Grant: Dr. James Rossiter MPH Practicum Awards Program

The School of Public Health and Social Policy (PHSP) at the University of Victoria is a dynamic, young School that values partnerships with people and populations served; critical analysis, drawing on principles of social justice and equity; political awareness and political engagement as a basis for social change; inter-professional and multi-disciplinary approaches; diversity and cultural safety; and Indigenous knowledges. At the graduate level, PHSP offers a Master of Public Health (MPH), as well as a Graduate Diploma in Public Health. The goal of the MPH program is to prepare graduates who demonstrate excellence in public health knowledge and skills as public health policy makers and practitioners. The MPH program was designed to adhere to the Guidelines for MPH Programs in Canada, and includes a core curriculum focussing on recognized national and provincial public health competencies. In addition, students select one of three areas of focus: Indigenous Peoples' Health, Social Policy, or Public Health Nursing. All MPH students are required to complete a 450-hour practicum and a culminating project, report and presentation. Courses are delivered in an accessible format: the majority of courses are delivered on-line, and there are three strategically placed on-campus components (a gateway orientation week, an area of focus block-intensive course in term 3, and a culminating student conference). MPH students may complete the program full-time in 2 years, or part-time in 3 years. Our students study in their communities across the country. Some undertake practicum in their home communities, while others travel for practicum to learn through practice in new environments. The Dr. James Rossiter Master's of Public Health (MPH) Practicum Awards would allow PHSP to support and recognize some of our outstanding MPH students in their practicum work, and assist in contributing to the supply of highly qualified public health professionals for communities across Canada.