Volume III. MSW Student Handbook, NYACK COLLEGE BENCHMARK I. Master of Social Work Program

Transcription

1 0 Volume III MSW Student Handbook, Master of Social Work Program NYACK COLLEGE Master of Social Work Program BENCHMARK I

2 1 GRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM NYACK COLLEGE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK NYACK COLLEGE NEW YORK, NEW YORK

3 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS School of Social Work Directory.. 5 Welcome.. 7 I. The MSW PROGRAM Mission Statement 8 Program Goals. 8 Foundation Level & Advanced Level.. 8 Foundation Phase... 8 Advanced Concentration Phase 9 Clinical Social Work Practice Concentration Course Requirements Leadership in Organization & Communities Course Requirements 10 Foundation Level Core Curriculum.. 10 Advanced Level Curriculum MSW Competencies & Practice Behaviors for Foundation & Concentration. 11 II. ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Admission Criteria.. 17 Applicants to the Advanced Standing Program.. 18 Admission Assessment 19 Prerequisites for Admission. 19 International Students Non-Degree Students 19 Transfer of Graduate Credits 19 Transfer of Elective Credits. 20 Independent Study 20 Provisional Admission. 20 Conditional Admission. 21 Faculty Advising Student Responsibility.. 21 Faculty Office Hours 22 Class Attendance.. 22 Standard Software Requirement Electronic Devices in the Classroom 22 Campus Communication.. 23 Grading. 23 Incompletes.. 23 Course Progression.. 23 Time Limitations.. 24 Life Experience 24 MSW Student Association 24 Academic Standards 25 Appeal and Grievance Process 25 Informal Procedures to Resolve Complaints.. 25 Formal Grievance Procedures. 26 Student Code of Conduct and Evaluation of Ethical Behavior Philosophy of Discipline of Nyack College 27

4 3 Technical Standards for Admission, Academic Matriculation, and Graduation Introduction and Background.. 27 Objective. 28 Scope 28 Technical Standards. 29 Skill Requirements for Admission and to Maintain Enrollment Physical Skills.. 30 Cognitive Skills Emotional and Mental Skills Communication Skills. 30 Written Skills.. 30 Oral Skills 31 Interpersonal/Behavioral Skills Professional Performance Review 32 Academic Performance Criteria 33 Evidence of Meeting Technical Standards and Academic Performance. 34 Policies and Procedures for Review of Academic and Professional Performance Policy on Review, Probation and Dismissal or Termination 34 Three Levels of Review Level 1 Student/Instructor Consultation.. 35 Level 2 Student/Program Performance Review 35 Level 3 Student/Program Performance Review 36 Policy on Academic Standing and Program Readmission 37 Drop/Add and Withdrawal. 38 Change of Concentration 38 Leave of Absence 38 III. IV. FIELD EDUCATION Introduction: Field Education. 39 SUPPORTS FOR LEARNING Library. 39 Graduate Organization for Social Work...40 Reading/Writing Center Accommodations for Disabilities. 40 Council on Social Work Educational Policy and Accreditation Statement. 40 Resources Alumni V. GETTING LICENSED AFTER GRADUATION. 41 APPENDIX A: Plans of Study.. 42 Clinical Concentration Two Year Plan of Study 43 Clinical Concentration Three and Four Year Plan of Study. 44 Clinical Concentration Advanced Standing Plan of Study 45 Clinical Concentration Advanced Standing Plan of Study Over 2 Years Experienced and Employed Social Service Practitioners Clinical (EESSP) Clinical Concentration.. 47

5 4 Leadership in Organization & Communities Practice Concentration: Two Year Plan of Study.. 48 Leadership in Organizations & Communities Practice Concentration: Three and Four Year Plan of Study 49 Leadership in Organizations & Communities Concentration: Advanced Standing Plan of Study Leadership in Organizations & Communities Concentration: Advanced Standing Plan of Study Over 2 Years. 51 Experienced and Employed Social Service Practitioners (EESP) Leadership in Organizations & Communities 52 APPENDIX B: CSWE Education Policy and Accreditation Standards. 53 APPENDIX C: NACSW Code of Ethics. 54 Ethical Principles 54 APPENDIX D: Statement of Confidentiality 56 APPENDIX E: Duty to Report 57 Family Law 57 APPENDIX F: Personal Safety Information.. 58 Guidelines for General Personal Risk Education.. 58 Risk Reduction Strategies in the Field 58 APPENDIX G: Technical Standards Agreement and Improvement Form 60 Technical Standards 60 Student Applicant Signature 62 APPENDIX H: Technical Standards Improvement Form 63 Student Applicant Signature 66 APPENDIX I: Request for Extended Medical Leave Form 67

