SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM Capital University. Student Handbook

Transcription

1 SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM Capital University Student Handbook Revised 2013

2 INTRODUCTION...4 Welcome to Capital University s Social Work Program... 4 Mission Statement... 4 Program Goals... 4 Learning Outcomes/Core Competencies and Practice Behaviors:... 5 Definition of Social Work... 7 Generalist Practice... 7 Faculty/Student Confidentiality Policy... 8 ADMISSION TO THE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM...8 Admissions: Policies/Procedures... 8 Admission Requirements For the BSW Program... 9 Timing... 9 Decision... 9 Full & Conditional Status Good Standing Probation Transfer Students Transferring Credits into the Program Conditional and Formal Admission to Program...12 Readmission to the Program Suspension/Dismissal Academic Disqualification Disciplinary Disqualification SUITABILITY FOR THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION...13 Areas Of Concern STUDENTS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES...15 Academic Integrity Cheating Plagiarism Fabrication Citing Sources CONSEQUENCES OF ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT...16 Cheating Policy GENERAL CONDUCT...18 Human Dignity Policy Sexual Harassment Policy STUDENT RIGHTS REGARDING GRIEVANCES/PROCEDURES...18 SUMMARY...21 ADVISING INFORMATION...21 STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES...22 Geriatric Certificate Independent Study Student Representative on The Program Advisory Council

3 Student Participation in Hiring Social Work Faculty Student Evaluation of Courses, Instructors and Practicum: Program Assessment Professional Development/Employment Assistance Student Social Work Association Honors/Awards Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities Social Work Program Discrimination Statement...25 VALUE STATEMENT/PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY: Problem Definitions: Position Statement: Acknowledgement of Receipt...27 Student Resources...28 Code of Ethics...29 Preamble Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics Ethical Principles Ethical Standards

4 INTRODUCTION Welcome to Capital University s Social Work Program This manual is intended for social work majors, and those who are considering entering into Capital University s CSWE accredited Social Work Program major. CSWE means Council on Social Work Education, and accreditation means that we are a nationally accredited social work program providing a consistent education in social work values, knowledge and skills. This consistency and our constant efforts to be current in the social work field, enable the successful BSW student s entry into graduate MSW programs and the ability to take the state s LSW licensing exam. Most importantly, it also gives our graduates the confidence that they have received a generalist social work education & experience that supports their ability to begin quality social work practice upon graduation. For those who are interested in social work but do not want to major in it, we offer certificates for specific areas of study, and a minor in social welfare. Welcome to social work. Please read the following information carefully, and feel free to contact the Capital University Social Work Program regarding any questions. The department telephone number is (614) Mission Statement The mission of the social work program is to prepare students for generalist practice across rural and urban settings. Students become aware of their responsibility for continued professional growth, and are committed to the alleviation of poverty, oppression, and discrimination. The program is committed to knowledge building based on the principal of social and economic justice within a global context to all people throughout the region and nation at large. Program Goals 1. Prepare students for generalist social work practice in rural and urban settings with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. 2. Prepare students with a foundation for lifelong learning, including graduate education, and an awareness of their responsibility to continue their professional growth and development. 3. Prepare students with a broad liberal arts foundation that emphasizes development of critical thinking skills and a liberal arts perspective. 4. Prepare students to practice within the values and ethics of the social work profession with an emphasis on service to vulnerable populations and the promotion of social and economic justice and empowerment worldwide. 5. Prepare students to understand a scientific, analytic and ethical approach to building knowledge for practice, and to develop the skills to evaluate their own practice. 6. Prepare students to integrate technological advancements in their practice. 4

5 Pursuant to its mission, the Social Work Program supports and affirms the Equal Opportunity Policy of Capital University, and its commitment to diversity and nondiscrimination is revealed through the composition of its faculty, staff and student body; the content of the curriculum, recruitment and retention processes, community service commitment, the choice of field practicum sites, promotion and tenure policies, and the dissemination of this commitment to its various constituencies. Learning Outcomes/Core Competencies and Practice Behaviors: 1. PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY a. Advocate for client access to the services of social work b. Practice personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional development c. Attend to professional roles and boundaries d. Demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance and communication e. Engage in career-long learning f. Use supervision and consultation 2. ETHICAL PRINCIPLES a. Recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide practice b. Make ethical decisions by applying standards of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics c. Tolerate ambiguity in resolving ethical conflicts d. Apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions 3. CRITICAL THINKING a. Distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge, including research-based knowledge, and practice wisdom b. Analyze models of assessment, prevention, intervention, and evaluation c. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication in working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities and colleagues 4. ENGAGE DIVERSITY AND DIFFERENCE a. Recognize the extent to which a culture s structures and values may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create, or enhance privilege and power b. Gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse groups c. Recognize and communicate their understanding of the importance of difference in shaping life experience d. View themselves as learners and engage those with whom they work as informants 5. ADVANCE HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE a. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and Discrimination 5

