MSW Student Handbook Table of Contents
SCHOOL
LOCATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION
THE SCHOOL
OF SOCIAL WORK FACULTY AND STAFF
School Director and
MSW Program Coordinator
MSW Field Education Coordinator
BSW Field Education Coordinator
MSW Distance Program Coordinator
MISSION OF
THE UAA MSW PROGRAM
MSW PROGRAM
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Layout of
MSW Curriculum by Semester and Sequence
Table 1: Layout of Regular Program – Two Year
(full-time) Program
Table 2: Layout of Regular Program – Four Year
(part-time) Program
Table 3: Layout of Advanced Placement – One Year
(full-time) Program
Table 4: Layout of Advanced Placement – Two Year
(part-time) Program
GRADUATE
STUDIES PLAN AND ADVISING
MSW PROGRAM
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS BY SEQUENCE
ACADEMIC
AND PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Dismissal From The MSW
Program
Academic and Professional
Standards for the MSW Program
SCHOOL OF
SOCIAL WORK STUDENT REVIEW POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
STUDENT
INVOLVEMENT IN THE MSW PROGRAM
SOCIAL WORK
LICENSURE IN ALASKA
Social Worker Title
Protection
Applying for Social Work
Licensure
Dear MSW Student:
We are happy to welcome you to the Master of Social Work Program. We
hope that you will find your graduate social work education to be challenging,
enlightening, and professionally fulfilling. You each have our best wishes for
your academic success.
This handbook has been prepared to acquaint you with information,
procedures, and policies of the Master of Social Work Program at UAA. Together
with the UAA catalog, which contains University policies, this handbook
will provide you with details about various aspects of Social Work advising,
admission, course work, and field work.
While it is intended for your reference, we realize that it can not
answer every question. Please note that the contents of this handbook are subject
to revision. We urge you to consult your advisor or program staff for any
additional assistance you may require.
The purpose of social work is to assist individuals, families, groups,
communities, organizations, and society as a whole in the improvement of the
quality of life for all individuals. Toward that client-centered commitment,
the MSW Program enables you to attain the knowledge, skills, and values on
which professional practice are based. In the MSW Program, you are prepared for
advanced generalist social work practice. Our goal is to help you become
culturally sensitive, professionally skilled, graduate level social workers,
ready to meet the special needs of citizens in Alaska. You will learn how to
assume multiple professional roles in public and private non-profit sectors of social
service delivery. These roles include direct service worker, case manager,
policy analyst, program planner, supervisor, administrator, advocate,
researcher, and program evaluator.
Our purpose is education, and the School of Social Work is available to
help make that educational experience a positive one. You may reach us in the
Gordon Hartlieb Building, Suite 106, and by phone at 786‑6900. Our home page address is:
www.uaa.alaska.edu/socwork. Look us up!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth A. Sirles, Ph.D., Director
The University of Alaska Anchorage is part of the State of Alaska's University system. The School of Social Work is an academic unit in the College of Health and Social Welfare. The School administers the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree programs.
The Social Work Program at UAA began in 1973 within the Department of Sociology. By 1976, the course work for a BSW was in place and the Board of Regents had approved the BSW degree. UAA then sought national accreditation for its social work program from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Accreditation of the BSW program was granted in 1978 and has continued ever since.
In February 1994, the University Board of Regents approved the Master of Social Work degree curriculum. In June 1995, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation granted Candidacy Status to the MSW Program. The first MSW cohort was admitted in August 1995 with the first class graduating in 1997. In June 1999, the MSW Program was granted Initial Accreditation, retroactive to all graduating classes of the MSW Program. Both the MSW Program and the BSW Program were granted full accreditation for eight years in June 2002 and are now accredited through 2010!
It is the policy of the School of Social Work that all aspects of the BSW and MSW Programs, as they affect students, faculty, or staff, will be conducted without discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, creed, ethnic or national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, political or sexual orientation. The School and its faculty fully adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics. We welcome students of different backgrounds celebrating the diversity of Alaska and the United States.
The School of Social Work offices are located in Suite 106 of the Gordon Hartlieb Building northwest of the Lucy Cuddy Center. We are nearest the North Parking Lot.
Our mailing address is:
Gordon Hartlieb Building,
Our main telephone number is:
(907) 786-6900
Our fax number is:
(907) 786-6912
Our home page address is:
www.uaa.alaska.edu/socwork
Our business hours are:
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Alaska Standard Time
The office of the College Dean is located on the second floor of Building “K”.
The Dean’s office staff may be reached by phone at (907) 786-4406.
Tracey Burke, Assistant Professor.
Villanova University, B.A. (1989); University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, M.S.W.
(1994).
Telephone: (907) 786-6905
Email: aftkb??@uaa.alaska.edu
Patrick M. Cunningham, Associate Professor. University of Utah, B.S. (1960); Fordham University, M.S.W. (1964); University of Utah, D.S.W. (1989).
Telephone: (907) 786-6902
Email: afpmc@uaa.alaska.edu
Janet Emerman, Clinical Associate Professor. University of Wisconsin, B.A. (1971) and M.S.S.W. (1972).
Telephone: (907) 786-6903
Email: janet@uaa.alaska.edu
Eva Y. Kopacz, Associate Professor. Goshen College, B.A. (1972); Western Michigan University, M.S.W. (1974). (Released during 2003-04 to serve as Faculty Liaison to the University of Alaska System President).
Telephone: (907) 786-6909
Email: eva@uaa.alaska.edu
Randy H. Magen, Associate Professor. Michigan State University, B.A. (1979); University of Wisconsin-Madison, MSSW (1987); University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ph.D. (1992).
Telephone: (907) 786-6901
Email: magen@uaa.alaska.edu
Gene Mangiardi, Clinical Associate Professor. Smith College, MSW (1977); Fairfield University, B.A. Psychology (1968).
