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.

Students are required to complete Field Placement 1 (DSWP 218) in semester 3 and Field Placement 2 (DSWP 228) in semester 4.

Field Placement provides students with the opportunity to apply and practice the knowledge, skills and values they have learned in their courses of study. The aim is for students to gain a mastery of knowledge, skills and attitudes.

In Semester 1, students will receive detailed information and guidance about the field placement selection process in their DSWP 125 Preparation for Practice course. Students must complete the necessary forms for the field placement selection process. Please note that Field Placement matching is determined by the Field Placement Coordinator: while student preferences regarding Field Placement are taken into careful consideration, it is not possible to guarantee students’ preferred placements. Furthermore, note that the decision to accept a student at a Field Placement Agency is determined by the agency, based on a rigorous interview process.

IMPORTANT:

It is the student’s responsibility to understand the processes related to Field Placement and to be aware of all deadlines and requirements. Students are expected to read and comply with all correspondence from the Field Placement Coordinator distributed in class or through email. The Field Placement Coordinator requires a minimum of 4 months before the start of the Field Placement course to initiate the placement matching and interview selection process.

This advance time is critical, and students are responsible for:

(a) completing and submitting all of the Field Placement-related forms and documentation (including a professional resume)

(b) preparing for and attending the Field Placement interview (including researching the agency online and preparing a tailored resume specific to the Field Placement Agency

(c) submitting the Field Placement Contract to the Field Placement Coordinator.

These steps are essential in order to confirm a Field Placement space. Please note that students who are off the DSW Model Route (e.g., students who have failed or dropped a course) must initiate contact with the Field Placement Coordinator at least four months before the official start date of the Field Placement course.

Students must complete the application for the Police Vulnerable Sector Check (required for Field Placement). Please note that Field Placement agencies may decline to interview or accept students with prior criminal convictions. If this is a concern, please speak to the Field Placement Coordinator as soon as possible to assist in planning and securing an appropriate Field Placement.

Note that:  ALL DSWP students must apply for a criminal background check (CRC). Students who have charges or convictions on their CRC will be unable to obtain a DSW placement.  All  DSW placements are with people who are considered legally vulnerable .  Provincial legislation prevents people who do not have a clear PRC from working/supporting/volunteering with persons considered vulnerable.

Please take special note of the following:

• Students must pass the prerequisite courses in order to be eligible to enter Field Placement.
• Students must be in Good or Conditional Academic Standing in order to be eligible for Field Placement.
• Students must need to be successful in the agency interview process to be accepted into Field Placement.
  
  Students who do not meet the minimum standard of acceptable and appropriate behavior, and/or have breached our Student Code of Conduct and/or the Disruptive Student Behavior policy are ineligible for Field Placement, and will need approval from the Chair to be eligible.

Please note that while the College does not require COVID-19 vaccination, students are required to follow the policies in place at work-term/placement sites. This means that you may be required to provide proof of vaccination to your employer/placement host in order to participate in and complete your work term/placement.