OTHER COURSE-RELATED INFORMATION AND POLICIES. Social Work Department-Wide Information and Policies

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1 OTHER COURSE-RELATED INFORMATION AND POLICIES Social Work Department-Wide Information and Policies Department of Social Work Mission The Department of Social Work reflects the Washburn University vision through outstanding Bachelor of Social Work (BSW generalist) and Master of Social Work (MSW clinical) programs. Curriculum is continually enhanced through teaching excellence, scholarly research and publication, and faculty involvement in international, national, and regional forums. Kansas benefits directly from student practica serving our most vulnerable citizens. Department goals reflect the accreditation standards of the National Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students build on a solid general education base integrated with humanistic values, cultural competence, and enthusiasm for a lifetime of learning. Upon graduation, students will be able to apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments, conducting themselves as ethical practitioners. Graduates may further advance the social and economic well-being of clients and human rights through advocacy and shaping of policy and practice. Department of Social Work Competencies and Sub-Competencies The Department of Social Work strives to produce graduates who are competent social workers. Graduates of the BSW and the MSW Programs will: Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior make ethical decisions by applying the standards of the NASW Code of Ethics, relevant laws and regulations, models for ethical decision-making, ethical conduct of research, and additional codes of ethics as appropriate to context know the profession s history use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations commit to their own professional conduct and growth demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior; appearance; and oral, written, and electronic communication practice personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional development use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior engage in career-long learning 1

2 Engage diversity and difference in practice apply and communicate understanding of the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels engage in ethical decision-making present themselves as learners and engage clients and constituencies as experts of their own experiences apply self-awareness and self-regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse clients and constituencies Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels use critical thinking augmented by creativity and curiosity to synthesize and communicate relevant information engage in practices that advance social, economic, and environmental justice Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methods and research findings use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery Engage in policy practice identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social services assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access to social services apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-inenvironment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to engage with clients and constituencies use empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage diverse clients and constituencies 2

3 Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients and constituencies apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-inenvironment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the analysis of assessment data from clients and constituencies develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives based on the critical assessment of strengths, needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research knowledge, and values and preferences of clients and constituencies Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities critically choose and implement interventions to achieve practice goals and enhance capacities of clients and constituencies apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-inenvironment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in interventions with clients and constituencies use inter-professional collaboration as appropriate to achieve beneficial practice outcomes negotiate, mediate, and advocate with and on behalf of diverse clients and constituencies facilitate effective transitions and endings that advance mutually agreed-on goals Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities select and use appropriate methods for evaluation of outcomes apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-inenvironment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the evaluation of outcomes critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes and outcomes apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels 3

4 Department Grading Policies Grades within the Social Work Department consist of A (excellent performance), B (satisfactory performance), C (below standards), D (significantly below standards) and F (failure). A letter grade of D is considered to be a failing grade in the MSW program. All courses are graded on this scale except for the Field Practica, which are graded on a Credit (CR) or No Credit (NC) basis. Social work faculty will notify the Program Director and the Department Chair when a grade of D, F, or I (Incomplete) has been earned by a student. If necessary, the Program Director will notify the student in writing regarding his or her academic situation. A student is not required to repeat a course in which he or she earns a grade of C; however, the student may retake such a course to improve his or her grade point average. Students who receive a failing grade (e.g., D, F,) in any graduate social work course will be academically dismissed from the program. Social Work Department faculty members expect students to exhibit professional behavior in the classroom (including online classes) and in the practicum setting at all times. Such behavior must reflect the ethics of the social work profession. Expectations of professional behavior and comportment are integrated into the academic performance standards of every course offered by the Social Work Department. Should a student demonstrate behavior that is inconsistent with the professional practice of social work, then every reasonable attempt will be made to assist the student to bring his/her behavior in line with the NASW Code of Ethics. Students who do not meet these behavioral expectations will fail the course or courses where the unprofessional behavior has been observed. To remain in good standing within the Social Work Department, students must: 1. Maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA (for BSW students); or a 3.0 cumulative GPA (for MSW students). 2. Receive no grades below a C in any undergraduate social work course. 3. Receive a grade of CR (credit) in all practicum courses. 4. Adhere to the social work profession's Code of Ethics. 5. Adhere to the professional conduct requirements outlined in the rules and regulations of the Kansas Social Work Licensing Statute, Article Adhere to Washburn University's Student Conduct and Disciplinary Code and academic impropriety policy as described in the Washburn University Catalog. 7. Maintain social and/or occupational functioning that allows for effective participation in the academic and practicum requirements of the program. Social functioning refers to the student's ability to cope with the demands generated by his or her interaction with the environment. Occupational functioning refers to the student s ability to cope with workplace and occupational demands and expectations. 4