Telephone: (907) 786-6898
Email: angjm @uaa.alaska.edu
Chad Morse, Clinical Associate Professor. Harding University, B.A. (1985); Washington University in St. Louis, M.S.W. (1987). Telephone: (907) 786-6904
Email: afcem@uaa.alaska.edu
Marianne Rolland, Assistant Professor, University of Washington, B.A. (1975); University of Washington, M.S.W. (1985); University of Washington, Ph. D. (1994).
Telephone: (907) 786-6908
Email: afmfr@uaa.alaska.edu
Elizabeth A. Sirles, Professor. University of Kansas, B.G.S. (1978); University of Kansas, M.S.W. (1980); Washington University in St. Louis, Ph.D. (1984).
Telephone: (907) 786-6907
Email: sirles@uaa.alaska.edu
Kathi Trawver, Clinical Assistant Professor. University of Northern Iowa, B.A. (1979); University of Alaska Anchorage, M.S.W. (1998).
Telephone: (907) 786-6915
Email: afkrt@uaa.alaska.edu
Spencer J. Zeiger, Associate Professor. University of California at Santa Cruz, B.A. (1972); Sonoma State University, M.A. (1983); University of Washington, M.S.W. (1986); University of Washington, Ph.D. (1989).
Telephone: (907) 786-6906
Email: spencer@uaa.alaska.edu
School Director and MSW Program Coordinator
Elizabeth A. Sirles, Ph.D.
The Director of the School of Social Work is the chief administrator for the School of Social Work. The Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the school and management of the School’s resources. The Director is available to assist students who have special needs or are having problems within the School. Please feel free to stop by Professor Sirles' office to discuss concerns, share ideas, and become involved in School activities.
The MSW Program Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the MSW Program, MSW program development, and working with the Social Work faculty and staff, UAA administration, and CSWE to ensure MSW program integrity. If you have any questions or concerns about the MSW Program, feel free to contact Professor Sirles.
Spencer J. Zeiger, Ph.D.
The BSW Program Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the BSW Program, BSW program development, and working with the Social Work faculty and staff, UAA administration, and CSWE to ensure BSW program integrity. The Coordinator is responsible for scheduling undergraduate courses, overseeing the advisement of BSW students, overseeing the BSW budget, and trouble-shooting for the BSW program. If you have any questions or concerns about the BSW Program, feel free to contact Professor Zeiger.
MSW Field Education Coordinator
Kathi Trawver, L.M.S.W.
The MSW Field Education
Coordinator is responsible for identifying and training field instructors, placing
MSW students in field settings, overseeing the field education process, and
handling problems that may arise for MSW students or field instructors
regarding field education. Collaborating with the BSW Field Education
Coordinator, Jennifer works to ensure quality opportunities for MSW and BSW
students.
BSW Field Education Coordinator
Janet Emerman, M.S.S.W.
The BSW Field Education
Coordinator is responsible for identifying and training field instructors,
placing BSW students in field settings, overseeing the field education process,
and handling problems that may arise for BSW students or field instructors
regarding field education. Collaborating with the MSW Field Education
Coordinator, Janet works to ensure quality opportunities for BSW and MSW
students.
MSW Distance Program Coordinator
School Secretary:
Kathy Willis 786-6900
email: ankdw1@uaa.alaska.edu
The School Secretary is primarily responsible for the School’s academic operations of the BSW and MSW Programs. Kathy is also cross-trained in the field education and distance program procedures and is available to assist all visitors and callers.
School Field
Education Secretary:
Sharie Field 786-6910
email: sharie@uaa.alaska.edu
The School Field Education Secretary is primarily responsible for assisting with the operations of the BSW and MSW Field Education Programs. Sharie is also cross-trained in the School’s academic and distance program procedures and is available to assist all visitors and callers.
School Office Manager:
Mary Parker 786-6911
email: mary@uaa.alaska.edu
The School Office Manager is responsible for administering MSW admissions, personnel, budget, staff supervision, and other school activities. Mary is the primary contact person for questions about MSW admissions.
email: mbutton@uaa.alaska.edu
The MSW Distance Program Administrative Assistant is primarily responsible for supporting the distance delivery program, faculty, and students in a variety of tasks and responsibilities. Melissa is also cross-trained in the School’s academic and field education procedures and is available to assist all visitors and callers.
The
Master of Social Work Program has as its mission education for the development
of knowledge, skills, and values essential to assume multiple professional
social work roles and the preparation of practitioners sensitive to diverse
populations. Emphasis is placed upon the development, implementation, and
evaluation of policies and programs within the framework of advanced generalist
social work practice. Alaska’s unique and rich multicultural populations,
geographic remoteness, and frontier status allows the real potential for
skilled social work professionals to make a profound impact on social and
economic injustice in our state.
In addition to the educational mission,
the MSW Program strives to provide the highest standard of leadership within
the University, to the professional community, for the Alaskans we serve, and
for the state in which we live. Leadership is provided in the forms of community
service, community programming, collaborative research, policy analysis,
program evaluation, theory development, political activism, mentoring, and
other professional social work activities. The MSW Program is a forum for
disseminating ideas, public debate, critical thinking, and professional growth
within the community it serves. The MSW Program joins the social work
profession's national and international agenda to end discrimination and
promote economic and social justice for all peoples, regardless of age, race,
gender, culture, sexual orientation, physical or emotional disability.
Based upon the
mission established for the MSW Program, the program goals are to:
Goal 1: To prepare Advanced Generalist Social Work practitioners competent in multiple practice roles across systems.
Goal 2. To prepare Advanced Generalist Social Work
practitioners committed to the enhancement of human well-being and to the
alleviation of discrimination, poverty and oppression.
Goal 3. To prepare Advanced Generalist Social Work
practitioners who are guided by the values and ethical standards of the Social
Work profession.
Goal 4. To prepare Advanced Generalist Social Work
practitioners who will enhance the quality of service delivery.
