These initial classroom experiences provide students with meaningful educational experiences in schools and classrooms. Students relate their studies in the university classroom to school settings. Throughout the course and school visits, students become more confident in being in the classroom, interacting with students and teachers, and in carrying out activities that prepare them for more advanced practica. Pre-service teachers are involved in 25 hours of classroom experience, normally 2 1/2 hours a week for 10 weeks (or 30 hours of classroom experience if the course happens for one to two weeks during the month of May. Requests for May practica are processed through the Dean's office.).