As the coronavirus pandemic closed campus and moved classes online, several students were unable to complete fieldwork for the semester. While most of Milligan College’s undergraduate degrees do not require fieldwork, a few have to.
“The ones that [require fieldwork] are Child and Youth Development, Children’s Ministry, Church Leadership, Communications (some concentrations), Exercise Science, Intercultural Studies, Nursing (clinicals), Psychology (Pre-Professional concentration), Social Work, Sociology, Student Ministry and Worship Leadership,” said Garland Young, vice president for academic affairs and dean.
For several seniors unable to complete their internships and fieldwork this semester, these requirements could put them at risk of not graduating. Seventeen students in nursing clinicals, six student teachers and 23 graduating seniors are currently enrolled in fieldwork or internship hours needed to graduate according to Young.
While these are certainly unusual circumstances, fieldwork is meant to provide a vital role in preparing students for their careers; the requirements exist for a reason. While many things are changing due to coronavirus, work standards are not expected to drop. Without completing the usual requirements, it could be called into question whether the impacted students are truly prepared.
This could cause students all over the world to face employment issues, but Milligan consistently does all it can to prepare students for their careers, even in these unpredictable times according to Young. Even more encouraging is that faculty have not flagged any students as being at risk of not graduating.
As the end of the semester nears, this time remains stressful for students, especially those set to graduate, as no one knows exactly what the future holds. If students have any concerns about required fieldwork or graduating on time they can speak with their academic advisors or, if applicable, the faculty member that serves as the fieldwork coordinator for their program.
Headline photo: Students and faculty participated in an international fieldwork course located in the Philippines. From left to right: Alyssa Gibson, Tensai Hoffman, Instructor Rachel Jones, Madison Troyer, and Minda Martin.