Preceptor Checklist and Timeline

Thank you for your role in helping to prepare the new generation of public health practitioners! It is important that you are familiar with the expectations of preceptors and the resources available online. You can contact us at any time to assist with questions.

Getting Started


Three to six months prior to start of project
For MPH-45 student projects that take place November through April, start planning in Spring and Summer, so that you can post an opportunity by early September. These are soft deadlines.
For MPH-65 student projects that take place in the Summer, start planning in Fall and Winter, so that you can post an opportunity by early February. These are soft deadlines.

  1. Review Practicum Guidelines for overview of the requirements.
  2. Submit an inquiry form to the Office of Education.
  3. Practice Staff will contact you to set up a time to talk with you about a potential student project and answer questions. They may direct you to a practice course instructor, depending on the Field of Study.

Posting a Practice Placement Opportunity


Two to four months prior to start of project
For MPH-45 student projects that take place November through March, aim to post your opportunity by August 31. New postings can be added at any time. Student Learning Agreements are due late October through November, depending on the Field of Study.
For MPH-65 student projects that take place in the Summer, aim to post your opportunity by January 31. New postings can be added at any time. Student Learning Agreements are due late April, depending on the Field of Study.  Note that students have the option to begin their practicum during the spring and complete it over a longer period of time. 

  1. Practice Staff will set up an account for you on CareerConnect and send you a link to activate it. CareerConnect is the web portal where you will be able to post a field practice opportunity, similar to posting a job. See sample postings here (Sample 1, Sample 2). If you would like OED staff to review your Practicum posting before you submit it, let us know.
  2. Submit your Practicum posting on CareerConnect. Once Practice Staff approve your posting, it will go live on the date that you choose.

Selecting a Student


Two to four months prior to start of project
For MPH-45 student projects that take place November through April, select a student by mid-October.
For MPH-65 student projects that take place in the Summer, select a student by early April. 

  1. Review student applications that you receive through CareerConnect and select candidates that you would like to interview. You should use whatever interview and selection process is best for you and your organization.
  2. Keep in mind that students may have applied to multiple postings on CareerConnect, so do not delay in finalizing your selection!

For more details and some FAQs about this stage, visit this page.

Learning Agreement


Two to three months prior to start of project
For MPH-45 student projects that take place November through March, you will receive a Learning Agreement to sign in October.
For MPH-65 student projects that take place in the Summer, you will receive a Learning Agreement to sign in April. 

  1. Review and sign the Learning Agreement, which the student will submit via CareerConnect, or electronically, to you. The Learning Agreement includes the project goals, scope, and deliverables; time and scheduling commitment; and other details about what your host organization will provide to make sure they complete the project.
  2. Practice course faculty will sign the Learning Agreement.

During the Student Practice Placement

  1. Provide relevant orientation to the student when he or she starts, and use the Preceptor – Student Startup Discussion Guide to get to know each other and establish expectations. Review the Evaluation materials so that you are both familiar with the areas for feedback.
  2. Complete a brief Midpoint Evaluation approximately 4-6 weeks after the student starts their work with you. It is intended to help you and Office of Education staff work as a team to troubleshoot any early challenges. Consider meeting with the student to discuss the midpoint evaluation and address any issues before submitting it.
  3. Contact the Practice Staff at any time with questions or for support. We are committed to working with you to make sure your experience is successful!

At the End of the Practice Placement

  1. Complete a Final Preceptor Evaluation of the Student. This is done through CareerConnect and you will receive a link to complete it.
  2. If there is a “next phase” of the project that would be suitable for a future student, consider asking the student to draft a practice placement posting for you.