MSW Foundation Field Education Orientation Notes
Social Work Students,
Please find below another checklist to assist you as you move into your concentration year of your field
placement. This checklist should be used in conjunction with your MSW Field Application Schedule. We
hope that this note/checklist will support your journey of discovering the field placement perfect for
you, not a perfect field placement.  Since there is no particular order to this checklist, it is our
recommendation to read this entire document prior to beginning your field placement search.
Review Field Application Schedule for due dates
Note purpose of Field is integration of theory with practice and learning new agency-based
practice
Submit Field Education paperwork (Note: for your convenience, we are moving toward
Electronic submissions)
Procure a Field instructor with an MSW or MSSA degree + Two (2) years post-degree experience;
a minimum of one (1) year at the agency
Begin agency interview process immediately
Be aware that field assignments will be made by date listed on field education orientation
schedule
A Foundation student in the field is searching for a Foundation placement only
Foundation Field = Three (3) required Learning Areas - Direct Practice, Service Impact &
Professional Learning (see Student Integrative Learning Contract)
Foundation Field = 200 hours per semester; 16 hours per week
Field Placement in the same agency, two (2) consecutive semesters – Fall and Spring Semesters
Begin your field experience two (2) weeks after classes start in fall and at the same time as
classes start in spring semester (see MSW Field Calendar)
No field allowed over holidays or semester breaks
All missed field time must be made-up within the semester
Write Field at Place of Employment Proposal (FAPE) if doing Concentration field where
you work, specifying field time in blocks of minimum 3 hours or more. Remember- Field
activities must be different from work activities. Field instructor must be different from work
supervisor.
Note (*) on “Prior to Interview” form if exploring agency not on the roster
Copy Agency Acceptance Form as needed
3.9.12
Page 1
MSW Foundation Field Education Orientation Notes
Dress as for a job interview (you are presenting the professional ‘you’ and representing
the University of Akron)
Update your resume- may be needed
Review “Some Guidelines for Practicum Selection” for interview question preparation
(This section is in continuous review and updating is frequent)
Take time to think about what you want to learn: skills, problem-solving, population, problem
area
Talk about 16 hours of Foundation learning/week, mutuality of schedules, need for liability
insurance, physicals, costs to you, required orientations (students can purchase liability
insurance that will cover an entire academic year for $20.)
Communicate your appreciation for any interview with a verbal and written thank
you to every agency where you interview
Questions –
Please contact Professor Naomi White @
Naomi 1@uakron.edu (preferred) or by
phone 330-972-5978
3.9.12
Page 2