Become a Practicum Host

Each year, Western Continuing Studies invites professionals from the not-for-profit sector to host post-degree diploma students for the practicum component of the Diploma in Not-for-Profit Management. We work with you and our students to coordinate the best possible professional practicum placement for the applicant and organization.

Program Overview

The Diploma in Not-for-Profit Management is a post-degree program that includes 10 diploma-credit courses plus a student practicum for which the student receives academic credit. Students are eligible to apply to the Diploma in Not-for-Profit Management only after successful completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited university.

Practicum Timing

The practicum is the final term of the Diploma in Not-for-Profit Management. Students must complete 560 hours at their practicum site between May and August (exact dates may vary slightly). During this period, students are expected to be on site on a full-time basis (i.e. 35 hours per week).

Practicum Activities

There is not a prescribed list of activities that must be completed. Instead, the Practicum Supervisor helps the student to create six learning goals for the four month practicum based on the student’s interests, and current projects at the site.

Requirements of Practicum Supervisors

As students’ skills are at an entry level, supervision, explanation, and direction are vital. The student’s supervisor should be a practitioner who has at least 5 years of relevant experience. Although the student can be expected to work fairly independently, contact and supervision is expected from the supervisor.

The Role of the Practicum Supervisor

Help the student to create six learning goals for the practicum; evaluate their performance in meeting the goals at the end of the practicum
Review weekly journal entries submitted by the student; evaluate the student’s performance in reflecting in their journal at the end of the practicum
Meet with the student once per week to discuss their progress
Provide the student with a range of experience in as many aspects of the industry as possible
Orient the student to the organization, including policies, procedures and personnel
Monitor work assignments and provide constructive feedback
Be available and accessible for counsel and advice
Provide the student with networking opportunities

Course List

Writing for the Not-for-Profit Sector
Strategic Planning in Not-for-Profit Organizations
Public Policy in the Not-for-Profit Context
Volunteer Management
Development and Fundraising for Not-for-Profit Organizations
Finance for Not-for-Profit Organizations
Marketing and Public Relations for Not-for-Profit Organizations
Boards and Governance
Foundations of Leadership Development
Event Management

Through the course work, students have developed knowledge in:

Writing applications, annual reports and stewardship reports
Planning and developing various fundraising programs and creating materials to acquire funding
Managing issues related to recruitment and retaining of staff and volunteers
Understanding how to run a profitable fundraising event
Strategic planning
Budget preparation and long-term financial management
Developing and implementing integrated marketing campaigns
Measuring results, using web-based and conventional analytical tools
Communicating professionally with internal and external stakeholders
Roles of boards and members

Remuneration

Successful completion of the practicum, based on the Practicum Supervisor’s evaluation of the student’s on-site performance, is a requirement of the academic program. Postings for both paid and unpaid practicums are accepted. In instances when previous practicums have been unpaid, many sites have chosen to offer a stipend or honorarium.

Submit a Posting

Contact Ashleigh Lerch, Work Integrated Learning Coordinator with the following information:

Name and email address
Learning opportunities
Skills required/valued
Information regarding payment, honorarium, professional development opportunities, etc. (if applicable)

Looking forward to partnering with you during the upcoming year!