6 b. Advocate for human rights and social and economic justice c. Engage in practices that advance social and economic justice 6. RESEARCH-INFORMED PRACTICE AND PRACTICE-INFORMED RESEARCH a. Use practice experience to inform scientific inquiry b. Research evidence to inform practice 7. KNOWLEDGE OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL ENVORONMENT a. Utilize conceptual frameworks to guide the processes of assessment, intervention, and evaluation b. Critique and apply knowledge to understand person and environment 8. POLICY PRACTICE-ADVANCE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC WELL-BEING AND DELIVER EFFECTIVE SOCIAL WORK SERVICES a. Analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance social well-being b. Collaborate with colleagues and clients for effective policy action 9. CONTEXTS THAT SHAPE PRACTICE a. Continuously discover, appraise, and attend to changing locales, populations, scientific and technological developments, and emerging societal trends to provide relevant services b. Provide leadership in promoting sustainable changes in service delivery and practice to improve the quality of social services 10. ENGAGE, ASSESS, INTERVENE AND EVALUATE WITH INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMUNITIES a. Engagement: 1. Substantively and affectively prepare for action with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities 2. Use empathy and other interpersonal skills 3. Develop a mutually agreed-upon focus of work and desired outcomes b. Assessment: 1. Collect, organize and interpret client data 2. Assess client strengths and limitations 3. Develop mutually agreed-upon intervention goals and objectives 4. Select appropriate intervention strategies c. Intervention: 1. Initiate actions to achieve organizational goals 2. Implement prevention interventions that enhance client capacities 3. Help clients resolve problems 4. Negotiate, mediate, and advocate for clients 5. Facilitate transitions and endings d. Evaluation: 1. Social workers critically analyze, monitor and evaluate interventions 6

7 Definition of Social Work The social worker is a professional who uses his or her professional skills, knowledge and values in generalist practice to optimize clients functioning in their social environment. The social worker is also responsible for advocating for social change to support the optimal functioning of clients. (Zastrow, 2012), Generalist Practice Capital University is committed to preparing its social work students for generalist social work practice. Generalist practice may be defined as follows: The basic principle of generalist practice is that baccalaureate social workers are able to utilize the problem solving process to intervene with various size systems including individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The generalist operates within a systems and person-in- the environment framework (sometimes referred to as an ecological model). The generalist expects that many problems will require simultaneous intervention in more than one system (e.g., individual work with a delinquent adolescent plus work with the family or school) and address problems with a strengthsoriented perspective. Generalist practitioners may play several roles simultaneously or sequentially, depending upon the needs of the client (e.g., facilitator, advocate, educator, broker, enabler, case manager, and/or mediator). They may serve as lead/facilitator of task groups, socialization groups, information groups, and self-help groups. They are capable of conducting needs assessments and evaluating their own practice and the programs with which they are associated. They make referrals when client problems so dictate and know when to utilize supervision from more experienced staff. Generalists operate within the ethical guidelines prescribed by the NASW Code of Ethics and must be able to work with clients, coworkers, and colleagues from different ethnic, cultural and professional orientations. The knowledge and skills of the generalist are transferable from one setting to another and from one problem to another. ( Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2011) References: Kirst-Ashman, K. & Hull, G. (2011) Understanding generalist practice, 6 th edition. Stamford, CT, Centgage Learning. Zastrow, C. (2012) The practice of social work, 7 th ed. Stamford, CT. Centgage Learning. 7

8 Faculty/Student Confidentiality Policy See below for legally required exceptions Exceptions in Student/Instructor Relationship There are several exceptions to student/instructor confidentiality. Included are cases involving intent to harm others, situations where people are dangerous to themselves, legal proceedings that subpoena records, and allegations of abuse. The state of Ohio requires professionals to report instances of known or suspected abuse against children and the elderly. As helping and teaching professionals, social work educators appear to also have an obligation to report child or senior neglect and/or abuse, as does the social worker in the practice setting. (Meier & Long, 1998) Additionally regarding professional ethics, social work educators have an ethical responsibility to not engage in any dual or multiple relationships with students in which there is a risk of possible exploitation or potential harm to the student. (NASW, 1996; Meier & Long, 1998) References: Meier, M. & Long, D. (1998) Student disclosures in social work education. Journal of Baccalaureate Social Work, 4 (1). National Association of Social Workers. (2008) Code of ethics. Washington, D.C. : NASW ADMISSION TO THE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM Admissions: Policies/Procedures Any student who is granted admission to the university may declare a social work major. It is important to note that admission to Capital University does not result in automatic admission to the Social Work Program. To attain this, the student must complete an application to the Social Work Program, file two references with the Social Work Program Associate, maintain a 2.5 grade point average, and arrange an interview with appropriate Social Work Program faculty members. The purpose of this meeting is to clarify with the student programmatic and personal goals, expectations of the Social Work Program, and determine the goodness of fit between the student and the profession. At this point, students may be admitted to the program fully, admitted conditionally, or rejected from program admission. Note also that program admission is predicated on the student either having brought in via transcript a human service immersion experience (e.g., previous field placement successfully passed) or completion of SWK 100. The student subsequently will be assigned a social work faculty member as an advisor if one has not already been assigned. The advisor will be the first contact person for the student for any questions, concerns or problems, in addition to providing academic advising. 8

