Practicum Etiquette.

Having the public health skills and knowledge to do the work required of your practicum is only one half of the puzzle for success in your practicum. Your behavior and the way you conduct yourself is critical to success both during your practicum, and also during the search process.

Practicum Learning Agreement.

Before you submit your practicum proposal you will need to complete a practicum learning agreement with your preceptor. This agreement helps the student and preceptor set expectations from both parties during the practicum, explains the requirements to the preceptor, ensures the practicum will be a good learning experience and is set up for the student to succeed. It also holds both parties accountable for adhering to these expectations.

Practicum Etiquette Agreement.

When you submit a practicum proposal you will read and sign an etiquette agreement that you are expected to adhere to during your practicum. Violation of any of these points may result in the failure of PH976.

The agreement reads:
As a student of (BUSPH), I am aware of the significant impact my conduct in the workplace can have on an organization, both positively and negatively. In order to maintain the high standards expected of a BUSPH student, I hereby agree to the following:

  • I will honor any offer I have accepted with a practicum host site and will not withdraw from my practicum once it has commenced, except in the event of extraordinary circumstances.
  • I will adhere to the established schedule set by my preceptor, ensuring punctuality for all in-office and remote meetings and other work responsibilities.
  • I will engage in respectful communications and participate appropriately in meetings. If I am given feedback about my behavior and/or communications by my preceptor, I will make the changes suggested.
  • I will refrain from taking unauthorized absences and demonstrate a cooperative attitude towards the employees at the practicum host site to fulfill all practicum deliverables.
  • I will abstain from utilizing personal social media, email, and phone communications during work hours, dedicating my time solely to practicum-related responsibilities unless granted permission.
  • I will comply with the host organization’s: 1. code of conduct, including dress code as applicable, 2. policies, and 3. procedures, as well as all relevant state and federal employment laws.
  • I will maintain the confidentiality and non-disclosure of any proprietary or confidential information obtained during my practicum.
  • I will avoid engaging in disruptive behavior or using offensive language towards others, ensuring a professional and respectful environment.
  • I will demonstrate respect for the diverse identities and lived experiences of those with whom I interact.
  • I will consult with the Career & Practicum Office (sphpract@bu.edu) to resolve challenges that may arise at my practicum site such as significant changes to practicum expectations, preceptor conflicts, or personal issues preventing me from fulfilling the duties of my practicum.
  • I understand that violating any of the above could lead to the termination of my practicum and the failure of the practicum course (PH976).
Reneging

Reneging very serious and can have significant impacts for your career and even future BUSPH students. Reneging is the act of pulling out of a practicum or job offer after accepting the role. Once you accept an offer you should honor that acceptance and do your practicum with that organization. Reneging could have the following implications:

  • Damaging your career through the burning of bridges with hiring managers. Especially when they move to other organizations.
  • Damaging employer relationships with BUSPH. The act of reneging can have implications to SPH’s reputation with certain employers — making them less likely to want to host or hire other SPH students in the future.
  • Failing your practicum or other academic consequences.
Communication

Another component of succeeding in your practicum is communication, both with your practicum supervisor and SPH. Many of the challenges that can arise during your practicum can often be solved simply through communication.

When challenges arrive with your supervisor or just with your practicum in general it’s usually better to be open and communicative with them to try and work through these obstacles in a collegial manner. However, if challenges become severe, or you you feel as though you need support in navigating these challenges please communicate with us by emailing sphpract@bu.edu with a detailed description of situation and we will contact you to support you.

Other reasons you should be in communication with our office:

  • You are falling behind in hours.
  • You are not working on what your supervisor said you would be and thus have no deliverables in progress.
  • Your practicum dates are changing.
  • You need support in handling a difficult situation.
  • You are terminated from your practicum.
  • Or any other situation in which you feel as though you will need support to handle.

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