6 5 SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK DIRECTORY Dr. Kwiryung Yun, Program Director, Professor and Associate Dean 2 Washington Street Rm New York, NY , Kwi.Yun@nyack.edu Dr. Mayra Lopez-Humphreys, Associate Professor and MSW Program Director 2 Washington Street Rm. 2021B New York, NY , Mayra.Humphreys@nyack.edu Dr. Carol Awasu, Chair of the Rockland Campus Social Work Department, Professor 1 South Boulevard Betty Knopp Bldg. Rm. 5A Nyack, NY , Carol.Awasu@nyack.edu Dr. James Long, Lecturer 2 Washington Street Rm. 2020A New York, NY , James.Long@nyack.edu Dr. Brian Roland, Assistant Professor 2 Washington Street Rm.2020B New York, NY , Brian.Roland@nyack.edu Ms. DeVonne Allen, Director of Field Education, Lecturer 1 South Boulevard Betty Knopp Bldg. Rm. 8 Nyack, NY , Devonne.Allen@nyack.edu Field Coordinator - TBA 2 Washington Street Rm. 2021A New York, NY 10004

7 6 Part-Time Faculty Dr. Rick Chamiec-Case Adjunct Lecturer Nicole Wells-Cimmino Adjunct Lecturer Marcia St. Juste Adjunct Lecturer David Fritz Adjunct Lecturer School of Social Work Office Support Percelene Mclain Executive Assistant 2 Washington Street-New York, NY Percelene.Mclain@nyack.edu Student Worker 2 Washington Street New York, NY Swork.assist@nyack.edu

8 7 WELCOME TO NYACK COLLEGE MSW PROGRAM Nyack College is pleased you have chosen to pursue the Master of Social Work degree (MSW) at the Nyack College School of Social Work. Our MSW Program is dedicated to developing compassionate, competent and ethical professionals who are catalysts in making a difference in the lives of people and their communities. Our values of justice, compassion and service are directly derived from our Christian teachings and the values of the profession of social work. In the work being done at our MSW program, whether in the classroom, through scholarship, or in service to the community, our faculty, staff and students seek to create a better world through social work. In doing so, we respond to and reflect the church s call to love our neighbors and become the extraordinary force that builds compassion and justice in the world. Students who complete the MSW degree are prepared for advanced social work practice and leadership in public and private agencies that serve the community. Our faculty brings years of experience as social workers, educators, consultants, and agency administrators to the program. The faculty and staff are committed to maintaining a quality educational program, to meeting the needs of our students, and to providing leadership and service to the social work profession and community. This handbook provides a description of official policies and procedures of the Nyack College Master of Social Work Program and a description of the curriculum requirements for the MSW degree. Students in the MSW Program are responsible for knowing the program and college policies and procedures, including those presented in the Nyack College Catalog. All students are assigned a faculty advisor. Students are encouraged to discuss questions regarding materials in the handbook with their faculty advisor or with the Graduate Program Director. Graduate study at Nyack College focuses on high quality, student centered programming and supports collaborative community partnerships. We would like to welcome you to Nyack College and to the MSW program and hope that you will find it a stimulating, challenging, and rewarding experience. I hope, in your process of discovery, you hear the call to join us as we serve the world through the power of social work! Regards, Mayra Lopez-Humphreys, LMSW, Ph.D. Graduate Program Director

9 8 I. THE MSW PROGRAM The Master of Social Work Program Mission Statement To prepare students with knowledge, values, and skills of the social work profession in a Christian context for competent and compassionate service and leadership in order to increase the well-being of all people and promote just and caring communities locally, nationally, and globally. MSW Program Goals 1. To provide a curriculum that equips students for competent practice with knowledge, values, and skills of the social work profession guided by a person-in-environment framework, strengths perspective and evidence based practice, respect for human diversity, and a global perspective. 2. To provide a transformational learning environment that models integration of Christian faith with learning that helps students grow personally, professionally, and spiritually, and promote their compassion and commitment to the calling that is consistent with the Christian values of loving God and serving all people. 3. To prepare students for service and leadership in public and private sector including faith-based organizations responding to community needs. 4. To produce students who are able to identify and think critically about the multiple causes of problems, the nature and dynamics of change, and strategies for bringing about reconciliation and social justice with particular attention to underserved urban populations. 5. To provide a stimulating, challenging, and supportive environment that facilitates students commitment to on-going growth and development. MSW Program Foundation Level & Advanced Level: The Nyack College School of Social Work s MSW is a 62-credit degree program. The minimum time required to secure the degree is two years. There are two exceptions: (1) if a student has a bachelor s degree in social work within the last seven years from a school accredited by the Council of Social Work Education, they may enter the program as an Advanced Standing Student and earn the degree in one year, and (2) if a student has completed foundation requirements at another accredited school of social work (a transfer student), they may complete the degree in one year. BSW Advanced Standing Students are required to complete a 32-credit degree program. Foundation Phase Approximately half of the courses are in the foundation curriculum, unless a student has entered the school as an advanced-standing student or transfer student and have already taken equivalent courses. Foundation courses provide students with an opportunity to view the field of social work as a whole. In the Foundation phase, students develop the skills to perform at a beginning level of generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. To successfully complete the foundation phase and move into the advanced concentration phase, students must maintain a B average and have no incompletes. The Plans of Study for both the foundation and advanced phases are included in Appendix A.

