UofC

Field practicum courses provide an opportunity for the student to be directly involved in social work practice. Successful completion of these courses is a requirement for continuation in the program. In all BSW program routes, students must complete all required 300-level Social Work courses before registering in field practica.

The field practicum courses are Social Work 410 and 412. All continuing students planning to enrol in the field practicum courses must register in the appropriate course(s). Students will be assigned placements in the field practicum based on availability and student interest and choices made by agencies. Information on field placement arrangements, including international placements, is available from the Director of Field Education.

Students are expected to be in practicum for a specific number of hours per week for the duration of their scheduled term. The practicum represents a significant time commitment. Students are expected to plan accordingly to be able to dedicate the number of hours required to complete their practicum within the appropriate terms.

Note: Students must maintain concurrent registration in practica and related integrative seminars (that is, the practicum Social Work 410 must be taken at the same time as the integrative seminar Social Work 411 and the practicum Social Work 412 must be taken at the same time as the integrative seminar Social Work 413).

Note: Students registered in the field practicum courses, Social Work 410 and 412, are required to attend the practicum during Reading Days in the Fall Term but not during Reading Week in the Winter Term. Students should also note that Social Work practicum courses will normally run one week past the last day of lectures in Fall and Winter Terms.

Current and prospective students are advised that many agencies who offer social work practicum placements require that students have a criminal record check prior to acceptance into a placement. Registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers also requires a criminal record check. The Calgary Health Region requires the Faculty of Social Work to document a criminal record for all students placed in Calgary Health Region practica.

The Student Services Office in the Faculty of Social Work advises students on academic matters and University regulations. Appointments with Student Services staff must be booked ahead of time through the online booking system.

Degree requirements must be completed within five consecutive 12-month periods from the date of initial registration in the Faculty of Social Work.