MSW Practicum education at the Brown School is an integral part of professional social work education and the signature pedagogy of the MSW Program. It is designed to provide authentic practice situations in which theoretical knowledge and concepts from the classroom and literature can be applied to the concrete demands of the practicum.

The learning that occurs in the practicum setting complements academic coursework with the practical application of theory, concepts, and specific practice behaviors – thus the term practicum. Practicum education acts in accordance with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) competencies and associated practice behaviors. Practicum education is the opportunity for students to apply the skills and knowledge gained in the classroom in actual practice settings.

Purpose of Practicum Education

The purpose of the MSW Practicum at the Brown School is threefold:

  1. To offer challenging, innovative, and meaningful learning experiences to students;
  2. To prepare students for responsibilities as social work professionals who demonstrate ethical and professional conduct; and
  3. To ensure expert supervision by experienced Practicum Instructors (PIs) who have demonstrated knowledge in the practicum and who have been affiliated with the Brown School.

The experiential learning process that occurs in practicum encourages students to integrate the theory, knowledge, and skills learned in the classroom with real-world experiences and to actively participate in their own career development. Applied learning is essential in the process of educating, informing, advising, nurturing, and mentoring the development of competent social work professionals.

Role of Practicum Faculty

Practicum Faculty serve as the primary advisors for the MSW Practicum experience. They are responsible for orienting students to the practicum process, guiding student learning, and assessing progress across all areas of practicum education. Practicum Faculty work in close collaboration with practicum agencies and bring expertise aligned with their areas of concentration. Practicum advising includes helping students identify, secure, and prepare for practicum placement, as well as supporting socialization into the profession and overall professional development. Throughout the MSW Practicum, Practicum Faculty collaborate with students, PIs, and Academic Advisors to ensure students are meeting all required competencies and practice behaviors. Practicum Faculty conduct the midpoint site visit to monitor student progress in the practicum. The Foundations of Field Education and MSW Integrative Foundation Field Seminar are taught by Office of Practicum Education (OPE) faculty and provide a supportive learning environment that includes information via readings, lectures, facilitated discussions, and practical examples.

Practicum Levels

Foundation Practica 

The foundation-level practicum provides students with opportunities to gain a generalist's perspective on social work practice and is the first practicum experience students are required to complete. Students must complete 3 practicum credits (120 hours per credit) for a total of 360 practicum hours at the foundation level at an approved practicum site.

It is recommended that full-time students in the two-year cohort begin their MSW Foundation Practicum in the spring of their first year of the program. Students who are part-time can begin their MSW Foundation Practicum in their second year of the program. Students who are Advanced Standing do not complete the MSW Foundation Practicum. Students may begin MSW Foundation Practicum in the summer with approval from their Practicum Faculty advisor before registration. Students are required to complete their MSW Foundation Practicum at one site, barring special circumstances.

Concentration Practica

A student in the two-year cohort must complete any prerequisite courses for their concentration-level practicum. Students complete 5 practicum credits (120 hours per credit) for a total of 600 practicum hours of MSW Concentration Practicum at a site that aligns with their advanced area of study. Students may take up to 3 credits of practicum each semester to not exceed 360 hours per semester. Concentration practicum hours may not be completed concurrently with foundation practicum hours. Students will register their MSW Concentration Practicum with the Practicum Faculty member who oversees the practicum experience for their concentration. Practicum Faculty have practice experience in or adjacent to the Social Work Concentration, which allows them to help guide students in their site selection.

Students who are full-time typically complete their MSW Concentration Practicum during their second year of the program. Students in the part-time program begin their MSW Concentration Practicum in the semester after completion of their MSW Foundation Practicum (varies). Advanced Standing students (BSW-degreed students) can begin the MSW Concentration Practicum during their first semester at the Brown School. These students are required to complete only the concentration-level practicum for 5 credits (600 Practicum hours) and are exempt from the foundation-level practicum and the MSW Integrative Foundation Field Seminar course.

Elective Practica

Students can take 1 to 5 additional credits (120 hours per credit) of elective practica upon satisfactory completion of their required 600 hours of concentration practicum. Students may complete these hours at the organization where the concentration practicum was completed or at a different practicum site. Students may not exceed 600 elective credit hours of practicum nor take more than 3 credits (360 hours) in one semester.

Practicum Options

Out-of-State Practicum

Special consideration will be made on a case-by-case basis for the affiliation of out-of-state (through OPE) and potential PIs. Upon approval from the OPE, students who have completed the MSW Foundation Practicum with a passing grade can apply to complete a concentration-level practicum outside of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area in any U.S. city or state. Out-of-state sites and PIs must meet the same criteria to affiliate as local sites and PIs. We encourage students to consult with OPE Faculty about the Brown School's affiliation process in their planning for an out-of-state practicum.

Students are required to submit two references to the OPE, which can verify their ability to complete and thrive in an out-of-state practicum. The student must submit the same practicum documents that are required for a local practicum to OPE by the specified due dates. Students must also comply with all of OPE's policies and procedures during out-of-state practicum experiences.

Global Practicum

The OPE collaborates with the Global Programs Office (GPO) to assess the feasibility of international practica for students. A global practicum is defined as a placement that is completed in a Core Affiliated Practicum (CAP) site in a country outside of the United States. Global practicum students are required to comply with all OPE requirements, guidelines, and timelines. Students must also adhere to the mandated competencies and behaviors outlined in the Educational Learning Agreement (ELA) in their area of concentration. Students interested in completing an international practicum must receive joint approval from the OPE and the GPO.

Global Practicum Approval

The approval for a global practicum must meet the following conditions:

  • The student submits the application for global practica to the OPE.
  • The student is in good academic standing at the time of application, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and with no academic or disciplinary concerns.
  • The student has completed the MSW Foundation coursework and practicum.
  • The student has successfully completed, with a B or better, at least one course in international practice.
  • Dual degree students have completed the prerequisite courses, the MSW Foundation courses, and the MSW Foundation Practicum.
  • Advanced Standing MSW students will have completed at least one semester of courses at Brown School.

Individualized Plan of Study Practicum

A student with an approved Individualized Plan of Study from the Assistant Dean of Social Work must also receive a practicum site from the OPE that fulfills the rationale for the plan. The OPE works in concert with the Assistant Dean for Social Work for approval. Students create an individualized ELA specifying how the selected site meets the CSWE 2022 EPAS Competencies for social work practice.

Employment-Based Practicum

The MSW program recognizes that students — particularly those attending part-time — may have unique circumstances and professional commitments that make completing a practicum at their place of employment a practical and more equitable option. While the MSW Program generally encourages students to seek placements that broaden their experience, it also provides a pathway for work-based practicum placements through a formal application process. This approach ensures flexibility while maintaining the integrity of practicum education and compliance with accreditation standards.

The program permits students to apply for a work-based practicum placement under specific conditions designed to uphold the integrity of practicum education and to ensure compliance with CSWE accreditation standards. This option is intended to support students who are employed in organizations that can provide meaningful learning experiences aligned with social work competencies. Students must complete the Application to Complete Practicum at Place of Employment Form and provide detailed information about their current role, the proposed practicum activities, and how these activities differ from their routine employment tasks. The application process is designed to ensure that the practicum experience is distinct from the student's regular job duties, offers meaningful learning opportunities, and aligns with the nine CSWE social work competencies; it also indicates whether the practicum will occur at the foundation or concentration level. OPE Faculty work collaboratively with students and employers to create a plan that supports professional growth, competency development, and inclusive practice.

Alignment With Social Work Competencies and Level of Practice

To maintain academic rigor, the program requires that all work-based practicum assignments be distinct from routine employment tasks and explicitly linked to the nine CSWE social work competencies. Students must submit a detailed application that outlines proposed practicum activities and demonstrates how these tasks correspond to competency-based learning objectives at the appropriate level of practice (foundation or concentration). The application is reviewed by OPE Faculty, who collaborate with the student and the employer to ensure that assignments provide opportunities for assessment, intervention, policy practice, research-informed decision-making, and engagement across relevant system levels.