10 9 The Foundation Phase courses include the following: Course Title Cr. Course Title Cr. FALL SEMESTER SPRING SEMESTER SWK 514 HUMAN BEHAVIOR IN THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT I 3 SWK 554 HUMAN BEHAVIOR IN THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT II 3 SWK 516 GENERALIST SWK PRACTICE I WITH INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES 3 SWK 556 GENERALIST SWK PRACTICE II WITH GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND COMMUNITIES 3 SWK 534 ADVANCED SOCIAL JUSTICE: DIVERSITY, POWER & OPPRESSION 3 SWK55 5 SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY AND SERVICES 3 SWK562 SWK517 SOCIAL WORK AND CHRISTIANITY FIELD INSTRUCTION AND SEMINAR I 3 SWK SWK55 7 SWK RESEARCH METHODS 3 FIELD INSTRUCTION AND SEMINAR II 3 Total Credits 15 Total Credits 15 Advanced Concentration Phase In the advanced practice phase, students must select one of the two concentrations: 1. Clinical Social Work Practice 2. Leadership in Organization & Communities The field work placement reflects, and is part of, the particular concentration selected.

11 10 The following is a summary of the concentration requirements: Clinical Social Work Practice Concentration Course Requirements: Course Title & Credits FALL SWK 616 CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE I WITH INDIVIDUALS (3) SWK 626 ADVANCED CLINICAL ASSESSMENTAND DIAGNOSIS (3) SWK 628 SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM AND PRACTICE EVALUATION (3) ELECTIVE (3) SWK 617 FIELD INSTRUCTION & SEMINAR III (4) Course Title & Credits SPRING SWK 656 CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE II WITH Families (3) SWK 658 CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE III WITH GROUPS (3) ELECTIVE (3) SWK 657 FIELD INSTRUCTION AND SEMINAR IV (4) SWK 699 PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR (3) TOTAL CREDITS (16) Leadership in Organizations & Communities Course Requirements: TOTAL CREDITS (16) Course Title & Credits FALL SWK 636 LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL PRACTICE I (3) SWK 646 LEADERSHIP IN COMMUNITY PRACTICE (3) SWK 628 SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM AND PRACTICE EVALUATION (3) ELECTIVE (3) SWK 617 FIELD INSTRUCTION & SEMINAR III (4) SWK 649 PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR I (1) TOTAL CREDITS (17) Course Title & Credits SPRING SWK 676 LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL PRACTICE II (3) SWK PROGRAM DESIGN AND PROPOSAL WRITING ELECTIVE (3) FIELD INSTRUCTION AND SEMINAR IV (4) SWK 699 PROFESSIONAL SEMINAR II (3) TOTAL CREDITS (16) Plans of study are found in Appendix A for the following concentrations: Clinical Social Work Practice Leadership in Organizations & Communities and for the following time frames: 2 year plan of study 4 year plan of study (part-time) BSW Advanced Standing 1 year plan of study EESSP Experienced and Employed Social Service Practitioners

12 11 1. MSW Foundation Level Core Curriculum The foundation curriculum is designed to provide all incoming master's students with the basic values, knowledge, and skills needed to gain competence in application of the generalist social work to practice. An understanding of the profession s values orientation, history and philosophy, and frames of reference for practice establishes a basis for students to progress through the advanced curricula of the MSW Program. All MSW students must complete the MSW Foundation requirements listed below unless they are exempted via advanced standing credit or transfer credit (see MSW Program Policy on Advanced Standing and Transfer Credit] in the Academic Policy & Procedure section of this Handbook). MSW Advanced Level Curriculum (Clinical & Leadership in Organizations and Communities) Nyack College School of Social Work MSW program understands the need for social workers who were clinically trained, and who could also practice as administrators, supervisors, community organizers and compassionate advocates with diverse populations. The advanced level curriculum developed includes a (1) Clinical Social Work Practice concentration, and a (2) Leadership in Community & Organizations concentration. Each of these concentrations builds upon knowledge and practice behaviors developed during the foundation year. Advanced practice developed in each of the concentrations incorporates all of the core competencies developed in the foundation year, augmented by knowledge and practice behaviors specific to a concentration. The eleven core competencies are listed below and are followed by and a list of the practice behaviors that operationalize our MSW foundation level and advanced level curriculum. MSW Competencies & Practice Behaviors for Foundation & Concentration Competency 1 Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly. 1 st Year MSW FOUNDATION PRACTICE BEHAVIORS 2 ND YEAR MSW CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE ADAVANCED PRACTICE BEHAVIORS 2 ND YEAR MSW LEADERSHIP in ORGANIZATIONS & COMUNITIES ADVANCED PRACTICE BEHAVIORS 1. Advocate for client access to the services of social work 2. Practice personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional development. 3. Attend to professional roles and boundaries. 4. Demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance, and communication. 5. Engage in careerlong learning. 6. Use supervision and consultation. 1. Readily identify as social work professionals. 2. Demonstrate professional use of self with client(s). 3. Understand and identify professional strengths, limitations and challenges. 4. Develop, manage, and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients within the person-inenvironment and strengths perspectives. 5. Consult with medical professionals, as needed, to confirm diagnosis and/or to monitor medication in the treatment process. 1. Demonstrate self-awareness in analyzing the effectiveness of organizations and leadership approaches in one s field placement and professional practice. 2. Identify and leverage opportunities for social workers to participate and guide efforts to enhance and develop social services. 3. Use supervision and consultation in organizational and leadership development.

