Student Resources
Use this page to access Sonia, understand the practicum placement process, explore current placement opportunities, hear from other students, and find forms, policies, and resources for practicum.
Getting Started with Sonia
The School of Social Work uses Sonia, a practicum management platform, for the placement process, including practicum applications, placement information, learning agreements, hours, and evaluations. The Field Education Team will provide students with information about accessing Sonia before the practicum process begins.
How the Placement Process Works
Before beginning practicum, students complete a Practicum Application in Sonia. The application collects background information, areas of interest, and an initial assessment of social work competencies. From there, the placement process generally includes the following steps:
- Explore placement opportunities. Review available sites in Sonia and the current Practicum Placement Library below.
- Meet with the Field Education Team. Meet with the team member assigned to your program to discuss your interests, professional goals, scheduling needs, and possible placements. Find your Field Education Team contact.
- Interview with potential agency supervisors. Students generally interview with two or three potential supervisors. The Field Education Team will guide you through this process. Do not contact practicum agencies independently before being directed to do so by the Field Education Team.
- Select your practicum placement. Make your final selection in a follow-up meeting with the Director of Field Education.
Important: Practicum hours do not count until all required placement documentation has been completed and submitted correctly.
Current Practicum Opportunities
Use the current Practicum Placement Library and Sonia to explore available practicum opportunities. The Placement Library includes information such as agency name, practice level, focus areas, placement type, location, format, and contact information.
Placement availability may change throughout the academic year. Students should work with the Field Education Team before contacting or making arrangements with an agency.
Not sure where to start? Explore several agencies that match your interests and bring your questions and top choices to your meeting with the Field Education Team.
Hear From Students
Practicum panel recordings feature current and former UM social work students sharing their experiences, including placement decisions, challenges, professional growth, self-care, and advice for other students.
2026 Practicum Panel
The 2026 panel features students from across UM social work programs discussing their practicum experiences and advice for future students.
Watch the 2026 Practicum Panel.
Past Practicum Panels
Forms, Policies & Resources
Use the resources below when preparing for and completing your practicum. Contact the Field Education Team if you have questions about which form, policy, or resource applies to your placement.
Learning Agreements and Practicum Planning
- BSW and Generalist MSW Sample Learning Agreement
- MSW Specialization Sample Learning Agreement
- Continuation of Practicum Proposal Overview - For MSW students requesting to continue at the same agency for their specialization-year practicum.
- Social Work Practicum Checklist - Step-by-step guidance for preparing for and completing practicum.
Placement Options and Policies
- Employment-Based Practicum Overview - Requirements for students interested in completing practicum through their current employment.
- Private Practice Placement Guidelines - Requirements and approval criteria for private practice placements.
- Remote Practicum Placement Policy - Requirements for remote and hybrid practicum placements.
- Paid Practicum: Pros and Cons - External resource discussing considerations related to paid practicum opportunities.
Safety and Confidentiality
- Review Field Education Safety
- Field Placement Safety Checklist
- Review the HIPAA Overview for Practicum Students
Last reviewed: October 2026