All Wayne State University School of Social Work students are requried to review the following provisions related to their assigned practicum placement(s) while a student in the BSW or MSW degree program. Students must also acknowledge their review of and adherence to the information below as part of the admissions and practicum placement process. 

Provisions related to practicum placements

• Students with full time status are required to enroll in a practicum placement course for 16 hours per week. This requirement consists of two (2) regularly scheduled eight (8) hour practicum work days, to be completed during a normal business work week extending across the designated semester(s).
• Students with part time status are required to enroll in a practicum placement 16 hours per week. This requirement consists of at least two (2) regularly scheduled practicum work days. Part time student practicum work days may be arranged at an eligible but more flexible practicum placement site during evening and weekends hours, if available.
• For All Students. Student practicum placement should be scheduled during normal business hours, which for some agencies includes evening and weekend hours. However, it is important to note that evening and weekend practicum placement opportunities are not guaranteed and may restrict placement options. Students at a practicum placement that utilizes virtual and remote operations should be aware that a completely hybrid option is not guaranteed, and an agency can require at any time that the student presents in-person to complete required tasks.
• Many practicum placement agencies request background investigations, various clearances, fingerprint checks, physical examinations, TB tests, vaccination verification (i.e. Flu or COVID), a valid Michigan driver's license, etc. as requirements for their placement interview process and for confirmation of placement. If agencies do not cover costs, students may be required to pay these fees.  Agencies may also require random drug screening(s) at any time during the year. Students must be willing to participate in these additional screens/evaluations and give permission for the results to be provided to the School when requested. If a student fails these screens, she/he will not be accepted at the specified agency, may become ineligible for practicum placement, and not be placed for an entire academic year. If during the year a student fails a screening, the student will be removed from the agency and not placed in another agency for the remainder of the academic year. The Practicum Director will review cases to determine whether a student is eligible to continue in practicum and, consequently, remain in the relevant social work degree program. The Campus Health Center may provide some of these health services at no cost/low cost to registered students. 

• Notice regarding Medical Marijuana Card:

  It is important to note that students who report having a medical marijuana card must still comply with established policies and procedures of the agency where they are doing an internship.

• Students will contact the potential practicum instructor/agency to arrange for placement interviews. If a student is not accepted at two practicum agencies for performance or behavior concerns or does not accept placements at two practicum agencies, the student is then required to meet with the Director of Practicum Education. Failure to secure a placement after a third interview will be interpreted as the lack of readiness for practicum at this time. These students will be referred to their assigned Academic Advisor for revision of the academic plan of work.
• In all courses, including practicum placement, students shall maintain professional conduct in accordance with the WSU Student Code of Conduct and the school's professional, technical, and academic standards, i.e., the NASW Code of Ethics, professional social work values, and laws regulating social work practice.
• Students are expected to arrange reliable transportation to and from the practicum placement site. The Office of Practicumd Education does consider the location in which a student lives, but cannot guarantee a practicum placement in close proximity to that area. 
• Students are NOT to contact potential practicum placement sites regarding practicum placement opportunities. If a specific practicum placement site is of interest, students must notify the Office of Practicum Education. The school will follow the appropriate contact and placement protocols with the agency to ensure that the agency meets the required professional placement criteria for practicum education.
• Students are required to adhere to the School of Social Work policies found here.
• All practicum placement interviews are professional meetings. Professional dress and demeanor are required.

Criminal history advisement

Please be advised that many agencies conduct criminal background checks on interns. Students may be required to submit to electronic fingerprinting and pay any required fees. In many agencies, i.e., agencies that provide services to families and children or older adults, this is a legal requirement. A criminal record may prevent you from being accepted by any of the affiliated agencies. Because practicum placement is an absolute requirement, applicants are urged to respond authentically about their background, as failure to do so may result in unnecessary hardship for the student, the university, including the SSW, and the community agency. There may also be potential consequences for individuals with criminal records who intend to seek the LBSW or LMSW.

Questions

For questions regarding this form or policies, contact the WSU School of Social Work Office of Practicum Education at field_education@wayne.edu or 313-577-4446.