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BSW PROGRAM
Department of Social Work
St. Cloud State University
224 Stewart Hall
720 Fourth Avenue South
St. Cloud, Minnesota 56301-4498
Phone: 320-308-3139
FAX: 320-308-3285
Website: www.stcloudstate.edu/socialwork
Accredited by The Council on Social Work Education
Faculty
Sandra J. Chesborough
Linda Gensheimer
Darla Korol
Mary L. Pfohl
Sandra C. Robin
Elizabeth Talbot
Patience Togo
Marge Twiname-Dungan
Gary Whitford
Office Manager
Carleen Guck
2008
Table of Contents
I. SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM ACCREDITATION
In 1973 the Minnesota Higher Education Coordinating Committee
gave approval to St. Cloud State University to have a Social
Work program granting students a Bachelor of Science degree.
A. Council on Social Work Education Accreditation
This program was accredited in 1981 by the Council on Social
Work Education; this national body is referred to as CSWE.
Its authority extends over Social Work programs in schools
all over the country. CSWE accreditation is awarded only
after programs meet CSWE Standards by extensively documenting
their goals, curriculum, evaluation and achievements. This
accreditation has to be renewed at seven-year intervals
in a process referred to as the “reaffirmation”
of accreditation. The SCSU Social Work program was reaffirmed
in 1988 and 1997 and is preparing for reaffirmation of its’
accreditation in June 2005. In Minnesota and most states,
legal licensure as a social worker requires graduation from
a CSWE accredited Social Work program. Advanced standing
in many Masters of Social Work programs also is available
to students who have graduated from a CSWE accredited Social
Work program.
B. Council on Social Work Education
1.1 Purposes of Social Work Education
The purposes of social work education are to prepare competent
and
effective professionals, to develop social work knowledge,
and to provide leadership in the development of service
delivery systems. Social work education is grounded in the
profession’s history, purposes, and philosophy and
is based on a body of knowledge, values, ethics and skills.
Social work education enables students to integrate the
knowledge, values, ethics and skills of the social work
profession for competent practice.
*For more information, read the CSWE Curriculum Policy Statement
in the Appendix, or go to the CSWE website: www.cswe.org
B. National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the
largest professional organization representing social workers
in the U.S. It keeps them apprised of changes in the field
through educational meetings, conferences, and publications,
and advocates for clients, agencies and the profession through
social welfare legislation. Activities occur on the national,
state, and local level. Social Work students are welcome
to apply for membership.
The NASW has a professional Code of Ethics that serves as
the foundation for professional behavior. This Code appears
in many Social Work texts, it is discussed in your classes,
and you will receive your own copy in the Admission to the
Major packet. Copies of the NASW Code of Ethics are also
available on the board outside the Social Work Department
main office.
*For more information, go to the national and state NASW
websites: www.naswdc.org or www.naswmn.org
C. Organization of the Department
The Department of Social Work is located on the second floor
of Stewart Hall. The Department office in room 224 is open
from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. five days a week during the nine
month academic year. The telephone number is 320-308-3139;
the Fax number is 320-308-3285. The web page is www.stcloudstate.edu/socialwork
The Department has seven full-time faculty with offices
down the hall from the Department main office. Overall administration
of the Department formally rests with these faculty who
collaborate in the design, implementation, and evaluation
of curriculum and administrative policies and procedures.
The Department is organized collectively with all decisions
made by this faculty as a group. Every three years faculty
nominate a Chair from among them who coordinates many of
the Department activities and acts as a facilitator for
decision-making. The current Chair of the Department is
Dr. Sandra C. Robin. Her office is 237 Stewart Hall; her
phone is 320-308-2980; her e-mail is scrobin@stcloudstate.edu
The Department has a Community Advisory Board and a Field
Advisory Committee. These two groups of social work practitioners
provide advice and counsel for the Department.
At any given time approximately 160 students have formal
status as Social Work majors. Approximately 80 students
graduate annually from this program with a Bachelor of Science
in Social Work Degree that qualifies them to take a state
exam to become a Licensed Social Worker.
D. Organization of the Academic Program
As a Social Work major you will be expected to complete
48 credits
(13 classes) in the Department of Social Work. However,
to achieve the educational goals and professional behavior
described above, you also will complete 16 credits in prerequisite
classes offered by other departments. These classes will
be taken early in your education and provide you a liberal
arts foundation to support the professional Social Work
content in Major classes.
Among the 48 credits, 12 credits will be earned off-campus
in a 480-hour practicum with a field instructor at a social
service agency. For most students, this internship comes
at the end of the senior year and graduation follows. Given
the prerequisites that exist for admission to many of the
courses within the 48 credit block, a student can plan on
taking Social Work classes during at least 5 semesters.
If a student is not admitted to a required class because
a cap exists on the number to be enrolled, more than five
semesters may be needed to complete the 48 credits.
Periodically, the Department is able to offer Elective
Courses that focus on a specific aspect of Social Work.
These electives have included Child Welfare Services,
Social Work with Gays and Lesbians, Social Work with Adolescents,
Social Work Practice with the Aging, Practice with People
with AIDS. Such electives are not included among the required
credits.
Many students complement their Social Work major with a
Minor Degree earned by taking a defined set of courses from
another department. Commonly selected minors include those
offered in Human Relations, Sociology, Women’s Studies,
Child and Family Studies, Psychology and Community Studies.
While Social Work faculty can offer suggestions and help
students think about if they want a minor, the academic
expectations and paperwork for admission to a minor is done
within the department offering the minor. Students also
can focus on their own areas of interest by selecting related
elective courses from across the curriculum. In this case
no specific recognition of such focus appears on the graduation
diploma.
*For more information about Social Work courses, consult
the SCSU Undergraduate Bulletin or the list of Social Work
courses from the wall rack outside the main Department office.
Course information from the SCSU Undergraduate Bulletin
also is available online.
F. Student Participation
In Department Policy and Program Evaluation
The Social Work faculty are responsible for setting and
implementing Department policies. These policies include
the content of the curriculum, the process for admission
into the Major, the time and frequency of course offerings,
and many other decisions that directly affect students.
Students are able and encouraged to have input in the Program
in several ways.
1. Any individual or group of students may discuss an idea
or concern with a faculty member and ask that faculty member
to bring it to a Department faculty meeting. It is strongly
suggested that students put their ideas or concerns in writing
so that the faculty member accurately represents them.
2. Any individual or group of students may request the Chair
to schedule a time at a Department faculty meeting during
which the student or group can present their own ideas or
concerns. A request for this should be made with realization
that the student presentation cannot necessarily be scheduled
to occur at the very next meeting.
3. The Student Social Work Association and the student Peer
Advisors initiate activities that reflect professional values.
These organizations enable students to collectively voice
their ideas and concerns. They are invited to have representatives
sit in on Department faculty meetings that focus on certain
present or prospective student issues. You may bring your
ideas and concerns to these student groups who in turn can
bring them to the meeting.
