Social Work Program

The Bachelor of Social Work degree is the minimal educational requirement for the social work profession and licensure.

Social Work Program Policies

Admission to the Traditional Social Work Program

1. The traditional social work student submits an application to the Social Work Program Director by March 1 of the second year. The student must complete the required cognates (pre-social work fundamentals) and 1000 and 2000-level required social work courses prior to formal admission to the social work program.
2. Admission criteria to the traditional social work program include:
   • a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher on all course work attempted at the University;
   • a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher on all course work accepted by transfer;
   • completion of required cognates, including SOC-1013G Introduction to Sociology, BIO-1014G Principles of Biology, PSY-1013G General Psychology, and PSY-3063 Abnormal Psychology;
   • completion of foundation courses in social work, including SWK-1013 Introduction to Social Work, SWK-1012 Social Work Field Observation I, SWK-2012 Social Work Field Observation II, SWK-2003G Cultural and Human Diversity, SWK-2013 Social Work Interviewing and Documentation, and SWK-2073 Social Justice and Advocacy;
   • no grade below "C" in 1000 and 2000-level social work courses;
   • completion of the application for admission to the social work program;
   • status of "student in good standing" with the University’s Student Life Office;
   • receipt of satisfactory evaluations from Social Work Field Observation I and II;
   • completion of an interview with the Social Work Admissions Committee and their positive recommendation as to the student's fitness and suitability for the practice of social work.
   • demonstration of behavior congruent with accepted social work practice, such as, but not limited to: valuing diversity, cultural humility, good oral and written communication skills, and adherence to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and State of Ohio Standards of Ethical Behavior and Professional Conduct.
3. Admission into the social work program is a prerequisite for enrolling in any social work course numbered 3000 or above.
4. The members of the Social Work Department will review each admissions application and decide on one of the following four options:
   • Unconditional acceptance into the program - The applicant has met all admissions criteria. The student will be notified in writing of unconditional admission by the Social Work Program Director.
   • Conditional acceptance to the program - The applicant will be notified in writing by the Social Work Program Director of the specific areas that need improvement, correction, or completion. Students may take 3000-level social work classes, but must correct the specified deficiencies prior to admission to 4000-level courses, including practica. Students are responsible for meeting the specified conditions, and reporting to the Social Work Department prior to its April meeting for consideration for admission to 4000-level courses.
   • Delayed decision - The applicant will be notified in writing by the Social Work Program Director of specific conditions which must be met before admission will be reconsidered. Students will not be allowed to take 3000-level social work courses. Students are responsible for correcting the specified conditions, and reporting to the Social Work Department prior to its April meeting.
   • Denial of admission - The applicant will be notified in writing by the Social Work Program Director of specific reasons for rejection of his/her application for admission into the Social Work Program.
   • All students will be notified in writing of the decision of the Social Work Department prior to the end of the academic year by the Program Director.
   • In the event a student is denied admission, admitted with conditions, or has a delayed decision, the Social Work Department will provide the student with a written explanation for the decision and, if applicable, an explanation of the conditions that must be met for admission. A student may appeal the decision of the Department. See appeal process in Academic Regulations and Procedures section of this Catalog.
5. Admission to the social work program does not guarantee admission to the practica experiences or completion of the program for graduation.

Note: Traditional students transferring into the program might not complete the program in four years, because the program is tightly structured and sequenced. Traditional students combining social work with another major might find that the program structure and sequence prevent completion of two majors in four years.

Common Social Work Program Policies

The following Social Work Program policies apply to all students admitted to the social work program:

1. Retention in the Social Work Progrrm: Once admitted, a student will continue to be evaluated for continuation in the program. Students may be placed on probation, suspended, or terminated from the social work program for any one or more violations of program policies and standards, including:
   • excessive field education absences
   • educational disqualifications
   • violations of academic integrity and MVNU standard of conduct
   • legal disqualifications
   • unethical conduct
   • professional impairment
   • lack of reliability and dependability
   • misrepresentation
   • participation in derogatory and/or disrespectful behavior
   • participation in discriminatory behavior.
2. Good Standing in the Social Work Program: BSW students achieve this designation by following each of these minimum standards:
   • maintain at least a cumulative GPA of 2.00 on all course work attempted at the University;
   • earn no grade below "C" in required social work courses;
   • demonstrate ethical behavior in the classroom, field experience, and University community life;
   • maintain status as a "student in good standing" with the University;
   • adhere to field experience policies and procedures; and
   • adhere to social work program policies and procedures.
3. Grade Appeal Process: Students who wish to submit a grade appeal must do so according to the policies outlines under the "Academic Regulations and Procedures" section of this Catalog.
4. Life Experience Policy The Social Work Program grants no academic credit, either in part or whole for life experience, volunteer experience, and/or current or previous work experience. This policy applies to all academic social work credits, including required cognates (pre-social work fundamentals) and professional foundations courses, field observations, and field practica.
5. Social Work Ethical Practice The Social Work Program follows the State of Ohio Standards of Ethical Practice and Professional Conduct and The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics that applies to students in social work educational programs. Violations of the Standards of Ethical Practice and Professional Conduct may result in departmental sanctions, including probation of termination from the program. Social work students receive written copies of the ethical practice standards and instruction as to the meaning, value, and application of the standards.

