STUDENT HANDBOOK

Social Work Program Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, PA 16057

Revised March, 2009 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Social Work: The Helping Profession………………………………………………………. 1

Majoring in Social Work……………………………………………………………………...1

Accreditation Status………………………………………………………………………….. 2

Goals of the Social Work Program…………………………………………………………....2

Objectives of the Social Work Program……………………………………………………....3

Admission to the Social Work Program……………………………………………………... 4

Requirements for Graduation…………………………………………………………………4

Curriculum Requirements……………………………………………………………………. 5

Schedule Planning Aid for the Social Work Major……………………………………………7

Transfer Students and Students Changing to Social Work From Other Majors ………………8

Liberal Studies………………………………………………………………………………....9

Second Majors, Minors, and Concentrations………………………………………………….9

Student Organizations in Social Work……………………………………………………….. 10

Policy on Continued Enrollment in the Social Work Program……………………………….. 11

Policy on Sequence of Courses………………………………………………………………...14

Admission Form………………………………………………………………………………..15

Student Admission Contract……………………………………………………………………16

Social Work: The Helping Profession

“The purpose of the social work profession is to promote human and community well-being. Guided by a person and environment construct, a global perspective, respect for human dignity, and knowledge based on scientific inquiry, social work’s purpose is actualized through its quest for social and economic justice, the prevention of conditions that limit human rights, the elimination of poverty, and the enhancement of the quality of life for all persons.” CSWE (EPAS) 2008.

Social Work is carried out in offices and in the community, in private practice and in public service. Social workers use a variety of techniques and base their work on professional values which support the betterment of life for individuals, groups, and for society as a whole.

Majoring in Social Work

Slippery Rock University prepares students for generalist social work practice. Offering a Bachelor of Science Degree, the program prepares students for beginning professional practice in Social Work. Based on an ecological systems model which includes a holistic focus, the program prepares graduates who are competent to apply the concepts and principles of the Social Work method in human service areas such as child welfare, aging, health and mental health, chemical dependency, domestic violence, corrections, and many others.

The Social Work Program also provides a foundation for the intellectual, ethical, and emotional development of students. By emphasizing the historical, political, and ethical bases of social welfare issues and institutions, the program attempts to promote awareness and involvement of students as good citizens as well as prospective social workers. Students are expected to take courses in a number of liberal arts disciplines in order to develop an understanding of the total person functioning in relationship to the social and physical environment. Throughout the curriculum, students must consider the paramount importance of social work values and ethics, and they must demonstrate the ability to act on these values as applied to social work practice with diverse populations. Particular emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of persons from other cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. Special emphasis is also given to social work’s historic and contemporary mission of promoting social justice and assisting people in becoming empowered. The Social Work Program values diversity among individuals and groups. The program pledges not to discriminate against any person on the basis of age, gender, race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, class, physical or mental challenges, political beliefs, or sexual orientation. Likewise, students admitted to the Social Work Program must be willing to serve all people in need. Students who

1 are unable to carry out social work’s mandate to act on a belief in the worth and dignity of all people will be terminated from the program. Policies on nondiscrimination are included later in the Handbook.

Students will also be expected to gain competence in basic communication and research skills as well as to participate in a variety of courses designed to develop the leisure interests and necessary understanding for a meaningful and fulfilling life. The senior year internship experience, in which students spend 405 hours working under the supervision of a social worker in the community, provides students an opportunity to practice and develop their skills.

Accreditation Status

Since 1982, the Social Work Program has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the only nationally recognized accreditation organization in social work education and an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Accreditation provides evidence to the public and to prospective students that the program of social work meets a high standard of quality. Graduates of accredited programs often receive priority in Being hired and are able to work more independently that graduates of non-accredited programs. Many graduate programs in social work offer advanced standing to students completing their baccalaureate degrees in accredited undergraduate programs. Advanced standing offers an opportunity for accelerated completion of the M.S.W.

