Sociology and Social Work Dual Degree Program Student Handbook
2013-2014
Table of Contents
The University of West Alabama Mission Statement ...... 4 Greetings from the Program Coordinator ...... 5 Purpose of the Handbook ...... 6 The College of Liberal Arts ...... 6 Department of Behavioral Sciences Mission Statement...... 6 Department Administrators and Staff ...... 6 Department Faculty ...... 6 The Sociology and Social Work Dual Degree Program ...... 7 Goals and Objectives of Sociology ...... 7 Goals and Objectives of Social Work ...... 8 Social Work Competencies and Learning Behaviors ...... 9 Dual-Degree UWA/UA Transfer Admission Requirements ...... 12 Student Responsibilities and Academic Advising ...... 12 The Dual-Degree Program Curriculum ...... 13 Required Courses ...... 13 Curriculum ...... 14 BSW Degree Requirements ...... 15 Admission to the Professional Program ...... 16 Field Education (SW 490) ...... 1 7 Academic Policies ...... 18 Academic Forgiveness ...... 18 Academic Integrity ...... 18 Academic Progress and Academic Standing ...... 18 Course Substitution ...... 19 Dropping and Adding Courses ...... 19 Final Examinations ...... 19 Registration ...... 19 Students’ Professional Preparedness ...... 19 Transfer Credit ...... 20 Class Attendance, Assignments, and Assessment ...... 21 University-wide Academic Grievance Procedures ...... 21 Voluntary Student Review Process ...... 21
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Withdrawal from the University ...... 21 Nonacademic Policies…………………...... 22 The University of West Alabama Harassment Policy ...... 22 Resources for Students ...... 22 Tiger Card ...... 22 University Police ...... 22 Books ...... 22 Career Services ...... 22 Disability Services ...... 22 Financial Aid ...... 22 University Health Services ...... 22 International Programs ...... 22 Library Services ...... 22 Mail and Other Forms of Communication ...... 22 Personal Counseling ...... 22 Student Support Services ...... 22 The Writing Center ...... 22 Appendix A: Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards ...... 23 Appendix B: Summary of the NASW Code of Ethics ...... 24 Appendix C: Dual Degree Forms and Information ...... 25 Appendix D: University of West Alabama Academic Integrity Disciplinary Policy ...... 36 Appendix E: University-wide Academic Grievance Procedures ...... 37 Appendix F: University of West Alabama Harassment Policy ...... 38
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The University of West Alabama Mission Statement
The University of West Alabama is a state-supported, coeducational institution of higher learning governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor. As a regional institution, the University’s foremost commitment is to meeting the educational needs of the State and particularly of the West Alabama area. Valuing a diverse student enrollment, though, it also welcomes students from throughout the United States and from other countries.
The primary purpose of the University is to provide opportunities for students to pursue a quality education through associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and education specialist degrees in liberal arts, natural sciences and mathematics, pre-professional programs, nursing, technology, business, and education. Importance is placed on providing opportunities within the curricula for the development of enhanced skills in critical thinking, communication, leadership, and computer literacy. The University also seeks to provide students opportunities for growth beyond the classroom through a wide range of extracurricular activities, programs, and services and through the maintenance of an environment of cultural and intellectual diversity. Through the total educational experience that it provides and through its encouragement of the free exchange of ideas among faculty, administration, and students, the University attempts to assist its students in developing the important qualities of independent thinking and respect for the ideas of others and in building firm foundations of personal integrity and character in order to realize their quests for a philosophy of life and for self-fulfillment.
At the University of West Alabama, the emphasis is upon the traditional learner, but the institution is also committed to furthering the concept of lifelong learning and to serving the non-traditional student. It considers among its clientele are high schools, businesses and industries, governmental agencies, and professional workers. In serving these diverse publics, the institution employs not only traditional means of delivery, but it also seeks to expand its use of innovative technologies, including distance learning, and to networking with other educational institutions and agencies in order to more comprehensively address the needs of its region.
In fulfilling its mission, the University seeks to employ a vibrant, talented, and diverse faculty. In the recruitment and retention of this faculty, as with all members of the University community, the institution, consistent with its academic heritage, maintains an openness to all qualified persons.
Excellence in teaching and advising is paramount to the faculty, but the members are also committed to providing leadership and fostering positive growth throughout West Alabama through research and public service, with primary emphasis on that which meets the educational, social, cultural, and economic needs of the region.
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Greetings from the Dual Degree Coordinator
The faculty, staff, and administration of the University of West Alabama Department of Behavioral Sciences would like to welcome you to the Sociology and Social Work Dual-Degree Program. Whether you are a dual degree major, social work minor or prospective applicant, you will find that at UWA and The University of Alabama both institutions have an excellent academic program designed to introduce you to one of the most diverse professions today. The program and its curriculum stress the value of diversity, and the importance of promoting social and economic justice, which are core values of the profession of social work.
The primary goal of the Sociology and Social Work Dual-Degree Program is to prepare Program is to prepare students for generalist social work practice. Graduates of our program are prepared to assist people of all ages, from all walks of life, with all kinds of problems in a variety of settings. Students can declare a major in Dual Degree Sociology/Social Work by declaring an initial Sociology Major and Social Work Minor when they are freshmen, and then apply for the Dual Degree program at the end of their first year.
Many resources are available to help our students as they navigate through the BSW Program of study. In this handbook, you will find information regarding requirements for admission to the professional program, graduation, and the social welfare minor. As chair of the BSW Program, I am available to answer your questions by e-mail, by phone, or by appointment. Other members of the administration, faculty, and staff are available as well. You can find a full list of faculty, administration, and staff contact information on pages 10 and 11.
