Updated August 17, 2020
Information here is for students who are planning to do a practicum as part of their degree program.
For students planning a practicum project for the 2020-2021 Academic Year
Students’ health and safety is of primary importance, including for the Applied Practice Experience (“practicum”). In this period of uncertainty, the School plans to continue to be very flexible about proposed practicum plans, as we recognize that this is an exceptionally challenging time for both students and host organizations.
The intent of the practicum is to provide the student with the opportunity to apply public health theories, knowledge, and skills from the classroom to a real-world problem faced by a host organization. While in-person work is the ideal arrangement for optimal professional learning and practice, students will be able to gain valuable skills alongside current public health practitioners and mentors in the virtual work world during the pandemic.
Whether in-person practicum work is possible will depend on where you based, and local health and safety conditions. If there is an organization in your local area that can safely accommodate some in-person work with the necessary health and safety measures, this may be an option. However, as many work environments are unpredictable at this time, students should also make a contingency plan for remote work while you are in discussions with any host organization. For most students, remote practicum work is strongly advised.
Students planning to do a practicum during the 2020-2021 academic year will need to consider Harvard and governmental travel restrictions as well as policies of their proposed host organization. As of August 2020, university-related travel is not permitted (see University policy). The practicum is a required part of your degree, and so any practicum-related travel is considered university-related travel, and must comply with University travel policies. Planning for a virtual or remote practicum is strongly advised in order to minimize disruption to your plans.
Important Information for International Students
For international students interested in working with a U.S.-based organization for their practicum, while out of the country due to the pandemic, please review FAQs on this page.
The following information was provided by Harvard International Office (HIO) on June 23, 2020.
Elizabeth Capuano, from HIO, will be offering weekly remote office hours sessions via Zoom on Thursday afternoons, beginning on June 25, from 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm EST.
If you have any immigration-related questions or concerns you would like to discuss, please enter the Zoom during these hours. You will be admitted to a waiting room. Please type the subject matter of your questions in the chat box once you are admitted, such as “Leave of Absence”, “CPT”, “travel ban,” or “visa appointment.” Elizabeth Capuano will invite groups of students and scholars who have similar questions into the chat for 5-10 minute consultations based on these responses so that she can speak with as many students as possible.
Please also note the following:
- If you are unable to attend the office hours, please speak with friends in your programs or academic departments who have similar questions and ask to schedule a group appointment. Group appointments allow for faster and more efficient appointment scheduling. This is particularly encouraged for students considering a Leave of Absence, and scholars who may have inquiries about Changes of Status and the J-1 212(e) home residence requirements.
- 1:1 appointments are available for students and scholars who may have privacy concerns, including financial or medical issues.
- Advising during these sessions will focus on immigration matters. Some questions may require referral to different offices at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
- You may also find answers to your questions on the HIO website. Reviewing website information will also ensure more efficient and productive discussion.
ZOOM INFORMATION:
Elizabeth Capuano is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom meeting
https://harvard.zoom.us/j/95307519240?pwd=dDVIRStCYjJHczR4ekZnVzh1R05Vdz09
Password: 349890
Join by telephone (use any number to dial in)
+1 301 715 8592
+1 312 626 6799
+1 929 436 2866
+1 253 215 8782
+1 346 248 7799
+1 669 900 6833
International numbers available: https://harvard.zoom.us/u/abJ05Q3Mn2
One tap mobile: +13017158592,,95307519240# US (Germantown)
Join by SIP conference room system
Meeting ID: 953 0751 9240
95307519240@zoomcrc.com
Communicating with a current or prospective host organization
As you develop your practicum plans, you will need to share appropriate school and University policies with the host organization so that all parties involved are aware of how these policies may impact the proposed activities and work. This may involve developing a short contingency plan for working remotely if the need arises. You’ll find information for host organizations here, which you can share directly.
For students planning a Summer 2020 practicum project
Guidance for MPH and DrPH students who are currently planning practicum or field immersion work for Summer 2020:
Questions? Please let us know here.