Goals of the Social Work Program

The six goals of the Social Work Program are as follows:

1. To graduate students with a baccalaureate (B.S.) degree in Social Work who are competent to begin generalist social work practice. 2. To graduate students who are well prepared to enter graduate schools of Social Work, either directly after receiving the undergraduate degree, or after a period of practice. 3. To contribute to the intellectual, ethical, and emotional development of our students in order to enhance their awareness and involvement as citizens in the broad social welfare issues of our times. 4. To sensitize students to the human condition in order that they might develop a respect for human dignity, diversity, and freedom. 5. For students who are uncertain about a career choice, to provide a clear and honest introduction to the responsibilities and rewards of a Social Work career, so that they can make informed career choices. 6. To help meet the human resource needs for baccalaureate level social workers in the diverse mix of rural, small town, and metropolitan areas from which our students come and to which many wish to return.

2 BSSW Program Objectives

In preparing students to meet the primary objective of gaining the competency needed for beginning social work practice, the Social Work Program teaches the general method of Social Work. Based on an ecological systems model which includes a holistic focus, the curriculum includes didactic and experiential learning opportunities on a variety of levels. The student who completes the baccalaureate program is prepared to enter the profession as a generalist who is able to apply the concepts and principles of the Social Work method in working with individuals, families, small groups, communities and organizations. Therefore, the program produces reflective Social Work practitioners who:

1. Assess practice skills including the use of supervision, and plan for continued growth and development. 2. Communicate and develop effective helping relationships with others. 3. Apply knowledge of populations at risk, their rights, special needs, and basis human needs. 4. Apply social work ethics and values when relating to clients, colleagues, and the general public. 5. Understand major social welfare programs and services and the principles on which they operate and the role of professional social work in working toward effective and human programs. 6. Understand, respect, and appreciate diversity among people. 7. Utilize analytical skills and problem-solving techniques in helping relationships with client systems of all sizes. 8. Understand client functioning in groups. 9. Understand the relationships among the biophysical, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual forces as they affect and are affected by human behavior across the life cycle. 10. Understand the historical development of social work and advance social work as a profession. Identify what is professional and act in a professional manner. 11. Demonstrate through outcome research the ability to measure the impact of an intervention intervention upon a client system. 12. Critically analyze the functioning of a social service program in areas of administration, Staffing, and service delivery. 13. Building a program evaluation skills, will be able to have meaningful input into planning and program design for the agency. 14. Advocate for changes in legislation, regulation, and service delivery so as to improve social conditions and service accessibility. 15. Understand how economic, political, moral, and cultural forces affect social policy development and program operation. 16. Understand the purposes and functions of staff development, social work education, and adult education. 17. Understand the dynamics of the teaching-learning component of supervision.

3 Admission to the Social Work Program

During the student’s freshman year at Slippery Rock University, he or she will be assigned a freshman advisor. At this time students are able to declare Social Work as their major. During the sophomore year, Social Work Majors are assigned an academic advisor from the Social Work faculty and begin taking Social Work courses.

Students may declare Social Work as a major must register for and pass Human Diversity (SOWK 81.105), and Introduction to Social Work (SOWK 81.251). These two courses are the pre- admission requirements. Following this the student must also be formally admitted to Social Work Program Work Program. Admission forms are available from the advisor or department secretary. The form explains the admissions process and the requirements for admission and retention in the program. (A copy of the admission form is attached to this handbook as Appendix 1.) As a part of the requirements for SOWK 81.251 Introduction to Social Work, all Social Work Majors must write a critical assessment of their interests in and capabilities for a career in Social Work. This assessment will then be submitted to the academic advisor, who will read the report and set up an interview with the student. This assignment is expected to be the beginning of a continuous process of professional self-evaluation. Such an evaluation procedure is essential for professional practice and should be carried out throughout the professional career.

Requirements for Graduation

Students majoring in Social Work are required to complete courses in the liberal studies, the Social Work Major, and supporting areas. The professional foundation for Social Work includes content on Social Work values and ethics, diversity, social and economic justice, populations-at-risk, human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, social work practice, research, and the field education (internship).