13 12 Competency 2 Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice. 1. Recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide practice. 2. Make ethical decisions by applying standards of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and, as applicable, of the International Federation of Social Workers/International Association of Schools of Social Work Ethics in Social Work Statement of Principles. 3. Tolerate ambiguity in resolving ethical conflicts. 4. Apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions. 1. Apply ethical decision-making skills to issues specific to clinical social work. 2. Employ strategies of ethical reasoning to address the use of technology in clinical practice and its effect on client rights. 3. Identify and use of knowledge of relationship dynamics, including power differentials. 4. Recognize and manage personal biases as they affect the therapeutic relationship in the service of the client's well-being. 1. Identify and manage personal biases as they affect practice within organizations and communities. 2. Apply ethical decision-making skills to issues to macro practice, recognizing the ambiguity inherent in many practice situations. Competency 3 Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments. 1. Distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge, including research-based knowledge, and practice wisdom. 2. Analyze models of assessment, prevention, intervention, and evaluation. 3. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication in working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. 1. Engage in reflective practice. 2. Identify and articulate clients' strengths and vulnerabilities. 3. Evaluate, select, and implement appropriate multidimensional assessment, diagnostic, intervention, and practice evaluation tools. 4. Communicate professional judgments to other social workers and to professionals from other disciplines, in both verbal and written format. 1. Appraise and integrate multiple sources of organization and community data including strengths and challenges. 2. Select, implement and evaluate appropriate macro assessment, intervention and evaluation tools. 3. In both verbal and written format, demonstrate the ability to communicate multi-systemic professional judgments to others.

14 13 Competency 4: Engage diversity and difference in practice 1. Recognize the extent to which a culture s structures and values may opposes, marginalize, alienate, or create or enhance privilege and power. 2. Gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse groups. 3. Recognize and communicate their understanding of the importance of difference in shaping life experiences. 4. View themselves as learners and engage those with whom they work as informants. 1. Research and apply knowledge of diverse populations to enhance client wellbeing. 2. Work effectively with diverse populations. 3. Identify and use practitioner/client differences from a strengths perspective. 1. Recognize how differences can be interpreted as barriers to service and seek to transform barriers into opportunities for organizational growth and change. 2. Apply the value of diversity in society and demonstrate an ability to understand the distinctiveness of individuals within the environment of organizations and communities. Competency 5: Advance human rights and social and economic justice 1. Understand (sic: can identify and articulate ) the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination. 2. Advocate for human rights and social and economic justice. 3. Engage in practices that advance social and economic justice. 1. Use knowledge of the impacts of structural/systemic oppression, discrimination, and historical trauma on client and client systems to guide treatment planning and intervention. 2. Advocate at multiple levels for mental health parity and reduction of health disparities for diverse populations Assess the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination within the service delivery systems for clients. 2. Work individually and collectively to advocate policies and practices that support social justice and the protection human rights.

15 14 Competency 6: engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research 1. Use practice experiences to inform scientific inquiry. 2. Use research evidence to inform practice. 1. Use the evidence-based practice process in clinical assessment and intervention with clients. 2. Participate in the generation of new clinical knowledge, through research and practice. 3. Use research methodology to evaluate clinical practice effectiveness and/or outcomes. 1. Provide a sound knowledge base of community practice, including the assessment of community needs, best practices, decision-making, and evaluation. 2. Engage in analyzing organizational effectiveness with an emphasis on organizational theory. Competency 7: Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment. 1. Utilize conceptual frameworks to guide the processes of assessment, intervention, and evaluation. 2. Critique and apply knowledge to understand person and environment. 1. Synthesize and differentially apply theories of human behavior and the social environment to guide clinical practice. 2. Use bio-psychosocial-spiritual theories and multiracial diagnostic classification systems in formulation of comprehensive assessments. 1. Synthesize and apply human behavior and the social environment theories to guide the assessment of strengths and weaknesses within organizational and community ecosystems. 2. Apply macro theoretical models in understanding organizations and service delivery. Competency 8: Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services. 1. Analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance social well-being. 2. Collaborate with colleagues and clients for effective policy action. 1. Communicate to stakeholders the implication of policies and policy change in the lives of clients. 2. Use evidencebased practice and practice-based evidence in advocacy for policies that advance social and economic well-being. 3. Advocate with and inform administrators and legislators to influence policies that impact clients and service. 1. Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective services. 2. Advocate individually and in collaboration with colleagues for services that advance the economic and social well-being of clients based on analyses of the organization and/or service delivery systems