Goal 5. To prepare Advanced Generalist Social Work
practitioners for a variety of fields of practice within the State of Alaska.
1. Graduates will demonstrate the knowledge and skills to perform Advanced Generalist practice roles utilizing multiple interventions directed at multiple levels.
2.
Graduates will
demonstrate knowledge and skills in utilizing a systems perspective for
assessment and intervention with different size consumer systems at multiple
levels in urban and rural settings.
3.
Graduates will be
planned change agents prepared to utilize problem-solving processes in practice
with consumer systems of various sizes.
4.
Graduates will be able
to analyze, evaluate, and impact service delivery programs and systems.
5.
Graduates will
demonstrate an understanding and be prepared to intervene with populations at
risk who experience discrimination, economic deprivation, and oppression.
6.
Graduates will demonstrate
awareness, sensitivity, and respect for diverse populations, and will apply
knowledge and skills responsive to their needs.
7.
Graduates will
demonstrate knowledge, skills, and professional commitment to working with
diverse clients and systems in the State of Alaska.
8.
Graduates will promote
social change and implement a wide range of interventions which further the
achievement of individual and collective social and economic justice.
9.
Graduates will engage
in practice consistent with the values and ethics of the social work
profession.
10.
Graduates will be able
to analyze, intervene, and resolve value and ethical conflicts.
11.
Graduates will engage
in continuing professional education and professional growth.
12.
Graduates will
demonstrate knowledge and skills in utilizing, creating, and disseminating
empirically derived research.
13.
Graduates will
demonstrate skills in critical evaluation of professional use of self and
practice effectiveness.
14.
Graduates will
demonstrate effective communications with clients, colleagues, members of the
community, and other professionals.
Degree requirements for the MSW are consistent with the UAA general requirements for graduate programs and Master's degrees. It is your responsibility to be familiar with these general requirements as posted in the UAA Course Catalog. Among these requirements, the MSW Program requires that students:
1. Complete at least thirty (30) approved semester credits beyond the baccalaureate degree.
2. Students are required to maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 (B) in courses identified in the Official Graduate Studies Plan in order to graduate.
3. Only 400- and 600-level courses approved by the MSW Faculty Advisor and Program Coordinator may count toward graduate program requirements. Courses of 500-level which are for professional development, and Continuing Education Units (CEU) are not applicable toward the MSW degree requirements.
4. No more than three credits at the 400-level may be counted toward the MSW degree requirements.
5. In 400-level courses, a minimum grade of "B" is required for the course to count toward the program requirements.
6. In 600-level courses, a grade of "C" is minimally acceptable provided the student maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.00 in all courses applicable toward the MSW degree, with no individual course grade lower then a “C.” Students must earn a grade of “B” or better in all field practicum courses.
7. Up to nine semester credits not used toward another degree may be transferred to the UAA MSW Program from an accredited social work program and counted toward the MSW. Requests to transfer credit toward MSW Program requirements are made to the MSW Program Coordinator and the Faculty Advisor.
8. All credits counted toward the MSW degree, including transfer credits, must be earned within a consecutive seven-year period prior to graduation.
9. No more than three 1-credit courses may be used to fulfill elective credit requirements.
10. A total of six (6) credits of electives to pursue professional emphasis may be selected from outside the School of Social Work offerings.
The MSW curriculum encompasses a total of sixty-three (63) semester credits. Sequenced courses are in both the foundation and concentration years. The foundation curriculum is comprised of thirty-one (31) semester credits, while the concentration curriculum requires thirty-two (32) credits.
The number of credits completed by students will vary, dependent upon prior academic preparation for graduate studies in a MSW Program. The MSW Admissions Committee reserves the right to require additional course work dependent upon their assessment of a student's readiness for graduate education. Faculty Advisors will develop Official Graduate Studies Plans with students, tailored to meet student’s educational needs, prior to enrollment in classes. Students should meet with their Faculty Advisor each semester to review their Graduate Studies Plan.
All students will waive, test out of, or take all foundation courses. Students entering the MSW Program who have completed comparable course work, and earned a grade of "B" or better, may request the opportunity to take equivalency exams for the foundation policy, research, and HBSE courses. Passing an equivalency exam waives a student from taking foundation courses in the comparable content area. Students who do not pass an equivalency exam must take the comparable foundation courses. The MSW Program does not waive or offer equivalency exams for practice or practicum courses for students who do not have an accredited BSW. Nor does the MSW Program grant credit for employment, life experience, or for practica or internships taken as part of non-accredited degree programs.
Due to the sequential nature of the academic course work and the field work experiences, students will be admitted into the UAA MSW program once per year, in the Fall semester. Application packets are available from the School of Social Work. The deadline for submitting applications for the Fall semester is the preceding January 15th. Admission screening is performed by a committee of School faculty and community representatives. All applicants will be notified of admission decisions no later than June 1st.
The MSW Program does not grant deferrals of enrollment for students admitted to the program. A student who cannot begin the MSW Program as scheduled should notify the School of Social Work as soon as possible. A waiting list is maintained for prospective students. Therefore, if a student cannot enroll, the "seat" would be given to another candidate for the program. The student would need to reapply for admission to the program for the next academic year. It is not necessary to resubmit a full application packet; an update of information submitted in a timely manner is sufficient. If the student wants to reapply more than one year after initial admission, a full MSW Program application would need to be submitted.
The School of Social Work MSW Admissions Committee will, at its discretion, deny an applicant for admission if the committee finds that the applicant’s history of felony or misdemeanor convictions make the applicant unfit for social work practice. The committee will consider the number and recency of any convictions, and the relationship those convictions may have on practice.
Notwithstanding the above, a person who has been convicted of a felony crime against a person, described in AS 11.41, within the ten years before the date of application, is unfit for admission to the MSW Program and will be denied.
The MSW curriculum is sequential and must be taken as specified. Courses are typically offered only in the semester indicated. Not taking courses in sequence could delay graduation. All exceptions to the curriculum sequence are subject to approval by the Faculty Advisor and the MSW Program Coordinator.
