The intention and purpose of the practicum sequence is to provide HESA graduate students with the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience in a breadth of functional areas and deepen their level of awareness, knowledge and skills in the ACPA & NASPA Professional Competencies.
Students completing the HESA Practicum Sequence must enroll in and sequentially complete three practicum units during the program (O&L 645, O&L 646, and O&L 647). The HESA curriculum includes two 100-hour practicum experiences (O&L 646 and O&L 647) in addition to the 1-unit practicum course (O&L 645).
Courses
O&L 645 01: Practicum in Higher Education and Student Affairs I
O&L 646 01: Practicum in Higher Education and Student Affairs II
O&L 647 01: Practicum in Higher Education and Student Affairs III
More information available here: https://myusf.usfca.edu/education/departments/leadership-studies/programs/hesa/practicum
100-hour projects should be focused, intentional and developmental for the students. These can be based in programming, research, committee work, etc. The intention of the practicum project is for the student to contribute to the office or department in a meaningful way. The practicum project should be designed so that at the end of the 100 hours the student has a tangible outcome from experience (workshop curriculum, report, database, etc.).
*Practicum experiences are not meant to be general office work. The majority of the hours outlined in the work plan should specifically contribute to the goals and outcomes of the project. No more than 15 hours should be assigned to general office administration, unless it is directly contributes to the tangible outcome of the practicum.
**ALL practicum placements must be at least 4 weeks in length. Practicum placements for less than 4 weeks (regardless of hours worked) will not be considered.
Practicum supervisors play an integral part in providing supervision and mentoring for the practicum students. We ask that supervisors reflect on their capacity (both in regards to time and in regards to skill set) to invest in the growth and development of our students as critical student affairs professionals committed to access and equity.
In partnership with the student, develop a clearly defined work plan that includes defined goals, outline of how the 100 hours will be used over the course of the semester, clearly articulated tangibles at the end of the project
Supervisors are asked to provide guidance in the project - knowledge development about the topic, professional skill development (i.e. developing assessment, creating graphics, facilitation skills, etc.)
Shadowing and include student in relevant trainings when available
Coaching in relation to working as a full-time professional within the field of Student Affairs
Dedicate time to evaluate and provide feedback to the student about their performance and professional growth throughout the project
The practicum experience is an integral part of the HESA program and provides significant opportunities for students to merge theory with practice in an intentional, structured way. Students are expected to reflect on their goals and be realistic about their capacity in completing practicum hours (especially for practicums that require commuting, evening or weekend hours, etc.). The practicum is intended to be a holistic relationship between student and supervisor in which each other’s time and work are respected and honored. Students should expect to complete a focused, tangible project within their allotted hours. Ultimately, students are expected to be realistic about the depth and breadth of their projects; the work students will complete is significant and important, but this does not necessarily mean they will have the opportunity to transform entire programs, organizations, or institutions in the time allotted. Students are expected to observe and reflect on organizational structures, practices, and dynamics during the course of their practicum experience. In partnership with their supervisors, students will assess what change they can realistically and strategically enact during their 100-hour practicum. Students are expected to reflect on their performance growth and engage in a self and supervisor evaluation process as part of their personal and professional development.
Contact the HESA Practicum Coordinator at HESApracticum@usfca.edu.