Employers - Roles and Responsibilities

The practicum experience is a partnership between SAIT, the AIM Program, the Practicum Student, and the Practicum Employer.  All parties in the relationship assume certain responsibilities.  The following is a general description of the roles and responsibilities of the Practicum Student.  

Students carry responsibility for their professional and personal development.   

BEFORE PRACTICUM 

Confirm registration in PRCT 365. 

Attend a required Practicum Orientation Session. 

Complete and submit the Student Practicum Request form to Practicum Coordinator. 

Provide updated cover letters and resumes to Practicum Coordinator. 

Attend interviews with confirmed Industry Partners. 

Notify the Practicum Coordinator regarding the outcome of all interviews (positive and negative). 

Complete and submit the SAIT Practicum Agreement form to the Practicum Coordinator.  

DURING PRACTICUM 

Review and comply with the 

SAIT Student Code of Conduct Policy AC.3.4, 3.4.2, 3.4.3, 3.4.4 and 3.4.5 and 

SAIT Attendance Policy AC.3.8.1, 3.8.2 along with any policies cross referenced. 

Comply with the principles of confidentiality, policies and procedures and hours of work, as outlined at the Practicum Employer Site.  

On the first day of placement, seek out any Employer Site specific protocols, contractual agreements, safety and emergency related information relevant to the Practicum Placement.  

Demonstrate professional attitude, ethics and conduct.  

Attend the practicum for the required number of days and hours specified by the program (4 weeks x 40 hours/week) or as is the standard for the Practicum Business.   

Immediately report illness or absence to the Practicum Employer and Practicum Coordinator as per SAIT Attendance Policy AC3.8.1 and the policies cross referenced. Any missed time will impact your grade. 

Maintain contact with the Practicum Coordinator, keeping them informed of any changes, concerns or issues that arise in the practicum.  

Participate in weekly feedback sessions with the Practicum Employer. 

Complete and submit weekly assignments into course D2L. 

Send thank you note to Practicum Employer within 48 hours of completion of Practicum.  

The practicum experience is a partnership between SAIT, the AIM Program, the Practicum Student, and the Practicum Employer.  All parties in the relationship assume certain responsibilities.  The following is a general description of the roles and responsibilities of the Practicum Employer. 

The Practicum Employer plays a key role in the training and learning process of the Practicum Student.  It is a guiding role that bridges the gap between theory and practice and provides mentorship to the student.  Each Practicum Student will be assigned to a Practicum Employer once the selection procedures have been completed. 

50% of the AIM Practicum student mark will come from their Employer. It is the responsibility of the Employer to meet with their AIM Practicum student to discuss and complete a weekly student evaluation. It is the responsibility of the Employer to meet with their AIM Practicum student near the end of their practicum to discuss, complete and submit a final overall evaluation of the student and the practicum experience. 

In honoring their responsibilities, Practicum Employers are expected to: 

Be aware of and participate in the development of the student’s learning plan; which includes meaningful tasks that will allow students to apply and develop theory and skills learned in the AIM program. 

Provide time for orientation to acquaint the student with company policies, procedures, roles, safety practices and overall philosophy. 

Ensure that any site-specific protocol or contractual agreement terms regarding student placement are followed. 

Introduce the student to other staff members. 

Provide meaningful learning opportunities for the student to fulfill his/her learning goals and objectives. 

Provide on-going support and consultation (usually a specified minimum time each week). 

Monitor the student’s learning and progress and provide the student with ongoing verbal and written feedback. 

Meet with the student at mutually agreed times to discuss and review the student’s progress and to provide input into evaluations. 

Complete and submit to Practicum Coordinator Weekly evaluation of student progress. 

Complete and submit to Practicum Coordinator Final aim practicum student evaluation. 

Maintain contact with the Practicum Coordinator to discuss any concerns, questions, suggestions or issues regarding the student or the program. 

The practicum experience is a partnership between SAIT, the AIM Program, the Practicum Student, and the Practicum Employer.  All parties in the relationship assume certain responsibilities.  The following is a general description of the roles and responsibilities of the Practicum Coordinator. 

The Practicum Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and setting up the practicum.  In consultation with the AIM Academic Chair and faculty, the coordinator will make arrangements with new and existing practicum agencies for student field placements. 

The Practicum Coordinator maintains close contact with the Practicum Employer and the  Practicum Student and acts as a channel between SAIT and the industry placement. 

It is the responsibility of the Practicum Coordinator towards STUDENTS:  

Orient students to the process for practicum placement, the different options for practicums and solicit student requests.

Orient students to the learning goals, objectives, content, structure and process, evaluation and grading of the practicum course.  

Ensure students have the information related to general ethical practice, confidentiality and appropriate conduct.   

Consult with AIM faculty, as needed, to determine the student’s placement and learning needs. 

Ensure that both Practicum Employers and the student have confirmed the practicum placement. 

Ensure all required forms are properly completed and signed.   

Establish who at the Employer Site will take on the supervisory/mentorship role for the student and outline appropriate tasks and responsibilities to ensure that a suitable learning experience can be provided.  

Provide students with information regarding Employer Site's expectations and outline the placement process.  

Inform the student of any specific placement protocols or contractual agreements that are Practicum Placement site-specific.  

Ensure that both Practicum Employers and the student have confirmed the practicum placement.  

Intervene for the purpose of problem solving, conflict resolution or handling of any other concerns or issues that may arise during the practicum.  

Assign a final grade for the practicum course and field placement.  

It is the responsibility of the Practicum Coordinator towards Employer:  

Provide the Employer Site's with information about the program, placement procedures, practicum expectations and the evaluation process. 

Ensure that both Practicum Employers and the student have confirmed the practicum placement. 

Provide the Practicum Employers with clear information on what is expected of all parties within the practicum relationship. 

Be available to Practicum Employers for clarification or consultation on the practicum placement process. 

Ensure that the Employers provide students with on-going feedback and support. 

Maintain regular contact with the Practicum Employer and the student regarding goals, objectives and student progress.  

Ensure that the Employer completes the student evaluation and that adequate feedback on the evaluation is provided to the student.  

 Intervene for the purpose of problem solving, conflict resolution or handling of any other concerns or issues that may arise during the practicum.  

Recruit and develop possible practicum placement sites.