Distinct Supervision for Practicum Education

All supervisors in employment-based settings must meet the criteria for practicum supervision with the MSW Program. If the student's direct supervisor does not meet these qualifications, an alternative on-site PI may be assigned that meets these criteria within the organization. All PIs must go through training with the OPE before they are approved to provide supervision toward the student's accumulation of practicum hours. Practicum education supervision must be separate and identifiably different from employment supervision, even when it is provided by the same individual. The MSW Program requires that employment-based PIs allocate dedicated time for competency-based field instruction, including weekly supervision sessions focused on integrating theory into practice, reviewing learning agreements, and evaluating progress toward ELA objectives. This distinction is reinforced through orientation and training for PIs to ensure that supervisory roles for employment and education remain clearly delineated.

Continuation or Change in Case of Employment Disruption

If a student becomes unemployed during a work-based practicum, OPE has a structured process to ensure continuity toward the completion of practicum hours. OPE Faculty work closely with the student to identify an alternative placement that meets program requirements and supports timely completion of practicum hours. The program prioritizes a seamless transition by leveraging its network of approved practicum sites and, when necessary, assigning an alternative PI (e.g., a Brown School faculty member) to provide supervision until a new placement is secured. This approach safeguards student learning and compliance with accreditation standards while minimizing disruption to the student's academic progress.

Approval and Documentation

When the student's application meets all criteria, the MSW Program documents approval of the student's ELA and enters the approval in the practicum education database. If any gaps are identified, faculty collaborate with the student and the employer to revise the application before final approval.

Contingency Planning

As part of the evaluation, OPE faculty ensure that the application includes a continuity plan in case the student's employment ends during the practicum. This plan outlines how the program will assist the student with securing an alternative placement and, if necessary, assign an alternative PI to maintain compliance and support the timely completion of practicum hours.

Required Practicum Coursework

Foundations of Field Education

SWFN 5050 MSW Foundations of Field Education is required the semester prior to starting the practicum and serves as one of many points of orientation for students. This mandatory course is designed to help students prepare for practicum; it is a 0-credit (asynchronous and synchronous) requirement for students prior to entering practicum placement. The course is designed to orient students to the process of field education at the Brown School and to provide students with an overview of the historical and cultural context of our region's practice environment. Activities strongly emphasize the skills of generalist social work practice, emphasizing the CSWE 2022 EPAS Competencies for Practice. During the course, information on practicum selection, practicum requirements, and procedures is provided.

MSW Integrative Foundation Field Seminar

SWFN 5052 MSW Integrative Foundation Field Seminar, a 1-credit course, is taken concurrently with the MSW Foundation Practicum, either in the spring or summer semester. The seminar integrates theoretical constructs and evidence-based practices with hands-on skill application and exposure to the social work profession's varied professional roles, values, and ethics. In the seminar, students utilize large and small group discussion, case presentations, group exercises, writing, and other assignments to process their experiences with supervision and client interactions. This course provides students with a forum to debrief practice challenges in a supportive environment and to begin honing professional development skills through an applied, peer-to-peer learning experience. Activities strongly emphasize the skills of generalist social work practice, especially the CSWE 2022 EPAS Competencies for Practice.

BSW Intensive: Bridge to Brown

SWFN 5008 BSW Intensive: Bridge to Brown is a required 4-credit course designed to support Advanced Standing students in making a confident and successful transition into graduate-level social work education. The course is intentionally structured not to repeat generalist content but rather to build upon students' prior BSW training by reinforcing core knowledge and introducing new frameworks that deepen understanding and support readiness for advanced coursework. Key areas of focus include research methods; social, economic, and political environments; social justice and human diversity; and the evidence-based practice model. Bridge to Brown ensures a strong academic foundation for all incoming Advanced Standing students and equips them for success in the concentration-level curriculum and advanced field education. This bridge experience ensures that Advanced Standing students are fully prepared for the rigor and expectations of specialized MSW coursework while reinforcing the program's commitment to equity and inclusion in student development.

Practicum Site and Instructor Criteria

Students must complete their practicum experience with an affiliated practicum organization. Affiliated practicum organizations are those that have been determined and approved to fulfill the requirements of the CSWE 2022 EPAS Competencies for Social Work practice and to provide consistent and exemplary learning experiences for students. The MSW Program employs a structured process to verify that all PIs meet the qualifications outlined by the CSWE. This verification occurs during the site approval process and is documented through the completion of a Brown School Affiliation Application, which can be found on the Brown School website. This form requires instructors to document their academic credentials, graduation year(s), and professional experience details. Supporting documentation, such as copies of diplomas or transcripts, may also be requested.

