Practicum FAQ

For Students

Q: Can I arrange my own Practicum or suggest a site?

A: No, you should not approach a professional in order to arrange your own practicum, but you may suggest the Academic Practicum Coordinator contact a site. 

Sites must have a qualified supervisor (see Supervisor page for more information,) as evaluated by the School. As the recruitment process can be lengthy, please submit any ideas for sites before August for the following Winter semester.

Q: If I apply to the program, am I guaranteed a placement?

A: No. The practicum is not a required course and it is competitive.  The majority of students are usually placed, although not necessarily at their first choice site.  

It is recommended that you register in Minerva for an additional course for the Winter semester until your placement is confirmed.

Q: Can I do a Practicum outside of Montreal?

A: Possibly. Undertaking a Practicum outside Montreal depends on a number of factors. Please enquire if you have questions. If you are interested in completing a Practicum in a nearby city (e.g., Ottawa, Gatineau), please let the Academic Practicum Coordinator know before the site posting deadline (September) to allow us to investigate the recruitment of suitable site.

If confirmed, you will have to fill out an International Travel Registry form via the Minerva Travel Registry beforehand. Please note that all travel costs are to be borne by the student.

Q: Do I have to speak French to do a Practicum?

A: Language requirements depend on the site and site supervisor. While sites vary from year to year, placements are typically offered at anglophone, francophone, and bilingual sites. Language requirements should normally be indicated on the site posting.

Q: My site has requested a criminal record check/health check/proof of insurance. What do I do?

A: Please contact the SIS Academic Practicum Coordinator.

Q: When are practicum sites posted?

A: A list of potential sites for the upcoming semester are made available on the website in September of each year, but more are posted as they are received, so keep checking. 

Q: Is the program graded? Who assigns the mark?

A: A pass/fail grade (credit/no credit) is assigned by the SIS Academic Practicum Coordinator after all INFS 699 course requirements have been met.

Q: Is it possible to undertake volunteer work or an internship opportunity outside of the Practicum program?

A: Yes! Outside of the Practicum program, some of our Master’s students also undertake volunteer work and paid or unpaid, non-credit internships. Volunteer positions and internships are organized by students themselves. For more information about seeking internship and volunteer opportunities, start here.

For Site Supervisors

Q: Is my site guaranteed a placement if I submit a Practicum posting?

A: While the majority of students and sites are matched each year, placements are not guaranteed.

Q: I would like to co-supervise a placement. Is that possible?

A: In the case of co-supervision, we ask that one primary supervisor (the "Site Supervisor") is identified who agrees to take overall responsibility for the supervision of the Practicum and is the main contact with the School (see "Site Supervisor roles & responsibilities", above). Names and roles of additional staff who are expected to be involved in the placement, e.g., co-supervisors, are to be listed in the Learning and Work Plan.

Q: What is the language of the Practicum program?

A: Practicum forms and site-related correspondence will be made available to sites in English. However, site supervisors are welcome to submit Practicum placement descriptions and forms in English or French, as preferred.

Sites may offer placements in English, French, or a combination. For bilingual or Francophone sites, please indicate level of speaking and writing required on your site posting.

Q: Are placements paid or unpaid?

A: Practicum placements are normally unpaid, except in rare situations, such as when an organizational mandate requires remuneration.

Q: Are students required to have a work schedule at set days and times?

A: Work hours are to be scheduled around other class times, as agreed upon by the student and site supervisor.

Q: What does the 100 hours of fieldwork include?

The 100 hours are designated for all activities and deliverables, and are to be completed by the semester's end. The hours do not include work breaks (including lunch or coffee breaks), the student's travel time, or work on course assignments. It may be necessary to adjust or rescope the Learning and Work Plan during the placement due to unforeseen circumstances or time restrictions. If so, the SIS Academic Practicum Coordinator is to be informed and provided with a copy of the updated Work Plan.

Q: Is the program guided by any policies?

A: Yes. The Practicum is governed by a number of policies, including the the School's Practicum Intervention Policy, McGill Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures, and McGill University’s General Liability Insurance Policy. Proof of insurance coverage is available on request. Please contact the SIS Academic Practicum Supervisor for more information.

Q: Is the Practicum graded?

A: The course is evaluated (pass/fail) by the SIS Academic Practicum Coordinator.

Q: In addition to Practicum options, can my workplace recruit a student or graduate for work?

A: Yes, certainly! Please contact the SIS Academic Practicum Coordinator for more information about posting jobs through the School.