Experiential Learning
Service Practicum and Internships
As part of our core curriculum at Columbia, students are able to participate in experiential learning through Service Practicums and Internships. These opportunities provide avenues through which students engage in their communities through service hours, program internships and group volunteer experiences.
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. 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 various organizations in the community. These courses encourages students to get involved in their community as they gain hands-on experience in their field of interest.
Placements
Service Practicum placements involve volunteering as an experience of personal growth, vocational discernment, and community engagement. Placement types vary depending on student interest and program major. 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. Please contact the Director of Service Practicum to learn more.
Internships
Internships enable all four-year degree students to practice key areas of learning within their program major. The internship placement facilitates knowledge and skills practice, personal and social development, along with opportunity to pursue vocational direction. Students develop personalized learning objectives that are met with 300 hours (75hrs/credit hour) of supervised work alongside a series of reflective assignments.
The Director of Internships oversees all internships at Columbia in collaboration with Programs Directors:
- Applied Leadership
- Biblical Studies
- Counselling
- Worship Arts
- Youth Work
Prerequisites: Before a student can begin their internship, they are required to have completed the following:
- 60 credit hours
- Service Practicum I, II, III, and IV
- LDRS 201 Intro to Leadership Studies or equivalent (can coincide with the start of internship)
Questions? Contact the Director of Internships
Placements
Internship placements provide students with opportunity to practice key areas of learning from within their program major under the direction of an approved supervisor. In consultation with their Program Director and the Director of Internships, students are responsible to find a placement that fits with their program major and personal interests. For more information please contact the Director of Internships.
Internship Supervisors
Placements
Internship placements provide students with opportunity to practice key areas of learning from within their program major under the direction of an approved supervisor. In consultation with their Program Director and the Integrated Learning department, students are responsible to find a placement that fits with their program major and personal interests. For more information please contact the Director of Internships.
Questions? Contact the Director of Internships
Internship Supervisors - Forms
Internship Supervisor Progress Reports – Supervisor progress reports 1-3 must be completed during the internship.
Internship Supervisor Comprehensive Evaluation – Supervisors must complete this evaluation at the end of their internship.
Questions? Contact the Director of Internships
Service Practicum Supervisors
We welcome all placement supervisors and organizations to be involved with this unique learning experience. If you have further questions please contact the Service Practicum Assistant.
Service Fair
The Service Fair is an annual event in early September. Local organizations and churches can share the various volunteer opportunities that they have to offer as new students are seeking a practicum placement. If you and your organization are interested in participating, please complete the Service Fair Reservation Form. Please note there are limited spaces available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Handbook
Placement Supervisor Manual (PDF) – 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 Supervisors - Forms
Supervisor Forms
Supervisor Agreement Form – A form outlining the agreed-upon service and mentorship commitment must be completed by the placement supervisor at the beginning of the Fall or Summer semester for each practicum student. As students are expected to remain in the same placement from September through to April, in the Winter semester, Supervisor Agreement forms are typically only necessary for students starting Service Practicum mid-year or who are changing placements due to course conflicts.
Supervisor Evaluation Form – This form must be completed by the placement supervisor at the end of every semester for each practicum student. Note: 35% of the student’s final grade is gained directly from the Supervisor’s Evaluation. Timely submission is imperative.
