Step 1 The student completes their Field Application. The student becomes familiar with the
potential placements in their community.
Step 2 Agencies interested in hosting a Social Work student submit to the School of Social
Work a brief description of the learning experience the agency can offer the practicum
student. Field Instructors submit a Field Instructor Application. Agency Representatives
submit a contact information sheet.
Step 3 The Field Education Coordinator meets with each student during the spring semester
to discuss the student’s interest and learning needs. The Field Education Coordinator
will work with the student to identify potential placement options.
Step 4 The student prepares to interview at the agency or agencies mutually identified as
the preferred placement choice(s). The student is given the name of the agency contact
person and is instructed to arrange an interview. The Field Education Coordinator
contacts the agency to provide names of the student(s) referred to the agency for
an interview.
Step 5 The student schedules an interview at the agency. Students are encouraged to bring
a resume and to prepare for the interview as they would a job interview, although
the focus of this interview is clearly one of securing an appropriate social work
learning experience rather than employment. The goal is for both student and agency
personnel to determine whether there is a fit between student expectations and agency
expectations for the practicum placement.
Step 6 Students interview at the placement site. Students take the agency placement
referral/decision form and give it to the interviewer to return to the School of Social
Work.
Step 7 The student and agency interviewer submit their respective decision form to the Field
Education Coordinator. Either is welcome to contact the Coordinator to discuss their
decision. If all parties concur (agency interviewer, student, and Field Education
Coordinator) that this is the best match, the Coordinator will confirm the placement.
The School of Social Work will contact the agency if additional information is needed
(i.e. Field Instructor Application or if UAA does not already have an Affiliation
Agreement on file between the agency and the university outlining practicum policies,
one will be sent out for signatures).
Step 8 If the interview does not result in a placement of the student at the agency,
then the student will interview at other agencies as referred by the Field Education
Coordinator.
Step 9 A field orientation will be held in late August for students and agency staff. Program
materials will be provided to guide the practicum and the necessary forms for documentation
of practicum activities will be included.
Step 10 Students enter placements in late August or early September following review of practicum
expectations in the practicum seminar.