All students at Slippery Rock University are required to complete 120 hours of coursework for graduation. Of this total 48 hours come from the liberal studies program, 9 hours are required in supporting liberal arts areas, and 45 hours (13 courses) are taken in social work. The remaining hours can be taken as free electives. Many students use electives toward a minor or concentration in a particular area of study. The Social Work and supporting curriculum is first explained, and then the liberal studies program follows. A progress sheet which lists all course requirements and which many students have found helpful in keeping track of their academic progress is attached as Appendix ? at the end of the handbook.

4 Curriculum Requirements

To earn the B.S.S.W. degree offered in Social Work, all students are responsible for the general university requirements (48 credit hours), as listed in the university catalog. Required courses for the Social Work Major include the following:

1. Liberal Arts Base: These courses, required to understand human behavior, concern the nature of human beings and their society (9 hours). These courses may be counted as part of liberal studies.

(3) (SOWK) Human Diversity: 105: An orientation to living and working with diverse populations within modern American society, including examination of the strengths and weaknesses associated with diversities.

(3) (PROF) Sociology: 201: Principles of Sociology: Basic concepts of social behavior, group structure and group processes.

(3) (PSYC) Psychology: 105: Introduction to Psychology: Psychology as a natural science Covering the goals and principles of a science of behavior.

(3) (POLS) Political Science: 101: American National Government: A survey of American national politics, emphasis on the constitution, parties, interest groups, elections, organization and structure of government.

2. Social Work Core Courses: Courses on the theory and practice of Social Work as a profession and the settings in which it is carried out. (45 hours)

(3) SOWK 105:Human Diversity:An orientation to living and working with diverse populations within modern American society, including examination of the strengths and weaknesses associated with diversities.

(3) SOWK 251: Introduction to Social Work: An orientation to the profession of social work and social work activities in the community. Includes agency lab.

(3) CRIM 317: Statistical Methods: Introduction to basic statistical concepts.

(3) CRIM 318: Research Methods: Major methods and procedures used in social science research.

(3) SOWK 328: Human Behavior and the Social Environment I: Bio-Psycho-Soc assessment Social functioning during pregnancy, birth, newborn, infancy and early childhood.

(3) SOWK 329: Human Behavior and the Social Environment II: Bio-Psycho-Soc assessment of social functioning during middle-childhood, adolescence, young and late adulthood.

5 (3) SOWK 340: Social Welfare Institutions: An introductory historical and institutional analysis of social welfare broadly defined.

(3) SOWK 355: Social Work Methods I: Principles and practice of interviewing processes as applied to individuals as they interact with their environment.

(3) SOWK 356: Social Work Methods II: Expands knowledge and skills base to include Social Work practice in family and group systems.

(3) SOWK 357: Social Work Methods III: Expands knowledge and skills base to include Social Work practice in communities, organizations and large social systems.

(3) SOWK 407: Social Policy Issues: Problems and issues associated with social policy including the politics of policy. Examines various frameworks for analyzing social policy.

(9) SOWK 450: Internship: Supervised placement in selected professional agencies.

(3) SOWK 460: Integrative seminar: This senior level course integrates a four year social work curriculum with emphasis on knowledge base and skill acquisition for working in micro, mezzo, macro, and research practice.

CORE SOCIAL WORK COURSES

105: Human Diversity 3 credits 251: Introduction to Social Work 3 credits 317: Statistical Methods 3 credits 318: Research Methods 3 credits 328: Human Behavior & the Social Environment I 3 credits 329: Human Behavior & the Social Environment II 3 credits 340: Social Welfare Institutions 3 credits 355: Social Work Methods I 3 credits 356: Social Work Methods II 3 credits 357: Social Work Methods III 3 credits 407: Social Policy Issues 3 credits 450: Internship 9 credits 460: Integrative Seminar 3 credits

Total 45 credits

TOTAL CORE CREDIT HOURS: 45

6 Schedule Planning Aid for Social Work Major

The following schedule is typical of the sequence of courses for the Social Work Major. There is some flexibility in sequencing of courses; however, students should keep in mind that there are prerequisites for many courses and that they should develop a long-range plan with their advisor. Not every course is offered every semester.