The MSW Program offers full-time and part-time plans for degree completion. Full-time and part-time plans ensure student completion of the program within 1 to 4 years. Part-time and full-time students take the same courses. The only distinction is the timing in the curriculum plan over the 1, 2, or 4 years (depending on program plan). There are no separate or different course sections or course requirements for part-time students. This provides equal quality of education for full- and part-time students. Students are required to adhere to the program plan to which they have been admitted. Only under extenuating circumstances, and with the approval of the MSW Program Coordinator and Faculty Advisor, can a student change from one plan to another. A written request must be submitted to the MSW Program Coordinator. The Coordinator may request supporting documentation of need for the change.
The curriculum includes courses in five sequence areas: policy, research, practice, practicum, and human behavior in the social environment (HBSE). In all programs, practice and practicum courses must be taken concurrently. A student cannot enter the concentration year until all foundation requirements have been met.
Students take elective courses in both the foundation and concentration curriculum. Students may choose, with approval from the Faculty Advisor, to take their electives subsequent to completing other foundation and concentration curriculum requirements. Electives are offered each semester. Students have the option of selecting electives from other UAA departments or schools, contingent upon the approval of the Faculty Advisor and compliance with UAA graduate program requirements.
With the assistance of Faculty Advisors, students identify the field of practice they wish to develop during their program. Assignments, research projects, field placements, and electives are selected to assist students in developing their knowledge, skills, and sensitivities to the field of practice selected. This process gives students the opportunity to explore a particular content area while learning the client-centered advanced generalist perspective of practice. These fields of practice are:
1. Mental Health: Community Mental Health, Institutional Programs, Severe Mental Illness, Prevention.
2. Health and Wellness Over the Lifespan: Developmental Disabilities, Physical Disabilities, Aging, Child and Maternal Health, Public Health, Medical Social Work.
3. Children, Youth, and Families: Child Welfare (Child Protective Services, Substitute Care, Adoption), Residential Treatment, Teen Pregnancy, Stresses and Problems of Children, Youth, and Families.
4. Criminal Justice: Youth Crime, Adult Corrections, Forensic Programs, Advocacy Programs.
Below are descriptions of tables on the following pages that show the layouts of MSW curriculum for each semester.
Table 1:
Regular Program – Two Year (full-time)
Table 2:
Regular Program – Four Year (part-time)
Table 3:
Advanced Placement – One Year (full-time)
Table 4:
Advanced Placement – Two Year (part-time)
|
First Year Requirements |
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Class Number |
Title |
Cr |
Semester Taken |
Class Number |
Title |
Cr |
Semester Taken |
|
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|
SWK 606 |
Social Welfare: History and Contemporary
Programs |
3 |
|
SWK 607 |
Contemporary Social Welfare Policy and
Change |
3 |
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|
SWK 630 |
Practice Skills Lab |
1 |
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SWK 624 |
Social Work Research |
3 |
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|
SWK 631A |
Social Work Practice I |
3 |
|
SWK 632A |
Social Work Practice II |
3 |
|
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|
SWK 631B |
Generalist Practicum I |
3 |
|
SWK 632B |
Generalist Practicum II |
3 |
|
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|
SWK 642 |
Human Behavior in the Social Environment |
3 |
|
Advisor Approved Elective (3 credits total) |
Write
Elective(s) below |
|
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|
SWK 643 |
Human Diversity in Social Work Practice |
3 |
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|
Second Year Requirements |
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|
Class Number |
Title |
Cr |
Semester Taken |
Class Number |
Title |
Cr |
Semester Taken |
|
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|
SWK 608 |
Social Policy for Adv. Gen. Practice |
3 |
|
SWK 634B |
Adv. Gen. Practicum IV |
4 |
|
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|
SWK 625 |
Social Work Research Lab |
1 |
|
SWK 635 |
Adv. Gen. Integrative Seminar |
3 |
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|
SWK 628 |
Program Evaluation |
3 |
|
SWK 698 |
Individual Research Project |
3 |
|
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|
SWK 633A |
SW Practice III: Direct Practice |
3 |
|
Advisor Approved Electives (6 credits total) |
Write
Elective(s) below |
|
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|
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|
SWK 633B |
Adv. Gen. Practicum III |
3 |
|
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SWK 634A |
SW Practice IV:
Indirect Practice |
3 |
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Electives:
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Class Number |
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Title |
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Credits |
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Semester Taken |
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First Year Foundation Requirements |
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|
Summer |
Fall |
Spring |
||||||
|
Class Number |
Title |
Semester Taken |
Class Number |
Title |
Semester Taken |
Class Number |
Title |
Semester Taken |
|
SWK 642 |
Human Behavior in the Social Environment |
|
SWK 643 |
Human Diversity in Social Work Practice |
|
SWK 607 |
Contemporary Social Welfare Policy and
Change |
|
|
|
|
|
SWK 606 |
Social Welfare: History and Contemporary
Programs |
|
Advisor Approved Elective |
Write
Elective(s) Below |
|
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|
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|
Second Year Foundation Requirements |
||||||||
|
Summer |
Fall |
Spring |
||||||
|
Class Number |
Title |
Semester Taken |
Class Number |
Title |
Semester Taken |
Class Number |
Title |
Semester Taken |
|
SWK 630 (1 credit) |
Practice Skills Lab |
|
SWK 631A |
Social Work Practice I |
|
SWK 632A |
Social Work Practice II |
|
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|
SWK 631B |
Generalist Practicum I |
|
SWK 632B |
Generalist Practicum II |
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Third Year Concentration Requirements |
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|
Summer |
Fall |
Spring |
||||||
|
Class Number |
Title |
Semester Taken |
Class Number |
Title |
Semester Taken |
Class Number |
Title |
Semester Taken |
|
SWK 624 |
Social Work Research |
|
SWK 608 |
Social Policy for Adv. Gen. Practice |
|
SWK 698 |
Individual Research Project |
|
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|
SWK 628 |
Program Evaluation |
|
Advisor Approved |
Write
Elective(s) Below |
|
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|
SWK 625 |
Social Work Research Lab |
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Fourth Year Concentration Requirements |
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|
Summer |
Fall |
Spring |
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|
Class Number |
Title |
Semester Taken |
Class Number |
Title |
Semester Taken |
Class Number |
Title |
Semester Taken |
|
SWK 634A |
SW Practice IV:
Indirect Practice |
|
SWK 633A |
SW Practice III: Direct Practice |
|
SWK 634B |
Adv. Gen. Practicum IV |
|
|
Advisor Approved |
Write
Elective(s) Below |
|
SWK 633B |
Adv. Gen. Practicum III |
|
SWK 635 |
Adv. Gen. Integrative Seminar |
|
Electives:
|
Class Number |
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Title |
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Credits |
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Semester Taken |
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Requirements |
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|
Class Number |
Title |
Cr |
Semester Taken |
Class Number |
Title |
Cr |
Semester Taken |
|
|
SWK 608 |
Social Policy for Adv.
Gen. Practice |
3 |
|
SWK 634B |
Adv. Gen.
Practicum IV |
4 |
|
|
|
SWK 625 |
Social Work Research Lab |
1 |
|
SWK 635 |
Adv. Gen.
Integrative Seminar |
3 |
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Note: Advanced placement students are required to
take SWK 592 “Social Work Summer Intensive” a non-credit, four-day course prior
to beginning the Fall Semester.
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SWK 608 |
Social Policy for Adv. Gen. Practice |
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Note: Advanced placement students are required to
take SWK 592 “Social Work Summer Intensive” a non-credit, four-day course prior
to beginning the Fall Semester.
The MSW Distance Program follows the same course sequence as the part time regular and advanced standing “on campus” programs.
The MSW Distance Program courses are offered in an alternative scheduling format. Each class begins with an intensive face-to-face meeting, typically for two 8-hour days, in a hub community, followed by periodic class sessions available by teleconference and web based sessions taught on the Internet. Distance students who live in the same community are required to be in the same location for audio conference meetings.
On line sessions are delivered via Blackboard, a specially designed program which supports web based teaching. Distance students will be required to become facile?? in the use of Blackboard, as well as have access to and be able to use the required technology:
In addition, distance students should have and be able to use MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator, Real Player, and Quick Time Player.
Distance students should also have access to VHS monitor and display. VHS tapes will be provided to students prior to the beginning of the course; these tapes must be returned to the School of Social Work by the end of the semester.
During the first semester of MSW studies, each student is responsible for initiating an Official Graduate Studies Plan with the Faculty Advisor. This plan lists the course work which will constitute the student's degree within a field of practice, approved by the student's Faculty Advisor and the MSW Program Coordinator. The Official Graduate Studies Plan is forwarded through the office of the Dean of the College of Health and Social Welfare and filed with Enrollment Services for permanent retention in the student's file.
Modifications may be made to the Official Graduate Studies Plan, subject to the same signature and review process as the original plan. The Official Graduate Studies Plan needs to be reviewed each semester and revised if necessary.
Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester.
The granting of your
degree may be delayed if Enrollment Services does not have a current and
accurate copy of your Official Graduate Studies Plan.
Be sure to keep it current!
Regular conferences with the Faculty Advisor are strongly recommended. Group advising and orientation sessions are scheduled to assist students in becoming familiar with the MSW Program. These orientations are not substitutes for regular advising.
1. To provide information about the MSW program, social work as a profession, and the suitability of this course of study for the individual student.
2. To provide specific information about courses, registration, and program requirements.
3. To assist students in use of other University resources, such as the Advising and Counseling Center, Testing and Assessment, Career Services Center, Disability Support Services, Student Health Center, Native Student Services, AHAINA, and other student services.
4. To acquaint students with the MSW admissions procedures, the completion of an Official Graduate Studies Plan and an Advancement to Candidacy Application.
5. To assist in setting individualized learning objectives within the overall program, including identification of a field of practice and areas of emphasis within the program.
6. To assist students in evaluating progress and performance.
7. To assist students with seeking remedies in complaints.
8. If necessary, to assist students in entering another area of study.
Policy
SWK 606: Social Welfare: History and Contemporary Programs (3 credits) Focus on the historical evolution of mutual aid into the social welfare system as it exists in contemporary United States society. Analysis of structures and functions of current social welfare institutions is undertaken and the role of professional social work within those systems is addressed.
SWK 607: Contemporary Social Welfare Policy and Change (3 credits) Contemporary social welfare policy and the influence of interacting political, economic, and social factors on its development and change. Current Federal, State, and Local social policies are analyzed for their impact on diverse groups in society with emphasis on influencing and changing policy in ways that maximize social justice and improve access to needed social resources.
SWK 608: Social Policy for Advanced Generalist Practice (3 credits) Advanced generalist policy course for social workers. Prepares practitioners for developing policies and programs in a political economy. Examines contemporary social needs in a diverse and inequitable society. Emphasizes role of research and evaluation in the policy process.
Research
SWK 624: Social Work Research (3 credits) Research design for graduate students. Beginning research activities related to professional practice. Development of research questions, selection of theoretical frames of reference, creation of research design, literature search, sampling, data collection, analysis, and organization of findings are addressed. Research strategies for various system sizes, from single subject design to program evaluation are addressed. Students engage in a practice related research project and develop skills for utilization of existing research findings.
SWK 625: Social Work Research Lab (1 credit) Develop skills using the professional standards and new technologies available in social work practice. Emphasis is on developing technical writing skills and accessing the Internet as a professional tool.