5 Impairment in social functioning and/or occupational functioning may be exhibited by a single discrete episode that clearly violates the University's Student Conduct and Disciplinary Code, the University Academic Impropriety Policy, the NASW Code of Ethics, state regulations defining professional misconduct, or by a pattern of recurring behavior, which may include, but is not limited to the following: Inability or unwillingness to carry out school- and/or practicum-related duties and responsibilities. Disruption of academic- or practicum-related settings. Psychotic behavior. Inability or unwillingness to maintain harmonious school-related and/or practicumrelated relationships. Intoxication and/or impairment at the university or practicum-related setting due to use and/or abuse of one or more psychoactive substances. Behavior that presents a clear and present danger to self and/or others, including verbal and/or physical aggression towards self and/or others. Lacking flexibility toward human diversity (e.g., age, class, color, culture, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, family structure, marital status, national origin, political perspective, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender roles, gender identity, and/or expression or any other aspect of human difference). An Incomplete Grade All assignments must be completed to pass the class. In accordance with the Student Handbook, an incomplete (I) grade will be given only in extraordinary circumstances and at the discretion of the instructor. The incomplete must be negotiated and the Incomplete Grade Report Form completed and signed before the end of the semester. The student must complete course requirements before the end of the subsequent semester. If the coursework is not completed within the agreed-upon period, the incomplete (I) grade will automatically convert to an F. Affirmative Action Policy The Department of Social Work at Washburn University maintains a policy that assures equal educational opportunity without regard to age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, marital status, national origin, political perspective, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and/or expression. Attendance and Class Participation Students should actively participate in in-class and online class activities. Success in the course depends heavily on one s participation and presence in this course. The instructor has both e- mail and voic . The instructor must be notified in advance of any planned or anticipated absence. Even if an absence is unplanned or unanticipated, the student is responsible for notifying the instructor after the fact to explain why he/she was absent. Regardless of the reason for the absence, the student is fully responsible for any homework or lessons that are assigned for or covered during the period of his/her absence. Each assignment must be turned in 5

6 on time (i.e., on the due date and on or before the time deadline) whether or not the student participates in class. Students should notify the professor if religious observances conflict with class or due dates for class assignments so appropriate arrangements can be made. Although it is the student's responsibility to initiate course withdrawals, an instructor, after due notice to the student, may request withdrawal of the student from a course because of nonattendance through the same date as the last day a student may withdraw from a course. This would NOT absolve the student of financial responsibility for tuition/fees for the course in question. Courtesy Expectations Students must treat their classroom obligations as they should treat any serious professional engagement. This includes: Preparing thoroughly for each session in accordance with the instructor s request Participating fully and constructively in all online activities and discussions Displaying appropriate courtesy to all involved in the class activities and interactions. Specifically, courteous behavior entails communicating in a manner that respects, and is sensitive to, cultural, religious, sexual, and other individual differences in the Washburn community Adhering to deadlines and timetables established by the instructor Providing constructive and courteous feedback to the instructor regarding his performance. Students should be as objective in their comments about instructors as they expect instructors to be in their evaluations of students. Desire2Learn (D2L) Student Orientation All social work students are expected to have participated in the online D2L student orientation offered by the online education staff of Information Technology Services (ITS) before the start of his/her first semester at Washburn or within two weeks of the start date of his or her first semester at Washburn. Writing and the APA Style The instructor of this course expects social work students to study, learn, and master the conventions contained in the American Psychological Association Style Manual, Sixth Edition (APA, 2009). At a minimum, students are expected to follow the rules of proper syntax and semantics, punctuation, and spelling. Any student who needs assistance with his or her writing is encouraged to seek help from tutors and other resource people, including graduate writing assistants available through Washburn's Writing Center. 6

