PRACTICUMIN

RECREATION

HPR 210

STUDENT MANUAL

REVISED, June 14, 2013

Mary Ann Aquadro, Ph.D., CTRSbased upon previous edition authored by

Susan Hubble Burchell, Ed.D., CPRPbased upon previous editions co-authored with

Von Rey, M.S., MAEJ. Allen Ellard, Re.D., CPRP

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPISCHOOL OF HUMAN PERFORMANCE & RECREATION

PRACTICUM IN RECREATIONHPR 210 – Summer 2013 5W2

COURSE SYLLABUS

***Please Note: This COURSE SYLLABUS is for Practicums conducted at agencies and not at Summer Camps lasting 1 week or less – For Practicums being conducted at Summer

Camps lasting one week or less please see the Summer Camp Course Syllabus***

PURPOSE

The Practicum experience is designed to expose the student to the working operation of a park, recreation, and leisure service agency (Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation Administration). It is intended to include both observation of and practical work experience in agency programs. The success of the experience is heavily reliant upon cooperation and open communication among the student, agency supervisor, and the university supervisor.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

The student should be involved in agency operations in the following ways:

PROFESSIONALISM

1. Student will follow standard agency employee procedures regarding adherence to job schedule, punctuality, absence, appropriate dress and grooming.

2. Student will maintain physical and emotional well-being in order to adequatelyperform assigned tasks.

3. Student will interact with all agency personnel in a professional manner.

4. Student will demonstrate a positive, professional attitude especially with regard to: enthusiasm for assigned tasks; loyalty to the agency; discretion in communication with and about the agency; agency staff, and patrons; and adherence to agency policies and procedures.

ACTIVITY PLANNING & LEADERSHIP

1. Student will observe two different agency staff members’ leadership/work styles.Briefly discuss with each staff member the planning necessary for the activity.

2. These observations and information will be incorporated into your reports.

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COURSE TERMINOLOGY

PRACTICUM

A combination of observation and practical experiences with an agency that offers recreation and leisure services. It is expected that the student will receive exposure to a variety of experiences that are typically performed by a full-time, professional employee of the agency whose responsibility is the delivery of recreation and leisure services.

SITE SUPERVISOR

The agency employee who possesses education and/or practical experience to serve as a positive role model in the delivery of recreation and leisure services. Site Supervisor must make the commitment to meet with the practicum student on a regular basis. If Site Supervisor is not physically on site to provide direct supervision of student, the student should be informed of another staff person who will provide temporary supervision and assistance as needed.

UNIVERSITY SUPERVISOR

The faculty member who serves as the contact person for agency personnel and may serve as liaison between agency and student as necessary. The faculty member is responsible for determining course requirements and for assigning the final grade for the course.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

WRITTEN WORKNote: Student should consult schedule of deadlines for semester enrolled.

a. Practicum Work Agreementb. 2 Progress Reportsc. Mid-Experience Evaluation (within 3 working days of completing 20 hours)d. Time Log (no less than 4 weeks working 10 hrs per week)e. Critique of Overall Experiencef. Thank You Letterg. Final Evaluation

LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL RECEIVE A GRADE NO HIGHER THAN A “D”

DATES TO REMEMBER

Deadline dates will be provided to the student. You should plan to have the documentation in advance of the deadline to prevent loss of points.

1. Starting Date: Student should not begin practicum until university supervisorhas approved practicum site and agency supervisor has signed student’s paperwork (Practicum Work Agreement Form).

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2. There will be no Formal Class Meetings: The necessary forms are on the www.usmaquadro.weebly.com website under the HPR 210 5W2 tab. See descriptions of assignments due by 7/2, 7/10, 7/17, and 7/30 on the Practicum Record.

3. Mid-Experience Evaluation: Upon completion of 20 hours, and/or by deadline identified in course materials, student should have their site supervisor complete and sign the Mid-Experience Evaluation.

4. On-site visits may occur randomly by the university supervisor.

AMERICAN DISABILITY ACT (ADA) STATEMENT:

If a student has a disability that qualifies under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and requires accommodations, he/she should contact the Office for Disability Accommodations (ODA) for information on appropriate policies and procedures. Disabilities covered by ADA may include learning, psychiatric, physical disabilities, or chronic health disorders. Students can contact ODA if they are not certain whether a medical condition/disability qualifies.

Address:The University of Southern Mississippi

Office for Disability Accommodations118 College Drive # 8586Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001

Voice Telephone: (601) 266-5024 or (228) 214-3232 Fax: (601) 266-6035Individuals with hearing impairments can contact ODA using the Mississippi Relay Service at 1-800-582-2233 (TTY) or email Suzy Hebert at Suzanne.Hebert@usm.edu.

HEALTH INSURANCE RECOMMENDATION:

Participation in this course may lead to accidents. All students are strongly encouraged to have health insurance coverage. Information is available through the Southern Miss Student Health Services at (601) 266-5390 or http://www.usm.edu/healthservice/services/insurance.html

EVALUATION

Practicum Work Agreement & Work Record (5 pts ea) 10 pts.Practicum Work Schedule 5 ptsComplete required hours (40) and submit Time Log 30 ptsProgress Reports (2 @ 5 pts ea) 10 ptsMid-Experience Evaluation 10 ptsThank you letter to site supervisor 15 ptsFinal Evaluation 15 ptsCritique of Overall Experience _______________________30 ptsTOTAL 125 pts

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Final Grade will be determined by total points earned:A = 90-100% (113-125 points)B = 80-90% (100-112 points)C = 70-80% (88-99 points)D = 60-70% (75-87 points)F = 59% or less (<75 points)

APPROVED PRACTICUM SITES--Hattiesburg and Vicinity--

The following sites are those which have previously accepted Southern Miss Recreation Practicum students. Agencies not on this list may also be used for practicum experience but must be approved by University Supervisor before any contact is made with agency.

Agencies below are all in Hattiesburg unless otherwise noted

Agency Contact Person Service EmphasisAlden Pointe Mr. Dean Bellais Older Adult

(601) 296-9711

Ellisville State School Ms.Rinsey McSwain Developmental Disabilities

Edwards Street Mission Ms. Mollie Vickery At Risk Youth

Family Network Partnership Ms. Laurie Risher At Risk Youth

Girl Scouts of Gulf Pines Council Ms. Susan Yarrow Youth, Outdoor

Greenbriar Nursing Center Ms. Tina Sherman Older AdultsD’Iberville, MS ((228)392-8484

Hattiesburg Parks & Recreation Ms. Ann Jones Community(601-545-4667

Sigler Senior Center Ms. Susie Jones Inclusion, Older adultsHattiesburg Parks and Recreation (601) 545-1805

Hattiesburg Zoo Ms. Marcia Newman Community, Outdoor

Little Black Creek Water Park Mr. Enwright Chandler Outdoor

Forest Park of Hattiesburg/Emeritus Ms. Catherine Walker Older AdultSenior Living (601) 271-2177 Assisted Living

Emeritus Senior Care Ms. Jean Marie Monroe Older Adults(601) 271-8480 Memory Care (Dementia)

Paul B. Johnson State Park Mr. Donald Campbell Outdoor Mgt.

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Pine Belt Family Y Ms. Barbara Hanna Youth, Adult, Aquatics

Pine Meadow Alzheimer Facility Ms. Heather Jones Dementia/Alzheimer

USM Recreational Sports Mr. Mark Crager Campus Recreation(601) 266-5405

CARES (601)544-7443 Amanda Kirk Children Emotional Issues

South Mississippi Mental Health Mental Health

Boy Scouts Mr. Quincy DeJarnet Youth, Adolescent(601)582-2326

ARC Ms. Emily Hodges Children-Adult/Dev Disabilities(601) 583-4251

Twin Oaks Adult Day Care Ms. Tara Walker Older AdultsOpen 9:00am-1:30 pm M-F (601) 545-5614

Provision Living Ms. Brittney Smithey Older Adultsbsmithey@provisionliving.com (601) 596-7493

D.R.E.A.M. of Hattiesburg Dr. Linda Vasquez Youth at Risk601-545-2102

Feris O’Neal Senior Center Ms. Erin Thomas Older AdultsWiggins, MS (601) 528-5952

Gulf Coast Veterans Ms Laura Throop Veterans –Mental Health,Healthcare System (VA) (228) 523-5038 Nursing Home, Phys Rehab

Biloxi, MS

Other facilities/programs may be available by special arrangements.

Students should:1.) Call contact person (or Recreation/Activities/Program Director) to schedule an

appointment to discuss possibility of practicum.2.) Take your class schedule and Practicum Work Agreement with you to appointment to

determine tentative schedule and to complete Practicum Work Agreement.3.) Students should select Practicum sites which will provide appropriate experience for their

emphasis area (Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation Administration)

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Site Supervisor:

Thank you for your time and effort in agreeing to consider one of our students for a practicum student at your agency. The student should provide you with information regarding course requirements. Your cooperation in meeting the required deadlines will help to ensure a quality experience for the student.

Briefly, the practicum is an opportunity for the university student who is majoring in Recreation to gain practical, "hands-on" experience as a part of his/her college education. While the student is at your agency for a relatively short period (40 hours) we do believe that the interest and knowledge that he/she brings to your agency will prove to be helpful for your operation. On your part, we would expect that you devote that time and energy necessary to properly supervise the student while he/she is working for your agency.

We would encourage you to take the time to talk with the student to determine his/her previous experience and his/her reason for selecting your agency. When assigning the student specific responsibilities please take into consideration whether this is the student's first, second, or third practicum and the types and amount of recreation-specific coursework which they have completed. We would like the student to be adequately challenged but at the same time not be placed in a situation that is detrimental to the student or your participants/agency.

If at any time you have any questions or concerns regarding the practicum experience or the performance of one of our students at your agency, please feel free to contact me at (601) 266-5207.

Sincerely,

Mary Ann Aquadro, Ph.D., CTRSMary Ann Aquadro, Ph.D., CTRSRecreation Instructor and Practicum CoordinatorThe University of Southern MississippiSchool of Human Performance & Recreation118 College Drive, #5142Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001601-266-5207mary.aquadro@usm.edu

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THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPISCHOOL OF HUMAN PERFORMANCE & RECREATION

PRACTICUM IN RECREATIONHPR 210

ABBREVIATED COURSE SYLLABUS(SITE SUPERVISOR COPY)

PURPOSE

The Practicum experience is designed to expose the student to the working operation of a park, recreation, and leisure service agency. It is intended to include both observation of and practical work experience in agency programs. The success of the experience is heavily reliant upon cooperation and open communication among the student, agency supervisor, and the university supervisor.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

The student should be involved in agency operations in the following ways:

PROFESSIONALISM

1. Student will follow standard agency employee procedures regarding adherence to job schedule, punctuality, absence, appropriate dress and grooming.

2. Student will maintain physical and emotional well-being in order to adequatelyperform assigned tasks.

3. Student will interact with all agency personnel in a professional manner.

4. Student will demonstrate a positive, professional attitude especially with regardto: enthusiasm for assigned tasks; loyalty to the agency; discretion in communication with and about the agency; agency staff, and patrons; and adherence to agency policies and procedures.

ACTIVITY PLANNING & LEADERSHIP

1. Student will observe two different agency staff members’ leadership/work styles.Briefly discuss with each staff member the planning necessary for the activity.

2. These observations and information will be incorporated into student reports.

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COURSE TERMINOLOGY

PRACTICUM

A combination of observation and practical experiences with an agency that offers recreation and leisure services. It is expected that the student will receive exposure to a variety of experiences that are typically performed by a full-time, professional employee of the agency whose responsibility is the delivery of recreation and leisure services.

SITE SUPERVISOR

The agency employee who possesses education and/or practical experience to serve as a positive role model in the delivery of recreation and leisure services. Site Supervisor must make the commitment to meet with the practicum student on a regular basis. If Site Supervisor is not physically on site to provide direct supervision of student, the student should be informed of another staff person who will provide temporary supervision and assistance as needed .

UNIVERSITY SUPERVISOR

The faculty member who serves as the contact person for agency personnel and may serve as liaison between agency and student as necessary. The faculty member is responsible for determining course requirements and for assigning the final grade for the course.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

DUE DATES

For all required paperwork, students have specific due dates. It is the responsibility of the student to submit paperwork within required deadlines. It is the responsibility of the student to provide the agency supervisor with sufficient time to complete evaluations and other forms which require the agency supervisor’s signature. Agency supervisors are asked to assist student in meeting required deadlines by communicating with student regarding necessary lead time to complete evaluations and other forms in a timely manner.

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES

1. Starting Date: Student should not begin practicum until university supervisorhas approved practicum site and agency supervisor has signed student’s Practicum Work Agreement Form.

2. There will be no Formal Class Meetings: The necessary forms are on the www.usmaquadro.weebly.com website under the HPR 210 5W2 tab. See descriptions of assignments due by 7/2, 7/10, 7/17, and 7/30 on the Practicum Record.

3. Mid-Experience Evaluation: Upon completion of 20 hours, and/or by deadline identified in course materials, student should have their site supervisor complete and sign the Mid-Experience Evaluation.

4. On-site visits may occur randomly by the university supervisor.

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The University of Southern MississippiSchool of Human Performance & Recreation

PRACTICUM WORK AGREEMENTPrint or type all Information except signature

PART I: STUDENT BACKGROUND INFORMATION (To be completed by student prior to initial meeting with site supervisor)

Student Name Practicum # 1 2 3 Email:______ ______ Phone______ Previous Practicum Experience: 1. Agency Semester Yr 2. Agency Semester Yr

Current Practicum Goals: List two goals to accomplish during this practicum:1. 2

PART II: AGENCY INFORMATIONStudent should complete the following upon acceptance at site:

Agency Name Street Address

Mailing Address City State Zip

Site Supervisor Title Work Phone Email

PART III (TO BE COMPLETED BY AGENCY SUPERVISOR)

I have discussed the above information with the student listed above and agree to accept him/her for a Practicum experience with my agency. Upon final approval by the University Supervisor, the student will begin his/her practicum experience on _____ and finish on , based on approximately hours per week. While at this agency his/her primary responsibilities will include:

I have received my copy of the Practicum Course Syllabus and agree to provide appropriate supervision for this student and agree to work with the student and University Supervisor in providing this experience according to the outlined requirements.

Agency Supervisor (signature) Date

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PRACTICUM IN RECREATIONHPR 210

PROGRESS REPORT

(Name) (Practicum Agency) Report (#)Days worked (mm/dd, mm/dd, mm/dd, mm/dd/yy)Hours Worked, this reporting period: (##)Hours Worked, cumulative: (##)

Summary and Reflection:

(Single spaced, narrative format, size 12 font, and minimum 1/2 page. Describe activities and reflect/analyze a minimum of two events as they compare to concepts from your classes; other personal observations should also be included.)

Goals for the coming 2 weeks:(Minimum 2 goals, may be in bulleted format)

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MID-EXPERIENCE EVALUATION(Submit by the due date posted on practicum record)

* NOTE: Student and Agency Supervisor should sign evaluation AFTER it has been reviewed together by both student and supervisor.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS: Ability to organize people and resources Demonstrates a good knowledge of leadership principles Maintains good rapport with the group Demonstrates an ability to control groups Displays a capacity to motivate others

WORK HABITS: Reports to work on time Dresses appropriately for the job Demonstrates resourcefulness and initiative Demonstrates enthusiasm for the job Completes work as assigned Works well with superiors Works well with co-workers Communicates well in writing Communicates well verbally Follows established policies & procedures Demonstrates flexibility

Using the scale to the right, please rate the student on each of the following qualities as it relates to the performance of the job of the practicum students. PLEASE BE REALISTIC in rating the practicum student. It is highly improbable that a student should rate all fives or all ones. Your evaluation is only helpful to the extent that you are discriminating and thoughtful in evaluating the practicum student. Open-ended comments are particularly helpful.

RATING SCALE

NA Does not apply1. Unsatisfactory2. Below average3. Average4. Above average5. Superior

Comments or Suggestions

Student Name Date

Agency Date

Time Period: From: To:

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PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Maintains emotional control Accepts criticism and suggestion well Readily accepts new assignments Uses sound judgment Displays a sense of humor Demonstrates tact and courtesy

PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE: Shows a sincere interest in the profession Acts in a professional manner Shows an understanding of the whole field

OTHER

I have met with the student to discuss this evaluation:

Agency Supervisor Signature Date

My Supervisor has met with me to discuss this evaluation:

__________________________Student Signature Date

Comments or Suggestions

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THIS STUDENT’S CURRENT STRENGTHS?

IN WHAT AREAS DO YOU THINK THIS STUDENT NEEDS IMPROVEMENT?

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FINAL EVALUATION(Submit by the due date posted on practicum record)

* NOTE: Student and Site Supervisor should sign evaluation AFTER it has been reviewed together by both students and supervisor.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS: Ability to organize people and resources Demonstrates a good knowledge of leadership principles Maintains good rapport with the group Demonstrates an ability to control groups Displays a capacity to motivate others

WORK HABITS: Reports to work on time Dresses appropriately for the job Demonstrates resourcefulness and initiative Demonstrates enthusiasm for the job Completes work as assigned Works well with superiors Works well with co-workers Communicates well in writing Communicates well verbally Follows established policies & procedures Demonstrates flexibility

Student Name Date

Agency Date

Time Period: From: To:

Using the scale to the right, please rate the student on each of the following qualities as it relates to the performance of the job of the practicum students. PLEASE BE REALISTIC in rating the practicum student. It is highly improbable that a student should rate all fives or all ones. Your evaluation is only helpful to the extent that you are discriminating and thoughtful in evaluating the practicum student. Open ended comments are particularly helpful.

RATING SCALE

NA Does not apply1. Unsatisfactory2. Below average3. Average4. Above average5. Superior

Comments or Suggestions

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PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Maintains emotional control Accepts criticism and suggestion well Readily accepts new assignments Uses sound judgment Displays a sense of humor Demonstrates tact and courtesy

PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE: Shows a sincere interest in the profession Acts in a professional manner Shows an understanding of the whole field

OTHER

I have met with the student to discuss this evaluation:

Agency Supervisor Signature Date

My Supervisor has met with me to discuss this evaluation:

Student Signature Date

Comments or Suggestions

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THIS STUDENT’S CURRENT STRENGTHS?

IN WHAT AREAS DO YOU THINK THIS STUDENT NEEDS IMPROVEMENT?

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HPR 210PRACTICUM IN RECREATION

ADDITIONAL WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

THANK YOU LETTER TO SITE SUPERVISOR

Each student is required to write a letter of appreciation to his/her Site Supervisor for his/her assistance while at the agency. You will be expected to turn in the letter and the addressed stamped envelope (DO NOT SEAL THE ENVELOPE) prior to the due date as listed on practicum record. The letter may be in one of two formats: (a) if handwritten, it must be on some type of thank-you card or note; hand writing must be neat and legible; or (b) typed on standard typing paper. The following guidelines apply:

a. The content of the letter should be specific to your experience.b. All names and titles must be accurate and spelled correctly.c. You must submit a duplicate of your letter to the instructor. Include the word COPY

clearly on this document.d. You will receive no credit for this if the above instructions are not followed.

CRITIQUE OF OVERALL EXPERIENCE

This critique is your written comments on the entire experience at the agency, its programs and staff. At a minimum, your comments should include these sections:

PART Ia. Agency description: A brief description of the overall function and services provided by

the agency.b. Responsibilities: A description of your responsibilities during the practicum.c. Challenges: Any issues/challenges which arose during your practicum and how they

were addressed and/or solved.d. Leadership Observations/Opportunities: What leadership skills did you observe in your

site supervisor and other agency employees? Discuss leadership opportunities you experienced and evaluate how you could have improved the experience for the participants.

e. Benefits: How this experience will benefit you in the future.f. Evaluation: Is this an area you would like to work as a career? Why or Why not?

The Critique must be a minimum of 2 full pages (double-spaced, typed, 12 point font, 1” margins; name, course number single spaced in upper right corner; stapled).

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PRACTICUM IN RECREATIONHPR 210: TIME LOG

Supervisor’s FULL SIGNATURE verifies hours completed

Week Date/Time Worked # Hours Cumulative hours Responsibilities Supervisor’s Signature1

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__________________________________________________ __________________ ___________________________________Student’s Signature Date Agency