BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK STUDENT HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK STUDENT HANDBOOK Carleton University School of Social Work 509 Dunton Tower Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6 Telephone: (613) Facsimile: (613) Main office (509 DT) is open from 8:30-Noon and 1 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

2 Contents Purpose of the Handbook... 3 Welcome Addresses from:... 3 Our Director, Gerald de Montigny... 3 Supervisor of Undergraduate Studies (BSW Program), Therese Jennissen... 4 Practicum Coordinator, Brooke Eagle... 5 Undergraduate (BSW Program) Administrator, Stephanie Mulville... 6 BSW Student Society (BSWSS) President,... 6 BSW PROGRAM... 7 STRUCTURAL SOCIAL WORK... 7 REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BSW DEGREE... 7 First year entry... 7 Second year entry... 8 Third year entry Your courses of study can vary SOWK Honours Integrative Seminar BSW degree and concurrent minor in another field All correspondence with Carleton University faculty, and staff, must be done through your Carleton account Important Registration Information Academic requirements to remain in good standing Grades and what they mean The Practicum School Committees Bachelor of Social Work Student Society (BSWSS) Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) School of Social Work Resources Broader Carleton Resources Resources for Students Faculty and Staff

3 Purpose of the Handbook This handbook is designed to provide you with information about the BSW Program, at Carleton University. It provides supplemental information to the University Calendar, but the Undergraduate Calendar, is the final authority, that governs the regulations of the University, the Faculty, and the various Departments, Schools, Institutes and Interdisciplinary programs, at Carleton University. The Undergraduate Calendar and other university-related information can be obtained online at Carleton s web site: The Handbook contains important information about the BSW Program, and it typically answers many of the questions that students have. For this reason, we ask that you review the Handbook, before you set up an appointment with administrative, or faculty advisors. Please consult it early on in your course of study, and consult it regularly. Information about the School of Social Work, including this Handbook, can be obtained online at the School s web site: Information on course descriptions, the BSW Handbook, dates and deadlines, and important forms, can be obtained via the below link: Please consult the Undergraduate Calendar in addition to this Handbook for full information about the BSW program. **Please note that you must use your Carleton account to contact staff, and faculty members, and please check this account regularly, to stay informed about school-related issues.** Welcome Addresses from: Our Director, Gerald de Montigny As the Director of the School of Social Work, and on behalf of all faculty, contract instructors, and staff, I welcome you to the Carleton University School of Social Work. You are joining a practice and research community of over 300 full and part-time BSW, MSW and PhD students. Our collective commitment to a structural approach speaks to an ethical position. We defend and celebrate diversity and difference, human rights, and social and economic justice. A structural approach to social work, speaks to our dedication to critical and engaged social work theory and practice. Developing and sustaining a structural approach, is not simple or easy. We engage respectfully and enthusiastically those with whom we disagree. Even in our passionate difference we strive to be respectful, honest, and reflective of the limits of our own knowledge and position. We seek to build, not destroy, bridges across differences. As structural social workers we examine the social relations which create poverty, exploitation of all 3

4 working people nationally and internationally. We are concerned to understand and address globalization and the exploitation and despoliation of human and natural environments. Our social work takes a critical approach to the problems of race and racism. We are in solidarity with anti-racists and stand against those who attempt to exploit racial difference for gain and profit. We are committed to struggle against racism because we recognize it as a blight that harms individuals, fractures solidarity, and divides communities. Our social work celebrates, embraces, and relies on critical feminist and queer analysis. We celebrate the positions and struggles of transgender and queer activists. We are allies in the struggle for women's social and economic equality. We join with those who seek to end sexism and violence against women. We recognize the history of colonization and are in solidarity with First Nations and indigenous communities. We work to ensure that people with disabilities have justice and equality and live with dignity and respect. Our social work recognizes a diversity of political approaches, social issues, and challenges for social work practice. We aim to be critical, lively, and active. I invite you, the students in the School, to make time in your busy schedules, to build alliances with others, both in and outside the School. The School is only as vibrant and lively as you are prepared to help make it. It is your responsibility to be active in student caucuses, student governance, and School Committees. As individuals, none of us can do all the work alone, but together we can tackle some of it. Doing structural social work demands a great deal of work from all of us. It demands that we share our ideas, imagination, voices and differences as we cultivate a solidarity which provides new directions for social work practice. Yours, Gerald de Montigny, PhD Director School of Social Work Supervisor of Undergraduate Studies (BSW Program), Therese Jennissen Welcome to the School of Social Work. For those of you who are joining us for the first time, we hope this will be an exciting, productive and academically rewarding year. For those who are returning, we wish you continued success, in our undergraduate program. As Supervisor of the BSW Program, and with the assistance of our very able BSW Administrator, Stephanie Mulville, I work to ensure the overall smooth functioning of the program. This involves the collaboration of staff, faculty, and students. Part of my work is done through the BSW Program Committee which I chair. This Committee deals with policy and curriculum questions and recommends appropriate changes to the Departmental Board, the final decision-making body at the School. You are strongly encouraged to participate in this committee as we welcome your input into the program and value the contributions that you make to the Committee. It is an excellent way to learn more about the processes involved in developing and delivering social work education. Over the course of the next few years we will be entering into a review of the BSW Program which may lead to some programmatic changes. We will be seeking student input into this process. Until the 4

