KIN 6587 and 6588
Graduate Practicum I and II in Athletic Administration
2 credit hours each
Course Prerequisites: Graduate standing
Course Description: Two six-week practicums of 60 clock hours each are required.
Each constitutes 2 hours of credit. These practicums are designed to give graduate
students in athletic administration opportunities in educational and athletic settings which
will add depth and breadth to their professional experience. A variety of settings both on
and off the MC campus are available for practicum students.
Rationale for Course: Graduate students in athletic administration will be allowed the
unique opportunity to go into administrative settings in athletic departments and other
educational entities in these practicums. This will allow the student to gain insight into
the profession by observing and participating in the actual day-to-day operations and
activities of practicing administrators.
Procedures for Practicum Site Approval:
A) For each practicum, students will select an administrative area and site that offers
opportunities to meet the objectives listed.
Students are encouraged to seek a practicum experience within areas that reflect their
career interests and goals. Students are also encouraged to consider areas outside their
direct career interests where additional insight and understanding might assist them in
being more effective in their career areas. For example, a student aspiring to an
administrative position in college athletics might also feel that he or she might benefit
from a practicum experience in the area of financial aid or admissions. Moreover, if
career directions are being explored, or broader understandings of campus administrative
functions are sought, the two practicums offer an opportunity to gain insight and
exposure to more than one area. Practicum options can be discussed with members of the
program’s faculty. In addition, a list of potential opportunities will be available with the
Program Coordinator.
Note: Students should very carefully consider not only the general area of a Practicum
but the specific site and supervisor. With the Practicum Guidelines and requirements in
mind, the student’s selection is acknowledgment that he or she believes that the site and
supervisor will provide the experiences needed to assist the student in “earning” a
“Credit” evaluation.
B) Once a potential area and site is selected, each student will discuss the Practicum
Guidelines and The Practicum Experience Agreement Form with a potential
Practicum Supervisor who works within the administrative site. The selected Practicum
Supervisor must have supervisory responsibilities over other professionals and must have
a minimum of three years of professional experience in the area identified.
C) After discussing and identifying opportunities available, and securing the willingness
of the supervisor to work with the student and oversee the Practicum experience, the
student will draft a list of practicum goals and corresponding objectives, with assistance
from the supervisor (Note: The first goal of each Practicum will be “Gain specific
knowledge of the Unit’s purpose, current goals and objectives.”).
D) The student and supervisor will also agree upon a general schedule for the Practicum
and include this schedule with the draft of goals and objectives (Note: each Practicum
requires a minimum of sixty clock/contact hours.).
E) The drafted goals, objectives and schedule must then be discussed with, and initially
approved by, the Program Coordinator.
F) Once approved, this information must be transferred by the student to The Practicum
Experience Agreement Form where it will be reviewed for a final time and then signed
by the student, Practicum Supervisor and Program Coordinator. The original signed form
will be filed by the Program Coordinator and copies provided to the student and
Practicum Supervisor.
Academic Integrity
It is expected that a student attending Mississippi College will be scrupulously honest.
Therefore, plagiarism and cheating will be dealt with in accordance with the policies of
the university. These policies are stated in the current Undergraduate Bulletin, Policy
2.19.
Requirements:
During the Practicum experience, the student will meet regularly with the Practicum
Supervisor. In addition, the student will schedule and meet with the Program
Coordinator a minimum of once every 20 clock/contact hours. These meetings are
intended to discuss the Practicum experience and assess the student’s progression toward
stated goals.
Each student will maintain a daily log documenting the date, hours, and individuals with
whom he or she interacted during the Practicum. A form will be provided to log each
week’s activity, and must be signed by the student and Practicum Supervisor. The
student will also keep a daily journal of the Practicum experiences which corresponds
with the logged information above.
The journal might include the following information/insights: Procedures and decisionmaking encountered; assessed problem-solving, management and leadership skills
observed; mistakes made and lessons learned; reflections on the various interpersonal and
working interactions within and between administrative units; general assessments of
skills and knowledge required of observed professional positions; or, observations of how
administrators worked within and outside their units to achieve unit goals and objectives.
The student should also use the journal to document specific steps taken and objectives
met to achieve the goals agreed upon in The Practicum Experience Agreement Form.
Sixty (60) clock hours of attendance is mandatory for successful completion of the
practicum.
Graduate students should read the Graduate Orientation Manual in its entirety. This is an
important part of the orientation for graduate students. Please get your hard copy from
your department or from the Graduate Office in Nelson 202. You may also view the
manual on the web at this address:
http://www.mc.edu/publications/graduate/orientation.html.
At the conclusion of the Practicum experience the Practicum Supervisor will be asked to
complete an evaluation of the student’s engagement in the Practicum. The student will
also be asked to complete an evaluation of the Practicum site and experience.