9 Admission Requirements For the BSW Program The Bachelor of Social Work Program at Capital University has been developed to integrate a liberal arts foundation and specific social work prerequisites and major only courses. The major is built upon a generalist social work practice model which incorporates a strengths-oriented, problemsolving social systems perspective that considers the person-in-environment. To ensure that the program selects and graduates students who will be representative of the highest standards of professionalism, THIS ADMISSIONS PROCESS IS REQUIRED for all students who intend to receive the BSW. To be fully accepted into the social work major, the student must: 1. Complete all prerequisite courses (or equivalents), which are intended to provide the student with knowledge and skills in, biology, mathematics, psychology and sociology. 2. Submit a completed application for the Social Work Program to the program associate 3. Send two references form professionals, high school teachers, employers, etc. No relatives please. 4. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 at the time of admission to the major and have current transcript(s) on file with the university. (conditional status may be granted for GPA 2.0 to 2.49 if a contract is agreed upon that student will increase GPA to a 2.5 in a set time frame or be denied admission 5. Complete an interview with an academic advisor, admissions committee, or other designated department representative(s). Timing For best outcomes in becoming a major, contacting the department at least one semester before declaring is recommended. Student delays in timing of scheduling and graduating may otherwise occur, as courses build upon each other and are typically offered only once per academic year. Decision The Social Work Program will discuss application/documentation prior to, during and after the application process. In making its decision, faculty will consider factors such as academic functioning, motivation, commitment, experience, background, behavioral patterns and student's future goals. An additional interview with Social Work Program faculty may be required. The student will be allowed to schedule for major-only courses after acceptance into the Social Work Program. If the student does not meet all requirements for admission to the program, the student will be notified in writing. The student may then either schedule a meeting with the Department Chair for reconsideration after working on the concern, or the student may be accepted conditionally pending satisfactory completion of requirements. 9

10 If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the committee, he/she may appeal the decision through the Social Work Program grievance procedure and or the University grievance procedure (See Capital University Student Handbook, current edition for academic year) Full & Conditional Status Full status for a student in the Social Work Program is achieved when the student has fulfilled the admission and curriculum prerequisites mentioned above and has successfully completed a transcripted human service immersion experience or SWK 100. Conditional status as a social work major occurs once the student has fulfilled the admission and curriculum prerequisites but has not completed either a transcripted human service immersion experience or SWK 100, and on appropriate example of writing skills. This is required to ensure that the student, and program faculty, are comfortable with the goodness-of-fit and appropriateness of the student s choice of social work as a profession. Good Standing Good Standing occurs when a student is completing required major courses & social work prerequisites in a timely manner, and has maintained a minimum of 2.5 GPA. Students who do not meet these requirements will be suspended/dismissed or will engage in remediation of any deficiencies using the continuance policy described later in this handbook. Specifically, a social work student needs to: 1. Earn a grade of C or better in each social work course. A C in a required course does not fulfill the prerequisite for any subsequent required course. A course in which a D is earned will need to be repeated. Required course is defined as all SWK and SoSci 210, and SoSci Complete all required social work courses and maintain a minimum of 2.5 GPA. Probation A student may be placed on probation for not fulfilling the above requirements, or for not demonstrating appropriately ethics per the NASW Code of Ethics. The student will need to develop a plan of remediation with the Social Work Program (see continuance) to remedy any deficiencies. The plan must be agreed upon by the student, advisor and chair, and will act as the primary source of evaluating remediation. 10

