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.

Work Integrated Learning

1. What is field placement?

Answer: Field Placement is a work experience in your final sixth semester. It is part of your educational experience. Placement is an opportunity to demonstrate your talent and “get a foot in the door”. One of the keys to succeeding in the game industry is networking, and during placement you will have the opportunity to meet and impress future colleagues and employers.

Your coordinator, Brian Sinasac, takes a very active role in facilitating field placements, however, students are entirely responsible to find their own placement with assistance (in various forms) from the faculty.

2. What are the benefits of taking field placement?

Answer: Field Placement is an opportunity to add an industry relevant entry to your resume. Some field placements result in a paid position, but given that a large component of this industry is networking, the experience is designed to allow students an invaluable opportunity to make professional connections and become more familiar with the industry landscape.

3. What credits or courses do I need in order to be eligible for field placement?

Answer: Before you can go on Field Placement, you must have received a passing grade in all other courses in the program.

4. How do I register for placement?

Answer: Field placement is a tuitioned course in your sixth semester. Please observe your fees deadline. When Web-registration opens, 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 placement site.

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.

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.