Transfer students and students changing to Social Work after the freshman year must be aware that the Social Work Major is a carefully planned curriculum requiring courses of increasing complexity. One cannot enter the major as a junior or senior with all liberal studies requirements met and expect to simply “load up” with four or five Social Work courses each semester. These students are advised that it may require more than four years to complete the program requirements. A guide for transfer students and students changing to the Social Work Major is presented later in this handbook.

Students must be enrolled in social work courses on a regular and continuous basis to be considered Social Work Majors; otherwise, students should be placed as undeclared status.

Freshman Year

ENGL 101 College Writing I ENGL 103 College Writing II SOWK 105 Human Diversity PROF 201 Principles of Sociology POLS 101 American National Government PSYC 105 Introduction to Psychology MATH 113 Math as a Liberal Art (or higher level math) or PHIL 103 Introduction To Logic Liberal Studies Electives (3 courses)

Sophomore year COMM 200 Public Speaking S0WK 251 Introduction to Social Work SOWK 328 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I SOWK 329 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II Liberal Studies Electives (6 courses and a science lab)

Junior Year, 1 st Semester SOWK 355 Social Work Methods I SOWK 340 Social Welfare Institutions Liberal Studies Electives (3 courses) Free Elective

7 Junior Year, 2 nd Semester SOWK 356 Social Work Methods II CRIM 317 Statistical Methods Liberal Studies Electives (2 courses) Free Electives (2 courses)

Senior Year, 1 st Semester CRIM 318 Research Methods SOWK 357 Social Work Methods III SOWK 407 Social Policy Issues Liberal Studies Elective Free Elective

Senior Year, 2 nd Semester SOWK 450 Internship SOWK 460 Integrative Seminar

Transfer Students and Students Changing to Social Work from Other Majors

The Social Work Major comprises a carefully planned sequence of courses which fosters the development of knowledge and skills in increasing complexity. For this reason course must be taken in the proper order.

Transfer students and students changing to the Social Work Major must be aware that it will require FIVE semesters to complete the requirements for the Social Work Major including the supporting courses. A four-semester sequence is also illustrated below, but this arrangement is often difficult because courses are sometimes over subscribed and certain sections of courses can be in time conflict with others. Students cannot enter the major as a junior or senior with all Liberal Studies requirements met and expect to simply load up with Social Work courses. Students should meet with an advisor to develop a plan for meeting the requirements.

8 The sequences which follow illustrate the proper arrangement of courses.

Arrangement of Course Sequences

Fall Semester Spring Semester Summer Semester

Freshman Human Diversity American Nat’l Govt. Principles of Sociology Introduction to Psychology

Sophomore Intro to Social Work HBSE II HBSE I

Junior SW Methods I SW Methods II Soc Welf Inst Statistical Methods

Senior S.W. Methods III Internship Internship Social Policy Issues Integrative Seminar Integrative Seminar Research Methods

Liberal Studies

The Social Work faculty recommends the following liberal arts courses because of their relevance to the study of Social Work. Students are reminded that 40% of their courses (48 hours) must be chosen from 300-400 level. Therefore, it is advisable to choose 300-400 level courses for enrichment requirements in Liberal Studies.

Second Majors, Minors, and Concentrations

It is possible for students to complete more than one major. Pursuing a second major takes a great deal of thoughtful planning including timely scheduling of courses. Students at SRU are not required to have a minor; however, a number of students do choose to pursue a minor, often one which is related to their interest in Social Work. Finally, there are many “tracks” and certificate programs which allow students to “concentrate” in an area of interest. Even if students do not take officially recognized minors of concentrations, they are advised to select those elective courses which may be helpful in their future practice of Social Work, for example, choosing courses pertaining to children and youth, criminal justice, or mental health.

Space does not permit a listing of all possible minors or concentrations. Several of those which Social Work students have found helpful in the past are listed. A complete list of minors and concentrations, including specific course requirements, can be found in the university’s undergraduate catalog.