7 Instructor Availability If a student needs to meet with the instructor, he or she should simply call or to set up an appointment. Ad hoc or impromptu meetings may be arranged before or after class or during breaks. If this is an online class, special arrangements will need to be made. Inclement Weather Policy If the University closes due to bad weather, announcements will be made in news media (e.g., radio, television, Internet). Students may call the university switchboard at (785) for information. Students who are hearing impaired and have TTY/TDD equipment, the number is (785) Instructor/Course Evaluation The instructor will ask the class for feedback regarding the course frequently. Please let the instructor know how the course is going. If you have trouble with the content, readings, assignments, or the web-based course tools, please let the instructor know immediately. The instructor and course will be evaluated at the end of the term by students using a standard evaluation instrument. Each evaluation will cover the quality and relevance of course material and the quality of instruction. The intent is to seek information that will help to improve both the quality of the course and instructional competence. In completing these evaluations, each student should be mindful of the extent to which the course objectives have been met. UNIVERSITY ADDITIONS COURSE SYLLABUS Mission of the University Washburn University enriches the lives of students by providing opportunities for them to develop and to realize their intellectual, academic, and professional potential, leading to becoming productive and responsible citizens. We are committed to excellence in teaching, scholarly work, quality academic and professional programs, and high levels of faculty-student interaction. We develop and engage in relationships to enhance educational experiences and our community. Washburn University Board of Regents, 2010 Definition of a Credit Hour For every credit hour awarded for an undergraduate course, the student is typically expected to complete approximately one hour of classroom instruction, online interaction with course material, or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two additional hours of student work each week for approximately 15 weeks for one semester or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. 7

8 Notice of Non-Discrimination/Safe Educational Environment The University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or marital or parental status. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Dr. Pamela Foster, Equal Opportunity Director/Title IX Coordinator, Washburn University, 1700 SW College Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66621, , Harassment & Discrimination The University is required by federal laws to address complaints of discrimination and harassment. Faculty are considered responsible employees and as responsible employees, are required to report an incident of discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual violence to Dr. Pam Foster. A faculty member is only required to report the name of the complainant, but may report more information at his or her discretion. A class assignment WILL NOT trigger an investigation or a report to Dr. Foster. Students and employees may file complaints with the Equal Opportunity Director/Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Pam Foster. or with Washburn University Police at Academic Misconduct Policy Confidential Resources On campus, University Counseling Services offers free, confidential counseling to students on any topic, including experiences with sexual assault or relationship violence. Any information shared in a counseling session will be kept confidential and only revealed with a student s permission. Other on and off-campus resources are found here: All students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately and ethically in their academic work. Inappropriate and unethical behavior includes (but is not limited to) giving or receiving unauthorized aid on examinations or in the preparation of papers or other assignments, or knowingly misrepresenting the source of academic work. Washburn University s Academic Impropriety Policy describes academically unethical behavior in greater detail and explains the actions that may be taken when such behavior occurs. For guidelines regarding protection of copyright, consult For a complete copy of the Academic Impropriety Policy, contact the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center Suite 200, or go on-line to: Student One Stop (S.O.S.) The Student One Stop is the place where students can take care of a range of matters related to admissions, financial aid, student records/registration, and student accounts. The S.O.S. 8

9 incorporates the front office services of the Admissions Office, Business Office, Financial Aid and the Registrar in one convenient location. Stop in the Morgan Hall Welcome Center and visit with a University Service Advisor for assistance or give us call us at (785) You can also us at sos@washburn.edu. More information can be found at Student Health and Counseling Services (Located in Morgan Hall Room 140, ) Student Health Student Health Services (SHS) provides support for students experiencing challenges with learning and adapting to university life. SHS offers urgent care for illness and injury; sports, school, and travel abroad physicals (including TB testing); well woman exams; STD and pregnancy testing; immunizations/vaccinations; and care of chronic illness. Services are provided by Board Certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) who collaborate with WU Student Counseling Services and physicians in the Topeka area. More information can be found at Counseling Services Licensed mental health professionals are available in the Counseling Services office for personal, academic, and mental health support. This is accomplished by providing a variety of counseling services as well as resources and referrals to students. More information can be found at Student Services (Located in Morgan Hall Room 105, ) Student Services - Disability Services: The Student Services Office is responsible for assisting in arranging accommodations and for identifying resources on campus for persons with disabilities. Qualified students with disabilities must register with the office to be eligible for services. The office MUST have appropriate documentation on file in order to provide services. Accommodations may include in-class note takers, test readers and/or scribes, adaptive computer technology, brailled materials. Requests for accommodations should be submitted at least two months before services should begin; however, if you need an accommodation this semester, please contact the Student Services Office immediately. Students may voluntarily identify themselves to the instructor for a referral to the Student Services Office. Student Services - Military Withdrawals Students who are called to active duty and must withdraw from classes as a result should contact the Director of the Student Services Office, Morgan Hall, Room 105, phone , or jeanne.kessler@washburn.edu. 9