16 15 Competency 9: Respond to contexts that shape practice 1. Continuously discover, appraise, and attend to changing locales, populations, scientific and technological developments, and emerging societal trends to provide relevant services; 2. Provide leadership in promoting sustainable changes in service delivery and practice to improve the quality of social services. 1. Assess the quality of clients interactions within their social contexts. 2. Develop intervention plans to accomplish systemic change. 1. Provide leadership in promoting organizational change to improve the quality of social services. 2. Work collaboratively with others to effect systemic and sustainable contextual change. Competency 10: Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities 1. (a).1 Substantively & affectively prepare for action with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. 2. (a).2 Use empathy and other interpersonal skills; and 3. (a).3 Develop mutually agreed-upon focus of work & desired outcomes. 4. (b).1collect, organize, and interpret client data. 5. (b).2assess client strengths and limitations. 6. (b).3develop mutually agreed-upon intervention goals & objectives; and 7. (b).4 Select appropriate intervention strategies. 8. (c).1initiate actions to achieve organizational goals. 9. c).2implement prevention interventions that enhance client capacities; 1. (a).1 Develop culturally responsive therapeutic relationship. 2. (a).2 Attend to the interpersonal dynamics and contextual factors that both strengthen and potentially threaten the therapeutic alliance. 3. (a).3 Establish a relationally based process that encourages clients to be equal participants in the establishment of treatment goals and expected outcomes. 4. (b).1 Use multidimensional biopsycho-social-spiritual assessment tools. 5. (b).2 Assess clients readiness for change. 6. (b).3 Assess client coping strategies to reinforce and improve adaptation to life situations, circumstances, and events. 7. (b).4 Select and modify appropriate 1. (a).1 Engage in interventions for change in organizations and communities 2. 10(a).2Establish a relationship with organizations and communities (a).3 Inform a process that facilitates organization and community partners to be equal participants in the establishment of goals and expected outcomes. 4. (b).1conduct assessment of organizations and communities including leadership and client strengths and weaknesses. 5. (b). 2 Develop mutually agreed upon interventions to achieve goals and objectives for organization and community change. 6. (c).1 Apply advanced knowledge and skills to achieve organizational and community goals. 7. (c).2 Engage clients, organizations and communities in integration of interventions and new innovations.

17 (c).3help clients resolve problems. 11. (c).4negotiate, mediate, and advocate for clients. 12. (c).5facilitate transitions and endings. 13. (d).1critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate interventions. intervention strategies based on continuous clinical assessment. 8. (b).5 Use differential and multiaxial diagnoses. 9. (c).1critically evaluate, select, and apply best practices and evidence-based interventions. 10. (c).2 Demonstrate the use of appropriate clinical techniques for a range of presenting concerns identified in the assessment, including crisis intervention strategies as needed. 11. (c). Collaborate with other professionals to coordinate treatment interventions. 12. (d).1 Contribute to the theoretical knowledge base of the social work profession through practice-based research. 13. (d).2 Use clinical evaluation process and/or outcomes to develop best practice interventions for range of bio-psycho-socialspiritual conditions. 8. (d).1 Empower and prepare organizations and communities in the evaluation of interventions. Competency 11: Integrate their Christian faith with professional social work practice 1. Practice with compassion rooted in their personal relationship with Christ. 2. Demonstrate servant leadership with humility as they influence, equip, and empower those who are disadvantaged. 1. Demonstrate servant leadership with humility as they influence, equip, and empower individuals, families and groups. 1. Demonstrate servant leadership with humility as they influence, equip, and empower communities and organizations.

18 17 II. ACADEMIC POLICIES & PROCEDURES Admission Criteria The application package provides specific information regarding each of the following criteria: Applicants to the 62 credit MSW program: 1. A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. A broad liberal arts background with a minimum of 27 hours including the following prerequisites: Communication Skills (3 credit hours) College Writing (3 credit hours) Statistics (3 credit hours) Biological Sciences (3 credit hours) -Human Biology or any biology course covering anatomy and physiology that emphasizes the impact of organic, chemical, and body systems impairments on human behavior (3 credit hours) Sociology (3 credit hours) Psychology (3 credit hours) Humanities and/or History: philosophy, religion, arts, government, political science economics, history, literature (6 credit hours) 2. These undergraduate requirements may be taken at any accredited college or university, including community colleges. All prerequisites for admission must be completed by the end of the first semester in the program. All offers of admission are conditional upon the successful completion of the undergraduate coursework. 3. Applicants to the 62 credit MSW program must meet the following general standards: Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on all undergraduate course work OR Cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on last 60 hours of undergraduate course work, OR Candidates not meeting any of the grade point average criteria above who have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of may apply for admission on a probational status. 4. Applicants to the 62 credit MSW program submit three letters of recommendation using the Professional/Academic Recommendation Form completing the section regarding Right of Access. We require one reference from an academic source. We strongly suggest the other two be from an employer and a professional colleague or community associate. Do not ask friends or relatives. 5. Current resume. 6. You will submit two essays with a length of words on each. It is recommended that applicants complete each essay in a WORD document. 1. The first is a personal statement discussing your reasons for selecting social work as a profession and the MSW Program. It will also include a discussion of how you will contribute to the Nyack College MSW Program. 2. The second is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to think critically. 7. Graduate credits will be considered in assessing your qualifications.