4. The Department Chair holds open meetings each semester
to listen to student ideas and concerns. Any student is
welcome to directly voice or propose new ideas or share
concerns.
5. Faculty periodically bring questions to students in the
classroom and survey student responses so the Department
has more information with which to make decisions about
such matters as scheduling courses. Faculty also conduct
demographic surveys of students and alumni surveys to gain
information to help in assessing the educational process
offered within the Department.
III. ACADEMIC ADVISING
A. Student Assistance Through Faculty Advising
The Social Work Department faculty value academic advisement
and make themselves available to meet the advising needs
of potential and admitted social work majors.
Faculty members post their office hours outside of their
offices, in the Department office and on their course syllabi.
Email addresses, phone numbers and FAX numbers are also
listed on syllabi.
The Department Chair answers email and phone requests for
information and works with the Records and Registration
office to coordinate individual meetings with transfer students
visiting campus. She also meets regularly with a representative
of the SCSU Advising Center so that their information about
the social work major is accurate.
Department faculty also work with the office of the College
of Social Sciences Associate Dean staffing tables and providing
information during University Open Houses for potential
students.
As a potential social work student the University assigns
you a faculty advisor in this Department who receives computerized
admission information about you and receives a copy of your
grade reports. Before registration each semester, a computer/telephone
access code number is sent by the SCSU registrar to your
advisor. This access code is required to complete registration
and you must obtain your access code from your advisor.
Meeting with your advisor will also give you an opportunity
to discuss plans for your academic program. You can also
receive help with general education advising through the
SCSU Advising Center located at Centennial Hall 229. Once
you are admitted into the Social Work major you will no
longer require an access code to register, but you can benefit
from continued contact with an academic advisor.
When you are formally admitted into the Social Work major
you are assigned a Major advisor in the Department based
on the first letter of your last name. This major advisor
may be different from the faculty advisor you had prior
to admission to the major. However, you are free to seek
consultation from any social work faculty and you may also
request a particular faculty advisor through the Social
Work Department office. Each semester all faculty have posted
office hours showing when they are available; they also
are willing to make appointments at unscheduled times. Faculty
are familiar with a wide range of University and community
resources and can refer you to various offices and organizations
to enhance your experience on campus.
B. Transfer Student Advising
Many transfer students visit campus before they start attending
classes and can arrange to meet with a faculty member from
the Department during one of these visits.
Once on campus, all transfer students are advised by the
Department Chair. This facilitates adaptation of students’
credits from previous programs to the Social Work major
requirements at SCSU and provides advising focused on
each student’s special needs. The Department Chair
is Dr. David T. Chollar, SH 234, Phone: 320-308-1603.
All transfer students must complete 45 upper division semester
hour credits to be eligible for a Bachelors degree from
SCSU.
Students currently in another school in the Minnesota State
Colleges and Universities (MNSCU system) can visit the SCSU
website to see how their previously earned credits will
transfer to SCSU. This is referred to as the Transfer Equivalencies.
Once on the SCSU website you can click on the prospective
student link, then on the transfer student link, then on
transfer equivalencies and last on the community college
link.
The Department Chair handles all advising matters regarding
students’ transfer credits. When uncertain about the
appropriateness of credit transfer to meet our pre-core
prerequisites, the Chair will require the student to submit
a syllabus from the course for comparison of curriculum
with SCSU Social Work program requirements. On rare occasions
a student transfers from another accredited BSW program.
It is the policy of the Department to accept appropriate
equivalencies from other accredited social work programs
with the exception of credit for practice classes and the
field practicum. To graduate from the SCSU Social Work Program
you must have completed SW 410, 411, 412, 444 and 445 with
SCSU.
C. Student Files
Each Social Work major has a file in the Department’s
main office. This contains a copy of the major/minor application
form, a Student Information form, SW 340 Volunteer Work
Evaluation Forms, and copies of forms that may have been
used to grant a student modification in her/his program.
The confidentiality of these student files is important;
they are kept in a locked cabinet. A student wanting access
to her/his own file must contact her/his faculty advisor
who will retrieve the file for the student. When the student
is finished with the file, it is returned to the faculty
member who returns the file to the cabinet. After graduation
students may choose to remove materials for their own use.
Files are retained by the Department for a period of one
year after graduation before being routinely destroyed by
the University. The Social Work Department adheres to the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal
law that protects the privacy rights of students 18 years
or older.
D. Peer Advising
The Department has established a Peer Advising program under
faculty supervision to aid students in the Social Work program.
The Social Work students acting as Peer Advisors volunteer
on a regular basis to answer questions and provide information
to other students. They are particularly important in the
process of applying for admission to the Social Work major.
After the scheduled major admissions interview with faculty,
each admitted student meets with a Peer Advisor for assistance
in completing the necessary paper work. All peer advisor
discussions with students are on an individual basis and
are confidential.
In addition to their work during the admissions process,
Peer Advisors can connect students with University resources,
volunteer opportunities, and information on social work
graduate programs. They can aid students in selecting courses
by providing information about prerequisites and course
content. They also can provide brochures about various academic
minors and are able to help students find answers to other
questions about the Social Work program.
To become Peer Advisors, students must already be admitted
into the major. They also must be able to dedicate one hour
for Peer Advisor training, a minimum of four hours for advising
during the admissions process each semester, and periodic
time throughout the semester.
*If you are interested in applying to become a Peer Advisor
or wish to meet with a Peer Advisor, leave a message in
the Peer Advising mailbox in Stewart Hall 224 or contact
the faculty advisor for Peer Advisors.
E. Minnesota Board of Social Work: Licensure
The mission of the Minnesota Board of Social Work is to
establish and enforce professional standards to assure that
quality social work services are provided to the citizens
of Minnesota. The Board is a state agency that establishes
and enforces standards for licensure, conducts licensing
exams throughout the year, and monitors social workers’
on-going professional development so as to assure licensed
social workers continuing competency. It also monitors ethical
practice and provides information to the public on the purpose
of the Board and how to register complaints regarding unethical
practice.
*For more information, go to the Board’s website:
www.socialwork.state.mn.us
IV. ENROLLMENT AND ADMISSIONS:
A. Enrollment in Social Work Courses
SCSU students enroll over the phone or online using a numeric
access
Code obtained from their faculty advisor to identify themselves.
Codes for the courses students are selecting are taken from
the course schedule published every semester by the Records
and Registration office. This schedule is available in paper
and on-line on the SCSU website www.stcloudstate.edu This
is the process used for enrollment in the prerequisite pre-professional
core classes, for SW 195, 216, 330, 340, 345 and for any
Social Work elective.
Students are expected to have completed prerequisites before
registering for a class. Student are required to be formally
admitted to the Social Work major before registering for
SW 350, 360, 410 or subsequent courses in the major. Before
registering for SW 444 they must have achieved a GPA of
2.5 and a “C-” in all requirements for the Major.
