The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration

Selection and Evaluation of Field Placement Sites and Field InstructorsThe School includes the following criteria in the selection of an agency as a practicum site:A. The field placement does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or veteran status, anddoes not discriminate against members of protected classes under the law.The Affirmative Action Officer (773-702-5671) is the University official responsible forcoordinating the University's adherence to this policy and the related federal, state and locallaws and regulations (including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended,and the Americans with Disabilities Act).The SSA Dean of Students and the Director of Field Education should be notifiedimmediately of concerns and complaints. Additional resources for students include theUniversity of Chicago, Student Counseling and Resource Service Center at 737 S.University Avenue. 773.702.9800 and/or The University of Chicago • Bias Response Team;Administration Building • 5801 South Ellis Avenue • Chicago, IL 60637; Telephone:773.702.2427.B. The agency shall be in good standing in the community and in the profession. It shouldqualify for membership in appropriate standard-setting bodies.C. The agency should be able to provide the student with learning experiences which representa range of experiences within the specific function of the agency, and which are consistent withthe intent of the practicum focus. The main criterion for such selection should be theeducational value of the assignment in accordance with the student's current stage of learningand the practicum learning objectives.D. Agency personnel should be made available, as appropriate, for initial orientation and forcontinuous interpretation of the total agency program.E. Where the field instructor is a member of the agency staff, the agency is willing and able torelease adequate time of the field instructor for regular conferences with the student, reading ofstudent's written reports and recordings, meeting and conferences with the School andcompleting timely learning agreements and field placement evaluations. (It is estimatedthat between 2-4 hours per week per student is needed to cover field instructorresponsibilities.)F. The agency should have available suitable desk space/work area, telephones, supplies,carfare, clerical service and privacy for interviewing, if needed.G. Final approval of a practicum agency is made by the Office of Field Education.