Experiential Learning Requirements

Experiential Learning “supports students in gaining hands-on learning that helps them transition to employment”^[1]. Experiential Learning can take the form of co-operative education, degree work placement, clinical/field placement, fieldwork/simulation labs, capstone/applied research projects, and service learning.

The experiential learning takes place throughout this program. Beginning with the Photojournalism course in semester one where you go on location to document events as they happen live to semester two with the course Storyworks where you research, meet and agree to work, sign contracts with a real client at no fee to the client. A “real world” experience delivered in a safe environment before actually entering the workforce. The cross-program integrated assignments with The Graphic Design Program as well as the Integrated Media Program offer an opportunity to work with like-minded students studying in a field that would interact with photographers in a professional working environment. The fourth semester has the Field Placement course, a non-paid placement with students researching a local photographer or photo-related business to work with to gain that “real-world” perspective.

The status of clinical/field placements and co-op work terms will be subject to public health directives and the reopening plan. Students may complete their placement requirements at sites that are permitted to open, either onsite, following appropriate health and safety protocols, or remotely. Students will be asked to read and sign a Student Informed Consent form in order to ensure that they understand their rights and the potential health and safety risks. Similarly, employers and/or placement hosts will be required to complete an Employer/Placement Health and Safety Site Checklist.

If workplaces are not permitted to open, placements and work terms may be completed remotely where feasible. In programs where placements or unpaid internships can not be facilitated through alternative/distance models, students will be allowed to complete these components at a later date.