to remain in their hometown for their placement. The School of Social Work will attempt to secure practicums within proximity of students’ hometowns.