Note: It is the responsibility of the student to be actively engaged in the Practicum in a
manner that achieves the objectives of the Practicum program. Accordingly, it is the
responsibility of the student to immediately voice to the Practicum Supervisor concerns
related to the Practicum site and/or issues that hinder the meeting of objectives and
achievement of goals. Under dire circumstances, it is also the responsibility of the
student to communicate to the Program Coordinator a desire to relocate to another
administrative site. Failing to do so early in the Practicum experience might affect
reasonable steps required to salvage the current Practicum.
Paper
A five-page, double spaced, reflective paper will be written and submitted by the student
that details the experiences and insights gained during the Practicum experience.
Reflections should take into consideration the overall objectives of the Practicum
program.
Evaluation
Based on submitted assessments, a review of the student’s log and journal, meeting
objectives and achieving agreed upon goals, and the required paper and presentation, the
Program Coordinator will determine a “Credit” or “No-Credit” evaluation. Should a
student fail to achieve a “Credit” evaluation, the Program Coordinator has the sole
authority to specifically designate, in writing, what the student is required to do to gain a
“Credit” evaluation - up to and including rescheduling and repeating the entire Practicum
experience.
Athletic Administration Practicum Agreement Form
Semester/Date/Year ____________________
Student Name: __________________________________ KIN 6587 / 6588 (circle one)
Student Contact Numbers: __________________________________________________
Administrative Site: _______________________College/University________________
Practicum Supervisor: ____________________________ Title: ____________________
Supervisor Contact Numbers: _______________________________________________
Supervisor Address: _______________________________________________________
Student Agreement:
I agree to work with the Practicum Supervisor in planning this Practicum experience. I
agree to actively engage with the supervisor and other professionals in an effort to meet
the stated goals of the Practicum program and the agreed upon goals and objectives
listed. I agree to conduct myself professionally at all times, to accurately log and record
information and to meet all requirements stated in the Practicum Guidelines. I
acknowledge that in the course of the Practicum that I may be exposed to confidential
and/or sensitive information. Understanding the legal and ethical issues of
inappropriately divulging such information, I agree not to do so during or after the
Practicum experience. I also understand that I am required to attend any practicum
presentations scheduled during the semester I am engaged in this practicum experience.
Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ____________________
Supervisor Agreement:
I agree to work with this student and expose him/her to administrative operations,
meetings, functions, activities, opportunities, etc., that will assist him/her in developing
experience, insight and understanding. I acknowledge that the overall purpose of these
activities is to meet the listed, agreed upon goals, as well as, meet the general Practicum
goals articulated in the Practicum Guidelines. I understand my role to meet regularly
with the student, generally maintain an awareness of the Practicum schedule and
clock/contact hours, sign log forms for each week, and make assignments with other
professionals that will offer further, appropriate experience, insight and understanding. I
further agree to maintain the needed awareness of the student’s efforts which will allow
me to appropriately and fairly evaluate his/her engagement. I further understand that
clerical work is not considered Practicum experience.
Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ___________________
Practicum Goals and Objectives
Use the space below to communicate the goals and objectives of the Practicum. For the
purpose of this Practicum, goals reflect the specific experience, insight and understanding
desired. Objectives reflect the specific activities and/or opportunities planned to insure
goals are realized. Agreed upon objectives/experiences can be wide and various and can
include special projects with other professionals. Meaningful, agreed-upon, independent
assignments may be appropriate but should not take an inordinate amount of
clock/contact time, and should not be clerical in nature. Clerical work is not considered
Practicum experience and should not be included as part of listed objectives or part of the
Practicum experience.
Goal #1:
Gain specific knowledge of the Unit’s purpose, current goals and objectives.
Objectives to meet Goal #1: (i.e., The supervisor will review with the student annual
reports and assessment documentation that address purpose, goals and objectives.)
Objective 1: _____________________________________________________________
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Objective 2: _____________________________________________________________
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Objective 3: _____________________________________________________________
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Objective 4: _____________________________________________________________
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Goal #2:
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Objectives to meet Goal #2:
Objective 1: _____________________________________________________________
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Objective 2: _____________________________________________________________
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Objective 3: _____________________________________________________________
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Objective 4: _____________________________________________________________
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Goal #3:
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Objectives to meet Goal #3:
Objective 1: _____________________________________________________________
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Objective 2: _____________________________________________________________
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Objective 3: _____________________________________________________________
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Objective 4: _____________________________________________________________
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Goal #4:
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Objectives to meet Goal #4:
Objective 1: _____________________________________________________________
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Objective 2: _____________________________________________________________
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Objective 3: _____________________________________________________________
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Objective 4: _____________________________________________________________
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Agreement to the above stated Goals and corresponding Objectives:
Student: ________________________________________ Date: ___________________
Supervisor: ______________________________________ Date: __________________
Approval of Practicum by the Program Coordinator:
________________________________________________ Date: __________________
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To be completed following the completion of the Practicum:
Date Practicum completed: ____________
Date Assessments Submitted/Reviewed (attached) ___________/____________
Date Reflective Paper Submitted: ________________ Credit / No-Credit (circle)
Date Log/Journal Reviewed: ________________ Credit / No-Credit (circle)
Date of Presentation: _____________________
Overall Practicum Evaluation: Credit / No-Credit (circle)*
________________________________________________ Date: _________________
Program Coordinator
* Information addressing initial or final Overall No-Credit evaluation will be
communicated in writing to the student and a copy attached.
