The Preceptor
WHAT: Preceptors are mentors
chosen by the students for support throughout their graduate
studies. While each preceptor/student relationship is unique,
preceptors generally play six vital roles:
- Helping their student plan and carry out tasks;
- Providing a balanced perspective;
- Providing encouragement
- Providing academic feedback;
- Evaluating their student's field projects;
- Serving as an advocate.
WHO: Preceptors must
have a master’s or terminal degree in human services or a related
field. It is preferable, although not mandatory, that the preceptor
work in the same agency as the student and can thus be in a position to
observe the student’s performance at work. They may not be a family
relation of the student. MHS alumni are welcomed to serve as
preceptors, but they must have received their MHS degree at least three
years prior to becoming a preceptor.
WHERE:
Preceptors will interact most closely with the students’ field
instructor. They will be invited to an orientation at the beginning of
each semester and are welcome to attend additional field seminars or to
sit in on Saturday classes if they are interested in doing so.
WHEN: Preceptors must be identified as part of the
application process. Once the student is in the program, preceptors are
recommended to give, on the average, an hour a week to their student.
WHY: Preceptors provide academic guidance,
professional expertise, and moral support to the students for whom they
mentor. They help to interpret communicate requirements to agency
administrators and run interference as needed, provide students with
insights and new perspectives on issues, give individualized attention
and support as needed, and in general enrich the MHS Program with their
presence.
HOW: Students will identify their own preceptors;
they are not assigned by the MHS Program. Prospective preceptors must
complete the form available in the student’s admissions packet.
Applicants will submit that form along with the preceptor’s an
up-to-date resume as part of the overall application. Qualifications
will be reviewed to make sure that they meet program requirements.
For more information, see the Preceptor Manual.
The Lincoln
University
Center for Graduate and Continuing Education Programs
3020 Market St., Philadelphia PA 19104
(215) 387-2405
