Syllabus

FCS 202 Field Experience

Dr. Barbara Frazier

3406 Kohrman Hall

269-387-3719

frazier@wmich.edu

Course description

Based on the importance of augmenting classroom learning with on-the-job application, field experience is intended to acquaint and update students in FCS Department Programs with current working opportunities, conditions, and issues in their chosen field of study.

Course goals

• To gain insights and professional experience in organizational settings
• To observe the application of classroom theory in the workplace
• To develop professional skills
• To develop an appreciation and awareness of personal aptitudes
• To build self-confidence for the transition into professional life after graduation

Course objectives

· To obtain work experience in the student’s major field of study

· To develop professional behaviors that are necessary for success in the workplace

· To identify several useful tools for lifelong learning

• To use critical thinking, self-evaluation, and professional communication skills to assess the impact of the field experience on professional development.

Course Evaluation

Evaluation for this course will be determined by completion of required hours, and your performance in the following areas:

1. Employer Mid-Term Evaluation 40

2. Employer's Final Evaluation 60

3. Assignments 200

300

Students will be evaluated on a "Credit/No Credit" basis. According to University policy, “credit/no credit is a method used to evaluate performance in courses which is separate from the grade point system. Course grade does not affect GPA. ‘Credit’ is earned for grades of ‘C’ or better; grades of ‘DC’ or below will earn ‘No Credit’”.

Students who complete required hours by the last day of the semester, and earn combined points equaling 70% or greater for employer evaluation and assignments will receive credit for the course. Please note that credit can only be given upon completion of required hours, receipt of employer evaluation(s) and completion of all written assignments. See “Important Dates to Remember” at the end of the syllabus for assignment due dates

Course Policies

1. A grade of "Incomplete" cannot be issued for reasons other than those stated in the most recent University Undergraduate Catalogue. Reasons beyond the student's control include: the firm going out of business, hours reduced by employer, (must be documented by employer as to why), or severe illness, but exclude personal vacation, requested hours off, etc.

2. Hours completed between the first and last day of the semester of enrollment may be counted toward credit. Work hours cannot be banked and carried over to another enrollment period or "borrowed" from a future period and counted in advance. Required hours vary by major:

Major	Credits required for graduation	Volunteer/work hours required
Family Studies Child Development	2	60 hours per credit
Food Service Administration Interior Design Textile & Apparel Studies: Merchandising	3	100 hours per credit
Vocational Certification	3	Determined by Vocational Certification Officer

3. Credits are earned based on the number of hours worked. Students must determine credit hours to be earned prior to the drop/add deadline for the semester. Credit hours may not be changed after drop/add date. The chart below indicates the average number of hours per week needed to earn one, two or three credits in an 8- or 16-week period. You may work more or less hours in any given week.

CREDIT HOURS	Based on 8 Weeks		Based on 16 Weeks
	FSA, ITD, TEX	FST, FST/CD	FSA, ITD, TEX	FST, FST/CD
One Credit Hour (100 Hours)	12.5 hours per week	7.5 hours per week	6.25 hours per week	3.75 hours per week
Two Credit Hours (200 hours)	25 hours per week	15 hours per week	12.5 hours per week	7.5 hours per week
Three Credit Hours (300 hours)	37.5 hours per week	22.5 hours per week	19 hours per week	11.25 hours per week
Vocational Certification hours vary based on the total number of hours required, as determined by Vocational Certification Officer

4. Student should use the “change of registration” form, available in the FCS Office, 3326 Kohrman to change your Field Experience File. Examples of changes where the office must be notified are: change of supervisor, job change, business relocation. Credit cannot be guaranteed if changes in status are not documented in writing. Leaving voice or email messages will not result in change of registration. You must complete the “Change of Registration Form.

5. Students may work for more than one employer during the enrollment period. A course approval form must be completed and approved by faculty in your major for each field experience site.

6. Students who encounter problem situations pertaining to FCS 202 should discuss situations with the coordinator IMMEDIATELY to avoid jeopardizing final course grade.

Note: DAF form must be approved and received in the FCS office before hours may be counted for credit.