11 Transfer Students 1. In evaluating applications for transfer admission, factors which will be considered are: academic performance at each college attended, experience, background, behavioral patterns, the student's future practice goals and goodness-of-fit with generalist social work. 2. Transfer students will be expected to complete all Capital University admission procedures, in addition to the Social Work admission requirements. 3. Transfer students will meet with a department representative to clarify requirements of the department, and will be in good standing at their institution at the time of transfer (or have graduated in good standing). Transferring Credits into the Program It is the policy of the Social Work Program to transfer credit for courses taken at another institution for certain social work courses and prerequisites, providing the following conditions are met: 1. Transfer from an institution with a CSWE accredited program: Courses must be similar in content and credit values to those they replace, and the student must have earned a grade of "C" or above. 2. Transfer from an institution with a non-accredited social work program: Course syllabi, texts, examples of course work, qualifications of the instructor(s), and course grade of "C" or higher will be reviewed to determine transferability. It is the student's responsibility to provide this information. No credit will be given for upper level (300/400) practice or policy courses. 3. Hours for a grade less than "C" will not transfer; however, when a student transfers in with a completed associate s or higher degree, all coursework that the institution gave credit for will be transferred in per Capital University admissions policy (see Capital University Bulletin, current academic year, re: transfer credit for further information). 4. Orientation courses will not be accepted as transfer credit. 5. Non-credit courses earned at previous colleges or universities will not transfer. 6. Transfer credit is not allowed for the following practice and field instruction courses: SWK 353 Social Welfare Policy SWK 370 Social Work Practice I SWK 460 Social Work Practice II SWK 461 Social Work Practice III SWK 462 Senior Field Instruction I SWK 463 Senior Field Instruction I Seminar SWK 464 Senior Field Instruction II SWK 465 Senior Field Instruction II Seminar 11

12 7. Grades for transfer courses are not recorded on the student s Capital University transcript. Consequently, a transfer student will establish a GPA from Capital University based only on courses taken at this university. A transfer student must, however, meet the requirements for continued enrollment, which correspond to the sum of the total transfer hours accepted and total hours attempted at this university. A cumulative total of 124 semester credit hours must be earned to receive the BSW degree. The student must satisfy requirements for the university core and the social work major. 8. Note: No credit toward social work requirements will be given for life experience for any student. Conditional and Formal Admission to Program Readmission to the Program A student who was previously enrolled in the Social Work Program, but who is not currently enrolled, may be readmitted to the program if the student is in good standing and has an overall GPA of 2.5 or above. A student applying for readmission with an overall academic average of 2.0, but who is otherwise in good standing, will be considered on an individual basis by the Social Work Program s admission committee. Questions regarding readmission to Capital University should be directed to the Registrar s Office. Suspension/Dismissal Students in the Social Work Program are subject to the disciplinary rules and academic regulations that govern all students of Capital University. The student is responsible for knowing these rules and regulations. See Capital University Bulletin and the Student Handbook for clarification or questions. Students may confer with the academic advisor, the department chair or the vice president for student services. Social Work education requires continuous evaluation of the performance of the student. This evaluation includes objective evaluations of two areas: 1. academic performance (maintenance of a 2.5 GPA overall) 2. performance in fieldwork Continuation in the social work major is contingent upon positive ongoing faculty evaluation of the student s grades, professional attributes, and performance in real or simulated professional situations. A student may be placed on probation, suspended or counseled out of the Social Work Program for deficiencies in any of the above. In addition, students in the Social Work Program are subject to the rules and regulations governing all students at Capital University, in regard to suspension and dismissal from the university. Note that violation of these rules and regulations, or failure to achieve acceptable standards of performance, may result in termination or suspension from the program, as described below. 12

13 Academic Disqualification Should a student's cumulative GPA fall below 2.5, the student will be placed on probationary status in the Social Work Program for the following semester. During the probationary semester, the student may be allowed to enroll in social work courses. If at the end of the probationary semester the student's cumulative GPA remains less than 2.5, the student may be officially removed from the Social Work Program. The student will then not be allowed to enroll in social work major only courses. If the student is able to raise the cumulative GPA to 2.5 or better, the student may reapply for admission into the program. If students receive a final grade of "D" or "F" in a required social work course, or Social Sciences 210 and 220, they may be placed on academic probation in the Social Work Program. Since a grade below "C" does not fulfill the prerequisite for any subsequent required social work course, the student will be required to repeat the failed course. Please note, since social work courses occur in a set sequence, a delay of one year may occur. All prerequisite social work courses must be completed prior to registration for senior field placement. In the case of disputed grades, the student is advised to follow the procedures outlined in the Capital University Student Handbook. Disciplinary Disqualification Capital University expects acceptance by the student of the college regulations. Failure to comply with these standards may subject the student to disciplinary action. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Code of Conduct and Judicial Procedures as outlined in the University's Student Handbook. Social Work majors, as citizens, are subject to civil and criminal law as well as to all college regulations governing student conduct and responsibility. A student may be suspended or terminated from the Social Work Program for violating these laws, rules or regulations. SUITABILITY FOR THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION Social Work is a profession that deals with people's lives, thereby placing a great value on our professional ethical framework. (NASW Code of Ethics, see page 29) Social workers must be able to acquire necessary knowledge and skills; also they must have professional & personal integrity, as articulated in the profession s Code of Ethics. When faculty members identify that any of these characteristics are missing or of issue with a student, they have a responsibility to confer with the department chair and other faculty. These concerns are then conveyed to the student wherein the following process will be applied. 1. Review of performance in each completed course, with greater weight being applied to those courses of more significance to social work practice. 13