For specialized practice placements in which task supervisors may not hold an MSW degree, the review process includes evaluation of the instructor's résumé or CV, verification of degree conferral, and assessment of relevant practice experience. In addition, the program ensures that these supervisors complete orientation and training modules designed to align their supervision with the nine CSWE competencies, guaranteeing that students receive high-quality, competency-based learning experiences.

All qualification reviews are documented in the program's practicum education database. Compliance is monitored by the OPE.

Site Requirements for Foundation Practica

Foundation-level practicum sites must meet all of the following requirements to be affiliated with the Brown School:

  1. Located in the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area (within a 60-mile radius of the WashU Campus)
  2. Have an approved and affiliated on-site PI who has an MSW degree
  3. Have the capacity to provide students with a minimum of 50 hours of direct client contact, as defined by the practicum organization (Client contact may be in person, over the phone, or via an online platform.)

Site Requirements for Concentration Practica

Concentration practicum hours can be completed in the Greater St. Louis area, out of state, or internationally.

Practicum Instructor Criteria

To provide practicum supervision, a PI must meet the minimum qualifications:

  • MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program plus two years post-master's experience for the supervision of foundation and concentration students (Concentration students who want to complete a concentration practicum at a site without an MSW can apply for an alternative PI placement.*)
  • Minimum of one year employment at the practicum site
  • Ability to provide a minimum of one hour per week of individual supervision
  • Ability to attend Social Work Practicum Education Collaborative trainings
*

Task supervisors at the concentration level must have a master's degree or higher plus two years of post-master's experience in their area of specialized practice.

Practicum Instructor Responsibilities

  • Orienting the student to the staff, clients, culture, policies, and procedures of the organization
  • Defining the role and scope of the practicum experience
  • Mentoring the student in professional development
  • Assisting the student with the preparation and completion of the ELA
  • Conducting a minimum of one hour of individualized supervision time each week
  • Reviewing the student's self-evaluation
  • Completing a final student evaluation submitted to the OPE upon completion of the practicum
  • Communicating with the OPE if any problems/concerns arise
  • Communicating changes in contact information for the PI or practicum site

Practicum Supervision Requirements

Weekly Supervision

PIs provide one hour individualized supervision (face-to-face or virtual) each week. In the event that this cannot occur, OPE Faculty can step in as needed to provide supervision. Topics discussed in supervision may include the following:

  • Updates on the student's progress with tasks and projects as related to social work competencies and the ELA
  • Challenges or problems faced by the student
  • Accomplishments and goals the student has achieved
  • Issues of cultural awareness, racial equity, and diversity (within the organization and with clients or constituents)
  • Processing of the organizational culture and politics
  • Identification of training opportunities for the student
  • Discussion and mentoring regarding the student's professional development and career goals
  • Discussion of social work news and trends relevant to the practicum site, the population served, and the student's interests

Group Supervision

Organizations hosting more than one practicum student or other interns may offer group supervision to students as a supplement to individual supervision. Group supervision may orient a group of students to the organization, allow students to meet other interns and coordinate student projects, or provide a forum for guest speakers and professional development to enhance students' practicum experience. Group supervision is encouraged, but it is not meant to replace weekly individual supervision.

Alternative Practicum Instruction Supervision

The MSW Program has a structured process to ensure that students receive qualified supervision even when a practicum setting cannot provide an instructor who meets CSWE requirements. When a practicum site cannot provide a qualified instructor who meets the program's requirements, the OPE implements an alternative supervision process to ensure compliance and to maintain the integrity of student learning. In these cases, the program will do the following:

  • Work to assign an alternative on-site PI who holds the required credentials and expertise.
  • Provide the onboarding and training necessary for the new instructor to provide practicum supervision.
  • If an on-site instructor is not available, the OPE will engage a faculty member from the MSW Program. OPE Faculty may themselves serve in this role. If both of these options are unavailable, an approved external supervisor with advanced knowledge in the student's area of practice will be assigned.

These efforts provide a seamless experience for students to continue the accumulation of required hours and to receive high-quality supervision of their work.