9 Student Organizations in Social Work

In addition to the classroom and the field, students also have an opportunity to participate in Social Work related student organizations. The Social Work Club is an organization promoting service and education. A major activity of the club is organizing the annual Spring Social Work Conference. Phi Alpha Omicron Upsilon is the Social Work National Honor Society To be eligible, students must have declared social work as a major, achieved sophomore status, completed nine semester hours or twelve hours of required social work courses, achieved an overall grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.o scale), and achieved a 3.25 grade point average in required social work courses. Also, since the program is accredited by CSWE, students are eligible for student membership in the Nationals Association of Social Workers.

Student Representation in the Program

The social work program supports students’ rights and responsibilities to participate in formulating and modifying policies affecting academic and student affairs. (CSWE EPAS 3.2.9). The program also provides opportunities and encourages students to organize in their interests; i.e., the Social Work Club and the Phi Alpha Honor Society. (CSWE EPAS 3.3.10).

10 Policy on Continued Enrollment in the Social Work Program

Professional Performance Expectation Policy

Besides having intelligence and academic ability, students studying Social Work must be able to engage in constructive helping relationships with people. This ability is especially critical as social workers often encounter vulnerable people who are experiencing a variety of psychosocial problems. It is imperative that social workers possess good judgment and a high degree of emotional stability.

As students matriculate through the social work program, they are continuously evaluated in the classroom and in field placement to determine their appropriateness for the profession. In addition, students will be evaluated annually by the social work program regarding their suitability for social work practice. The first step will begin with interviews with faculty advisors/program faculty evaluating non-academic criteria. All students are reviewed each year and a special review is conducted upon application to the internship.

The standards for professional conduct as students are delineated in the Code of Conduct found in the Social Work Student Handbook, which all social work students must sign and abide by when accepted into the major. Students are expected to maintain the standards set forth in the Code of Conduct.

1. Performance a. Requirements: i. Plans and organizes work effectively ii. Turns in assignments that are complete and on time iii. Makes arrangements for special needs in a timely manner iv. Attends class regularly v. Maintains at least a 2.5 GPA in the major and a B average in all social work courses vi. Maintains at least a 2.0 overall grade point average vii.Demonstrates good organization of writing that follows a logical sequence viii.Demonstrates use of critical thinking skills in communication ix.Able to clearly articulate ideas, thoughts, and concepts x.Able to communicate clearly with clients, supervisors, peers, and faculty b. Indicators of concern: i. Poor organizational skills ii. Repeated requests for extensions on assignments and exams iii. Late or incomplete assignments iv. Multiple absences from class or field placement v. Lying, cheating, or plagiarizing vi. Unable to express information clearly and concisely either verbally or in writing vii.Unable to master the conventions of writing in written documents

11 2. Conduct/Behavior a. Requirements: i. Act in a manner which shows a recognition of individual worth and dignity ii. Be willing and able to communicate clearly and effectively iii. Acts on the basis of generally accepted social work values including the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of people, and a respect for individual self-determination iv.Exhibit an appreciation and respect for human diversity v.Willingness to serve all people in need, regardless of age, class, color, race, culture, ethnicity, family structure, marital status, national origin, religion, gender, handicap, or sexual orientation vi.Demonstrates ability to work cooperatively with others vii.Actively participates in class viii.Shows respect for other’s opinions ix.Open to positive or negative feedback from peers and faculty x.Conducts herself or himself according to the NASW Code of Ethics b. Indicators of concern: i. Imposing one’s own personal, sexual, religious, or political preference on clients ii. Creates conflict in class iii. Uncooperative or unwilling to participate in class activities iv.Consistently late for class or field placement or leaves class or field placement early v.Sleeps during class vi.Disrupts class process by talking to others

Professional Performance Expectation Policy Committee Review Process

1. When a faculty member has identified that a student demonstrates at least one of the indicators of concern, he or she will meet with the student. At this meeting, the student and faculty member will develop a plan for addressing the concern. The plan will include a description of specific behaviors/concerns, goals for improvement, specific tasks for achieving goals and time limit for accomplishing the changes. The student, faculty member, and Social Work program Director will receive a copy of the plan. The Program Director will meet with the student periodically to review his or her progress.