B. Exceptions to Regular Curriculum
If for some reason you cannot follow the curriculum course
sequencing with the courses and prerequisites as approved
by the faculty and the University Curriculum process, you
may request an exception. An Exception Form is available
from the office manager in the Social Work office. With
this form you explain your circumstance and submit the Exception
Form request to your academic advisor who has the authority
to support exceptions in a student’s academic program.
However, exceptions will be granted only under unusual circumstances.
Receiving permission for an exception to the required sequencing
of classes does not guarantee your admission into any class;
admission is decided by the instructor of the class taking
into account, class size and student preparation.
*For more information see a copy of the Student Request
for Exception to Curriculum/program Form in the Appendix.
C. Admission to Social Work Major
A student must be admitted to SCSU and have at least 12
credits of
work at SCSU before being eligible to apply for a major
in any Department.
The Department of Social Work considers a student for admission
to the Major according to the following guidelines.
1. As of Fall Quarter 1996, a student must have established
a grade point average of at least 2.5 and have completed
the prerequisite pre-professional core of classes before
applying for admission. The listing of prerequisite pre-professional
classes appears on page 76 of this Handbook.
2. A student must have a “C-” grade or better
in all pre-professional core classes and all major classes
taken prior to admission. This “C” average in
all required classes must be maintained to graduation. Exception
is made for those with diagnosed learning disabilities.
(See Admission process). Occasionally students with a GPA
below 2.5 have requested admission. These cases have been
individually evaluated. If a student is admitted with a
GPA under 2.5 they are instructed in their admission letter
that their GPA must be at 2.5 before they are able to begin
their field practicum.
3. An Admissions packet will be distributed to each student
in
SW 340. The packet details the procedures involved in the
Admissions process which occurs during the 5th week of each
semester. Any faculty member or Peer Advisor can discuss
the process with you. The student begins the process by
writing a Letter of Application, and arranging for two Letters
of Reference to be sent to the Department. One letter is
to be from an employer or a supervisor of a volunteer experience.
The other letter is to be from a teacher or professor from
outside the Social Work Department. These Letters of Reference
are completed on forms provided in the Admissions packet.
4. The entire admissions process is reviewed with students
enrolled in SW 340 during class sessions.
5. Each student meets with a Department of Social Work faculty
member to answer discussion questions included in the Admissions
packet. The Letter of Application is evaluated by the same
faculty person using a quantitative scale. The discussion
and Letter, in combination with the student’s GPA
and the ranking provided in the Letters of Reference, result
in an overall quantitative score. Students admitted to the
major will be those with the highest quantitative scores.
Forty students are admitted each semester.
6. Each student admitted to the major will complete a Major/Minor
application required by the University and a Disclosure
form related to legal and ethical issues. Peer advisors
can help complete these forms.
7. Students must be admitted to the major in order to register
for Social Work major classes beyond SW 340, 345 and 330.
*For more information regarding admission for High School
Seniors, Transfer Students, International Students and Special
Students, see SCSU Student Handbook.
D. Appeals Process for Non-Admission to the Social Work
Major
Application for the Major includes completion of the paper
work and process outlined above and detailed in the Admissions
packet. Any student not admitted will receive a letter and
will be invited to meet with the Department Chair to discuss
admissions decisions. An appeal process exists for any student
not recommended for admission to the major.
*For more information see a copy of the Appeals Procedure
in the Appendix.
E. Termination from the Social Work Program
St. Cloud State University maintains a Code of Conduct for
all
Students. (See SCSU Student Handbook online). Appropriate
conduct is expected of all SCSU students while they are
engaged in the activities of their education. Violations
of local, state and federal law can result in University
discipline or termination.
Any Social Work student can be discontinued from the Social
Work major as a result of academic dishonesty or failure
to inform the Social Work Department, as described in the
Social Work Admissions process, of circumstances that could
hinder her or his ability to be a social worker.
Social Work students are also required to adhere to the
NASW Code of Ethics that defines the ethical principles
of the profession and delineates the values and ethical
standards relevant to the professional activities of all
social work practitioners. Termination from the Social Work
major can be recommended if a student is considered to have
violated the Code of Ethics.
Any faculty member who is concerned about a student’s
continuation in the program for any of the above stated
reasons will file a form for recommended termination with
the Chair of the Social Work Department. This will specify
the cause for concern in as much detail as possible, clearly
identifying the behaviors that justify a possible termination
of a student from the major.
The Chair of the Department of Social Work will notify the
faculty that a student has been recommended for termination
and the case would be discussed at a faculty meeting. If
the faculty agrees on the need to explore the issue further
the student will be sent a letter informing her/him that
a meeting will be held regarding his/her continuation in
the major. The student will also receive a copy of the termination
form originally filed with the Department Chair.
At the scheduled meeting the student and the faculty will
be given an opportunity to discuss the circumstances that
were the cause of concern. The student is entitled to bring
an advocate to the meeting.
The committee may decide:
1. to drop concern for termination
2. to recommend that the student meet specific conditions
to continue in the program
3. to assist the student in exploring other major possibilities
4. to terminate the student from the program
The student may appeal the decision of the Department to
the Dean of
the College of Social Sciences. (Adopted 6/9/98 –
revised 4/04).
*See Recommendation for Termination from the Social Work
Program form in Appendix.
F. Academic Credit for Life Experience
Pursuant to CSWE policies, academic credit is not given
by the
Department of Social Work for life experience or prior work
or volunteer experience.
V. ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
A. Requirements for Academic Achievement
Social Work majors must maintain a “C” or better
average in all pre-
professional core classes and the major classes. If you
receive a grade lower than “C-” in any pre-core
or required Social Work class, the class must be retaken
with the intent to earn a higher grade. For graduation you
will not be considered to have officially completed the
Social Work major unless you have “C-” or better
in all required courses. As of Fall quarter 1996, application
for admission into the program requires a 2.5 overall grade
point average (GPA); this is the equivalent of the letter
grade “C+/B-“. Exception is made for those with
diagnosed learning disabilities. (See Admission process)
Occasionally students with a GPA below 2.5 have requested
admission. These cases have been individually evaluated.
If a student is admitted with a GPA under 2.5 they are instructed
in their admission letter that their GPA must be at 2.5
before they are able to begin their field practicum.
Syllabi for all Social Work classes outline shared Department
policies and course expectations for academic performance
in individual classes.
In order to graduate with designated honors from SCSU, a
student must have completed a minimum of 30 upper division
semester hours of credit graded “A-F” at SCSU.
That is, students must have taken 30 credits of 300-400
level SCSU classes with letter grades being the mark of
achievement. The 12 credit hours of Social Work Internship
are graded on an “S-U” basis and are not counted
toward these 30 credits for the honors designation.
*For more information about Academic Progress and Graduation
with Honors, see the SCSU Undergraduate Bulletin.
B. University Resources for Strengthening Academic
Achievement
Assistance is available in many forms for students experiencing
academic problems or wanting to strengthen their skills.
