Field Experience Programs

On September 8, 1986, the University Faculty Senate approved the following policy and procedures pertaining to Field Experience programs at the University.

Definition of Field Experience: Field experience courses are defined as those experiences sponsored by a faculty member/department in which students have a regular (set hours per week) and continuous involvement with ongoing work-related responsibilities in an off-campus organization or agency.

University-wide Course Number: A University-wide numbering system for field experience has been established using the two common terminal digits - 64.

Department Guidelines: Each department will establish guidelines for the operation of field experience programs sponsored by faculty in the department. These guidelines should be based on the resolutions and recommendations approved by the University Faculty Senate and should allow for flexibility and creativity by individual faculty supervisors.

Evaluation Procedures:

• Prior written agreement will be established between the student and faculty sponsor as to the nature of the evaluation process.
• A regular reporting system will be established between faculty sponsor and student prior to beginning the field experience.
• The faculty sponsor will communicate the evaluation process to be used to the agency.
• The faculty sponsor will periodically contact the agency supervisor concerning student progress.
• The weight attached to input from the agency will be at the faculty sponsor's discretion.
• Work for Credit and Pay: The department/faculty will determine appropriate standards for learning obtained on the job, and students will not be denied the opportunity to earn credit solely because they receive payment from the agency.
• Time Credit Requirement: A student will spend at least forty hours on the job in a field placement for each credit earned.
• Grading: Each academic unit will define the grading policy for field experience courses in which students receive credit for regular and continuous involvement in an off-campus organization or agency.