19 18 Applicants to the Advanced Standing program: 1. Applicants for the Advanced Standing program must have graduated from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within the last five years. 2. Applicants who graduated from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education within the last seven years and have two years of human service work during those seven years, will be considered for the Advanced Standing program. 3. A broad liberal arts background with a minimum of 27 hours including the following prerequisites: Communication Skills (3 credit hours) College Writing (3 credit hours) Statistics (3 credit hours) Biological Sciences (3 credit hours) -Human Biology or any biology course covering anatomy and physiology that emphasizes the impact of organic, chemical, and body systems impairments on human behavior (3 credit hours) Sociology (3 credit hours) Psychology (3 credit hours) Humanities and/or History: philosophy, religion, arts, government, political science, economics, history, literature (6 credit hours) a) These undergraduate requirements may be taken at any accredited college or university, including community colleges. All prerequisites for admission must be completed prior to beginning the second semester in the program. 4. All offers of admission are conditional upon the successful completion of the undergraduate coursework. 5. Applicants for Advanced Standing must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on the last 60 upper division courses (including all Social Work courses and the four prerequisites). If the applicant has a 2.7 to 3.0 GPA on the last 60 credits leading to the bachelor s degree, but an otherwise strong application, consideration will be given for provisional admission. 6. For students applying to the Advanced Standing MSW Program, one of the letters of recommendation must be from an academic source, and one from either an employer or professional colleague or community associate. 7. Applicants must submit a copy of their final Field Evaluation form OR a letter from the BSW Field Director if the student is currently in field placement and a field evaluation form is not available at the time the application is completed. 8. Graduate credits will be considered in assessing your qualifications. 9. Current resume. 10. You will submit two essays with a length 800 words or more for each. It is recommended that applicants complete each essay in a WORD document. a) The first is a personal statement discussing your reasons for selecting social work as a profession and the Nyack College MSW Program b) The second is a case study analysis.

20 19 Admission Assessment Assessment is made on the basis of the applicant s academic performance and background, social work and related work experience, personal qualifications, references, and indications of a commitment to the profession. Additionally, applicants should have interests or life experiences appropriate to the practice of professional social work. Prerequisites for Admission All prerequisites for admission must be completed prior to beginning the second semester in the program. All offers of admission are conditional upon the successful completion of the undergraduate coursework. International Students International applicants must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score when applying. Exemptions are: English is the official language of the applicant s country the student attended a US university for four semesters Nyack College MSW program requires the following minimum score: TOFEL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Internet-based Test (ibt): Minimum Score 98 Computer-based Test (CBT): Minimum Score 233 Paper-based Test (PBT): Minimum Score 577 Applicants submitting Paper-based Test scores only must submit the following individual scores: TWE (Test of Written English): Minimum Score 4.0 TSE (Test of Spoken English): Minimum Score 4.0 IELTS Minimum Score (International English Language Testing System) = 7.0 Non-Degree Students Eligible Students who wish to enroll as non-degree graduate students (not formally admitted to a graduate degree program) are not required to complete a formal application for admission to the MSW Social Work Program, but must complete application to the College. Non-degree students enroll in the graduate classes noted below, by submitting a completed Non-Degree registration form to the Registrar s Office. Students in this status are eligible to schedule up to three graduate classes (nine credit hours), specifically SWK 515, SWK 516 and SWK 534. NOTE: Students interested in the Advanced Standing Program must be admitted to the program prior to taking MSW courses. Transfer of Graduate Credits Under certain circumstances, students may receive a maximum of 29 semester hours for work completed not more than five years prior to first registration from a CSWE-accredited graduate school of social work and for which a grade of at least a B was received. No course, including any transfer course, may be counted toward a degree if it was completed more than 7 full calendar years prior to the date of graduation. Field credits do not transfer. All Field Education requirements must be completed as part of this MSW program.