Talk to your faculty advisor about strategies for getting
help or contact the following people or services that seem
appropriate to the needs you might have.
(Resources most directly related to academic achievement
are underlined).
RESOURCE REFERENCE LIST
Phone Room
* Academic Affairs (Gen. Ed. Waivers) 320-308-3143 AS 209
* Academic Learning Center (Tutoring) 320-308-4993 SH 101
* ADAPT (Alcohol/Drug Awareness Prevention 320-308-4850
HiH
* Advising Center (Gen. Ed. Advising) 320-308-6075 CH 229
* Affirmative Action 320-308-5123 AS 208
* Business Services 320-308-4003 AS 122
(Tuition, fee & hold payment)
* Career Services 320-308-2151 AS 101
(Placement files, resume information,
job interviews)
* Counseling Center (Career &/or personal) 320-308-3171
SH 103
* Financial Aid 320-308-2047 AS 106
* Health Services 320-308-3191 HiH
* Lindgren Child Care Center 320-308-3296 ECC 122
* Math Skills Center 320-308-3840 SH 203
* Multicultural Student Services 320-308-3003 AMC137
* Records & Registration 320-308-2111 AS 118
(Transcripts, transfer credit evaluations,
change of address or name, applying for
graduation, academic probation, suspension,
NCAA compliance, teacher licensure,
confidentiality of public information,
residency or reciprocity status for tuition,
military credits, VA financial assistance,
registration questions, etc.)
* Student Disability Services 320-308-4080 AMC 111B
* Volunteer Connection 320-308-5693 AMC 117B
* The Write Place 320-308-2031 R 118
(Assistance with writing skills)
C. Grading Standards
“A” reflects excellent work –
It incorporates and evaluates original sources/ideas/examples
beyond those available from the text or class; it analyzes
issues
beyond merely summarizing them or reporting. These
expectations are in addition to those outlined at the “B”
level.
Such work cannot be achieved by waiting until the night
before
an assignment is due.
“B” reflects very good work –
It includes full and creative development of each aspect
of an
assignment. It demonstrates an investment of time and original
thinking. Writing is clearly organized with examples to
clarify
central ideas. These expectations are in addition to those
outlined at the “C” level.
“C” reflects average work –
It covers all aspects of the assignment and reflects an
understanding of social work values and ethics. All writing
is
proofread to remove grammatical and spelling errors, to
avoid
slang, cliche?s and colloquialisms, is turned in at the
assigned
time and looks professional.
“D” represents passing work but D is not acceptable
as a final grade in
a social work course. If you receive a D you must retake
the
course.
Social Work faculty may apply a plus or minus to the final
letter grade
if that best represents the student’s level of work.
D. Standards for and Evaluation of Professional Behavior
Academic and Professional Responsibilities for Behavior
You are expected to learn, practice, and model the skills
inherent in professional behavior. However, critical thinking
and clear, respectful communication also are basic to success
in your academic education overall and to participation
as a citizen in this democracy. You will assess yourself
and be assessed by your professor.
Prepare before class so as to think critically & speak
clearly about
assignments.
Participate verbally so others can learn from your insights.
Ask questions for clarification.
Show respect for peers, guests, and professors by responding
to their
ideas.
Participate non-verbally by practicing professional listening.
Carry yourself as a professional
Learn from, rather than resent, feedback.
Collaborate fairly by sharing responsibility in team projects.
Offer input and leadership in small and large group exercises
and
discussions.
Identify your own strengths and use them.
Identify areas needing to be strengthened and work on them.
Identify how the NASW Code of Ethics applies to your behavior
as a
student.
Faculty members and students use the following scale in
every Social Work course with room included for full comments.
SCALE FOR DEMONSTRATION OF PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR
Student’s Demonstration of Professional Behavior
Always Usually Rarely Never
1. Preparation
Comes prepared to think
critically and speak clearly
about the assignment. ___________________________
Appears to have completed
the background reading or
work ___________________________
2. Verbal participation
Shares ideas with class ___________________________
Asks questions for clarification ___________________________
Responds to the ideas of peers ___________________________
Responds to the ideas of guest
speakers ___________________________
3. Non-verbal participation
Practices active listening skills ___________________________
Welcomes feedback to
strengthen learning and clarify
thinking ___________________________
Carries Self as a Professional ___________________________
4. Collaborative participation
Is an active team member ___________________________
Shares the responsibility of
leadership ___________________________
Shares responsibility in
completing work ___________________________
5. Ethical Participation
Demonstrates knowledge of
NASW ____________________________
Code of Ethics ____________________________
Demonstrates commitment to
incorporating NASW Code of
Ethics in own behavior ____________________________
E. Standards for and Evaluation of Written Assignments
Standards for Preparing All Written Work:
Type or word process all written work.
Spell check and proofread to remove spelling and grammatical
errors.
Include a cover sheet stating your name, course name, date,
and
assignment title.
Use inclusive language regarding gender; don’t write
“he’ if you
mean “he and she.”
Resources for Strengthening Your Writing:
The Write Place in Riverview 118, 320-308-2031, is open
daily
to help you improve your writing skills. Grammatical advice
and the APA citation style can also be found on their website
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/#commas. As an ongoing reference
for writing use Szuchman, L. T. & Thomlison, B. (eds).
(2004).
Writing with style: APA style for social work (2nd ed).
Belmont, CA: Brooks-Cole/ Thomson. This is available in
the
campus bookstore.
Some Social Work courses have Designated Writing Assignments.
For this
particular work the following scale is used.
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES – ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY
SCALE FOR EVAUATING DESIGNATED WRITING ASSIGNMENT
COURSE______ STUDENT____________________SEMESTER____ YEAR___
NAME of WRITING ASSIGNMENT_______________________________
This designated Writing Assignment will be evaluated for
content as described in the course syllabus. The quality
of writing will be evaluated separately using this form.
Criteria:
1. Writing demonstrates clear organization to achieve the
defined purpose; its content flows logically to provide
the necessary information for the task.
2. Writing assumes an appropriate professional tone; its
tone is formal or informal according to the defined relationship
with the reader.
3. Writing documents the original sources of information
and ideas; it is clear in acknowledging which ideas belong
to you and which you have adopted and adapted from elsewhere.
4. Writing follows the professionally accepted structure
and format for this kind of document.
5. Grammar and spelling are accurate; editing has removed
identifiable errors before the assignment is turned in.
6. Citations follow the APA format.
Student’s Level of Writing Skill
Superior Strong Acceptable Unacceptable
Clear organization ___________________________________
Appropriate professional tone ___________________________________
Appropriate documentation ___________________________________
Accepted format ___________________________________
Grammar and spelling ___________________________________
APA citations if used ___________________________________
COMMENTS:
PROFESSOR____________________DATE___________GRADE__________
F. Policies for All Department of Social Work Courses
1. As a student in any SW course you have a right to be
treated with dignity and respect by the professor and by
the other students in the room.
