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.

1. What is field placement?
Answer: It’s a course which gives you the opportunity to demonstrate to an advertising agency (or other approved company) all the knowledge and skills you have learned about advertising in the past 2 ½ years. If you take it after this semester you may not be eligible for OSAP.

2. What are the benefits of taking field placement?
Answer: During your field placement you learn the day-to-day operations of an ad agency and gain hands-on experience that you can highlight on your resume. Placement is a great time for you to work hard and impress your agency with your dedication and work ethic. Many students are offered full-time or contract positions while on placement.

3. What credits or courses do I need in order to be eligible for field placement?
Answer: Students that have completed semesters 1- 5 and have passed all courses are eligible for placement. If you are missing a GNED and can take it at night school or on-line during your placement, then you will also be eligible. See your faculty Coordinator for advice.

4. How do I register for placement?
Answer: Field placement is a tuitioned course similar to your previous semester courses and is part of your final Academic year. Fee statements are issued for this semester in fall. Please observe your fees deadline. When Web-registration opens for winter semester, be sure to visit myCentennial and build your timetable as you would for other semesters. If you do not register for placement, you will not be allowed to report to your agency.

5. Why do I pay for field placement?
Answer: Your field placement hours are part of your program and contribute to the mandatory hours required to complete your program, as approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities. Payment for your entire program is distributed over the number of semesters you attend.
Mandatory non-tuition fees are also included in your fees for placement semester. These fees are reviewed and approved each new academic year by several committees and your Student Association.
During your field placement you are still considered a student of Centennial College with all associated privileges and responsibilities. You will have access to the campus computer labs, college libraries and Workers’ Compensation at your placement agency is covered by the college.

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.