PRACTICUM AND SIMULATION SUPERVISION POLICY Classification:
Academic
Responsible:
Manager of Operations, Director of Operations, Clinical Instructors, Practicum Site Supervisors
Executive Sponsor:
Vice President, Product and Operations
Approval Authority:
Robertson Leadership Team
Date First Approved:
October 21, 2022
Date Last Reviewed:
November 2, 2026
Scheduled Review Date: June, 2028 (or as needed)
A.
PURPOSE The Practicum and Simulation Supervision Policy provides a framework for ensuring high quality, practical, relevant, and safe educational experiences for students in practicum and simulation experiences.
B.
SCOPE This Policy applies to all practicum and simulation experiences affiliated with Robertson programs.
C.
DEFINITIONS Term
Definition
Practicum Experience
The Practicum Experience is a practical work experience in industry, business, government, and social service organizations that complements the student’s program of study. The practicum experiences are offered off campus at a host site. Practicums may be
Simulation Experience (Labs)
Direct Supervision
Indirect Supervision
D.
supervised by clinical instructors, by site supervisors, or preceptors. The Simulation Experience involves practical application in which students can practice key discipline-related skills and competencies. Simulation experiences may be delivered on site in Robertson clinical labs and on campus clinics, at outreach sites or in designated teaching settings of partner organizations. Direct Supervision refers to situations where the supervisor is in close proximity to the student. This involves the supervisor being present in the same room as students at all times. Indirect supervision refers to situations where the supervisor may be out of close proximity to the student. This involves the supervisor being present in the same building as students, or accessible through email/phone.
POLICY Robertson is responsible for ensuring that Practicum and Clinical Experiences are high-quality, relevant educational experiences that support the teaching and learning objectives of Robertson Programs. Effective supervision is a key component of high-quality Practicum and Clinical Experiences. Effective instruction, guidance, supervision and evaluation of students is at the core of this policy. 1.
PRACTICUM SUPERVISION PRINCIPLES 1.1. Purpose and Quality: Practicum supervision is designed to provide students with the opportunity to practice their skills in a real-world environment under the supervision of a qualified professional in their chosen field. The student will be provided with sufficient hours and experiences to ensure the quality and scope of skill instruction and proficiency.
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1.2.
Core Responsibilities: Every practicum placement must ensure clear delegation for daily oversight, student support and academic evaluation.
1.3.
Designation of Primary Supervisor: Each program model must designate Primary Supervisor/s who hold ultimate responsibility for conducting and submitting the student’s final evaluation. Variable Supervision: Direct supervision ratios and proximity expectations may vary by program, and may scale up based on student skill development, the introduction of new practice areas, or learning challenges.
1.4.
2.
VARIABLE SUPERVISION MODELS 2.1. Model A: On-Site Employer Supervised Context: Placement site directly employs the supervisor who oversees the daily experience. Daily Oversight: Provided on-site by a qualified site employee. Evaluation Authority: The site employee acts as the Primary Supervisor and completes the final student evaluation. Robertson Role: Administrative support and policy oversight. 2.2.
Model B: On-Site Employer Supervised with Institutional Check-Ins Context: Daily oversight is managed by the site, supported by periodic institutional monitoring. Daily Oversight: Provided on-site by a qualified site employee. Institutional Role: A Robertson representative conducts periodic check-ins (e.g., 2–3 times per week) to monitor progress and alignment. This employee provides feedback and guidance to the college as needed. Evaluation Authority: The site employee acts as the Primary Supervisor and completes the final student evaluation, incorporating feedback from Robertson check-ins.
2.3.
Model C: College-Led On-Site Supervision Context: An institutional instructor leads and directly supervises students at the placement site. Daily Oversight: Provided directly on-site by the Robertson instructor.
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Evaluation Authority: The Robertson instructor acts as the Primary Supervisor and completes the final student evaluation. 2.4.
3.
SIMULATION (LAB) SUPERVISION 3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
4.
Model D: Preceptor / Buddy Supervised with Institutional Oversight Context: Daily tasks are mentored on-site by a designated employee ("buddy/mentor"), while institutional faculty retains academic control. Daily Oversight: Provided on-site via direct pairing with a designated site employee (buddy/mentor). Institutional Role: A Robertson instructor conducts regular check-ins (e.g., 2–3 times per week) to assess student skills and offer support. Evaluation Authority: The Robertson instructor acts as the Primary Supervisor and retains sole responsibility for completing the final student evaluation, in consultation with the site preceptor/buddy.
Simulation supervision is designed to provide a sufficient amount of time and instruction to students to practice their skills in a safe learning environment. Instructors are responsible for training, supervision, and student evaluation. Instructors must facilitate direct supervision for the majority of the simulation scheduled times. Indirect supervision can be used for student practice or review, but instructors must be on site and easily accessible for questions. Based on the course-specific regulations there may be times when students are required to have direct supervision. For example, when students are using a mechanical lift or performing sterile procedures. Simulation supervision will be intensified when students are developing early skills, learning new concepts, or addressing attendance or safety concerns prior to attending practicum.
OSCE, OSPE AND EXAM SIMULATION 4.1. Instructors evaluating student performance during simulation exams (both structured clinical and structured practical) must have reviewed the Evaluating Student Learning Policy. 4.2. Instructors must use the college-provided scenarios and rubrics for evaluations.
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5.
SUPERVISOR QUALIFICATIONS 5.1.
5.2.
E.
Practicum supervisors, preceptors and instructors must be qualified, licensed, and/or certified practitioners within the discipline. Simulation instructors must be qualified, licensed, and/or certified practitioners within the discipline and employed by Robertson College.
RELATED LEGISLATION None
F.
PROCEDURE None
G.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION None
H.
RELATED POLICIES Practicum Education Policy Evaluation of Student Learning Policy
I.
RELATED MATERIALS None
J.
POLICY HISTORY
Change Made
Version Number
Significant revisions to the entire policy.
3.0
Signing Authority
Practicum & Simulation Supervision Policy:
Date of Signature
November 2, 2026
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Terena Caryk VP, Operations and Academics
Scott Murray, VP, Growth Minor updates made.
2.0
November 21, 2022
Terena Caryk VP, Operations and Academics
Scott Murray, VP, Growth Policy drafted and finalized.
1.0
October 21, 2022
Terena Caryk VP, Operations and Academics
Scott Murray, VP, Growth
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