Department of Social Work Student Handbook 2018 - 2019 1 Methodist University Social Work Program Student Handbook “The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life.” ― Jane Addams 2 Dear Social Work Major: This handbook is designed to help you understand the requirements for the Social Work major at Methodist University. If you have questions about the profession of Social Work or the major, please talk with me. Social Work is a rewarding profession, and one that is expected to show continued growth during the 21st century. You can work in a variety of settings with a major in Social Work, and it is an ideal profession through which you can express your desire to help others. Our Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Our major leads to the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. The Department offers quality preparation for entry-level generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. You will graduate prepared to work with many types and sizes of client systems. You will graduate with professional knowledge, values, and skills. You will have mastered the competencies and practice behaviors necessary to advocate for social and economic justice. Social Workers are employed in public, non-profit, and private agencies such as nursing homes, hospice, hospitals, centers serving children and older persons, domestic violence programs, mental health centers, schools, residential treatment programs, government agencies, substance abuse rehabilitation and treatment agencies, courts, and many other settings. Some Social Workers take jobs in private industry, employee assistance programs, or enter fields such as the ministry or law. Over half of our graduates have chosen to obtain advanced degrees in Social Work. Our graduates are now working in many states and foreign countries. This handbook is designed to answer many of your questions about Social Work as a profession and as a major. As a Methodist University Social Work graduate you will be joining a group of outstanding individuals who are committed to excellence in Social Work. You will find our program warm, supportive, and friendly. You will be challenged academically and equipped with the necessary tools to serve our clients as world changers. The faculty and staff of the Social Work Department stand ready to help you in every way possible. We are committed to educating and training the next generation of exceptional Social Work practitioners. Best wishes to you as you pursue your degree in Social Work. Sincerely, Carla A. Fagan Carla A. Fagan, Ph.D. Chair, Social Work Department 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Methodist University Mission Statement .......................................................................... 6 About the Social Work Profession ................................................................................... 6 Purposes of Social Work ................................................................................................. 7 A Brief History of our Program ........................................................................................ 8 Methodist University Social Work Program Mission Statement ....................................... 9 Conceptual Model: Generalist Social Work Practice ....................................................... 9 Goals of Methodist University Social Work Program ...................................................... 9 Program Objectives ....................................................................................................... 10 Credit for Life and Work Experience Not Given ............................................................. 11 Transfer of Credit .......................................................................................................... 11 Declaring a Social Work Major ...................................................................................... 11 Formal Admission to the Program ................................................................................. 12 Denial of Admission or Termination from the Program .................................................. 15 Procedure for Dismissal from the Program ................................................................... 15 Grievance and Appeal ................................................................................................... 15 Expectations of Program Majors ................................................................................... 16 Professional Standards Policy ....................................................................................... 16 Social Work Department Attendance Policy .................................................................. 19 Social Work Department Writing Policy ......................................................................... 20 Requirements for Graduation ........................................................................................ 22 Methodist University Social Work Program Requirements/Course Description……… 24 The Social Work Curriculum .......................................................................................... 26 Introduction to Social Work ........................................................................................... 26 4 Professional Writing and Critical Thinking ..................................................................... 28 Human Behavior and the Social Environment ............................................................... 30 Helping Processes ........................................................................................................ 38 Methods of Social Research ......................................................................................... 42 Diversity ........................................................................................................................ 46 Social Welfare Policy and Services ............................................................................... 48 Practice Methods .......................................................................................................... 55 Field Education ............................................................................................................. 64 Capstone Seminar ………………………………………………………………………… 71 Evaluation of Performance ............................................................................................ 78 Social Work Program Grading Scale ............................................................................. 79 Affirmative Action/Non-discrimination ............................................................................ 79 Methodist University Statement on Sexual Harassment................................................ 81 Advisement ................................................................................................................... 85 The Social Work Club .................................................................................................... 87 Phi Alpha-Eta Rho Chapter-National Social Work Honor Society ................................. 87 Sigma Omega Chi ......................................................................................................... 87 Student Awards ............................................................................................................. 88 Graduate Schools and Career Planning and Placement Office .................................... 88 North Carolina Child Welfare Education Collaborative ……………………....…… ..…….88 Social Work Program Application Criteria ..................................................................... 89 Application for Admission to Social Work Program ....................................................... 91 Constitution of the Social Work Club ............................................................................. 98 5 By-Laws of the Phi Alpha Honor Society ..................................................................... 100 Social Work Program Faculty ...................................................................................... 104 CSWE Curriculum Policy Statement ........................................................................... 105 NASW Code of Ethics ................................................................................................. 123 Social Work Courses Offered……………………………………..………………………. 146 Some Things Potential Social Work Majors Need to Know ......................................... 150 Faculty Contact Info ……………………………………………………………………. 153 METHODIST UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT Methodist University, historically supported by the North Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, owes its origin and values to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The University is committed to an ecumenical spirit, respects diversity, and recognizes the dignity and worth of all human beings. The University’s Programs are based on the conviction that a liberally-educated person is sensitive to the needs and rights of others. Methodist University affirms the importance of intellectual values and ethical principles such as truth, virtue, justice, and love. The University community seeks to develop whole persons who will contribute substantially and creatively to the professions and to civic life. Therefore, Methodist University provides opportunities for spiritual, academic, and social growth, to the end that students may acquire enlightened minds