Safety and Security of Students in Practicum

The OPE prioritizes the safety of all practicum students. If they are not proactively addressed, concerns about personal safety can significantly impact learning opportunities for students. While the Brown School aims to prepare students for real-world professional practice, it recognizes that off-campus experiences have potential risks to safety and security that are outside of the protection of the campus. PIs and sites are expected to do the following:

  • Discuss safety and security matters students during the interview process and throughout the practicum experience.
  • Disclose to students the prevalence of or potential for personal safety concerns during practicum hours.
  • Explain and enforce organizational safety protocols with students, including building and office security, emergency procedures, managing clients, and home visit safety procedures.
  • Provide a tour of the site's surrounding community (and any off-site locations where hours are counted) and address any concerns the student may have.
  • Allow students to observe staff members.
  • Allow students to be observed while engaged in learning activities.
  • Provide students with all security resources (i.e., safety training, cellular phones) available for the site.

Practicum Grades

Students receive grades for their practicum experiences from their PIs based upon their performance. Grades for practicum are High Pass, Pass, and No Pass. If a grade is No Pass, the student must re-register and pay to retake the required practicum credits for completion of their degree. Students will receive no credit for previously accrued practicum hours if they received a non-passing grade.

Incomplete Practicum Grade Policy

An interim placeholder of IP (In Progress) will appear on the student's transcript if the student did not complete all practicum requirements for a semester and/or submit the required practicum-related documentation mentioned above.

If the student has not met the required semester deadlines to replace the IP in the semester in which they plan to graduate, Brown Academic Records & Registration will assign a No Pass for the registered practicum credits. Students will be required to complete their required practicum hours to receive their degree, at their own expense.

Final grades are determined by OPE Faculty upon review of all required documentation for the completion of the practicum.

Practicum Requirements for Students

International Students

Prior to beginning of practicum, all international students on a visa must obtain the appropriate forms for work authorization from the Washington University in St. Louis Office for International Students and Scholars.

Students' Activities in Compliance with the NASW Code of Ethics

The Brown School supports the policies of affiliated practicum organizations. However, because practicum students are not employees of these organizations, students are encouraged to pay special attention to the requirements of their practicum tasks and duties to comply with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. This Code of Ethics provides the values and beliefs that serve as the foundation for morally responsible social work practices that should guide students in their professional behavior as agents of the organization while in a practicum.

Completing Hours Across Multiple Semesters

In agreement with their PIs, students may elect to complete a practicum over a period of one to three semesters. Students who choose to do this should plan to allocate their practicum hours on a weekly basis and submit the required documents at the end of the practicum.

Students should provide an approved copy of their ELA to the PI during the first semester of a multiple-semester practicum. Students are required to submit only one ELA during their practicum experience. The Self-Evaluation of Competencies and Performance (completed by the student), the Practicum Instructor Evaluation of Practicum (completed by the PI), and the Practicum Timesheet are due at the end of the practicum.

If a student is registered for more than one semester at any one agency, the grade of IP (In Progress) will appear on their transcript. The final grade will be posted upon the completion of all practicum hours and the submission of all required documents to the student's Practicum Faculty.

Organizational Policies

Students are required to comply with the rules, policies, procedures, and other requirements (i.e., background checks and certifications) of the practicum organization insofar as they pertain to students' activities during practicum. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are informed of such policies and to discuss with their PI specific aspects of policies and rules that impact their practicum duties.

Lobbying Activities

Students who engage in formal lobbying activities as part of the practicum experience should discuss with the practicum organization and the OPE the necessity of registering as a lobbyist with the appropriate governmental entity. If the student and their PI determine that registration is appropriate, the student must register as a lobbyist for the practicum organization and not as an agent for Washington University in St. Louis. It is the responsibility of the student and the organization to comply with all laws and regulations relevant to lobbying.

Sharing Sensitive Information

The OPE prioritizes student, organizational, and client confidentiality. However, there may be instances when relevant information must be shared for the protection and well-being of students, organizations, or clients. Relevant information is defined as information that may have an impact on a student's well-being, practicum site selection, or learning experiences. Relevant information can also include information that could impact clients, PIs, and organizational staff. Such information will be shared to enable informed choices by PIs and to protect and facilitate the learning process for students. PIs are also expected to share relevant information with the OPE. Practicum organizations may require students to sign a Release of Information statement, if relevant. The OPE reserves the right to share all relevant information with appropriate persons, including but not limited to the student's Academic Advisor, the PI, and the Brown School administration.