SWK 628: Program Evaluation (3 credits) Provide knowledge of purpose, design, and implementation of social services program evaluation process. Develop ability to conceptualize, and to carry out an actual program evaluation relative to the student's practicum placement. Covers both formative and summative evaluation processes. Includes necessity for evaluation and issues of cultural competence of evaluators.
SWK 698: Individual Research Project (3 credits) Independent research opportunity for student to complete an applied research project of use to the practicum field site. Utilization of both quantitative and qualitative skills. Completion of the project, including statement of the problem, literature review, design methodology, data analysis, and implications of the findings; culminates the research sequence and graduate experience. Participation in a weekly one-hour seminar with graduate faculty to advise and assist as needed.
Practice
SWK 630: Practice Skills Laboratory (1 credit) Knowledge and understanding of basic interpersonal skills needed for generalist social work practice. Experience in applying the skills to individual, family, and group settings. Attention to inter-ethnic communication skills and non-traditional settings.
SWK 631A: Social Work Practice I (3 credits) Knowledge base for generalist social work practice with emphasis on values, skills, and problem-solving methods for application to client systems in need of professional intervention. Assessment and planning for social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations are covered.
SWK 632A: Social Work Practice II (3 credits) Knowledge base for generalist social work practice with emphasis on problem-solving applications to client systems in need of professional intervention. Building on assessment and planning processes covered in SWK 631A, intervention application, evaluation, termination, and follow-up in generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities are covered.
SWK 633A: Social Work Practice III- Direct Practice (3 credits) Part one of the advanced generalist methods sequence. Provides an ecosystemic perspective for understanding people in their social environment. Reviews direct social work practice interventions with multiple systems. Covers specific skills such as advanced problem-solving model for prevention, crisis intervention, and multisystemic individual, family, and group work. Special attention is given to the biopsychosocial development of dysfunction.
SWK 634A: Social Work Practice IV- Indirect Practice (3 credits) Part two of the advanced generalist methods sequence. Provides an ecosystemic perspective for providing services for people in their social environment. Reviews indirect social work practice with programs, staff, organizations, and larger systems. Covers specific advanced generalist roles such as agency administrator, program planner, and community organizer. Specific attention is given to the challenges encountered when working in larger systems.
SWK 635: Advanced Generalist Integrative Seminar (3 credits) Capstone course for the advanced generalist practice sequence. Provides students with the opportunity to integrate ecosystemic theory and advanced problem-solving approaches with direct and indirect practice from the student’s field of practice. Course provides process for completion of the competency exam.
Field Education
SWK 631B: Generalist Practicum I (3 credits) Social work practicum to apply concepts, knowledge, skills, and values to client-centered problem-solving in generalist social work practice. Emphasis is on application of generalist skills in the areas of interviewing, assessment, and planning. The student completes a total of 240 practicum hours per semester in an approved agency under the supervision of a field instructor appointed by the University and attends a weekly field work seminar.
SWK 632B: Generalist Practicum II (3 credits) Social work practicum in which concepts, knowledge, skills, and values are applied to client-centered problem-solving in generalist social work. Emphasis is on application of generalist practice skills in the areas of designing, planning, implementing, evaluating, and terminating change efforts with various client systems. The student completes 240 practicum hours per semester in an approved agency under the supervision of a field instructor appointed by the University and attends a weekly field work seminar.
SWK 633B: Advanced Generalist Practicum III (3 credits) Supervised direct and indirect practice experience under a qualified MSW social work practitioner. The student is expected to perform as an advanced generalist social worker within the agency setting. Emphasis is on application of knowledge, values and ethics, skills, and special issues covered in the MSW curriculum. The student completes 240 practicum hours per semester of work within the agency, following agency policy and procedure.
SWK 634B: Advanced Generalist Practicum IV (4 credits) Supervised direct and indirect practice experience under a qualified MSW social work practitioner. The student is expected to perform as an advanced generalist social worker within the agency setting. Emphasis is on application of knowledge, values and ethics, skills, and special issues covered in the MSW curriculum. The student completes 300 practicum hours per semester of work within the agency, following agency policy and procedure.
SWK 639B: Advanced Generalist Distance Practicum (7 credits) Supervised direct and indirect practice experience under a qualified MSW practitioner in communities outside the Anchorage/Mat-Su area. The student completes 540 practicum hours as an advanced generalist social worker within the agency setting. Emphasis is on application of knowledge, skills, values, and ethics specific to social work practice and the Alaskan context as taught in the MSW curriculum.
Human
Behavior
in the
Social Environment
SWK 642: Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3 credits) Identification and advanced analysis of various theoretical frameworks for understanding human behavior with emphasis on the interactions between the individual and his/her social environment. Developmental stages and tasks are viewed in the context of social systems and societal institutions with focus on the diverse influences which impact upon human growth and change. Behaviors related to family, group, organizational, and community interactions and their reciprocal influence on individuals are addressed.
SWK 643: Human Diversity in Social Work Practice (3 credits) Examination of human diversity in relation to ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, class, and opportunity. Historical and contemporary influence on group membership and affiliation are addressed along with required values, knowledge, and skills for effective advanced generalist social work practice with diverse populations and clients.
Electives
SWK 651: Mental Health Practice Issues (3 credits) Preparation to work in a variety of mental health settings, including in-patient, community mental health centers, clinics, family services, specialized service settings for developmentally disabled persons, and alcohol treatment centers. Demonstrates brief treatment and case management models. Addresses strengths of families and individuals.
SWK 653: Professional Issues for Social Workers (3 credits) Ethical, legal, and professional issues for advanced generalist practice. Covers issues of professional socialization, roles of professional organizations, licensure, legal responsibility, liabilities of practice, family law, confidentiality, professional codes of ethics, and interprofessional cooperation. Emphasis is given to practice issues related to race, gender, religion, and sexual preference.
SWK 654: Supervisory Management in Social Work (3 credits) Prepares graduate students and practitioners for social work supervisory management roles. The course provides a theoretical framework for supervisory management methods and processes, and will address essential knowledge, values, and skills in these professional functions. Issues of gender and race as it relates to supervisory management will also be explored.
