Practicum Learning

When do I receive my practicum placement?

You will receive your field placement assignment during Orientation Week. (You will be notified before orientation only if your placement requires special tests—e.g., fingerprinting or medical clearance.)

What will I be doing at my practicum placement?

You will be doing direct practice work with individuals, families, groups or a combination thereof. While gaining this hands-on experience, you will be learning and practicing skills including engagement, contracting, assessment, and termination. In some cases, there will be opportunities to learn intervention techniques. Please review the Practicum Learning Manual to familiarize yourself with possible assignments, education plans, process recordings, and the learning objectives for your first-year placement.

What is my practicum instructor’s role?

Your field instructor is the agency employee responsible for overseeing your training at your field placement. He or she is there to support your learning in the field, to answer questions you may have about interactions with clients and agency employees, and to help you develop direct practice skills. At the end of the term, your field instructor evaluates your work at the agency for your advisor and recommends whether you should receive a pass or fail grade. NOTE: Your advisor is the final arbiter of the grade you receive for field education. Under some circumstances, he or she may choose to override the recommendation of the agency field instructor.

If I have questions about my practicum placement, who can I talk to?

Please reach out to your advisor or the Office of Advising (send an e-mail to swadvising@columbia.edu). Your e-mail should detail your questions and concerns.

How does the Office of Practicum Learning determine my placement in the second year?

At the mandatory practicum Placement Fair held in February of your first year, you will have opportunities to meet with agency representatives and listen to panel discussions from instructors who teach in the four method specialization areas and seven fields of practice. You will also have access, online and in hard copy, to a Placement Planning book, which provides instructions regarding placement selection, an overview of the various methods and fields of practice, and an annotated list of placement sites. practicum Department staff will work very closely with you throughout this process and if need be will grant you additional time to consider your options before deciding on your top six placement choices. Most students receive one of their choices. (In rare cases, practicum Department staff may develop a new placement they think would be a great fit for a particular student, but they will approach the student first before moving forward.) NOTE: One of the best sources of information about your second-year placement are students who are now completing their second year. Opportunities will be provided for you to reach out to them as well during the selection process.

What if I have additional questions about my practicum placement or related matters?

For help with additional field-related matters, please contact the Office of Practicum Learning at:
E-mail: swfield_education@columbia.edu
Telephone: 212-851-2307
See also: Practicum Learning staff list.