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  4. When must I complete the mandatory orientation for Practicum (TOUR 241) and what must I do to enroll?

When must I complete the mandatory orientation for Practicum (TOUR 241) and what must I do to enroll?

1. Prerequisites

Prerequisites for the practicum (TOUR 241) are, TOUR 200, TOUR 220, at least Sophomore standing, and being a TEM major in good academic standing. Students are encouraged to complete their practicum early in the academic program.  

2. Attend a mandatory pre-experience information session

All students must complete the Mandatory pre-experience online orientation session by the deadline listed below. The sessions are provided through the Tourism and Events Management Blackboard Organization. 

*This requirement is different from (and in addition to) the requirement to attend the informational meetings scheduled by their Faculty Supervisor (the instructor-of-record for their section), which are also mandatory. 

Note: Failure to complete the mandatory orientation session (i.e. any one of the sessions organized by the Fieldwork Experience Coordinator), and the informational meeting organized by the Faculty Supervisor (if applicable), will result in you being declared ineligible to complete your practicum during the corresponding semester. The sessions are announced through the TEM listserv. Any student not receiving the listserv emails must contact us at ewhisna@gmu.edu.

  • If your practicum will take place in the Fall, you must attend the information session in the preceding Spring semester,
  • If your practicum will take place in the Spring, you must attend the information session in the preceding Fall semester.
  • If your practicum will take place in the Summer, you must attend the information session in the preceding Spring semester.

3. Analyze your situation

Look carefully at your commitments and resources. How will the practicum fit in with your class and work schedule?  What will your transportation or lodging needs be? How prepared are you (intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically) to undertake this applied experience?

4. Determine your interests 

What kind of experience do you need? It could be an experience that foreshadows your intended career, or it could be an experience that is designed to give you a chance to explore some part of the field that is totally new to you. Generally, the practicum can be used to introduce you to this new field of interest or develop a new skill area.

5. Create or Update Resume

Career Services is a great resource for resume and help.  Contact SRTM's Career Services Liaison.

6. Submit Practicum Eligibility Form 

Submit Appendix 2 to your Academic Advisor. Once you are approved she will submit an override and notify you of your ability to register for TOUR 241.

7. Register for TOUR 241

Register for the course on Patriot Web when registration is open.

8. Talk to prospective site supervisors.

Identify agencies and organizations that can provide the type of experience you need for a practicum. Contact the appropriate person in that organization to discuss your interests and their needs with respect to student fieldwork experiences. Secure a job description for approval.

9. Get approval from your faculty supervisor

Submit all potential official job descriptions for approval by your faculty supervisor (instructor of TOUR 241). Note: Job descriptions must be approved before accepting any offers.

10. Complete paperwork

Read the Practicum Manual and complete Appendices 3, 4, 5 adn 6. Note: No electronic signatures are allowed. After filling out the forms please print, sign, and date.  

*Until you have been notified by your faculty supervisor that your Experiential Learning Agreement (Appendix 6) has been approved by the Dean's office you cannot start the practicum. 

11. Practicum start dates

The start date for the practicum is the first day of classes of the semester. Rare exceptions are granted on a strictly case-by-case basis. Even when the exception is granted, the earliest time students can start their hours is 2 weeks before the first day of classes, for the Fall and Spring semesters only (this exception does not apply to the Summer semester).