21 20 Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits in the Nyack College School of Social Work to be eligible for the master s degree. Students currently or previously enrolled in another CSWE accredited masters of social work degree program who are seeking admission as a transfer student are required to submit the following materials: 1. a brief written statement describing the reasons why they are requesting the transfer; 2. a copy of Field Education evaluations, if applicable; and, 3. one of the three recommendations must be from a faculty member or Field Supervisor affiliated with the program. Transfer of Elective Credits The MSW Program has two elective courses (total of six units). Students transferring from another graduate program may petition to have up to six units evaluated for possible elective credit. The course(s) must be relevant to the social work and must have been completed within five years of starting the MSW Program. Petitions must be submitted to the MSW Program for evaluation after acceptance. Due to the importance of Program compliance with CSWE accreditation standards, students may be asked to provide course syllabi in order to assess the relevance of course material. Once in the MSW Program, students must take elective courses at the College, with the exception of a few pre-approved international courses that may be offered by other social work programs. Independent study may be taken in place of elective courses (see below). Independent Study Independent study enables students to enrich their MSW Program experience by pursuing learning in a closely supervised program and providing opportunity for individual investigation of subject areas not covered in the regular course offerings. MSW students may receive credit for a maximum of six units of independent study (in place of elective courses) to be applied to the graduation requirement of 62 units (32 units for advanced standing). No more than four units may be applied toward one project. A maximum of four units may be taken during one academic term. Students wishing to pursue independent study should contact a social work faculty member to discuss the possibility of supervising the study. A proposal must then be drawn up by the student and approved by the supervising faculty member, chair, and dean. The Independent Study form and Proposal must then be submitted to the MSW Program for all approving signatures and forwarded to the Registrars by the Last Day to Add or Drop Classes or Independent Studies (see academic calendar). Provisional Admission Regular Program applicants with a GPA of 2.50 to 2.99 on the 120 credits leading to the bachelor s degree, but an otherwise strong application, may be admitted provisionally to the program. Advanced Standing applicants with a GPA of 2.8 to 2.9 on the 120 credits leading to the bachelor s degree, but an otherwise strong application, will be given consideration for provisional admission. Students admitted provisionally based on the GPA may take up to nine hours their first semester and they are required to earn a B or better in all classes their first semester in the program. Students on

22 21 provisional status are ineligible to participate in Field Education/placement, which may extend their masters academic career. Students are to verify their schedule with their Advisor. Provisional status will be reviewed after the posting of first semester grades, and once requirements are met, the student may begin to pursue Field Education and be fully admitted to the program. Conditional Admission Applicants who have not successfully completed the required liberal arts background may be admitted conditionally. Students found to have a deficiency in the area of liberal arts preparation will be required to take leveling courses to satisfy the requisite requirement prior to admission or before beginning their second semester in the program. Statistics may be taken on a Pass/Fail basis; all other prerequisite courses must be graded. Students may take these classes at any accredited university or college. The MSW Admission and Academic Review Committee reserve the right to request that students retake a liberal arts course in which a grade below a C was earned. Students must submit proof of successful completion of the course to be fully admitted to the program. Faculty Advising Advising is an important element in the professional education of all students. It provides the opportunity for students to consult and interact with faculty outside the classroom to discuss any matters of concern or interest to the student. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who will assist in planning a course of study as well as providing appropriate guidance or assistance. Faculty members maintain office hours for meeting with students and are available by . Though advisors are available to consult with students about their schedule, it is ultimately the student's responsibility to insure that the correct courses have been completed to achieve progression into the advanced year and onto graduation. Students preparing to graduate are required to meet with their advisor to review their academic progress and confirm that all graduation requirements are fulfilled, ensuring a smooth graduation experience. Students wishing to change advisors must make a written request to the MSW Program Director. Changes will require the signature of the "former" and "new" advisor. Students may request a change in advisor only once during matriculation at the College Academic advisement is to be distinguished from the Field Liaison function. The Field Liaison monitors the student's Field Education performance and evaluates that performance at the conclusion of each unit of Field Education. They are also available to discuss issues related to Field Education throughout the semester. Student Responsibility to Stay Informed Students are responsible for knowing and adhering to the policies and procedures in this Handbook as well as the Nyack College Timetable (available at the Registrar). All students should take care to check their student mailboxes and the bulletin boards of the Social Work Department for materials such as Department events and announcements, information about concentrations, and field placement planning. Also students are expected to check their accounts regularly for official college announcements

