CMAS 493 Forms, Procedures, and Information

TIME-LINE and PROCEDURE FOR TAKING CMAS 493

 

Complete the Capstone Semester Form

Identify which semester you plan to complete your capstone experience and complete the CMAS 493 –  (this form can be completed at any time, but should be done 1 year out, ie: Fall 2024 for Fall 2025; Spring 2025 for Spring 2026, etc.).  Details and information will be sent to students on this list, so this is very important.

Identify/Secure Capstone Location that best suits your schedule and interest early the semester prior to completing 493

• Find a list of possible capstone locations on the webpage – there are field internships and research.  If you have questions about other locations that aren’t listed, contact solutionsnetwork@psu.edu.
•  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. 
• Once you have communicated with the site and they have agreed to take you as a CMAS Capstone Student:
• Email our office to let us know which site and semester you will be doing CMAS 493

 

We will register you for CMAS 493 please do NOT register for CMAS 493 when you register for that semester's classes.

 

Complete the Learning Agreement 

With your site CMAS Capstone Site Supervisor (ie., 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)

Once the Signed Learning Agreement has been submitted, this will prompt 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, (Again, do not register for you 493 – you will be registered when the learning agreement is received)

 

FAQS

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, email solutionsnetwork@psu.edu to discuss.

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.

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 at least the semester prior to when you plan to take CMAS 493.

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, check with us via email to see if you are eligible to combine with 493.

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. 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: CMSN Education Coordinator, solutionsnetwork@psu.edu or CMAS Advisor, Kristina Taylor Porter, kzt135@psu.edu

If at any time during this process you have problems, feel free to reach out to us for assistance!