2. If the student has not made significant progress within the time allotted or continues to demonstrate indicators of concern, the faculty member will submit a brief written statement to the Standards Review Committee (all social work faculty members) regarding the issues, concerns, and a recommendation regarding the student. The statement should include a copy of the plan and any pertinent documentation. The faculty member should inform the student that he/she is proceeding with this step in the review process and send a copy of the letter with the guidelines for the Review Process.

12 3. The elected committee chairperson will call a meeting within seven working days of receiving the statement. The student is informed, in writing, of the time and date of the meeting. In addition, the student will be given the name(s) of witnesses and faculty members who will be attending, and the specific issues that are to be addressed. This notice will also include a list of possible recommendations the committee could make. The student may bring representation and documentation on his/her behalf.

4. The committee members, faculty member , and the student meet at the designated date and time. Issues and concerns are presented. The student is given the opportunity to present his or her own response and produce oral testimony or written statements of witnesses. The student may present any other supportive documentation.

5. The committee will then meet to decide what action should be taken. The following may be recommended: a. Dismissal of the original plan b. Continuation of the original plan c. Revision of the original plan

If either b or c is recommended, then the committee will set up another date with the student to review the student’s progress.

6. If the student again fails to complete the revised plan or abide by the plan or the student’s academic behavior is such that she or he would be unable to satisfactorily perform as a social worker, then the committee shall have the authority to: a. Recommend to the faculty in whose course the student is enrolled that a failing grade be given to the student for the course. b. Institute a probationary period for the student with specific tasks, goals, and timelines. c. Suspend the student from the Social Work program for a period of up to one year. d. Terminate the student from the Social Work Program.

7. If the decision is made to suspend or terminate the student from the Social Work program, the student has the right to appeal.

8. The student is informed of the decision in writing within three days of the meeting of the Student Standards Review Committee.

9. A copy of the decision of the Student Standards Review Committee is placed in the student’s file.

Appeals Process

Any student adversely affected by a program decision can appeal the decision. The first step is to request an appearance before the department to request consideration. The next step is to ask for a review by the Dean of the College of Business, Information, and Social Sciences. Finally, the Social Equity Office may also review cases in which a student alleges discrimination on the basis of factors other than those delineated in the policy.

13 Policy on Sequence of Courses

The Social Work Major comprises a carefully planned sequence of courses which fosters the development of knowledge and skills of increasing complexity. Students are required to complete two pre-admission courses: Human Diversity (81.105), and Introduction to Social Work (81.251). Students are required to complete courses in liberal studies, human behavior and the social environment, social work practice, research, social welfare policy and services, and field instruction. The planning aid contained in the Social Work Program Handbook should assist in the proper sequencing of courses. Because not all courses are offered each semester, advisement is important in making long-range plans to ensure that students enroll in the proper courses. There is some flexibility in scheduling but the following are absolute prerequisites:

Introduction to Social Work (SOWK 251) must be completed before enrollment in any social work methods course.

Social Welfare Institutions (SOWK 250) must precede Social Policy Issues (SOWK 407).

Introduction to Psychology (Psyc 105), and Principles of Sociology (Prof 201) must be taken before or concurrently with Human Behavior and the Social Environment I & II.

Social Work Methods courses must be taken in sequence. Social Work Methods I must be completed before enrolling in Social Work Methods II or III.

Social Work Integrative Seminar (SOWK 460) must be taken along with or after the Internship (SOWK 450).

As the liberal arts courses provide a foundation for the social work courses, the liberal studies requirements which are prerequisites for the major must be completed by the end of the sophomore year.

Because of the need to follow this course sequence, students who transfer into the Social Work Program and those who change from other majors to social work are advised that it may require more than eight semesters to complete the liberal studies and social work major courses. Please refer to the section of the handbook on transferring and changing to the Social Work Major. Students should talk with their advisors about a plan for meeting the requirements.

