EXPERIENTIAL Learning COURSES and Opportunities
SLAIS is committed to providing students with a variety of learning experiences while they work on their degrees. In addition to courses offered on-site and via web-based delivery, SLAIS offers a variety of courses aimed at providing students with field-based experiences. These include practicum placements, internships and professional experience projects, and the Co-op paid employment program. Use the links below to find information on each of these exciting opportunities.
We are grateful to the dozens of organizations, both local and from around the world, who have accepted at least one student over the past academic year for experiential learning. Click here to see the list of hosts, and join us in thanking them for their generosity.
Internship - ARST 595 [3 credits]
Archival students work under the direct supervision of a professional
in the field for three months of full-time work with no pay. Arrangements
are made by the School. A final report is required, and is evaluated by the
student’s faculty advisor.
Practicum - LIBR 595 [non-credit course]
Library and Information Studies students are placed in an organization of their choice for two-week period. Students gain a broad understanding of how libraries and information organizations function and are managed largely through observation with some hands-on work. Arrangements are made by the School. This a non-credit optional course in the MLIS and Dual MAS/MLIS programs for students who initially enroll in the MLIS or Dual MAS/MLIS program in September 2011 or later. For students enrolled prior to September 2011, please visit the Experiential Learning (Practicum/Professional Experience/Co-op) section of the MLIS program page at http://www.slais.ubc.ca/programs/mlis.htm.
Professional Experience - ARST/LIBR 596 [3 credits]
A student works on a specific project suggested either by someone in the field
or by a student. The student works under the direct supervision
of a professional in the field, who monitors and evaluates the
work in conjunction with the Student Services Coordinator.
Co-op Program [Participation noted on transcript]
Students (MLIS, MAS or Dual) who have completed 21 credits of course work before the start date for a co-op work term are eligible to
apply to the School's co-operative education work experience program which is facilitated by the Faculty of Arts Co-operative Education office.
Co-operative Education is a learning program whereby through pre-employment workshops, career coaching with co-op staff, and workplace experiences students have the opportunity to combine real world experience with their classroom training and develop employment skills specific to the SLAIS professions. Students compete for co-op jobs, which are posted on a password protected co-op web site; thus, participation in the program does not guarantee a co-op placement.
The University and employers co-operate to provide students with an opportunity to learn in a workplace setting by alternating practical, paid work experience in various fields of interest with their academic studies. Co-op graduates will be well prepared, academically and professionally, for their future careers.
Applying to Co-op
Information Sessions are held in the beginning of the September term. There is one application time for the program in
September of the school year. The application deadline is typically in October and all students who meet the eligibility requirements are admitted
into the program.
Work Terms
Students may elect to take a term of work lasting either four months or eight months, or may do two different four-month
work terms. Work terms must be completed before beginning the final term of study at SLAIS. Students are paid for their work according to industry standards which will vary according to the type of library, archival or
information organization. Students do not receive academic credit for their work, but participation in the Co-op work program is noted on
transcripts.
Students on a co-op work term are expected to focus on the placement instead of their studies. This includes time for after-work social activities, professional development, etc. A student on a full-time co-op placement may enrol in no more than 3 credits of course work (including audit) per co-op term. For students on a part-time co-op placement, the following guide is used: Up to 10 hours a week: 12 credits per term; 11-16 hours per week, 9 credits per term; 17-23 hours per week, 6 credits per term.
For more information on this program please contact the the SLAIS Student Services Coordinator, Michelle Mallette [phone: 604-822-2461 e-mail: michelle.mallette@ubc.ca] or the SLAIS coordinator of the Arts Co-op Program, Anna Jubilo [phone: 604-822-4223; e-mail: anna.jubilo@ubc.ca]. Application forms, deadlines, and further information is available on the Faculty of Arts Co-op web site.