Admission to the Traditional Social Work Practicum Experience

1. Students desiring admission into the social work practicum experience must submit an application to the Social Work Field Education Director by the announced date.
2. The criteria for admission to practicum include:
   • completion of the 3000-level social work courses with no grade below a "C";
   • earn a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 on all course work attempted at the University;
   • maintain status as a "student in good standing" with the University;
   • demonstration of behavior congruent with accepted social work practice, such as, but not limited to, valuing diversity, cultural humility, good oral and written communication skills, and adherence to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and the State of Ohio Standards of Ethical Behavior and Professional Conduct ; and
   • removal of any conditions stipulated by the Social Work Department prior to, upon, or after admission to the Social Work Program.
3. Students applying for admission to practicum will complete an admissions interview and must receive a positive recommendation as to the student’s fitness and suitability for the practicum experience.
4. The members of the Social Work Department will review each admissions application and decide on one of the following four options:
   • Unconditional admission to Social Work Practicum I - The applicant has met all admissions criteria. The student will be notified in writing of unconditional admission by the Social Work Field Education Director.
   • Conditional admission to Social Work Practicum I - The applicant will be notified in writing by the Social Work Field Education Director of the specific areas that need improvement, correction, or completion. Students will be allowed to register for Social Work Practicum I and Social Work Seminar I, but admission could be revoked if a student fails to meet specified conditions. Conditions must be met prior to admission to Social Work Practicum II and Social Work Seminar II. Students are responsible for meeting the specified conditions, and reporting to the Social Work Department for reconsideration of conditional admission status.
   • Delayed decision - The applicant will be notified in writing by the Social Work Field Education Director of specific conditions which must be met before admission will be reconsidered. Students will not be allowed to register for Social Work Practicum I and Social Work Seminar I until deficiencies have been corrected, and the student requests in writing that his/her application be re-considered by the Social Work Department. Students are responsible for correcting the specified conditions, and reporting to the Social Work Department for reconsideration of delayed decision admission status.
   • Denial of admission - The applicant will be notified in writing by the Social Work Field Education Director of specific reasons for rejection of his/her application for admission into the practicum experience. A student denied admission to Social Work Practicum I may face termination from the Social Work Program and/or a denial to graduate with a major in social work.
   • All students will be notified in writing of the decision of the Social Work Field Department prior to the end of the academic year by the Field Education Director.
   • In the event a student is denied admission, admitted with conditions, or has a delayed decision, the Social Work Department will provide the student with a written explanation for the decision and, if applicable, an explanation of the conditions that must be met for admission. A student may appeal the decision of the Department. See appeal process in the Academic Regulations and Procedures sections of this Catalog.
5. Admission to Social Work Practicum II

   Once admitted to Social Work Practicum I, a student will continue to be evaluated for continuation in the practicum and admission to Social Work Practicum II. Admission to the practicum experience does not guarantee admission to Social Work Practicum II or completion of the social work program for graduation. Details about retention in the practicum experience and admission to Social Work Practicum II are included in the Field Practicum Student Manual. However, in general, a practicum student must:

   • maintain at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA;
   • earn a grade of "C" or better in 4000-level social work courses;
   • satisfactorily complete Social Work Practicum I;
   • adhere to field placement policies and procedures;
   • demonstrate ethical behavior in the classroom, field practicum, and in University community life; and
   • adhere to program policies.

The social work faculty will evaluate students participating in Social Work Practicum I as to their general suitability for Social Work Practicum II placement. If concerns are not raised by either the social work faculty or Social Work Practicum I field instructor and the student remains in good standing in the social work program, the Social Work Field Education Director can recommend that the student be admitted unconditionally to Social Work Practicum II. The student will be allowed to enroll in Social Work Practicum II. However, if the Social Work Practicum I field instructor or social work faculty has concerns about the student’s continuation in Social Work Practicum II, the Social Work Field Education Director will notify the student and personally discuss the concerns with the student. The Social Work Field Education Director may make a recommendation to the Social Work Department to conditionally admit the student to Social Work Practicum II, to delay the decision until deficiencies are corrected, or to deny admission to Social Work Practicum II.

The Social Work Field Education Director will notify students in writing of a conditional delay or denial admission decision.

Disclaimers

Admission into the Bachelor of Social Work Program may be delayed for students who do not successfully complete designated liberal arts courses and/or required cognate and professional foundation courses with satisfactory grades.

The Bachelor of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program strives to be responsive to ever-changing requirements and expectations, including those of state social work licensing boards, the social work profession itself, and the CSWE.

The University cannot guarantee licensure or employment because it does not control applicable state legislation, the licensing examinations or requirements, or hiring practices of state and community social service agencies. Background checks are therefore required prior to the issuance of licenses by appropriate licensing bodies.