2. As a student in any social work course you have the right
and responsibility to grow as a critical thinker. That is,
to apply the critical reasoning skills developed in CORE
194 to all of your thinking, to reflect on possible bias
and conflicts with social work ethics and values in your
thinking, to critically evaluate the sources of information
that you make use of, and to value feedback from others
to enhance your critical thinking skills.
3. As a student in any SW course you have the right to have
your academic efforts supported by other students and by
your professor and have a responsibility to support the
academic effort of others. At times, support will mean being
challenged.
4. As a student with a disability you have the right to
accommodation to enable you to satisfy course objectives
in this class. Express your needs privately to the faculty
person and/or to Student Disability Services in Atwood Center,
Room B111.
5. As a student in any course you must abide by the University’s
Code of Conduct. This is available in the University Student
Handbook and on line at http://www.stcloudstate.edu/studenthandbook/code/conduct.asp.
6. As a student in any course you must not intentionally
or knowingly participate in
academic dishonesty in the form of cheating, plagiarism
or fabrication of work.
This is described more fully as the first example of Prohibited
Conduct in the University Student Handbook. Engaging in
academic dishonesty will have negative consequences for
your grade in the course.
7. If you need to communicate with the professor, try all
of these alternatives: visit the professor during office
hours; e-mail a message to the address on page one of the
syllabus; phone or FAX the professor at the numbers listed
on page one of this syllabus
8. If you are dissatisfied with your final grade in this
class, consult the University Student Handbook for the Grade
Appeal Process.
9. If you have other concerns about this class, please communicate
them to the professor in person. You also should consult
the
University Student Handbook for the Student Complaint Process.
The
Department Office has forms on which you can document a
concern
to begin a resolution process.
10. Social Work professors expect assignments to be completed
on time;
this is consistent with professional responsibility. Your
assignments
will be graded down for lateness.
11. Social Work professors expect you to be pro-active in
informing them
beforehand if some unusual circumstance will cause you to
be absent,
miss an exam, or delay turning in an assignment. Any changes
must
be negotiated with the professor. Failure to do so will
likely prevent
you from being able to make up the work.
VI. FIELD PRACTICUM
You complete a 480-hour 4-month field practicum usually
during the last semester of your Social Work program. Students
generally find their practicum a challenging and exciting
educational experience that integrates and builds on the
knowledge, skills, values and ethics that you have obtained
through the Social Work program so far.
Your work in your field practicum will take place under
the supervision of an agency field instructor who is a social
worker in the agency/organization in which you are placed.
While you are in your practicum placement you will participate
in SW 445, Senior Seminar one morning a week to assist in
the integration process so important for your field practicum.
A. Preparation for the Field Practicum
When your education is close to completion, you will begin
your 480 hour/four-month field practicum experience with
a Social Work practitioner in a social work area agency
organization. The practitioner serves as a field instructor
for hands-on learning. Over time, St. Cloud and surrounding
area agencies have provided internships to a large number
of SCSU students, but individual interests have taken students
to agencies elsewhere in the state and country. Agencies
in the Twin Cities often provide students more opportunity
to work with people who come from a variety of cultural
backgrounds. Each student in collaboration with the Department
Field Coordinator makes arrangements for this experience
while enrolled in Social Work 443, a three credit Pre-Practicum.
Many aspects of the process of securing a field placement
will be similar to the job search you will do upon graduation.
You will prepare a resume and contact agencies to inquire
about the possibility of a practicum placement. After interviewing
with agency staff, each student expresses their agency preferences
for their practicum with input and approval by the Field
Coordinator. Students compare their individual accomplishments
with the program objectives to determine knowledge and skills
they’ve obtained thus far and the areas for growth
that should be the focus of their practicum in order to
attain a beginning level of competency in each objective
by the time you graduate. Based on this exercise, students
begin to develop a Learning Contract which directs their
practicum experience.
B. Performance in the Field Practicum
All student interns participate in a weekly seminar; here
you will work together with your colleagues to examine the
relationship between the learning you acquired in the classroom
and your social work experience in the field. You will also
problem solve around professional issues that arise in your
practice. Participation in these seminars is an essential
aspect of your field performance.
Twice during the semester practicum, a faculty liaison from
the Department will visit each student at her/his field
site to discuss progress related to their learning contract.
At mid-semester a conference phone call is made.
A Field Advisory Committee of social work practitioners
works with the Field Coordinator to shape policy and expectations
for the practicum component of the curriculum.
*For more information, make an appointment to speak with
the Department’s Field Coordinator, Dr. Gary Whitford
in Stewart Hall 236.
His phone # is 320-308-4880, his email is gswhitford@stcloudstate.edu
VII. STUDENTS’ RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Students’ Rights
Social Work students have the right to be treated with dignity
and respect by their professors, staff, and other Social
Work students. Strategies for helping this to occur include
the following list of students’ rights in this program.
Students have the Right:
1. To be informed about the Social Work program including
its mission, goals,
objectives, policies, and procedures
2. To know the purpose of each Social Work class in which
they are enrolled and how
each class fits into the overall Social Work curriculum.
To also know the
expectations of the class and methods used in assigning
a grade. This right means
that course syllabi should specify the relationship of course
activity to the Program
Objectives, the connection to the rest of the curriculum,
assignments, and methods of
grading and evaluation. It does not mean that assignments
and methods of evaluation
and grading cannot be revised somewhat by the professor
as the course unfolds.
3. To get faculty support for their ideas and actions which
promote social justice
4. To get support from their academic advisor who will meet
with them to help them
understand the Social Work program and make informed choices
about their
education and careers.
5. To have Social Work faculty who uphold the values of
the profession and act as
professional role models.
6. To participate in the ongoing development of the Social
Work program.
Also, to participate in the development of Departmental
policies and procedures as
suggested in Section I-C on Student Participation. This
right is limited to the right to
give input. All final decisions rest with the faculty who,
by contract, are the
responsible parties for setting Departmental policy and
procedure.
7. To appeal all decisions made by the Department which
directly affect them as
individual students. This includes decisions about admissions,
eligibility to enroll in
specific classes and possible termination from the Major.
8. To learn in an environment that supports diversity and
is free from discrimination or
harassment based on age, class, color, culture, disability,
ethnicity, family structure,
gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion,
sex or sexual orientation.
B. Students’ Responsibilities
Social Work students are expected to treat faculty, staff,
and peers with dignity and respect. In addition, all students
have the following Responsibilities:
1. To learn about and work for social, economic and political
justice.
2. To uphold the values and ethics of the profession.
3. To abide by the SCSU Student Code of Conduct which includes
among other responsibilities, academic honesty and other
behaviors
that support rather than intimidate members of the University
community.
4. To attend their classes, participate, and contribute
to learning in the
classroom and to turn in assignments when due.
5. To pursue their education with openness to learning about
new
ideas, about human diversity, and about themselves in relationship
to others.