Best wishes to you on the beginning of an exciting and challenging academic journey in pursuit of your BS in Sociology and BSW degrees or. Again, welcome to the Dual Degree Sociology and Social Work program.
Dana K. Harmon, PhD, MSW Dual-Degree Coordinator [email protected] 205-652-3807
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Purpose of the Handbook
This handbook has been designed to supplement The University of West Alabama 2013-2014 General Catalogue with details about the Sociology and Social Work Dual Degree Program in the Department of Behavioral Sciences. It provides an overview of the policies governing the Dual-Degree Program and of the procedures for successful progress toward completion of a Bachelor of Science in Sociology at the University of West Alabama and the Bachelor of Social Work at The University of Alabama, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The Dual-Degree Coordinator at UWA and the staff at the School of Social Work at UA will provide strong commitment and guidance in fostering students being able to engage in educational opportunities that promise to challenge and excite the learner in the hope of creating and sustaining a better life and world. For additional advice and/or clarification of policies and procedures, students should consult their assigned academic advisor or the Dual-Degree Program Coordinator. Please keep in mind that the responsibility for completion of requirements for an undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of West Alabama and a BSW degree from The University of Alabama rests with the student.
The College of Liberal Arts
Department of Behavioral Sciences Mission Statement
The Department of Behavioral Sciences advances the University of West Alabama’s mission to improve key student qualities of independent thinking, respect, and integrity by educating individuals to better understand themselves, others, and their community.
Dual-Degree Program Administrators and Staff
Timothy Edwards, PhD, Dean of College of Liberal Arts ...... 407 Wallace Fannie Tucker, Secretary to the Dean...... 407 Wallace
Mark D. Davis, PhD, Department Chairperson, Behavioral Sciences...... 407A Wallace Wendy Jenkins, Secretary, Behavioral Sciences ...... 410a Wallace
Dana K. Harmon, PhD, MSW, Dual-Degree Program Coordinator...... 405 Wallace Wendy Jenkins, Secretary, Behavioral Sciences ...... 410a Wallace
Link to the Department of Behavioral Sciences Faculty
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The Sociology and Social Work Dual-Degree Program
The primary goal of the Dual-Degree program is to prepare students in understanding the systematic study of human society, social groups, and social interaction from a sociological perspective and prepare students for generalist social work practice, entry-level professional social work positions, state social work licensure, and graduate education in social work. The program is made possible through the shared resources of the University of West Alabama (UWA) and The University of Alabama (UA). As generalist practitioners, graduates are prepared with skills to assist individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in achieving goals and solving problems. The BSW is the first practice degree. Graduates of the BSW program at UA are expected to work in beginning-level positions under the supervision of an experienced MSW practitioner. A secondary goal of the BSW Program is to prepare students for graduate study in social work and related fields.
This program allows an undergraduate student to attend the University of West Alabama for approximately three years and then transfer to the School of Social Work at The University of Alabama. In order for a student to become a Dual-Degree candidate at The University of Alabama, he or she must have a recommendation from the Dual-Degree coordinator at the University of West Alabama, have a minimum of a 2.25 GPA overall and a 2.5 GPA in Social Work classes in the required work at UWA, and satisfy the admission requirements of the School of Social Work at the University of Alabama. After completing the academic requirements of the two cooperating institutions, the student will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of West Alabama and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Alabama.
The Department of Behavioral Sciences at UWA also offers a minor in Social Work. Requirements for an undergraduate minor in Social Work include SW 100, SW 200, SW 320, SW 360, and nine additional hours of social work courses. At least one of the additional courses must be at the 300-level or above. Students must also maintain a 2.0 overall GPA and a 2.0 resident GPA on all SW courses to earn the social work minor.
Goals and Objectives of the Undergraduate Program in Sociology
Goals of the Sociology Degree
The Sociology degree is designed to cultivate in students an appreciation for the sociological imagination by examining how humans interact, how they organize together and form enduring social institutions, and how human lives and societies change over time.
Objectives of the Sociology Degree
Graduates will be able to: 1. Analyze their personal experiences using the sociological imagination.
2. Apply sociological concepts to the analysis of social issues and problems.
3. Explain the effect that social forces and social institutions have on individual and group behavior.
4. Understand structural inequalities based on race, class, and gender.
5. Evaluate the quantitative and qualitative methods used in sociological research.
6. Pursue careers in social welfare and social change and/or pursue graduate study in the social sciences.
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Goals and Objectives of the Undergraduate Program in Social Work
Goals of the BSW Program
The BSW Program prepares students for evidence-informed generalist social work practice and graduate study in social work and related fields.
Objectives of the BSW Program
Graduates will be able to:
1. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice.
2. Understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and principles, and practice accordingly.
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 mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice.
5. Understand and interpret the history of the social work profession and its contemporary structures and issues.
6. Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice with systems of all sizes.
7. Use theoretical frameworks supported by empirical evidence to understand individual development and behavior across the life span and the interactions among individuals and between individuals and families, groups, organizations, and communities.
8. Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies.
9. Evaluate research studies, apply research findings to practice, and evaluate their own practice interventions.
10. Use communication skills differentially across client populations, colleagues, and communities.
11. Use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice.
12. Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems, and seek necessary organizational change.
13. Use opportunities for continuing professional education to enhance their professional development.
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Social Work Competencies and Practice Behaviors
The following are the competencies and practice behaviors that guide the social work curriculum, instruction and assessment. Details of the CSWE competencies and practice behaviors are located in Appendix A.
Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly.