Securing a CMAS 493 Location

What you need to know about securing your placement for

CMAS 493?

What is CMAS 493:  This is a required course for the Child Maltreatment and Advocacy Studies (CMAS) minor. This course serves as the capstone experience for students enrolled in the minor. CMAS 493 is a course that requires active, weekly, engagement with a capstone site and on Canvas.

What is required in CMAS 493:  A 100-hour capstone experience, that is either working in the community or in research, with a focus on the issue of child maltreatment. A listing can be found on the website of current locations, research opportunities, or if you would like to go somewhere not listed, that needs to be addressed with Cheri Hillard.

When do I take CMAS 493:  It is best taken after all your CMAS classes (258N, 465, and 466) so that you have all the knowledge you will receive prior to performing in the field. However, you can currently schedule it concurrently with either 466 or 465 if the other courses have been completed.

When is CMAS 493 offered:  Fall and Spring semesters.

Where do I find a list of possible capstone locations:  On the webpage – there are field internships and research.  If you have questions about other possible locations that aren’t listed, contact Diana or Cheri.

Some locations will be marked unavailable for specific semesters - as we have scholarships available and the recipient will choose their semester.  It will be noted on the webpage if a site isn’t available.

When should I secure a location: You need to start the process one year prior to when you plan to take CMAS 493.

How do I secure a capstone location:

To secure a capstone location, you will need to complete the following steps:

1.    One year out: identify which semester you plan to complete your capstone experience and complete the CMAS 493 – Capstone Semester Form. (this form is due 1 year out, ie: Fall 2024 for Fall 2025; Spring 2025 for Spring 2026, etc.). We need to be able to prepare for teaching loads, so this is very important.

2.    Early the semester prior to completing 493: identify the capstone location that best suits your schedule and interest.

• a.    Where do I find a list of possible capstone locations:  On the webpage – there are field internships and research.  If you have questions about other possible locations that aren’t listed, contact Cheri.

3.    Once you have identified the best location, contact the capstone site’s point of contact and complete all application processes with your selected capstone location. You will find the complete application process on the website under your desired site. 

4.    Once you have communicated with the site and they have agreed to take you as a CMAS Capstone Student:

• Email Diana to let her know which site and semester you will be doing CMAS 493
• Download the learning agreement and complete with your site CMAS Capstone Site Supervisor (this is the point of contact or another designated person at the Capstone Site). Complete the learning agreement and submit to Diana.  (Spring semester, the Learning Agreement must be submitted by November 1; Fall semester, the Learning Agreement must be submitted by April 1)

5.    Once the Signed Learning Agreement has been submitted to Cheri, this will prompt the registration and enrollment into the CMAS 493 course. Allow at least a week for processing. If you do not see the course on your schedule within LionPath by the last day of the regular semester, contact Cheri for clarification. (Again do not register for you 493 – you will be registered when your learning agreement is received)

Can I combine my major internship with my CMAS Capstone:

If you are an HDFS or RHS major and if your internship is child maltreatment based,  you may be able to combine with 493 – talk to Cheri to see if you are eligible.

Are there scholarship opportunities for the CMAS Capstone:

YES! There are scholarship opportunities. For specific information on the de Lissovoy Scholarship and The Reducing Disparities in Child Welfare scholarship click here.

Students will receive an e-mail in December, announcing the upcoming scholarship cycle – if you are completing 493 during that time you are encouraged to apply.

The applications for these scholarships are then due in January for the following school year (example January ‘25 for Fall ’25- Spring '26).

Who do I talk to if I have questions about the CMAS Capstone:

There is a presentation in CMAS 258 each semester and declared minors will receive reminders about scholarships and the CMAS Capstone, via email.  It is so important that you declare the minor early – so you get these reminders.

During initial CMAS advising meetings, Professor KTP (Kristina Taylor-Porter) will also remind you to submit your Capstone Application for your desired site.

If at any time during this process you have problems, feel free to reach out to Cheri or Diana for assistance.