23 22 distributed by way of the Social Work Department student announcement system. Students are required to inform and update their contact information by filing change of address forms at the Office of the Executive Assistant for the Social Work Department, Ms. Percelene MCLain (Room 2022, 2 Washington Street, New York City, percelene.mclain@nyack.edu). Important materials will often be distributed in classes. Students who miss classes are responsible for determining what occurred on the days missed and for taking the initiative to obtain distributed materials. Faculty Office Hours Faculty members post their office hours next to their office doors. The posted hours are the best times to reach faculty, however, faculty are often available at other times. All faculty members have voice mail, as well as addresses. These are listed at the front of the handbook. Class Attendance As a professional preparatory program the Department of Social Work has a common attendance policy which balances the necessity of class attendance with the reality of illness and unexpected events. Absences beyond the allowable limit may, without extenuating circumstances, result in a five point reduction in the course grade for each absence. Allowable Absences Classes that meet once a week: 1 Classes that meet twice a week: 2 Chronic tardiness or leaving early will be counted as an absence. Standard Software Requirement You will need Microsoft Office (2003, 07 or 10) particularly Microsoft Word (2003, 07 or 10) and Power Point (2003, 07 or 10). For the online elements of the course to function properly, here are some important items: You will need reliable access to the Internet. You are encouraged to consider investing in DSL or Cable High Speed Internet. You will need a copy of Adobe Acrobat to be able to read items on e-reserve and files noted as pdf within Learning Modules. You will need a copy of Adobe Flash Player which will allow you to view certain video lectures within the course. Electronic Devices in the Classroom As part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of the campus community, Nyack College has implemented an emergency notification system that sends text and voice messages in the event of an emergency. This does not give the student the right to accept personal calls during class time. All other cell telephones must be turned off prior to class except students on emergency on-call with an employer or placement, this includes texting capabilities. Students may not leave class to make or receive calls. Use of laptops during class is at the discretion of the instructor.

24 23 Campus Communication Nyack College s is the College s OFFICIAL form of communication. Failure to check your campus , errors in forwarding , and returned (from "full mailbox or unknown user" errors, for example), will not excuse a student from missing announcements or deadlines. Please read your campus daily. Grading Following are the grade equivalents in the MSW Program: A = 100% - 94% C = 77% - 73% A- = 93% - 90% C- = 72% - 70% B+ = 89% - 88% D+ = 69% - 68% B = 87% - 83% D = 67% - 63% B- = 82% - 80% D- = 62% - 60% C+ = 79% - 78% F = 59% - 0% Nyack College uses a four point grading system where points are assigned to letter grades so that A equals four points and a D equals one. Following is the quality point system employed in grading graduate courses: A 4.00 B B 3.00 C C 2.00 Incomplete grades are given only under exceptional circumstances to students whose work in a course has earned a C or better but who, because of illness or other circumstances beyond their control, have been unable to complete all the course requirements. The "I" automatically becomes an "F" if coursework is not completed prior to mid-semester of the next full semester for which the student is enrolled or at the end of one calendar year, whichever is earlier. Incompletes In view of the high expectations of the MSW Program, and the importance of sequenced coursework over the course of the curriculum, the Department will apply the following policy to determine when students may register for successive courses while carrying unresolved incompletes. 2. Students carrying two or more incompletes will not be permitted to enroll in additional courses in the MSW Program. 3. Students carrying an incomplete who wish to register for a higher-level course in the same sequence (e.g., HB/SE, practice, research) must resolve the incomplete prior to the last day to register for the relevant semester. The same policy applies to courses with prerequisites. Course Progression All students in the regular program are expected to complete the foundation curriculum before entering the concentration curriculum.

25 24 Regular program students are allowed no more than six credits below a B in their program and are allowed to repeat only TWO courses (one course in the foundation curriculum and one course in the concentration curriculum) to improve their grade point average. Advanced Standing students are allowed no more than one course below a B in their program and are allowed to repeat only ONE course to improve their grade point average. Students who have utilized their repeat allowances and then go on to earn a grade below a B will be dismissed from the program. A grade of D or F must be repeated in accordance with the course repeat policy. Time Limitations All work applied to a master s degree, including transfer credits, must be completed within seven calendar years after the date on which the first course meeting degree requirements was completed. Any course completed more than seven years prior to the final completion date of all graduation requirements cannot be used toward graduation. All grades earned, however, will be used in figuring grade point averages regardless of when the work was completed. The grades from all transfer courses will be included in the GPA calculated for admission or readmission, and the grades from all Nyack College MSW courses will be included in the GPA calculated toward graduation. Life Experience Credit will not be granted for life experience or previous work experience. MSW Student Association The purpose of the MSW Student Association (MSWSA) is to be a liaison for students with the MSW Program and faculty, facilitate faculty/student communication and collaboration, organize student extra-curricular and developmental events, serve the surrounding community, and work with the MSW Program on issues related to student affairs, social justice, political advocacy, and program development. The MSW Student Association may also combine efforts with the BSW student organization (Club Social Work). Monthly meetings are arranged by student leaders. Students are advised of leadership opportunities early in the Fall semester and are encouraged to participate in the nomination and voting process. In addition to official MSWSA officer positions, each student cohort has a liaison to facilitate communication with MSWSA. MSWSA members may be appointed to ad hoc committees within the MSW Program (such as the curriculum review committee, student conduct board hearing, etc.) to assist faculty. Students will also be called upon for input on faculty candidates who have been called to interview on campus. The MSWSA faculty liaison meets regularly with the MSWSA president in order to discuss any student ideas, concerns, suggestions, event planning, etc. regarding MSW Program and policies. MSWSA officers are invited to attend faculty meetings in order to discuss student concerns, ideas, and suggestions with the department.