Longwood University believes strongly in the importance of practical, as well as theoretical learning. A field experience approach is used within the guidance and counseling program to provide students with on-site experiences that offer a comprehensive view of guidance and counseling. Students are required to complete 150 supervised clock hours at all three levels (elementary, middle, and high school).

 Prerequisites:  24 hours of coursework including EDUC 503, 505, 545, 555, 605, 610, and
                          612.  Supervisory fee - $75.00. 3 credits.

 Responsibilities of the Practicum Student

1. The student is expected to be familiar with the guidelines and expectations of the Longwood University Counseling Program.
    

2. The student is responsible for securing a placement.  If the placement is located in a public school, the student must have approval from the school counselor and the district Director of Guidance.
    

3. The student must file an Intent to Register Form from Dr. Cooper, for the practicum at least 45 days prior to beginning the practicum.
    

4. The student is required to participate in all practicum class sessions planned by the faculty advisor.
    

5. The student will prepare a proposal, which will address the practicum objectives in consultation with the faculty supervisor and the practicum supervisor.  This proposal will outline the activities and timelines of the practicum experience.
    

6. The student will act as a professional and responsible person at all times during the practicum.  The student is required to uphold the ethical standards of the American Counseling Association.

Responsibilities of the Faculty Supervisor

1. The faculty supervisor will coordinate the student’s field placement with the Director of Professional Studies (Hull 141).
    

2. The faculty supervisor is responsible for communicating to the field supervisor the expectations for the practicum student and the experiences desired.
    

3. The faculty supervisor will meet with the student on a regularly scheduled basis for class seminars during the practicum and for other meetings with the student and the field supervisor on as-needed basis.
    
4. The faculty supervisor must grant written approval of the proposal presented by the student prior to the start of the practicum.
    

5. The faculty supervisor is the person responsible for assignment of the course grade after consultation with the field supervisor.

 Responsibilities of the Field Supervisor

1. Orient the student to the site and the organizational structure of the program.
    

2. Serve as a consultant to the student by providing assistance to the student in the development of the student’s proposal.
    

3. Introduce the student to the other members of the site staff.
    

4. Provide the student with regular feedback and communicate with the faculty supervisor as scheduled to evaluate the student’s process.
    

5. Serve as a resource for the student in sharing ideas related to theory, techniques and materials.
    

6. Complete the practicum evaluation form at the end of the semester.