6. To inform the Department about barriers such as active
chemical
abuse that may interfere with their ability to effectively
practice
Social Work.
7. To pursue their Social Work education in an active manner
taking
primary responsibility for their own learning. This requires
progressive movement towards self-directed learning in which
faculty are viewed as guides, facilitators, and collaborators
in the
learning process.
*For more information, see Section I, Student Participation
in Department Policy and Program Evaluation, and see the
SCSU Student Code of Conduct.
C. SCSU Procedures for Reporting Complaints of
Discrimination and Harassment
Students not only have rights and responsibilities within
the Social Work Department, but as students at St. Cloud
State University they are protected from bias and harassment
by legal statutes and have rights as set forth by the Minnesota
State Colleges and Universities.
*For more information or assistance, contact The Affirmative
Action Office at 320-308-5123. The office is located in
AS 208 and the website is affirmativeaction@stcloudstate.edu
D. Social Work Department Position Statement on Openness
to Learning about Gay Males, Lesbians, Bisexual and
Transgendered People
Legislation in the State of Minnesota protects people who
may be discriminated against on the basis of their sexual
orientation. That is, to harass or discriminate people because
they are gay males, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered is
illegal on this campus. Gay males, lesbian, bisexual and
transgendered students who have experienced harassment or
discrimination are encouraged to bring their concerns to
faculty or to the Affirmative Action Officer in accordance
with the statements above.
In addition to this legal prohibition against discrimination,
the Department recognizes that to discriminate against people
on the basis of sexual orientation is unethical and inconsistent
with Social Work ethics and values as outlined by the CSWE
and the NASW Code of Ethics. Students who plan to become
Social Work professionals need the values, skills and knowledge
that will enable them to relate to and work with all people.
To this end the Social Work Department has adopted the following
position.
E. Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act
The University provides support services for students with
physical, cognitive, mental or emotional disabilities so
that the campus and curriculum are accessible and enable
every student the same opportunity for academic success.
These services include many things such as the provision
of note takers in classes, translation of class discussion
into American Sign Language, alternative arrangements for
taking tests, assistance in acquiring taped textbooks, and
support for coping with a disability on the campus.
To become eligible for such services, a student must apply
to the Student Disabilities Services office and have documentation
of disability as recognized under the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA). Documentation may include medical documentation,
an agency diagnosis, or confirmation of a disability from
a previous school. Ideally, the student will apply for services
before the semester they first intend to attend SCSU so
that necessary arrangements can be accomplished.
In working with students who have disabilities, the Social
Work Department intends that administrative and classroom
processes be in compliance with the ADA. This includes,
but is not limited to, assisting students in making use
of the University’s Disabilities Services. Students
also are encouraged to draw the attention of faculty to
ways in which the Department program may inadvertently create
disadvantages for people with disabilities so that these
may be addressed.
*For more information about services or the Americans with
Disabilities Act, contact the Student Disabilities Service
office located in Atwood, Room B111. 320-308-4080; Email:
jkoshiol@stcloudstate.edu
F. Procedure for Student Grade Complaints
The administration has established a University wide policy
for dealing with grade complaints when a student believes
the grade received in a course does not fairly reflect the
work done or the conditions for grading initially set forth
in a course. This formal complaint process does not begin
until after a final grade for a course has been given. However,
a student with questions or concerns about her or his grade
in a class is encouraged to speak to the professor when
the issue first arises. For the student this can lead to
further clarity as to how a grade was determined; the professor
can gain understanding of how a student is working with
the ideas presented in the course and make suggestions for
dealing with future assignments. Discussions early in the
semester often can prevent misunderstandings or disappointments
later on.
*For more information about the grade complaint process,
see the SCSU Student Handbook online @ www.stcloudstate.edu/socialwork
G. Procedure for other Student Concerns
To assist students with concerns that do not fall within
the category of harassment or discrimination, but have to
do with faculty and the classroom, the University adopted
a comprehensive student complaint process in December, 1994.
Ideally, the resolution of concerns can be accomplished
at the Department level; some issues, however, may need
to move beyond the Department to the office of the Dean
of the College of Social Sciences.
In January 1995 the Social Work Department adopted the following
policy to clarify the manner in which the St. Cloud State
University Complaint Policy will be implemented in the Department.
1. Students wishing to file a complaint should first go
to the faculty
member who is the subject of their complaint. According
to
University Policy the faculty member may respond at that
meeting
or set up a meeting for a later time, but within ten days.
2. Any student bringing a concern about a faculty member
to the
chair or to another faculty member will be informed of the
University and Department process and will be referred back
to
step one. Students should be given a copy of the SCSU Student
Complaint Form.
3. Students may request a mediation in order to help resolve
a
difference with the faculty member. If both the faculty
member
and the student desire a mediation, the Department will
select a
mediator.
4. If mediation is unsuccessful or if the faculty member
and student
do not desire mediation then the complaint is filed with
the Dean of
the College of Social Sciences.
*For more information, see a copy of the University Student
Complaint Process and Complaint Form in Appendix.
VIII. STUDENT GROWTH AND EMPOWERMENT
A. All Social Work students work individually on developing
a
Diversity and Justice Portfolio while they are taking courses
in the
Program.
The Diversity and
Social, Economic and Political Justice
Portfolio
Purpose:
The Diversity and Social, Economic and Political Justice
Portfolio is the creative documentation of the student’s
journey toward becoming a diversity sensitive and justice
committed social worker. The journey begins when the student
is enrolled in SW 345 and culminates in SW 445, the field
practicum seminar. The Portfolio documents the student’s
accomplishment of the program objectives focused on development
of knowledge and skill in the areas of diversity and social
justice. The Portfolio is a tool for student self-assessment
and for faculty assessment of student growth.
Students and faculty engage purposefully and actively in
education about diversity and social justice through an
experiential process both in and outside the classroom.
The philosophy of this method of learning, based on experiential
learning theory, is related to the idea that engaging in
action and reflection is a powerful way to learn about self
and others. This process encourages students to challenge
themselves so that they become social workers whose identity
is grounded in awareness and respect for diversity and social
justice within the context of global citizenship and who
are committed to action for social justice.
The Portfolio provides the students with a vehicle to document
their growth in Program Objectives #3 and #4. They are as
follows:
#3 To practice without discrimination, and with respect,
knowledge and skills, related to clients’ age, class,
color,
culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender,
marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and
sexual orientation.
#4 To understand the forms and means of oppression and
discrimination, and to serve as an advocate for social,
economic and political justice.
The Portfolio also strengthens students’ responsibility
to become prepared to practice professionally according
to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.
It may be useful in helping students articulate their expertise
in working with marginalized populations in interviews for
field placements and employment.
Process:
The Portfolio consists of two parts: the class assignments
related to diversity and social, economic and political
justice and the self-selected empowerment activities that
students accomplish in addition to the classroom assignments.
The goals of the Portfolio are consistent with the Department
Goal #3 which is to educate students who recognize cultural
and global diversity and are committed to the development
of social policies and service delivery systems that embrace
this diversity. More specifically the Portfolio is a means:
1. To enhance the students’ experience and knowledge
of the Social Work profession as a diversity sensitive,
social justice focused profession.
2. To guide students in the exploration and discovery of
their own social positioning and of the societal issues
of diversity, oppression, privilege, empowerment and social,
economic, and political justice as these issues relate to
clients’ age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity,
family structure, gender, marital status, national origin,
race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.
3. To experience self-awareness and self-empowerment activities
that will increase students’ ability to work with
diverse populations.
4. To engage in empowerment activities that will increase
their ability to collaborate with others in creating a more
economically, politically and socially just and humane society.
5. To apply critical thinking skills in reflecting on and
learning from their experiences.
Portfolio Construction:
Students can be as creative as they want to be in how materials
are organized in the Portfolio as long as the following
two sections are clearly presented.
I. CLASS ASSIGNMENTS: There will be specific portfolio assignments
in each class. They are as follows:
SW 330 – Locational Community Assessment
SW 340 – Disability Project
SW 345 – Marginalized Population Paper
SW 350 – Application of Research for Effective Practice
SW 360 – Essay on Welfare Reform
SW 410 – Mental Health Systems/Services Paper
SW 411 – Competent Group Work Skills with Diverse
Populations
SW 412 – Advocating for Social Justice
SW 443 – Strengths and Areas for Growth Assessment
SW 445 – Values Paper #3
II. SELF-SELECTED ACTIVITIES: This section of the Portfolio
includes all the out-of-class learning activities related
to diversity and justice that students participate in during
the four semesters of their social work education. The out-of-class
activities focus on the 14 areas of diversity contained
in Program Objective #3. These activities are chosen by
the student and are separate from class assignments. The
Department expectation is that students will complete a
minimum of three self-selected activities per semester.
In SW 345, where the Portfolio process is initiated, students
must do nine (9) self-selected activities. This is further
explained in the SW 345 syllabus.
Types of possible self-selected activities:
Elective Courses
Cultural Events/Celebrations
Personal Empowerment/Activist Activities
Participation in campus and/or community organizations
Volunteer experience in agencies serving marginalized populations
Speakers – on and off campus
Books
Movies/Videos
Workshops/Conferences
Write-up of class assignments and self-selected activities.
Each in-class Portfolio assignment will be based on instructions
received from the course. After completing each Portfolio
assignment, students need to reflect back on their work
and answer and attach the following questions:
1. Describe the activity including date, time, place and
type of activity.
2. Reflect critically on the new information that this activity
provided
you about diversity. Include analysis of bias and stereotypes
that
you might have had about the issue or activity prior to
completing
this assignment.
3. In what ways will this assignment contribute to your
social work
knowledge and skills toward the goal of becoming a diversity
sensitive and justice committed social worker?
Evaluation:
Student Portfolios will be evaluated twice during their
Social Work Program. The first evaluation is in SW 345.
In SW 345 the professor will grade the Portfolio according
to criteria provided in the SW 345 syllabus. The professor
will use the Diversity and Social, Economic and Political
Justice Portfolio Evaluation Guide to assess the in-class
presentation.
The second evaluation occurs in SW 445. To complete the
Portfolio, each student will synthesize what they learned
by writing a paper that answers the following three questions.
Use your Portfolio related learning experiences as specific
examples to clarify your thoughts. This paper will be included
in the Portfolio.
1. What insights did you gain about the relationship of
justice and injustice through your Portfolio activities?
2. How do knowledge and skills gained through your Portfolio
activities enhance your ability to act as a responsible
citizen in this democracy and as a global citizen?
3. How might knowledge you’ve gained from your Portfolio
activities help you to advocate for social policies and
social service delivery that embrace diversity?
Students will be graded using the S/U designation. The Portfolio
Evaluation Guide will be used. The students will also be
required to present their Portfolios at a senior academic
community event organized by the Department.
B. Social Work Student Association
The SCSU Social Work Association is a group of students
dedicated to working together to empower themselves and
to support social justice activities on campus and in the
community. In the past, the organization has been effective
in encouraging networking among Social work majors, in bringing
speakers to campus, in raising consciousness about social
welfare issues on campus, in advertising the Social Work
major on campus, and in providing service to the community.
Other activities include such things as volunteering at
a neighborhood long term care facility, collecting food
donations for community food shelves, participating in social
welfare demonstrations at the opening of the Minnesota state
legislature.
Most members are Social Work majors or pre-majors, but any
student is welcome. Dues are paid each semester. Members
decide the structure for taking leadership and making decisions.
A designated faculty member takes responsibility for helping
to plan or problem solve with the group, but all faculty
are accessible to the group as sources of ideas and support.
*For more information, see the Student Association Bulletin
Board located across the hall from S.H. 224.
C. Peer Advisors
Students who serve as Peer Advisors play a unique role in
providing information to students as part of the total advisement
available to students in the Department. At the time in
the quarter when students apply for admission to the major,
each applicant is required to meet with a Peer Advisor for
assistance with certain forms.
*For more information, see Peer Advisors in Section III
of this Handbook. The Peer Advisor Office is in Stewart
Hall 229. The phone number is 320-308-3990.
D. Department Annual Student Achievement Awards
Students and area Social Work practitioners who are members
of the Department’s Community Advisory Board have
worked with faculty and staff to raise money to endow a
fund that provides annual awards to students. The recipients
of these awards are announced each spring. One award recognizes
Academic Achievement, the other recognizes Activism for
Social Justice. The winners are selected in a competitive
process that includes a written application. Application
forms are available in the Department office along with
an explanation of the qualifications. Dates of the final
selection are announced in the spring semester.
E. Volunteer Connection
To help students locate community volunteer opportunities
that will result in “service-learning”, SCSU
operates a program called the Volunteer Connection. Whatever
your interest is and whatever the amount of time you think
you can offer as a volunteer, opportunities exist in the
community. For Social Work majors, volunteer experiences
in social service agencies are an important way to begin
developing a clearer understanding of human diversity and
the kinds of social services available. At times it is possible
to combine a volunteer experience with the design for an
independent study that earns academic credit as an elective.
Such an independent study would be done with the supervision
and support of a faculty person of your own choosing. Students
who register their volunteer hours with the Volunteer Connection
office can have those hours documented on their permanent
Student Activities Transcript.
*For more information, visit the Volunteer Connection Office
in Atwood, 117B. The phone number is 320-308-5693.
VIV. APPENDICES
A. CSWE Curriculum Policy Statement for Baccalaureate Degree
Programs in Social Work Education
B. Student Request for Exception to Curriculum/Program Form
C. Appeals Procedure for Students Not Accepted into Major
D. University Student Complaint Policy
E. Recommendation for Termination from the Social Work Program
Form
APPENDIX A:
CSWE EDUCATIONAL POLICY
1. PURPOSES
1.0 Purposes of the Social Work Profession
The social work profession receives its sanction from public
and private auspices and is the primary profession in the
development, provision, and evaluation of social services.