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ADMISSION TO SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, PA 16057

The Social Work Major consists of a carefully planned sequence of courses which allow students to develop knowledge and skills in increasing complexity. Although students may declare a major in Social Work at any time, students are formally admitted to the program only after completing Human Diversity (SOWK 105), and Introduction to Social Work (SOWK 251),writing the admission essay to the Social Work Program, and completing the application and interview with the advisor. Admission is reviewed prior to enrollment in Social Work Methods I. Please complete this application and submit it to the Social Work Admission Committee. You will be notified of your acceptance by the Social Work Program Admissions Committee.

Name______Student ID Number______

School Address______Phone (cell):______(LL):______

Home Address______Phone (cell):______(LL):______Email Address ______

A. Basic Courses (on lines indicated please record grades for these courses)

____College Writing I (Eng 101) ____Public Speaking (Comm 200)

____College Writing II (Eng 103) ____Beginning Algebra (ASSD 110) (grade or exemption)

B. Social Work and Supporting Courses (on lines indicated, please record grades for these courses)

____Human Diversity (SOWK 105) ____Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 105)

____Principles of Sociology (PROF 201) ____American National Government (POLS 101)

____Social Welfare Institutions (SOWK 250) ____Human Behavior & the Social Environment I (SOWK 328)*

____Introduction to Social Work (SOWK 251) ___Human Behavior & the Social Environment II (SOWK 329)*

*May be taken concurrently with Social Work Methods I upon admission.

15 C. Admission Interview with Advisor

While enrolled in Introduction to Social Work (SOWK 251), the student must complete an admission interview with the academic advisor. Students will not be admitted to Social Work Methods I (SOWK 355) or officially admitted to the Social Work Program until successful completion of the interview. Check the “yes” blank and secure your advisor’s signature upon completion of the interview.

Has the application interview been successfully completed?

______Yes ______Advisor’s Signature ______Date

D. Specify Current SWQPA (2.5 or higher required for admission) ______

Candidate has met requirements and is admitted to the Social Work Program?

Yes _____ No _____ Reason: ______

______

______Signature of Program Coordinator Date

STUDENT ADMISSION CONTRACT

The Social Work Program at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is a professional education program. As such, students are required to adhere to the standards , ethics, and values of the profession as identified by the National Association of Social Work (NASW). In addition, the program must meet the standards set by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The following professional/ behavior expectations are based on the NASW Code of Ethics and CSWE’s accreditation standards for problems encountered in social work education.

1. Social Work students are expected to uphold and advance the values, ethics, and mission of the profession.

2. Social Work students are expected to treat fellow students, faculty, and staff with respect, honesty, courtesy, and fairness, and should avoid unwarranted criticism.

3. Social Work students should not practice, condone, facilitate, or collaborate with any form of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, or mental or physical disability.

4. Social Work students should not participate in, condone, or be associated with dishonesty, fraud, deception, or plagiarism.

16 5. Social Work students whose personal problems, psychosocial distress, legal problems, substance abuse, or mental difficulties interfere with their abilities to meet program requirements will be expected to take appropriate remedial action.

6. Social Work students should not allow their private conduct to interfere with their ability to meet the program’s expectations.

7. Social Work students engaged in research are expected to follow guidelines developed for the protection of the participants by the University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB).

8. Social Work students are expected to continue to work on areas of professional growth. If a faculty member refers a student to the Student Standards Review Committee, it is expected that the student will follow through with the committee’s decisions.

9. I have been notified that the Social Work Program Manual is available online.

Statement of Understanding I understand that, although I am admitted to the social work program at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, if my professional development is not deemed satisfactory by the social work faculty (Student Standards Review Committee), the program has the right and responsibility to request reevaluation of my suitability for the social work program. I hereby agree to abide by the standards outlined in this document, and further understand that I must maintain a 2.00 overall grade point average and a 2.5 in social work courses.

______Signature of Candidate Date

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