Practicum Learning

How is my practicum placement determined?

Over the summer, the Advising Office, the Office of Practicum Learning, and the Office of Student Services work in coordination to create a class schedule that fits your program requirements, as well as any special needs or circumstances you have noted on your Registration Approval Form. Our Office of Practicum Learning, in arranging more than 400 Fall placements, strives to ensure the best possible match for each incoming student. practicum Department staff study very carefully the information you have supplied on the practicum Placement Form alongside the prior experience noted on your résumé. Your placement site is linked to your advisor assignment.

When will I be notified of my practicum placement?

You will receive your practicum 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.

Once I’ve received my practicum placement assignment, if I have questions about it, who can I talk to?

Please reach out to the appropriate associate director of practicum:

Cindy Bautista-Thomas
Associate Director of Practicum Learning
Aging; Schools and School-Based Services
cb2747@columbia.edu 212-851-2311
Jenny Crawford
Associate Director
Contemporary Social Issues and World of Work
jgc91@columbia.edu 212-851-2308
Ericka M. Echavarria
Associate Director
Aging and World of Work
 eme2116@columbia.edu  (212) 851-2396
Amanda Glass
Associate Director
Health, Mental Health
aeg2181@columbia.edu 212-851-2310
Richard Hara
Associate Director
International, Immigrants and Refugees
rth7@columbia.edu  212-851-2251
Atavia Whitfield
Associate Director
Online Program
aw2555@columbia.edu  (212) 851-2316
Leslie Wiesner
Assistant Director
New Jersey Students
lcw2@columbia.edu
Ovita Williams
Associate Director
Family, Youth & Children’s Services – Westchester, Rockland, Connecticut
ofw1@columbia.edu  212-851-2309

 

What is my practicum instructor’s role?

Your practicum instructor (also sometimes referred to as your “task supervisor”) is the agency employee responsible for overseeing your training at your practicum placement. He or she is there to support your learning in practicum, 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 practicum 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 Practicum Learning. Under some circumstances, he or she may choose to override the recommendation of the agency practicum instructor.

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

For help with additional questions about 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