14 2. Patterns of student academic performance (e.g., poor start with increasing better performance, fluctuations or continued poor performance). 3. Student motivation for professional social work practice will be reviewed in terms of interest in people and involvement in voluntary or paid helping activities; during this process, general suitability for the field of practice and potential for future development will be assessed in an ongoing fashion. 4. The student may be asked to negotiate an individual educational contract which will facilitate a demonstration of cognitive, affective and behavioral capacities for social work practice and continuation in the program. 5. Counseling out of the Social Work Program for students whose performance and aptitude have been determined to be unsatisfactory will be, insofar as possible, the result of mutual evaluation and occur early in the program to avoid unnecessary delay in the students schedules for completion of their studies and, whenever possible, precede assignment to field instruction. Areas Of Concern There are four areas of general concern in determining unsuitability for the profession of social work: 1. Violation of the NASW Code of Ethics. 2. Unsatisfactory performance in field placement (for example, absenteeism, failure to complete assignments, failure to follow instructions or other unsuitable performance). 3. Failure to follow through on faculty recommendations in relation to conditional acceptance into the major. 4. Violation of Capital University's Code of Conduct as cited in the Student Handbook. If the student does not fulfill the terms of the contract within the above time frame as set by the contract with the social work faculty or has otherwise failed to carry out the social work faculty's written recommendations, the student is considered to have failed to demonstrate adherence to the Code of Ethics adopted by the National Association of Social Workers. The department chair will notify the student in writing of such failure, along with plan of action that will be followed regarding the violations. 14

15 STUDENTS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Academic Integrity Academic Integrity means that all Capital students are expected to be honest in their academic endeavors, and that the work students submit for academic evaluation must be their own, unless an instructor permits certain types of collaboration Instructors are expected to make their class policy in this regard known, preferably in their syllabi, at the beginning of their courses. What are examples of academic misconduct which violate academic integrity? A non-exhaustive list of behaviors which constitute academic misconduct and subject one to sanction(s) includes: (in part adapted from The University of Delaware and The University of North Dakota). Cheating- deceiving/misrepresenting information submitted on a paper/test/project. Examples: copying from another s test or allowing another to copy your work using material/notes not permitted by the instructor during an examination collaborating on a test/project when not authorized to do so by the instructor receiving, giving or stealing parts of,or an entire test, which has already been given or has not yet been administered substitution of one student for another during an examination Plagiarism- submitting work that is not expressly one s own, or representing another s work as one s own. Examples: quoting verbatim another person s work (published or unpublished) without acknowledgement of the source. paraphrasing another person s idea(s), opinion(s), or theory(ies) without giving reference including facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials that are not common knowledge without acknowledgment of the source. Students are expected to clarify with their instructor appropriate criteria for common knowledge. submitting another s term paper, essay test answer, computer program, project as one s own Fabrication- using invented information or falsifying research, data, or other findings with intent to deceive. Examples: Citing information not taken from source indicated; incorrect documentation of secondary source materials. 15

16 Listing sources in a bibliography not directly used in the academic exercise Submitting lab reports or clinical data which contain fictitious/falsified information; concealing/distorting the true nature, origin function of such data. Citing Sources- The citing of sources has several justifications. They are: 1. Honesty: to acknowledge that the works or ideas are not originally yours, as well as to give credit where it is due; 2. Guidance: to enable the interested reader to locate the information in question; 3. Evidence: to provide support from other sources for your thoughts; and 4. Critical thinking: to encourage students to recognize the sources of their opinions One commits plagiarism when one neglects to cite. By so doing, the person makes it seem that someone else s words or ideas are one s own (a type of fraud) and at the same time prevents readers from gaining access to the original sources. Many people either misunderstand or do not care to exercise the effort necessary to cite in their writing all quotations, paraphrases, informational claims, and concepts. While common knowledge does not have to be cited, one must be very careful about labeling something common knowledge. The requirement to cite each instance of each idea or informational claim entails that, if one uses a source with ideas or information on various pages (particularly if the information is not all in one continuous passage in the source), then she/he must include as many citations as there are passages referred to. Sources may include books, articles, pamphlets, films, television, radio programs, messages, conversation, or Internet. Conversations and information from lectures and textbooks must be cited as well. Papers or other work prepared for previous courses are in fact sources and students should check with instructors about the use of such materials. Citations can be footnotes (appearing at the bottom of the page where the citation occurs), endnotes (all together at the end of the paper), or in parenthetical format (such as the American Psychological Association style). Typically, parenthetical format is preferred by the faculty of the Social Work Program and most professional social work journals. CONSEQUENCES OF ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT Students as well as faculty, have a role in upholding academic integrity. Any student who believes that the academic integrity of a class is being violated by another student s actions is encouraged to bring this to the attention of the faculty member in charge of the class. The faculty member will then 16

17 investigate the allegation. A report will be filed with the academic dean unless the investigation leads to a penalty being imposed. 1 st Offense If an instructor believes that a student is responsible for academic misconduct, s/he may assess any penalty up to and including an F in the course. If a student is penalized by an instructor for academic misconduct, she/he may request that her/his academic dean review the facts. If the academic dean believes, as a result of this review, that there is merit in the students appeal, she/he may suggest to the instructor that some other action be taken. However, it is the instructor who makes the final decision as to the penalty imposed. In any case, the instructor must report the incident to the academic dean and indicate that action was taken. The academic dean will forward a copy of this decision to the vice president of student affairs. 2 nd Offense When a second report of a student s academic misconduct is received by the academic dean, that student becomes subject to disciplinary probation or dismissal from the university. To determine the action to be taken, a hearing panel consisting of the academic standing committee, plus two students from the commission of academic affairs of the student government, will be convened as soon as possible by the academic dean. This panel will review all of the reports received by the academic dean concerning the student and may interview anyone who may have information that will help it in making decision The decisions the panel can reach are (1) That no further action be taken, (2) That the student be placed on disciplinary probation with specific limitations placed on her/his activities, or (3) That the student be dismissed immediately from the university. The rights of accused students and the hearing procedures listed in the Student Code of Conduct may serve as guidelines for the panel. The academic dean will enforce the penalty imposed and notify the dean of students of the action taken. The student will have the right to appeal the decision to the provost. Cheating Policy Plagiarism and cheating on written assignments, tests, quizzes, etc., will result in the administration of penalties as described in the Capital University Bulletin. 17

18 GENERAL CONDUCT Human Dignity Policy The Social Work Program of Capital University is committed to ethical values regarding optimal function and the development of human potential. The faculty and staff of the Social Work Program are dedicated to respecting all persons regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. We realize that while acts of intolerance may be the result of ignorance and that a significant part of our mission is to confront ignorance with education, we cannot allow these acts to harm another person. We are also called to commit our energies and resources to the continual task of combating both subtle and obvious intolerance. Sexual Harassment Policy In keeping with its mission statement and in compliance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 as amended, the Social Work Program of Capital University explicitly forbids and will not tolerate any conduct by employed personnel or by its students that is culpable under the generic legal term sexual harassment. STUDENT RIGHTS REGARDING GRIEVANCES/PROCEDURES Social Work Program Within the Social Work Program, the following process has been established to allow students to resolve differences before engaging in the university grievance process. (See following section) In cases where the student is deemed unsuitable for the social work major, the student has the following steps she/he can take: 1. Submit in writing to the chair of the Social Work Program reasons for disagreement with the removal action; send copies to the Dean of the College. 2. The chair of the Social Work Program will give a written response to the student, with copies to relevant other university officials as noted above, within seven (7) working days of receipt after conferring with Social Work Program faculty. 3. If the student is still in disagreement with this response, a meeting with the department, and Dean of the college will be scheduled by the student. The student, the Social Work Program faculty, and Dean may request additional documentation to be included in the file for this action. The dean makes a decision. 4. If the student is not satisfied with this decision, she/he may follow the appeal process outlined in the university handbook. 18

19 In cases where students state their rights have been trespassed in some manner, the procedure outlined is followed within the Social Work Program: 1. The student will make all reasonable attempts to speak with the faculty member with whom there is a grievance to attempt resolution. The faculty member will make reasonable times to be available to meet. 2. If there is no resolution, a meeting with the student, the involved faculty member, and, if different, the student s advisor will occur to attempt resolution. 3. If no resolution, the persons listed in 2 will meet with the department chair. 4. If no resolution, the student, faculty member and the Social Work Program will meet, discuss and propose a resolution. 5. If the student is dissatisfied with the proposed resolution, then she/he is recommended to engage in the university grievance procedures. (see student handbook under academic grievance) In cases of grievances surrounding a field experience or instruction, the student needs to: 1. Speak with the agency person whom the dispute is with, and notify the field director and/or instructor of SWK 462/463 or SWK 464/ If discussion at the field agency has not resolved the grievance, then a meeting between the student, agency person, field instructor (if different from agency person) and the field director and/or instructor of SWK 462/463 or SWK 464/465 is arranged to propose a resolution. 3. With no resolution, the final step within the department will be a department meeting involving faculty, field director, and the student to discuss and propose a resolution. 4. If no resolution occurs for academic matters, including both classroom and field, the academic dean, or formal university grievance procedures comprise the next step. For non-academic matters, meeting with the vice president for student affairs is the next step. NB: Capital University has a grievance policy in place that facilitates resolution of differences. The student is responsible for understanding her/his rights and can access this policy in the Capital University Student Handbook for the current academic year. 19

20 Capstone ~ Field Education Field I (6), Sem I (4) Field II (6) Sem II (4) Capstone SWK 460 Prac II (4) SWK 461 Prac III (4) SENIOR Field Ed Block ~ fall & spring semesters UC 410 Ethical Thought SENIOR YR = 31 hrs UC 310 Humanities 3 SWK335 HBSE I 4 SWK336 HBSE II 4 SWK 353 Policy 4 SWK370 Prac I 4 Elective hours for Junior Year 4 JUNIOR YEAR = 23 semester hours UC210 Fine Arts 3 UC 220 Religion 3 UC40 Science & Technology 3 SWK 200 Intro to Soc Wk 4 SWK 227 Diversity of Peop 4 Elective 4 Soc Sci 210 Statistics 4 Soc Sci 220 Res Methods 4 SWK 100 Pre-Prof Dev 4 Elective SOPHOMORE YEAR = 36 semester hours UC110 College Reading & Writing 3 UC120 Oral Communication 3 UC 150 Global Awareness 3 Math for Stats as needed 3 Psych 110 Principles of Psych 4 Principles of Sociology 4 Required Foreign Lang I 4 Required Foreign Lang II 4 Econ 100 Intro to Pol Econ 3 Bio 100 Gen Bio FRSHMAN YEAR =34 semester hours LEARNING ASSESSMENT, TOOLS, SUPPORT, LEARNING ASSESSMENT, TOOLS, SUPPORT, IDENTIFY INDIVIDUAL LEARNING NEEDS AND IDENTIFY INDIVIDUAL LEARNING NEEDS AND RESOURCES, ESTBLISH ADVISORY RELATIONSHIP RESOURCES, ESTBLISH ADVISORY RELATIONSHIP Bachelors degree 124 semester hours 20

21 SUMMARY In summary, the social work student will begin to develop a liberal arts core of knowledge (UC coursework, or equivalent) and add knowledge regarding specific human science fields (e.g. sociology, psychology, mathematics,, biology) to broaden the student s understanding of the many factors working and interacting in human social systems. Next, the student will broaden his/her scope to include self-awareness regarding special populations, oppression and discrimination and how social systems work at institutional and informal levels as these affect human development and function. Lastly, the student will focus on specific social work theoretical models, professional values and generalist practice skills as they integrate classroom knowledge with field experiences. Field requirements, forms, and expectations are examples in the BSW Field Manual, which is available through the social work department. All students who are enrolling in field experiences or field instruction are required to have a manual. Other majors, or minors may be done concurrently; however, given the demands of the social work major, students need to carefully plan & choose these early in their four years. ADVISING INFORMATION From the information provided on admission forms, all students are assigned an advisor when they enroll at Capital University. All social work majors will have a social work faculty member assigned to them. Additionally, all social work majors are required to read this handbook, and acknowledge understanding its content by signing and turning in the Acknowledge of Receipt Form located on page 27. The responsibilities of the advisor include: assisting the student with academic program planning, assisting each semester with information and registration, aiding in requests for any modification of requirements, and interpretation of catalog statements or requirements. There are also studentcounseling services available to students. The advisor may refer academic needs to the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT), the writing lab or other tutoring or library aids. The procedures for academic advising within the Social Work Program are consistent with those of the university. The basic goals for advising policies and procedures are: that students know what courses are available within the Department and supporting areas, what courses they are required to take, and the amount of time and commitment needed in their study process. Students are advised on alternatives and the consequences of their choices. The Social Work Program is not designed to limit a student s program but rather to encourage individual program planning to meet student academic need. Students, in selecting courses, are encouraged to talk with the instructor before the course is taken to assess whether course objectives, assignments or projects and teaching style will meet the student s needs. Students, who express interest in other academic fields such as Art, 21

