St. Cloud State University

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

BSW Faculty
Lake Dziengel
Linda Gensheimer
Darla Korol
Mary L. Pfohl
Sandra C. Robin
Patience Togo
Marge Twiname-Dungan
Gary Whitford

Office Manager
Carleen Guck


2008 - 2009

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 thirteen 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. Gary Whitford. His office is 236 Stewart Hall; his phone is 320-308-4880; his e-mail is glwhitford@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 initiates activities that reflect professional values. This organization enables 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. Gary Whitford, SH 236, Phone: 320-308-4880.

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. 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, Marge Twiname-kDungan in Stewart Hall 235.
Her phone # is 320-308-2127



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. 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.

D. 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 practice with persons from diverse backgrounds.

4.2 Populations-At-Risk and Social and Economic Justice
Social work education programs integrate content on populations-at-risk, examining the factors that contribute to and constitute being at risk. Programs educate students to identify how group membership influences access to resources, and present content on the dynamics of such risk factors and responsive and productive strategies to redress them.

Programs integrate social and economic justice content grounded in an understanding of distributive justice, human and civil rights, and the global interconnections of oppression. Programs provide content related to implementing strategies to combat discrimination, oppression, and economic deprivation and to promote social and economic justice. Programs prepare students to advocate for nondiscriminatory social and economic systems.

4.3 Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Social work education programs provide content on the reciprocal relationships between human behavior and social environments. Content includes empirically based theories and knowledge that focus on the interactions between and among individuals, groups, societies, and economic systems. It includes theories and knowledge of biological, sociological, cultural, psychological, and spiritual development across the life span; the range of social systems in which people live (individual, family, group, organizational, and community); and the ways social systems promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving health and well-being.

4.4 Social Welfare Policy and Services
Programs provide content about the history of social work, the history and current structures of social welfare services, and the role of policy in service delivery, social work practice, and attainment of individual and social well-being. Course content provides students with knowledge and skills to understand major policies that form the foundation of social welfare; analyze organizational, local, state, national, and international issues in social welfare policy and social service delivery; analyze and apply the results of policy research relevant to social service delivery; understand an demonstrate policy practice skills in regard to economic, political, and organizational systems, and use them to influence, formulate, and advocate for policy consistent with social work values; and identify financial, organizational, administrative, and planning processes required to deliver social services.

4.5 Social Work Practice
Social work practice content is anchored in the purposes of the social work profession and focuses on strengths, capacities, and resources of client systems in relation to their broader environments. Students learn practice content that encompasses knowledge and skills to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. This content includes engaging clients in an appropriate working relationship, identifying issues, problems, needs, resources, and assets; collecting and assessing information; and planning for service delivery. It includes using communication skills, supervision, and consultation. Practice content also includes identifying, analyzing, and implementing empirically based interventions designed to achieve client goals; applying empirical knowledge and technological advances; evaluating program outcomes and practice effectiveness; developing, and analyzing, advocating, and providing leadership for policies and services; and promoting social and economic justice.

4.6 Research
Qualitative and quantitative research content provides understanding of a scientific, analytic, and ethical approach to building knowledge for practice. The content prepares students to develop and effectively communicate empirically based knowledge, including evidence-based interventions. Research knowledge is used by students to provide high-quality services; to initiate change, to improve practice, policy and social service delivery; and to evaluate their own practice.

4.7 Field Education
Field education is an integral component of social work education anchored in the mission, goals, and educational level of the program. It occurs in settings that reinforce students’ identification with the purposes, values, and ethics of the profession; fosters the integration of empirical and practice-based knowledge; and promotes the development of professional competence. Field education is systematically designed, supervised, coordinated, and evaluated on the basis of criteria by which students demonstrate the achievement of program objectives.


Department of Social Work
St. Cloud State University

Recommendation for Termination from the
Social Work Program


Date:

Name of Student:



Name of Faculty Member Completing Form:



Specific description of academic dishonesty, failure to inform Social Work Department of circumstances that could hinder her/his ability as a Social Worker and/or violation of the NASW Code of Ethics:

Return form to Chair of Department of Social Work