SWK 655: Social Work Approaches with the Dually Diagnosed (3 credits) Provide research findings on persons who are mentally ill substance abusers. Presents techniques to assess and treat this population, with consideration of both the mental illness and alcohol and drug abuse.
SWK 657 Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects (3 credits). An introduction to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAS/E). The purpose of the course is to develop skills and knowledge necessary for the identification at different ages; diagnosis; understanding of primary and secondary effects of prenatal alcohol exposure in the context of human development; intervention strategies with parents, teachers, social services agencies, and the justice system; primary and secondary prevention issues and public policy dilemmas with FAS/E. The course emphasis is on a biopsychosocial understanding of the issues grounded in research.
SWK 658: Rural Social Work (3 credits) Focus on development of knowledge and skills for practice in rural environments. Emphasis is placed upon understanding the contextual elements of practice in the small communities of rural and “bush” Alaska, and the unique roles and tasks of social workers who work with the diverse populations present in rural communities. Rural and urban policy and practice similarities and differences will be explored, along with a survey of some current service delivery models.
SWK 659: Leadership and Decision Making in Human Services (3 credits) Focus on knowledge and skills related to leadership and decision-making for potential leaders of human service organizations. Emphases include leadership theory and analysis of leadership styles and decision-making theory and techniques. Issues of gender and race as they relate to leadership and decision-making will also be explored.
SWK 671: Addiction and Social Work (3 credits) Analysis of addictions, particularly alcohol and substance abuse, along with prevention, management, and treatment issues. Differential consequences, theoretical and conceptual frameworks, social attitudes, organizational contexts, family dynamics, historical roots, cultural influences, contemporary research. Principles of intervention along with the development and administration of treatment programs.
SWK 672: Advanced Family Practice in Social Work (3 credits) Preparation for advanced work with complex families. Major focus on family systems theories and systemic therapeutic interventions with acute and chronic dysfunction. Provides substantive knowledge of systemic interventions with multi-problem families. Special attention to poverty, addictions, family violence, family disruption, divorce, and issues encountered by nontraditional families.
SWK 681: Case Management in Social Work (3 credits) Identification and analysis of case management from a practitioner, supervisory, and administrative frame of reference. Methods of developing and monitoring a case management system in various fields of practice with attention to measurement, documentation, effectiveness, and compatibility with agency functions and specified outcomes.
SWK 690: Special Topics (1-3 credits) Focus on current topics related to social work services, diverse client groups, and fields of practice. SWK 690 may be repeated for credit with different subtitles.
SWK 697: Independent Study (3 credits) An independent study course consisting of topics or problems chosen by the student, guided under the supervision of a full-time faculty member. The course is not a duplication of and must differ significantly from a catalog course. Independent study provides the opportunity for students who have completed most of the required courses in the MSW Program to study topics which are not offered.
Students in the full-time programs will participate in field education during the entire academic year. Students in the part-time programs will participate in field education in the Fall and Spring semesters during the even-numbered years.
Students are referred to the MSW Field Education Manual for additional information regarding field work in the MSW program.
Students are responsible for being familiar with the contents of the manual and following designated procedures for obtaining field placements.
Following successful completion of the MSW course and program requirements, the student must submit an application for Advancement to Candidacy for the MSW degree. The student must be in good academic standing, having satisfied any terms of conditional admission as well as corrected any deficiencies in prerequisites or other academic requirements.
Advancement to Candidacy applications will be available in the School of Social Work in the Spring semester just prior to graduation. These forms must be signed by the student and approved by the student's Faculty Advisor and the MSW Program Coordinator. They are submitted to the Office of the Dean for final review and signature.
Completion of “Integrative Seminar” (SWK 635) fulfills UAA Graduate School requirements for the written Comprehensive Examination.
This step must be completed before the student will be approved for graduation.
Applications for Graduation must be submitted by the University deadline (typically early in the Spring semester). The University has established a “no exceptions” policy, meaning degrees will not be awarded until late August.
The School of Social Work adheres to the following grading standards:
"A" An honor grade indicating comprehensive mastery of the required work.
"B" Indicates demonstration of a high level of performance in meeting the course requirements.
"C" Indicates a satisfactory level of performance. The lowest passing grade in the MSW Program.
"D" Not acceptable as satisfying requirements in the MSW graduate program.
"F" Indicates failure.
“P” Indicates passing work.
“NP” Indicates work that is not passing.
"I" Incomplete.
All graduate students who have completed one semester of course work with a minimum of 15 credits of required social work courses and who have achieved a minimum grade point of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) are eligible for membership in the Epsilon Chi Chapter of Phi Alpha, the National Honor Society of Social Work students.
Grades of "I" (Incomplete) are available only under extenuating circumstances and must be negotiated with the individual instructor(s) before the end of the grading term. A grade of "I" will significantly affect student progress.
A STUDENT MAY NOT PROCEED TO THE NEXT COURSE IN THE SEQUENCE WITH A
GRADE OF INCOMPLETE IN THE PRECEDING COURSE.
An “I” (Incomplete) is a temporary grade. It is used to indicate that a student has made satisfactory progress in the majority of the work in a course. The Incomplete Grade Contract, a signed contract form between the student and faculty member that stipulates the assignment(s) required to finish the course, is required and must be completed for each “I” grade assigned.
Course work must be completed by a date specified in the contract, not to exceed one year. If course work is not completed within one year, or if the terms specified on the Incomplete Grade Contract are not met, the student may be assigned a failing grade (F or NP, depending on the grading basis of the course). If course work is not completed within one year and the faculty member does not submit a change of grade at that time, the “I” will become a permanent grade and it will be necessary for the student to re-register to obtain credit for the course.
A student can be dismissed from the MSW Program for lack of academic progress or for violation of the NASW Code of Ethics.
