A&P Meeting in May/June

The A&P should be a capstone experience in which the student feels validated for efforts and accomplishments explores “growing edges” and is alerted to any patterns of learning or behavior that may impede professional development. Implicit in the “integrative” experience of the A&P conference is an exploration of the development of the personal/professional self. Feedback needs to be honest, direct, and given in a manner that is both respectful and useful. Using the A&P to rubber stamp the student’s progress is poor use of time. Administrative tasks include:

• completing a four year plan,
• completing the A&P conference summary,
• completing the field placement contract between the student and next year’s field placement supervisor (or arranging for this to occur in a timely manner), and
• ensuring that the student’s learning goals on the contract are meaningful and appropriate.

Some additional tips: Often not all academic evaluations are available at the time of the A&P –it may be helpful to speak directly with the individual instructors in order to review your students’ academic progress, especially if there has been any indication of marginal performance or academic concern. Inquire if there are any anticipated incompletes. Some advisors find it helpful to ask the other faculty member present not only to comment on the experience from their course alone, but also to comment on any academic themes/issues that are present in the entire academic record.

Updated 5/21/08