West CO Field Internship Placement Process & Resources

Western Colorado Contact Information: 

The WestCo placement process is overseen by Assistant Director, Erin Leazer. Please email her with questions. 

The WestCo field placement process is outlined in detail in the Field Manual. Check out the Student Field Placement Process - Four Corners section to review step by step instructions from meeting with the assistant director to attending a Field Liaison Meet and Greet at the beginning of the placement.

  • Experiential Learning Cloud: WestCo

     WestCO students are invited to ELC 3-6 weeks before their placement begins.

    • The field team will send you an invitation to register for the GSSW field database, ELC.
    • The Four Corners assistant director will email a video explaining how to complete the Site Placement Process which includes completing a Field Confirmation Form, connecting to the agency, and connecting to agency supervisor(s).
    • Once students complete the Site Placement Process, they will have access to track internship time and complete field assignments in ELC for the remainder of the field placement. 
      • See a video about how to confirm a WestCo placement in ELC below. 
  • POE Approval Process: WestCo

    Please give yourself as much time as possible to go through the POE process; it can take up to six weeks for approval.

    Start the steps as soon as possible. Communicate early and often with your supervisors and field advisor to make sure the process is on track. You will not begin accruing internship hours until your placement has been approved and confirmed in ELC.

    • Step 1: Let Erin Leazer know that you are considering a POE placement.
    • Step 2: Erin will meet with your agency supervisors to learn more about the learning opportunities available and how this will be balanced with required social work competencies. You may be asked to join the meeting.
    • Step 3: Receive approval from Erin Leazer depending on outcome of agency meeting
    • Step 4: Complete the site placement process in ELC
    • Step 5: Download the Place of Employment Internship Packet (linked on the main field education - student resource portal page since the packets are applicable to all programs)
    • Step 6: Work with your employment supervisor and field supervisor(s) to fill out the POE packet, including listing learning activities for each of the competencies and providing signatures
    • Step 7: Send the packet to Erin Leazer (Erin.Leazer@du.edu)  and your field liaison prior to your first site visit for review. You MUST have this packet completed to receive a passing grade in field. You only need to do the POE packet once per academic year.