The UAA Course Catalog states: “To maintain satisfactory progress toward the degree, a student in the MSW Program is expected to achieve a GPA of “3.00” or better on a “4.00” scale, with no individual course grade lower than a “C”, and to adhere to the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Students must earn a grade of “B” or better in all field practicum courses”.
UAA Graduate Admission and Degree Program policies indicate that academic progress is determined by a student’s grades. To remain in good standing, a student must meet the program requirements as stated in the Course Catalog. An MSW student whose GPA falls below “3.00”, or who earns a grade below a ‘C” in an individual course, or a “B” in a field practicum course will be placed on probation. If the requirements to remove probation are not satisfied within one semester (excluding summer), the student will be removed from degree-seeking status.
Per UAA policy, a student’s academic status may be changed to non-degree-seeking status if requirements to remove conditional admission or probation are not satisfied. An Ad hoc Student Review Committee can recommend a student be removed from degree-seeking status if the student is not making satisfactory progress toward completing program requirements.
UAA
maintains a Code of Conduct for all students (see UAA Course Catalog, Student
Life section; or UA Regents Policy Part IX, Chapter II Student Rights and
Responsibilities, P09.02 — available at www.alaska.edu/bor/contents/pt9.html).
Students are responsible for appropriate conduct while engaged in the activities of their education. When a student violates Local, State, or Federal laws and at the same time violates the Code of Conduct, either on or off campus, the University reserves the option of initiating disciplinary action. In the case of violation of the UAA Code of Conduct, the disciplinary procedures published in the course catalog will be followed.
In addition to the UAA Code of Conduct, all social work students are expected to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics defines the ethical principles of the profession, based on social work’s core values and the ethical standards relevant to the professional activities of all social workers. An Ad hoc Student Review Committee can recommend a student be removed from degree-seeking status if a student has been judged to have violated the Code of Ethics.
General Procedures for Student Review
A. Informal Review: An instructor, advisor, or program administrator can request to meet with a student to discuss the student’s behavior or academic progress. The person requesting the informal review will make a note in the student’s file of the outcome of the meeting. Students will be warned, and the file will note, if a student is in jeopardy of being removed from degree-seeking status due to a failure to meet academic or professional standards of the program.
B. Formal Review Procedures:
1. An instructor, advisor, or program administrator can determine that a student’s behavior or lack of academic progress is sufficient to warrant a formal review. A request for a formal review may occur as the result of an alleged violation of the NASW Code of Ethics or failure to meet the academic standards of the program. The person requesting the review must submit a written summary of the issue(s) that need to be reviewed to the Director of the School of Social Work. The Director will appoint an Ad hoc Student Review Committee within five (5) days of notification of an issue.
2. An Ad hoc Student Review Committee is appointed by the Director of the School of Social Work and is minimally comprised of three of the following as voting members: a member of the Social Work faculty, the student’s Faculty Advisor, the MSW Field Education Coordinator, and the MSW Program Coordinator. Additional faculty may be appointed to the committee as appropriate. The faculty member requesting the review can serve on the committee but may not serve as the Hearing Officer. A minimum of three voting members is required to take action.
3. The Director of the School of Social Work will also appoint a non-voting faculty member as the Hearing Officer for the Ad hoc Student Review Committee. The Hearing Officer is responsible for:
a. scheduling the meeting within ten (10) working days;
b. providing written notification of the meeting to the student and committee members – including notice of who will preside as the Hearing Officer. a contact phone number, and the issue(s) to be reviewed;
c. conducting the meeting; and
d. ultimately, providing the student and the Director with the written decision of the committee within five (5) days of the meeting.
4. The student is encouraged to attend the review meeting, but attendance is not mandatory. The student may bring any materials deemed relevant to the issues. If the student wishes to bring witnesses to the meeting, approval must be obtained from the Hearing Officer. The Hearing Officer is responsible for determining if materials and witnesses are appropriate.
5. The committee may review the student file, any official documents related to the issue(s) presented – such as field or classroom materials, and supplemental information deemed appropriate by the Hearing Officer. If additional infor-mation is necessary for a fair process, the committee can suspend action and reconvene within five (5) days.
6. The final deliberations of the Ad hoc Student Review Committee will be closed to the public and the student.
7. The Ad hoc Student Review Committee can decide one of the following:
a. No action be taken;
b. Recommend academic warning;
c. Recommend placement or continuation on probation;
d. Recommend removal from degree-seeking status.
8. The Director of the School of Social Work can request reconsideration by the Ad hoc Student Review Committee in light of new information, or forward the decision of the committee to the Director of Enrollment Services for action.
C. Actions of the Ad hoc Student Review Committee: The committee can take action on one or both of the following:
1. Violation of the NASW Code of Ethics: An Ad hoc Student Review Committee can be charged with the responsibility of determining if a student has violated the NASW Code of Ethics. The committee will use the Code as a frame of reference for assessing a social work student’s conduct. The review process does not automatically imply legal liability or violation of the law. (See the NASW Code of Ethics, Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics, January 1997).
2. Failure to Make Academic Progress: An Ad hoc Student Review Committee can be charged with the responsibility of determining if a student has failed to meet the academic standards of the MSW Program. The committee can recommend a student be dismissed from the program if the student is not making satisfactory progress toward completing program requirements or has failed to satisfy the conditions of probationary status within one semester.
D. Review Procedures Regarding Academic Decisions: Students have the right to appeal academic decisions that adversely affect them. The School of Social Work abides by the UA Regents Policy Part IX, Chapter III Student Dispute Resolution—policy 09.03 (web site: www.alaska.edu/bor/contents/pt9.html). Students are encouraged to read Regent’s Policy 09.03 for further clarification. The School has adopted the following procedures for reviewing appeals:
1. Students are encouraged to seek informal resolution with the person responsible for the decision or action. The following list identifies who the student should discuss issues with before seeking formal resolution: