I.
COURSE TITLE: EXS 6900 Graduate Practicum in Exercise Science 3 sem. hrs. credit
II. PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing, approval of major professor.
III. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Professional practicum involving worksite experiences in
Exercise Science and related fields. Each 60 hours of practicum work constitutes 3 hours of
credit. The practicum may be repeated once for a total of 6 hours credit resulting from 120
hours of worksite attendance. This practicum is designed to give graduate students in
Exercise Science opportunities in professional settings which will add depth and breadth to
their educational experience. A variety of settings both on and off the MC campus are
available for practicum students.
IV. RATIONALE FOR COURSE: Graduate students in Exercise Science will be allowed the
unique opportunity to go into real-world settings in fields such as sports medicine, health
and wellness, and cardiac rehabilitation. This will allow the student to gain insight into the
profession by observing and participating in the actual day-to-day operations and activities
in these environments.
V.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES:
Practical application in chosen field of study.
VI.
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.
VII.
COURSE TOPICS: N/A
VIII.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS: N/A
IX.
ASSIGNMENTS: 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.
X.
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.
XI.
OTHER COURSE INFORMATION:
Procedures for Practicum Site Approval:
A) For each practicum, students will select a 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. 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.
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 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 three
hours of practicum credit.
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 site.
Failing to do so early in the Practicum experience might affect reasonable steps required
to salvage the current Practicum.
XII.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND BIBLIOGRAPHY: N/A
Exercise Science Practicum Agreement Form
EXS 6900
Semester/Date/Year ____________________
Student Name: __________________________________
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 professional and clinical 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 and housekeeping duties are not considered Practicum
experience, unless they are a limited part of the normal day to day duties of the student.
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 and housekeeping duties are 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: _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Objective 2: _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Goal #2:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Objectives to meet Goal #2:
Objective 1: _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Objective 2: _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Goal #3:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Objectives to meet Goal #3:
Objective 1: _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Objective 2: _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Goal #4:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Objectives to meet Goal #4:
Objective 1: _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Objective 2: _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Agreement to the above stated Goals and corresponding Objectives:
Student: ________________________________________ Date: ___________________
Supervisor: ______________________________________ Date: __________________
Approval of Practicum by the Program Coordinator/Department Chair:
________________________________________________ Date: __________________
************************************************************************
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/Department Chair
________________________________________________ Date: _________________
Graduate Faculty Advisor
* 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: