Information for Agencies

Overview

The Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation integrates work integrated learning into its degree programs through a Professional Practicum course. Students in their fourth year are eligible to participate.

This version of the Professional Practicum will be in effect until the Fall 2027 term.

Duration: 13 weeks
Hours: 455 total
Components: In agency work, KSR course virtual seminars, and course assignments .

Definitions

KSR PEXL Lead

Coordinates practicum placements and agency relationships.

Agency Supervisor

The primary point of contact for the student, responsible for day to day supervision, mentorship, and performance feedback.

Recruitment Cycle Detailed Overview

Available Practicum Terms

The Professional Practicum is offered in the following UofA academic terms:

  • Fall (September to December)
  • Winter (January to April)
  • Spring and Summer (May to August)

Agency Call Out + CampusBRIDGE Posting Request

At the beginning of each academic term, the Practicum Experiential Learning Lead will send a call out to agencies requesting that they create or update their CampusBRIDGE practicum postings. This is the primary way agencies are included in the upcoming recruitment cycle and ensures students have access to current opportunities.

Practicum Placement Options + Hours

Students enrolled in the Professional Practicum complete either 455 hours or 227 hours of agency based experiential learning, depending on their practicum course registration. The hours are spread differently depending on the practicum format.

Full Time Practicum (455 Hours)

Students completing the full time practicum complete 455 total hours across the term. This experience is completed over 13 weeks and includes time for in agency work, seminars, and course assignments. Students typically complete up to 40 hours per week.

This schedule allows students to build consistent engagement with the agency, take on meaningful responsibilities, and develop professional skills through ongoing mentorship and feedback.

Example: 455 hours ÷ 13 weeks is approximately 35 hours per week

Part Time Practicum (227 Hours)

Students completing the part time practicum complete 227 total hours across the term. This experience is completed over 13 weeks and includes time for in agency work, seminars, and course assignments. Students typically complete up to 20 hours per week.

This schedule supports steady participation with the agency over the term while balancing other academic responsibilities.

Example: 227 hours ÷ 13 weeks is approximately 17 to 18 hours per week

Two Pathways to Recruit a Student

KSR Placement Process Through CampusBRIDGE

Agencies can recruit students through the Faculty supported placement process using CampusBRIDGE. In this pathway, agencies:

  • Post a practicum description in CampusBRIDGE
  • Review student applications and conduct interviews
  • Rank candidates and extend offers through CampusBRIDGE

Self Directed Placement

Students may also pursue a self directed practicum placement. In this pathway:

  • The student identifies and proposes a placement opportunity
  • The agency and student co create the practicum role and submit it to the Faculty for approval