Professional social workers are leaders in a variety of
organizational settings and service delivery systems within
a
global context.
The profession of social work is based on the values of
service,
social and economic justice, dignity and worth of the person,
importance of human relationships, and integrity and
competence in practice. With these values as defining
principles, the purposes of social work are:
• To enhance human well-being and alleviate poverty,
oppression and other forms of social injustice
• To enhance the social functioning and interactions
of
individuals, families, groups, organizations, and
communities by involving them in accomplishing goals,
developing resources, and preventing and alleviating distress
• To formulate and implement social policies, services,
and
programs that meet basic human needs and support the
development of human capacities
• To pursue policies, services, and resources through
advocacy
and social or political actions that promote social and
economic justice
• To develop and use research, knowledge, and skills
that
advance social work practice
1.1 Purposes of Social Work Education
The purposes of social work education are to prepare competent
and effective professionals, to develop social work knowledge,
and to provide leadership in the development of service
delivery
systems. Social work education is grounded in the profession’s
history, purposes, and philosophy and is based on a body
of
knowledge, values, and skills. Social work education enables
students to integrate the knowledge, values and skills of
the
social work profession for competent practice.
1.2 Achievement of Purposes
Among its programs, which vary in design, structure, and
objectives, social work education achieves these purposes
through such means as:
• Providing curricula and teaching practices at the
forefront of
the new and changing knowledge base of social work and
related disciplines
• Providing curricula that build on a liberal arts
perspective to
promote breadth of knowledge, critical thinking, and
communication skills
• Developing knowledge
• Developing and applying instructional and practice-relevant
technology
• Maintaining reciprocal relationships with social
work
practitioners, groups, organizations, and communities
• Promoting continual professional development of
students,
faculty and practitioners
• Promoting inter-professional and interdisciplinary
collaboration
• Preparing social workers to engage in prevention
activities
that promote well-being
• Preparing social workers to practice with individuals,
families, groups, organizations, and communities
• Preparing social workers to evaluate the processes
and
effectiveness of practice
• Preparing social workers to practice without discrimination,
with respect, and with knowledge and skills related to clients’
age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family
structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race,
religion, sex, and sexual orientation
• Preparing social workers to alleviate poverty, oppression,
and
other forms of social injustice
• Preparing social workers to recognize the global
context of
social work practice
• Preparing social workers to formulate and influence
social
policies and social work services in diverse political contexts
2. STRUCTURE OF SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION
2.0 Structure
Baccalaureate and graduate social work education programs
operate under the auspices of accredited colleges and universities.
These educational institutions vary by auspices, emphasis,
and size. With diverse strengths, missions, and resources,
social work education programs share a common commitment
to education competent, ethical social workers.
The baccalaureate and master’s levels of social work
education are anchored in the purposes of the social work
profession and promote the knowledge, values, and skills
of the profession. Baccalaureate social work education programs
prepare graduates for generalist professional practice.
Master’s social work education programs prepare graduates
for advanced professional practice in an area of concentration.
The baccalaureate and master’s levels of educational
preparation are differentiated according to (a) conceptualization
and design, (b) content, (c) program objectives, and (d)
depth, breadth, and specificity of knowledge and skills.
Frameworks and perspectives for concentration include fields
of practice, problem areas, intervention methods, and practice
contexts and perspectives.
Programs develop their mission and goals within the purposes
of the profession, the purposes of social work education,
and their institutional context. Programs also recognize
academic content and professional experiences that students
bring to the educational program. A conceptual framework,
built upon relevant theories and knowledge, shapes the breadth
and depth of knowledge and practice skills to be acquired.
2.1 Program Renewal
Social work education remains vital, relevant, and progressive
by pursuing exchanges with the practice community and program
stakeholders and by developing and assessing new knowledge
and technology.
3. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Social work education is grounded in the liberal arts and
contains a coherent, integrated professional foundation
in social work. The graduate advanced curriculum is built
from the professional foundation. Graduates of baccalaureate
and master’s social work programs demonstrate the
capacity to meet the foundation objectives and objectives
unique to the program. Graduates of master’s social
work programs also demonstrate the capacity to meet advanced
program objectives
3.0 Foundation Program Objectives
The professional foundation, which is essential to the practice
of
any social worker, includes, but is not limited to, the
following
program objectives. Graduates demonstrate the ability to:
1. Implement the values and ethics of the social work profession;
2. Practice generalist social work effectively at all levels,
incorporating systems theory and integrating a strengths
perspective;
3. Practice without discrimination, and with respect, knowledge,
and skills, related to clients’ age, class, color,
culture,
disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital
status,
national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation;
4. Understand the forms and means of oppression and
discrimination, and advocate for social, economic, and political
justice;
5. Use supervision, consultation, and collaboration to enhance
social work practice within organizational structures and
service delivery systems, as well as to seek necessary
organizational change;
6. Analyze and formulate policy alternatives and understand
how
to influence social policies on all levels;
7. Apply research findings to practice and evaluate one’s
own
practice interventions;
8. Know the history of the social work profession and understand
its relationship to contemporary issues;
9. Use all modes of communication skillfully and demonstrate
critical thinking skills in all professional encounters.
3.1 Concentration Objectives
Graduates of a master’s social work program are advanced
practitioners who apply the knowledge and skills of advanced
social work practice in areas of concentration. They analyze,
intervene, and evaluate in ways that are highly differentiated,
discriminating, and self-critical. Graduates synthesize
and apply
a broad range of knowledge and skills with a high degree
of
autonomy and proficiency. They refine and advance the quality
of their practice and that of the larger social work profession.
3.2 Additional Program Objectives
A program may develop additional objectives to cover the
required content in relation to its particular mission,
goals, and educational level.
3. FOUNDATION CURRICULUM CONTENT
All social work programs provide foundation content in the
areas
specified below. Content areas may be combined and delivered
with a
variety of instructional technologies. Content is relevant
to the
mission, goals, and objectives of the program and to the
purposes,
values, and ethics of the social work profession.
4.0 Values and Ethics
Social work education programs integrate content about values
and principles of ethical decision making as presented in
the
National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. The
educational experience provides students with the opportunity
to
be aware of personal values; develop, demonstrate, and promote
the values of the profession; and analyze ethical dilemmas
and the
ways in which these affect practice, services, and clients.
4.1 Diversity
Social work programs integrate content that promotes understanding,
affirmation, and respect for people from diverse backgrounds.
The content emphasizes the interlocking and complex nature
of culture and personal identity. It ensures that social
services meet the needs of groups served and are culturally
relevant. Programs educate students to recognize diversity
within and between groups that may influence assessment,
planning, intervention, and research. Students learn how
to define, design, and implement strategies for effective
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