10 Location: The Student Services Office, Morgan Hall, Room 105 Web: Phone: Center for Student Success As a Washburn student, you may experience challenges with motivation, study habits, time or money management, balancing school/life, getting involved, or choosing a major and classes. The Center for Student Success (Office of Academic Advising, University Tutoring and Writing Center, First-Year Experience, and Prior Learning and Testing) is available to help students either directly through academic advising, mentoring, testing and developing learning strategies or by identifying the appropriate University resource. If you feel you need someone with whom to discuss an issue free of charge, contact the center at , advising@washburn.edu, or visit Mabee Library, Room 201. Withdrawal Policy During fall and spring semesters, students may go online and withdraw from full semester courses through the second week of class with no recorded grade. From the third through the eleventh week a W is recorded for any dropped course. After the eleventh week, there are NO withdrawals, and a grade will be assigned for the course. These deadlines will be different for short-term, out-of-sequence, or summer courses. To view the deadline dates for your courses visit the Last Day Deadlines web page at: Depending on the timing of the request to withdraw from a course, students may be eligible for a full or partial refund. Information regarding tuition refunds is available at Please note: tuition refund amounts and deadlines are changing effective Fall In addition, depending on the timing of the request to withdraw from a course, students may be responsible for repaying all or a portion of their financial aid. Students who do not attend their courses and fail to officially withdraw themselves will receive a grade of F and may also be required to repay all or a portion of their financial aid based on their non-attendance. For further information, contact the Financial Aid Office at or financialaid@washburn.edu. Attendance/Administrative Withdrawal Although it is the student's responsibility to initiate course withdrawals, an instructor, after due notice to the student, may request withdrawal of the student from a course because of nonattendance through the same date as the last day a student may withdraw from a course. This would NOT absolve the student of financial responsibility for tuition/fees for the course in question. The inclusion of this information in the course syllabus is considered due notice. 10

11 Official Address Your Washburn University address will be the official address used by the University for relaying important messages regarding academic and financial information and the University will consider this your official notification for important information. It may also be used by your instructors to provide specific course information. If you prefer to use an alternate address to receive official University notices you can set a forwarding address in the Outlook Web App by following the steps below. Outlook Web App: Set Forwarding Address 1. Go to 2. Sign in 3. Click the Gear in the upper right 4. Choose Options 5. Select Forward your from the list on the left 6. In the lower portion of the screen, enter the address to which you want to forward all your Click the start forwarding button It is your responsibility to ensure that your official box does not exceed your message quota resulting in the inability of messages to be accepted into your mailbox. Success Week Success Week for undergraduate students is designated as the five week days preceding the first day of scheduled final examinations each Fall and Spring semester. Success Week is intended to provide students ample opportunity to prepare for final examinations. For academic programs, the following guidelines apply: A. Faculty are encouraged to utilize Success Week as a time for review of course material in preparation for the final examination. If an examination is to be given during Success Week, it must not be given in the last three days of Success Week unless approved by the Dean or Department Chair. Assignments worth no more than 10% of the final grade and covering no more than one-fourth of assigned reading material in the course may be given. B. Major course assignments (extensive research papers, projects, etc.) should be due on or before the Friday prior to Success Week and should be assigned early in the semester. Any modifications to assignments should be made in a timely fashion to give students adequate time to complete the assignments. C. If major course assignments must be given during Success Week, they should be due in the first three days of Success Week. Exceptions include class presentations by students and semester-long projects such as a project assignment in lieu of a final. Participation and attendance grades are acceptable. The Success Week policy excludes make-up assignments, make-up tests, take-home final exams, and laboratory examinations. It also does not apply to classes meeting one day a week for more than one hour. All University laboratory classes are exempt from this policy. 11