In-Field Experience Information for Agencies
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Help KSR students access hands-on placements that build skills, confidence and career readiness.
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When and How Students Will Contact You
As part of their KRLS 493 In-Field Experience, fourth-year KSR students will take the initiative to reach out directly to potential agencies to explore placement opportunities.
This outreach usually happens one academic term before the planned placement:
- Fall placements: students contact agencies in Spring/Summer
- Winter placements: students contact agencies in Fall
- Spring/Summer intensive placements: students contact agencies in Winter
This early communication ensures that agencies have enough time to consider student interest, discuss options, and confirm placements before the July 15 (for Fall), March 15 (for Spring/Summer), or November 15 (Winter) confirmation dates or other term-specific dates.
What to Expect from KSR Student Contact
Students will typically reach out by email or phone to introduce themselves and inquire about possible In-Field opportunities.
Their message should include:
- A short introduction (name, year, and KSR program at the University of Alberta)
- A brief description of the KRLS 493 In-Field Experience (academic, unpaid, up to 180 hours)
- The term they hope to complete their placement (Fall, Winter, or Spring/Summer)
- A résumé and short cover letter outlining their interests and skills
- A note about their availability (e.g., 12-14 hours/week over 13 weeks, or intensive 6-week, 30-hour option in Spring)
Agencies are welcome to respond, request more information, or schedule a short meeting to determine fit.
Your Role in the Selection Process
Not every interested student needs to be interviewed — agencies can review inquiries and choose which students to connect with based on fit, timing, and organizational needs.
If you decide to move forward with a student:
- Discuss their learning goals and how they align with your agency’s work.
- Identify a supervisor or mentor who will provide guidance and complete brief midterm and final evaluations.
- Work with the student to determine a schedule that fits your operations and their academic workload.
The student will then complete the required In-Field Confirmation Form (to notify the Experiential Learning Lead)
Key Points to Remember
- Students are completing this experience for academic credit, not employment.
- Students must follow all agency policies, confidentiality, and safety requirements.
- The Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation provides ongoing support to both the student and the agency throughout the term.
- Agency supervisors will be asked to complete two short evaluations — one midterm check-in and one final reflection on the student’s performance and professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions for AGENCIES
KRLS 493 is a fourth-year experiential learning course in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta.
It replaces the historical 455-hour practicum, offering a more flexible, student-designed, and agency-based model of experiential learning.
Students complete an unpaid placement of up to 180 hours, applying their classroom learning to real-world practice in Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation.
These placements are designed to provide mutual benefit — students gain professional experience and reflection opportunities, while agencies receive short-term, supervised support for ongoing programs, projects, and community initiatives.
Students are encouraged to reach out to potential agencies one term before they plan to complete their In-Field Experience.
Typical outreach timelines:
| Term | Reach out to agencies by | Complete interviews by | Confirm placement by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sept–Dec) | June 15 | June 30 | July 15 |
| Winter (Jan–April) | October 15 | October 31 | November 15 |
| Spring (May–June) | February 15 | February 28 | March 15 |
This allows agencies sufficient time to review interest, discuss possibilities, and confirm placements before the term begins.
Students will typically reach out by email or phone to introduce themselves and inquire about possible opportunities.
Their message should include:
- A brief introduction (name, year, and KSR program)
- A short description of KRLS 493 (academic, unpaid, up to 180 hours)
- The term they wish to complete the experience
- A résumé and short cover letter highlighting their interests and strengths
- A note about their availability (e.g., 8–12 hours/week over 13 weeks or intensive 6-week option)
Agencies can respond, request more details, or arrange a brief meeting or interview if interested.
No. Agencies do not need to interview every interested student.
You are encouraged to respond only to those whose interests and availability align with your organization’s needs.
If you do meet with a student, it’s simply to ensure a good fit, clarify expectations, and confirm whether your agency can host them during the term.
As a host agency, you will:
- Provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for learning
- Designate a supervisor or mentor to guide the student’s experience
- Offer meaningful learning opportunities connected to your operations
- Complete two short evaluations (midterm and final) provided by the student
- Confirm the student’s total hours at the end of the placement
Agencies are not responsible for assigning grades — the course instructor oversees academic evaluation.
No. KRLS 493 placements are unpaid academic experiences completed for course credit.
Students are formally registered in the course and remain affiliated with the University of Alberta, not the agency.
Yes — for Alberta-based agencies, students may be covered under the University’s Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) policy while completing placement hours.
Students complete up to 180 hours at your agency, depending on their learning plan and your capacity.
Typical time commitments:
- Fall/Winter: 14 hours per week over 13 weeks
- Spring Intensive: approximately 30 hours per week over 6 weeks
Schedules are flexible and can be adapted around agency operations.
Student must have a confirmed placement by:
For Fall term (Sept–Dec): July 15
For Winter term (Jan–April): November 15
For Spring term (May–June): March 15
Once an agency agrees to host a student, the student will complete a CampusBRIDGE In-Field Confirmation Form to notify the Experiential Learning Lead.
Each agency should assign a supervisor or mentor to oversee the student’s experience.
This person should:
- Be familiar with the agency’s operations and safety practices
- Provide feedback, guidance, and learning support
- Complete short midterm and final evaluations (sent electronically)
Yes. Agencies may host multiple students if supervision capacity allows.
Some agencies pair students for collaborative projects, while others assign separate roles.
Each student must have their own CampusBRIDGE In-Field Experience Agreement Form completed.
The Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation is available to support you throughout the process.
Email: ksrplace@ualberta.ca
Experiential Learning Lead
Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation
University of Alberta