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What is a Practicum Placement?

A practicum placement involves working in an environment related to the student's major track each week during a given semester (often in the senior year). Students in three of the options for major tracks may choose to complete a practicum placement for more "hands on" experience to prepare them for their potential careers: Clinical-Counseling Option, Child Development Option, and Business/Industry Option.

Those who opt for this practicum experience are closely supervised in the placement by an "on-site" supervisor with appropriate training and credentials. Grading for the experience is jointly determined by the on-site supervisor and the faculty member with whom the student has registered for the Practicum.


Clinical-Counseling Option Placement

Students who pursue the clinical-counseling track will register for a two-course sequence of Clinical Procedures (Psy 495) and Clinical Practicum (Psy 496) during their senior, usually during their senior year. In the Procedures course, students gain experience in counseling procedures by serving as counselors for student volunteers under close supervision from the instructor. In the Practicum course, students work in a human service setting about 7 hours per week while meeting once a week for a seminar that further explores activities of these applied settings.

Some locations for placements include:

The Wellsville Counseling Center is the only 
    comprehensive mental health center in Allegany County. 
    Practicum students become involved in various aspects
    of providing psychological services to clients.

Trapping Brook is a residential treatment program for 
    alcohol dependent individuals. Practicum students
    typically become involved in the development of the
    therapeutic environment which is created.

The Allegany County Association for Retarded 
   Citizens provides residential and sheltered workshop 
   programming for developmentally handicapped persons. 
   Practicum students most often become involved in 
   sheltered workshop activities.

The Family Violence Task Force provides services, 
   support, and advocacy for physically or emotionally 
   abused women. Practicum students typically assist with a  
   24 hr. hotline, the support groups, and running the "safe 
   house."

Alfred University Career and Counseling Services 
   provides career and personal counseling services to
   students at Alfred University. Practicum students typically
   become involved in providing career counseling to the
   center's clients.

Allegany County Department of Probation runs
   program which focus on providing counseling/supervision
   to individuals being diverted from further involvement
   within the legal system. Practicum students typically
   become involved in providing these services.

Alfred State College Career and Counseling Center
   provides career/vocational and counseling services to
   students attending SUNY at Alfred. Practicum students
   typically become involved in helping clients to explore
   career options.

The Social Services Department of the Wellsville
   Manor Nursing Home is responsible for screening,
   admitting, and counseling the nursing home residents.
   Practicum students typically become involved in all of
   these activities.


Child Development Option Placement

In the Child Track, there is an option for students to take either a course in Research Techniques (PSY 340) or a Practicum (PSY 375). Practicums for this track can vary per student, but many past students have worked in the following settings:

The Alfred Montessori School is a progressive day school for    children between the ages of 1 and 5. Practicum students typically    become involved in the implementation of Montessori methods of    education.

The Methodist Day Care next to Alfred State college includes    children from infancy through elementary school ages.


Business/Industry Option Placement

In the Industrial-Organizational, track students are encouraged, though not required, to get field experience by registering for Practicum (PSY 375). Again, placements may vary. Recent placements have occurred at the following locations:

The Alfred University Student Affairs Office is one of two    agencies responsible for student programming at the University.    Practicum students typically become involved in    developing/implementing student oriented programs.

Philips Lighting Co. in Bath, N.Y. has provided the opportunity for    field experience in human resources management activities for    students in the Business/Industry track.

Acme Electric Co. in Cuba, N.Y. has provided provided field    experience for students in the Business/Industry track with an 
    interest in human resources.

Updated:   8/21/04 AU Homepage | AU @ a Glance | Academics | Admissions
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