Waiver and Release Agreement
I wish to participate in the Activity and in consideration for being permitted to participate in the Activity, I
hereby represent and agree as follows:
1. I understand that participation in the Activity involves risks and hazards not found in study at the
University, including risks involved in traveling, and I have sought and obtained information and
advice that I feel are necessary and appropriate. I am fully aware of and voluntarily assume the
risks and hazards connected with participating, and I hereby voluntarily elect to participate in the
Activity. I acknowledge, accept, and assume all such risks, whether or not foreseeable and
whether or not caused by the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of others, and elect
voluntarily to participate in the Activity.
2.
Knowing these risks and hazards, and in consideration of being permitted to participate in the
Activity, I agree, on behalf of my family, heirs and personal representative(s), to assume all the
risks and responsibilities surrounding my participation in the Activity. I understand that, although
the University has made every reasonable effort to assure my safety while participating in the
Activity, there are unavoidable risks, and I hereby release and promise not to sue the University,
and the officers, employees or agents (“Released Parties”) for any damages or injury (including
death) caused by, deriving from, or associated with my participation in the Activity, except for
such damages or injury as may be caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the
officers, employees or agents. It is my express intent that this Release bind my heirs, assigns and
personal representatives.
3.
I represent that my agreement to the provisions herein is wholly voluntary, and further
understand that, prior to signing this Release, I have the right to consult with the adviser,
counselor or attorney of my choice.
4.
I will be informed of and will conform my conduct to the standards surrounding the Activity and
assume responsibility for my actions, understanding that the circumstances of an Activity may
require a standard of behavior that may differ from that which is applicable on campus. I will
comply with the University’s rules, standards and instructions for student behavior, including the
Student Code of Student Conduct. I acknowledge and understand that my compliance is
important to the success of the Activity and to the University’s willingness to permit future
similar activities. I waive and release all claims against the University that arise at a time when I
am not under the direct supervision of the University or that are caused by my failure to remain
under such supervision or to comply with such rules, standards and instructions.
5.
I agree that the University has the right to enforce the standards and conduct described herein in
its sole judgment and that it may impose restrictions, up to and including removal and
termination from the Activity for violating these standards or for any behavior detrimental to or
incompatible with the interest, harmony and welfare of the University, the Activity or other
participants. If I am terminated from the Activity, I consent to being sent home at my own
expense with no refund of fees (if applicable).
6.
I have no health-related reasons or problems that preclude or restrict my participation in the
Activity. I have or will obtain and maintain health, accident, disability, hospitalization and travel
insurance as I deem necessary to participate in the Activity, and I will be responsible for the costs
of such insurance and for any expenses not covered by insurance.
7.
I have disclosed to the College/University any physical, mental and emotional conditions or
problems that might impair my ability to participate in the Activity, and I hereby release the
University and its trustees, officers, employees, agents and representatives from any and all
claims, demands, injuries, damages, losses, actions, causes of action, or expenses whatsoever
arising out of my failure to disclose such conditions or problems.
8.
The University may, but is not obligated to, take any actions regarding my health and safety that
it considers to be warranted under the circumstances. I hereby authorize the University to make
such decisions as may be necessary if it is unable to reach the Emergency Contact (Person(s)
named above). I agree to pay all expenses relating thereto and release the University from any
liability for any such actions.
9.
I will assume full financial responsibility for all costs and expenses incurred by me in connection
with the Activity, including, without limitation, financial responsibility for damage or destruction
to property of third parties.
10. I will not hold myself out as having the power or authority to bind or create liability for the
College or the University.
11. I agree that should any provision or aspect of this Release be found to be unenforceable, all
remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
12. This Release represents my complete understanding with the University concerning their
responsibility and liability for my participation in the Activity. It supersedes any previous or
contemporaneous understandings I may have had with the University on this subject, whether
written or oral, and cannot be changed or amended in any way without my written concurrence.
Check one:
□ I am at least eighteen years old.
□ I am not yet eighteen years old and therefore have secured the signature of my parent
or guardian as well as my own below.
I have read this Waiver and Release Agreement carefully and I am signing it voluntarily.
Signature:
Name (printed):
Date: