Service Practicum
Overview
Service Practicum is a unique opportunity that allows students to take what they have learned in class and apply it to the community in which they live. It promotes serving as a core value of the Christian life, and it impacts the student's personal growth, vocational discernment, and community engagement. Students can use this course for engaging further in the local church in a variety of ministries, or get involved with other local organizations.
Over the course of their first two years at Columbia, students will participate in a minimum of 80 hours of supervised volunteer experience. At the beginning of the academic year, students will attend the Service Fair, which provides an opportunity to connect with churches and various organizations in the community.
Students who already volunteer their time with an organization may be eligible to continue this work as their Service Practicum. Mature students (25yrs+) who have extensive previous volunteer experience may qualify for an exemption.
Service Fair
The Service Fair is an annual event in early September. Local churches and organizations can come to our campus, set up a display table, and share the various volunteer opportunities that they have to offer as new students are seeking a practicum placement. Attendance at the Service Fair is required for all first-year students.
If your church or organization are interested in participating, please complete the Service Fair Registration Form. Please note there are limited spaces available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you have further questions please contact the Service Practicum Assistant.
Handbook
Service Practicum Manual – This manual explains what is expected of both the student and the Supervisor in Service Practicum and contains information around Risk Management. All supervisors should be familiar with its contents. Please also download this one-page guide for supervisors for the basic information you will need to know about supervising a Columbia Service Practicum student.
Service Practicum Forms
Student Agreement Form – This form is for Columbia Service Practicum students to register for a specific placement to do their service practicum hours for one semester or year. Students should have already made contact with the contact person (supervisor) from the church or organization for which they are registering. Student Agreement Forms are not required for the winter semester for students who are continuing with the same placement as the fall semester. Students will access these forms through MS Teams.
Service Practicum Supervisor Agreement – This form outlines the agreed-upon service and mentorship commitment for the semester or year that a Columbia student is serving at their organization. that must be completed by the placement supervisor at the beginning of the Fall or Summer semester for each practicum student. Supervisor Agreement Forms are not required for winter semester for students who are continuing with the same placement as the fall semester.
Service Practicum Supervisor’s Evaluation (Fall 2024) – This form must be completed by the placement supervisor at the end of every semester for each Columbia Service Practicum student. Note: 50% of the student’s final grade is gained directly from the Supervisor’s Evaluation. Timely submission is imperative.
Service Practicum Placement Posting
Columbia Students, click on the various tabs below to search for churches and organizations that have posted service opportunities just for you!
If you are a church or organization who wishes to post a placement for our service practicum students, please complete the Service Practicum Placement Posting Form. The following criteria will be helpful for you to know:
- each student is required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of service per semester
- service hours cannot be remunerated in any way
- students should be asked if specific hours of service fits into their academic schedule
- the service work should be supervised
- supervisors are required to have a mid-semester feedback conversation with each student they oversee
- supervisors are required to fill out an evaluation form at the end of each semester for each student they oversee
Administrative Postings
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Human Services Postings
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Children: Church Posting
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Children: Community Postings
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Children: School Postings
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Intercultural Postings
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Labour, Skill & Outdoor Postings
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Sports Postings
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Worship & Tech Support Postings
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Youth: Church Postings
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Youth: Community Postings
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Questions?
The Integrated Learning Team is here to help!