22 Business, Theology, etc., are encouraged to take courses within that area and/or to consider a double major, or an academic minor. The advisor is available upon student request but may also initiate contacts with students to assist them with problems that are interfering with academic or fieldwork performance, educational or career planning. This advising role is designed to offer support and encouragement to the student. The Social Work Program faculty have access to grade reports through Web Advisor on all their advisees after the first semester of each year and after final examination periods thereafter. All Social Work faculty and agency fieldwork instructors are responsible for advising students about educationally related community experiences. This is done through announcements made in class, posting of brochures in the Social Work offices, memos circulated to students and posters placed on campus. Social Work faculty and agency fieldwork instructors regularly bring to the student s attention seminars, conferences, institutes, workshops, community classes, as well as job opportunities, which they feel, will benefit the student. STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES Students in the Social Work Program have opportunities to pursue areas of special interest. The Social Work faculty supports and encourages students to become involved in these opportunities. Geriatric Certificate Students interested in obtaining a Geriatric Certificate must complete SWK 335, 336, 345, 353, and 462, 463,464, 465. Independent Study Individual/Independent Study Course Credit in the traditional view is initiated, planned and carried out by the student with mentoring/direction by the faculty member sponsoring the work. In a tutorial kind of study, the faculty sponsor gives greater assistance in planning and directing the project. Depending upon the type of study, meetings with student range from a few times in the semester to bi-weekly meetings. Guidelines for the Individual/Independent Study Project, which the student and faculty supervisor must consider, are: 1. The subject area and topic of the study; 2. The academic and personal background for the study; 3. Specific objectives of the study; 4. Procedures to be followed; 5. Resources to be used; 6. Types of evaluation 22

23 Check with the department chair for more information, and specific courses, as well as additional information on the process. Permission from the department chair is required to register for Individual/Independent Study credit. No upper level courses within the major will be allowed for independent study. Any exception must occur with documentation of extreme department or student harm, and will only occur after an official petition to the chair with recommendation required by student s advisor. Any exception will occur only after the chair s recommendation and a review and approval by the faculty. Student Representative on The Program Advisory Council The president of the Student Social Work Association is a member of the Social Work Program Advisory Council. The student s task is to suggest ways that the curriculum can better meet the needs of educating social work practitioners for agency and community work. Other student(s) may be invited to participate, particularly students who may increase diversity and represent the program s ACE student population. Student Participation in Hiring Social Work Faculty When faculty positions become available, Social Work Program students participate in the hiring process as a member of the search committee. Students may interview the candidates as to qualifications, teaching experience, motivation, and teaching practices. Students provide the search committee with valuable information of their impressions of the candidate. Student Evaluation of Courses, Instructors and Practicum: Program Assessment The Social Work Program uses the standard IDEA evaluation form to provide formal evaluation of courses and instructors each semester. Because of the focus on teaching excellence in the Social Work Program, IDEA s are evaluated each semester and courses/teaching developed to integrate this feedback. Because of the relationship between the social work faculty and students, informal evaluation also takes place in discussions about classes and student s progress Each semester students are asked to submit an evaluation of their field practicum experience to the field coordinator of their respective program site. The purpose of this evaluation is to provide feedback to the social work faculty on the quality of students learning experiences so that modifications and improvements may be made to the practicum experience. This evaluation is also part of the Social Work Program s ongoing program assessment activities. The program has also initiated an evaluation process that will give feedback on our program from students, alumni, and employers to allow us to deliver the highest quality coursework possible. (SWEAP surveys from the National Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors). 23

24 Professional Development/Employment Assistance Capital University s Office of Career and Student Services, as well as the Social Work Program, provide employment assistance and graduate school information. Such assistance includes help in writing resumes and cover letters, successful interviewing, and job search skills. The Career and Student Services Office lists position vacancies and has many specific employment listings for social and human service agencies as well as information on graduate school. During social work field experiences/instruction, students learn how to apply to take the social work licensure exam, search for jobs, and prepare for employment. An informal network with area agencies and alumni regarding job openings and employment opportunities is maintained by the department and is regularly used to link students with opportunities. Student Social Work Association The Student Social Work Organization (SSWA) is a student organization open to all social work majors as well as any student who is interested in social work. SSWA is officially recognized as a student organization by the Capital University Student Government Association. SSWA members participate in many community activities, some of which are carried out in collaboration with local social service agencies and with other student organizations. Examples of community projects include used clothing drives, Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings to individual families, working with the homeless, and hunger awareness. SSWA students also participate in program activities such as Accreditation site visits. The SSWA constitution is located on the social work program s Web Site Honors/Awards Capital University s Upsilon Chapter of Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society Student Membership is open to students at the end of their first semester of their senior year. Eligibility is based upon student s achievement of a 3.0 Overall GPA and a 3.5 Social Work GPA. Social work faculty review student transcripts to determine eligibility. The social work faculty, with the SSWA, holds a spring banquet to recognize new members of the honor society. Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities Students are provided opportunities to participate in scholarly activities, many times interconnected with field. Faculty mentors and university funding support student development. For example, social work students have presented at local, state, and national professional meetings, including the Ohio College Association of Social Work Educators (OCASWE), CSWE Annual Program Meeting, and the National Council on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). For 12 years Capital University has showcased undergraduate scholarship though the Annual Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship. 24