Mandatory Reporting

As emerging social work professionals, it is an expectation that all students adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics as well as state laws and regulations by reporting incidents of suspected neglect or abuse, as required. The OPE encourages students to discuss these situations with their PIs to gain a full appreciation and knowledge of the mandated reporting process. Students should familiarize themselves with the laws of the state in which they are completing practicum and/or the laws of the state where they intend to practice after graduation that define the mandated reporter process and requirements.

Professional Liability Insurance

Washington University in St. Louis carries a primary $2 million insurance policy per person for its various professional practicums. This program covers duly registered Brown School students for events that may occur while these students are performing duties in their practicum. Students can obtain proof of coverage by contacting the OPE. Students wishing to obtain additional coverage at their own expense may contact the NASW Insurance Trust at 800-638-8799, extension 387.

Automobile Insurance

Washington University in St. Louis does not provide automobile liability coverage for students. Students who will use their personal vehicles or a practicum site's vehicle to fulfill the requirements of their role (e.g., transporting clients, conducting home visits) are encouraged to discuss required automobile use and coverage needs during the interview process.

Special Accommodations

Prior to beginning a practicum search, students who require special accommodations in their practicums should discuss those needs with the Office of Disability Resources at Washington University in St. Louis to ensure that reasonable accommodations can be identified and recommended. Reasonable accommodations are assistive tools or arrangements that facilitate the performance of a student with a disability or special need to meet the responsibilities required to complete their practicum. Accommodations from the Office of Disability Resources should be discussed between the student and their PI during the interview process, with facilitation and support from the OPE.

Drug Screenings

A drug screening for illicit drugs may be required for certain practicum sites. This may include testing for — but is not necessarily limited to — cannabis (THC), cocaine, opiates, amphetamine, and phencyclidine (PCP). Drug screenings can be performed by BarnesCare/BJC Healthcare or at a location recommended or required by the practicum organization. Students are responsible for obtaining the required screenings and all associated costs and fees. It is the student's responsibility to confirm with sites regarding the need for drug screenings during the interview process.

Strategies to Address Unanticipated Practicum Challenges

There are occasions when challenges arise during the practicum involving the site that affect the student's overall experience. It is crucial that any problems or concerns associated with a student, a PI, or the practicum organization are brought to the attention of the OPE Faculty liaison as soon as they become apparent. This provides the student and the PI with the opportunity to initiate timely corrective steps to remedy the situation, as described below.

All affiliated practicum organizations are expected to provide high-quality placements and supervision to students. These expectations are communicated through the affiliation process and PI training. There are times when challenges may occur during practicum that are due to changes beyond the student's or PI’s control. Examples include changes in the PI (e.g., the PI leaves or is terminated), changes within the organization (e.g., internal restructuring or loss of funding), or changes in the student's personal life (e.g., student illness, death in the family). The student and/or the PI are required to notify the OPE Faculty liaison as soon as possible when circumstances necessitate a change in supervision or if a practicum must be terminated. If a student experiences challenges with their practicum, they should contact the OPE Faculty to work toward resolution.

Change in Practicum Instructor

Because social service organizations often face turnover, affiliated PIs may leave a site, thus requiring the student to change their practicum plan. Whenever possible, the PI or the organizational representative (if the PI is no longer employed by the organization or otherwise incapacitated) is encouraged to explore all options that might allow the student to remain at the practicum site under different supervision. If another professional from the organization is available to replace the PI, that individual must complete the affiliation paperwork and the required PI training. The OPE will only approve a supplemental supervisor in this case if the proposed professional is able to meet the requirements for affiliation. On a case-by-case basis, the OPE will work with the practicum organization to determine an alternative plan for supervision. 

Student-Requested Termination of Practicum

Students may find the Petition to Terminate Practicum Form on the OPE webpage. The form must be signed by the student, the PI, and the OPE. The OPE Faculty liaison completes a review of the practicum situation. The practicum is still in effect until final OPE approval of the termination is granted. If the approval for termination is granted, the student will receive a grade for the hours completed, if the number of hours is equal to at least 1 credit (120 work hours) toward their degree. Students who have accumulated less than 120 practicum hours will be expected to complete all 120 hours in their next practicum placement.

Unsatisfactory Practicum Performance

All Brown School students are expected to conduct themselves professionally, ethically, and morally during their practicum experience. This expectation is emphasized throughout the academic year in various trainings and coursework, and it is mandated within the practice behaviors and professional competencies in the ELA. There may be times when a student's behavior (intentional or unintentional) impedes successful performance in the practicum or is detrimental to the mission and/or operations of the practicum organization. When such behaviors occur, PIs have several courses of action available to remedy the situation.

Practicum Support Plan

When challenges arise in the practicum on the part of the student, the PI, or both, the OPE may recommend or require the use of the Practicum Support Plan (PSP) to assist with addressing these challenges. The PSP can be initiated by the student, the PI, and/or OPE the Faculty liaison and completed by the PI and the student. The PSP can be completed in conjunction with the OPE Faculty liaison. The PSP should be signed by the student, the PI, and the OPE Faculty liaison. The plan contains a narrative of the identified concern/challenge, a description of attempts to address the concern, and a roadmap for resolution of the concern, including the following:

  • Specified deadlines
  • Clearly stated objectives for all involved parties (i.e., the student, the  PI, and the task supervisor) and their related responsibilities
  • Measures of success used to evaluate the improvement plan

A copy of the PSP must be provided to the student, the PI, and the OPE Faculty liaison. The OPE Faculty liaison should be kept informed of any new challenges involving the student and the PI and may become directly involved at any point in the process of implementation. Communications and/or a meeting between the student, the PI, and the OPE Faculty liaison or the Director of Practicum Education may be required to address the goals of the plan. If challenges continue following the implementation of the PSP, the student may fail the practicum.

Termination From Practicum

If the PI initiates a PSP to address problematic student behavior and the student's behavior does not improve, consultation between the student, the PI, and Practicum Faculty will occur. As a result, the student may be terminated from the practicum. A student may not be terminated from the practicum prior to approval from the OPE. The OPE Faculty liaison will consult with the student and the PI regarding the specifics and requirements of the termination and initiate the process. Evidence that a student is failing to meet expectations may reflect many behaviors, including the observation of student behavior at the practicum site; the student's interactions with fellow students, faculty, and staff; personal statements and self-assessments, recorded interview situations; and feedback from students, staff, community members, and other sources.

Practicum termination may result in referral to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Enrollment Management for a violation of the Professional Integrity Policy, likely resulting in a referral to the Professional Integrity Committee. Recommendations from the Professional Integrity Committee will be considered by the OPE to determine if future practicum placement is appropriate or possible.

Incident Reporting

Although Washington University in St. Louis is not responsible or liable for incidents that occur at a practicum site, the OPE will assist students with documenting any incidents in which they are involved during their practicum experience. To have a more comprehensive and ongoing assessment of student personal risk issues in practicum and to initiate risk management planning, students are asked to complete the Practicum Incident Reporting Form if they experience any personal threat or assault or the risk of personal threat or assault for any incidents related to practicum. The form is available for students in the Practicum Education section of the Brown School website.

This form in no way substitutes for the forms, processes, or actions used by the practicum organization, the Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, or any other authorities responding to an incident. Students, PIs, and/or Practicum Faculty liaisons can use the Practicum Incident Reporting Form to document the details of the incident and to assist with determining any action required. This form should be completed in addition to reporting documents required by the practicum organization, Washington University in St. Louis, the Brown School, or other investigating officials. However, this form in no way substitutes for the forms, policies, or procedures that are required by any parties affected by or responding to the incident. Completed forms should be returned to the OPE Faculty liaison.

Examples of activities that warrant special concern and discussion with the PI and the OPE before beginning practicum include the following:

  • Physical restraint of clients
  • Transportation of clients or other persons in the student's or organization's vehicle
  • Transportation of a client with a history of violent behavior
  • Work in the organization at times when or in areas where other staff will not be present/the student is isolated

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