Concerns in field education may be identified by the student, the Field Instructor, or another party. At each stage, the goal is to resolve the issue collaboratively; if resolution is not reached, the process escalates to the next phase.
Phase 1 – Problem Identified and Discussed
- The concern is first addressed directly between the student and Field Instructor.
- Faculty Field Liaison or Field Director may coach either party on how to proceed.
- Goal: Support open communication and collaborative problem-solving.
- If unresolved, the issue escalates to Phase 2.
Phase 2 – Consultation with Faculty Field Liaison
- The individual raising the concern consults with the Faculty Field Liaison.
- New ideas and strategies are shared to support continued resolution between student and Field Instructor.
- Goal: Strengthen collaboration with fresh insight.
- If unresolved, the issue escalates to Phase 3.
Phase 3 – Joint Meeting with Faculty Field Liaison
- Student, Field Instructor, and Faculty Field Liaison meet together.
- Field Education Director is notified.
- Goal: Address the concern collectively and work toward resolution.
- If unresolved, the issue escalates to Phase 4.
Phase 4 – Involvement of Field Education Director
- Student, Field Instructor, Faculty Field Liaison, and Field Education Director meet together.
- Program Director is notified
- Clear benchmarks are established for what must occur for the placement to continue.
- A short timeline is set to check progress on meeting those benchmarks.
- Goal: Provide higher-level guidance, structure, and accountability to support resolution.
- If benchmarks are not met, the issue escalates to Phase 5.
Phase 5 – Final Decision
- In most cases, the placement is terminated at this stage.
- The situation is referred to the appropriate Academic Review Committee to determine next steps (e.g., academic review, reassignment, or other action).
- Goal: Ensure fair, ethical, and consistent resolution when a placement cannot continue.