Students' Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions From Students About Practicum

1. How many hours are required for practicum?

BSW Students must accumulate 256 hours in the fall semester and 256 hours in the spring semester, for a total of 512 hours for the academic year. The hour requirement for BSW Students for the 21/22 academic year has been modified to 200 hours for the fall semester and 200 hours for the spring semester (400 total), according to CSWE consideration as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Foundation Level MSW Students must accumulate 240 hours in the fall semester and 240 hours in the spring semester, for a total of 480 hours for the academic year. Advanced Level MSW Students must accumulate 300 hours in the fall semester and 300 hours in the spring semester, for a total of 600 hours for the academic year. The hour requirement for Foundation Level MSW Students for the 21/22 academic year has been modified to 180 hours for the fall semester and 180 hours for the spring semester (360 total), according to CSWE consideration as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The hour requirement for Advanced Level MSW Students for the 21/22 academic year has been modified to 240 hours for the fall semester and 240 hours for the spring semester (480 total), according to CSWE consideration as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Does this ever change?

We have some placements (especially schools and some healthcare facilities) that require students to work outside of a traditional semester schedule. This must be approved prior to starting an internship.

1. How are hours tracked? Student & Field Supervisor Video Tutorials

BSW Students are to submit electronic time logs in Tk20 on a monthly basis. Once completed, Field Supervisors are sent an email alert from the Tk20 system that has a link to the time logs that require their review and approval. These completed time logs must be submitted by the 15^th of the following month by the student into D2L to receive a passing grade for practicum.

MSW Students are to submit electronic time logs in Tk20. Once completed, Field Supervisors are sent an email alert from the Tk20 system that has a link to the time logs that require their review and approval. The frequency (i.e. daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly) of when those should be submitted to the Field Supervisor is left to the discretion of the Field Supervisor at the site. At the end of each month the student is expected to export, rename and upload the month’s hours spreadsheet back into Tk20. Here are MSW time log guidelines for the Student and Field Supervisor.

1. How many days/hours a week should I work to complete my hours within a semester? Response based on 21/22 academic year.

For BSW Students to complete 200 hours within a semester (15 weeks), students can work between 13-14 hours a week. Often students will work 2 days a week, unless the agency and student have agreed upon different hours based on agency needs.

For Foundation Level MSW Students to complete 180 hours within a semester (15 weeks), students can work 12 hours a week. Often students will work 2 days a week, unless the agency and student have agreed upon different hours based on agency needs.

For Advanced Level MSW Students to complete 240 hours within a semester (15 weeks), students can work 16 hours a week. Often students will work 2 days a week, unless the agency and student have agreed upon different hours based on agency needs.

1. Are all students required to complete their hours by the end of the spring semester (late April/early May)?

Exceptions are made for students who are placed in school settings where students must continue their internships until closer to the end of that school year (late May/early June). All students who are placed in school settings (or in agencies that work within schools) must provide a schedule of hours that will be completed after the spring semester is over and receive approval from their NEIU Field Instructor/Liaison for those hours, in order to receive a grade for that final semester.

1. Can I work during my winter break to catch up on hours?

BSW Students are not expected to work during their winter break. If they choose to work during the break, they are only able to accumulate 24 hours total over their winter break, which is applied to their fall semester. Exceptions can be made for settings that require for students to work over the break, or for school settings. If these situations apply, prior approval must be obtained from the student’s NEIU Field Instructor/Liaison.

MSW Students are not expected to work during their winter break. If they choose to work during the break, they are only able to accumulate 30 hours total over their winter break, which can be applied to the total hours required for Field. Exceptions can be made for settings that require for students to work over the break, or for school settings. If these situations apply, prior approval must be obtained from the student’s NEIU Field Instructor/Liaison.

1. What are the dates and holidays for the spring and fall semesters?

Information about the academic calendar and holidays can be found here: https://www.neiu.edu/academics/registrar-services/academic-calendar/fall-2021-summer-2022-academic-calendar

1. How much supervision do I need during my internship?

Students must receive 1 hour of supervision weekly from a credentialed individual (i.e. LCSW, MSW with two years in the field post MSW, BSW with two years in the field post BSW for BSW students ONLY). Field Supervisors with other credentials (e.g. LCPC, LPC) will have to be reviewed and approved prior to the start of the internship. Formal group supervision can also meet this requirement.

1. Can I complete my internship at my place of employment?

Students are encouraged to carry out their internship at a site different from their place of employment. If the student is employed at a site that offers social work related services, the student can complete an application to request their internship be at the place of employment. The BSW & MSW Directors of Field Education can be contacted regarding this opportunity.

1. Who do I talk to if I have a conflict with my Field Supervisor or if we are not communicating/getting along?

We ask that students attempt to discuss concerns in supervision with their supervisor. If students do not feel comfortable or need additional support with this, they can speak to their NEIU Field Instructor/Liaison. If there are major issues with a placement, the NEIU Field Instructor/Liaison may contact the Director of Field Education for support.

1. Am I entitled to a lunch break at my placement?

When you begin your placement, you should discuss breaks with your supervisor. Together you should work out a plan for a break during your placement.

1. What do I do if my supervisor leaves my agency?

If your supervisor leaves your field agency, you will need to immediately inform your NEIU Field Instructor/Liaison. NEIU requires that you be supervised by a credentialed social worker. Your NEIU Field Instructor/Liaison will ensure that your agency still meets these requirements.

1. How do I go about switching my field agency?

All attempts will be made to avoid switching agencies during a placement. Challenges during placement are often good learning experiences, as students learn conflict resolution and communication skills. If you have concerns about your field agency, contact your NEIU Field Instructor/Liaison who can work to address concerns. Only after all other options have been exhausted will a transfer be initiated.

1. Can NEIU students drive clients or commute for their internship?

NEIU does not provide insurance coverage for students to transport clients. However, if an agency provides insurance that covers students transporting clients (or if you have insurance that meets your agency’s requirements), we do not have a formal policy against this. If a placement requires a great deal of travel we encourage (but do not require) agencies to reimburse students for their mileage.

1. What types of paperwork are required?

Students must complete electronic time logs in Tk20; complete a Learning Contract Word document with their Field Supervisor, then upload it to D2L; and Field Self-Evaluations at the end of the fall and spring semesters. These documents will determine whether or not a student passes practicum. Due dates will be provided in the student’s syllabus and in future communications