5 process is entirely completed and passes through all of the necessary channels of approval, the program of study and the sequencing of courses will remain as they currently stand. Please familiarize yourselves with the sequencing of courses so that you will not have any surprises during your tenure in the School. I hope this will be a successful and enjoyable year for you. My office is located in 516 Dunton Tower; please feel free to drop by and introduce yourselves. Best wishes for a wonderful year. Therese Jennissen, PhD Supervisor of Undergraduate Studies (BSW Program) Practicum Coordinator, Brooke Eagle On behalf of the field education team, I d like to welcome you to the Practicum component of your BSW degree. Field education is an integral and exciting part of the BSW degree program as it provides each student the opportunity to integrate theory and practice, to develop a professional identity, and to develop practice skills through a placement experience in a community organization. Students also participate in concurrent practicum seminars, in which they explore emerging practice issues, amongst a group of peers completing placements in different field settings. Each student in the third and fourth year of the BSW degree is generally required to complete a Practicum as part of their degree requirements. To help you learn about and prepare for your Practicum courses, please read the BSW Practicum Manual available on the School of Social Work website. Arranging field placements for each student requires the collaborative participation of the student, Practicum Coordinator, and field settings. This process takes place well in advance of the Practicum term. Students must apply for the Practicum courses by the established deadlines in the Practicum Manual and follow the placement processes that are outlined in the manual. All placement protocols are in place to ensure a smooth and successful process for both our students and our valued community partners. It is our goal to help you get the most out of your field placement experience. As Practicum Coordinator, I am responsible for the overall functioning of the field education component of the BSW program, which includes facilitating matches between students and field settings. Part of my work is done through the Field Education Committee. This Committee is responsible for developing and evaluating field education protocols and policies for the undergraduate and graduate programs. Students are invited and encouraged to participate on this committee to learn about developing and delivering field education and to contribute their valued input. I look forward to meeting with each of you during your BSW degree. Wishing you all the best for this academic year. 5

6 Brooke Eagle, MSW, RSW BSW Practicum Coordinator Undergraduate (BSW Program) Administrator, Stephanie Mulville As the Undergraduate Administrator (BSW Program), I would like to take the opportunity to welcome you to the School of Social Work. My main responsibilities in the school, include (but are not limited to), academic advising, administration of the program, admissions, and convocation. If you have any questions regarding your program requirements, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to working with you, Sincerely, Stephanie Mulville stephanie.mulville@carleton.ca Undergraduate Administrator (BSW Program) BSW Student Society (BSWSS), Executive Committee On behalf of Carleton s Bachelor of Social Work Student Society (BSWSS), The Executive Committee would like to formally welcome you to our academic school year. The BSWSS is your student society, organized by and for BSW students just like you. We are your go to place, when it comes to meeting and bonding with fellow BSW classmates. We will also provide you with great opportunities within the BSWSS and the BSW faculty. Last year, we organized various social events, movie nights and a Lunch and Learn with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). We sold countless numbers of Social Work hoodies and shirts, along with other Social Work goodies. We also set up a table in the University Atrium during Social Work week, offering free snacks and food for BSW students. As well, we fundraised and participated in Carleton University s Relay For Life. Our academic year will be filled with activities and opportunities and we invite you to participate in our social events. Please send us your ideas or suggestions to ensure that you have the best year ever. The BSWSS are here to serve you. Please feel free to contact us at bswss.cu@gmail.com Please follow the BSWSS on Facebook or follow us on Twitter We wish you the best of luck of this academic year, Jayson Pham (2 nd Year) President Filip Szadurski (3 rd Year) Treasurer Zara Masaud & Amanda Lam (3 rd & 4 th Year) VPs of Student Engagement Alison Jog (3 rd Year) VP of Outreach and Fundraising Nicole McElwain- (3 rd Year) Secretary 6

7 BSW PROGRAM STRUCTURAL SOCIAL WORK Our program at Carleton University is based on what is known as a structural approach to social work. This approach provides a critical framework for analysis of social work knowledge and practice. It is based on an analysis of how economic, social, political and legislative contexts shape individual and societal problems. Through this approach, the School of Social Work promotes the development of innovative social work practice directed toward advancing equality and social justice. Through your various courses you will learn about this approach and how it is applied. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BSW DEGREE The BSW degree is a four year honours program. The courses that you take in the BSW program are determined by your point of entry: 1 st year, 2 nd year or 3 rd year. The point of entry is dependent upon your previous academic background. Course sequencing for each entry point is listed below. You must ensure that you are following the correct sequencing, and that you adhere to the prerequisites for courses. First year entry Students whose first degree will be the Bachelor of Social Work must complete a total of 20 credits: a minimum of 10.5 credits in Social Work; a minimum of 6.0 credits not in Social Work (these must be non- Social Work courses); 2.0 credits in any combination of Psychology, Sociology, Women s & Gender Studies, Economics, Political Science, Human Rights; and 1.5 credits in Free Electives (Free Electives means courses in any discipline, including Social Work courses). Core courses are outlined on the table below. SOCIAL WORK CREDITS INCLUDED IN THE MAJOR (10.5 Credits) Fall Term Winter Term YEAR 1 SOWK st half of Intro to Social Work and Social Welfare SOWK 1000 (1.0) 2 nd half of Intro to Social Work and Social Welfare YEAR 2 SOWK st half of Structural Analysis and Social Work SOWK 2100 (0.5) Political Economy of Social Welfare SOWK 2000 (1.0) 2 nd half of Structural Analysis and Social Work SOWK 2502 (0.5) Intro to Statistical Analysis for Social Workers SOWK 2501 (0.5) Intro to Research Methods in Social Work 7

8 YEAR 3 SOWK st half of Practicum 1. Students at agency 2 days per week. SOWK 3201 (0.5) Social Work Practice: Individuals, Families and Groups YEAR 4 SOWK 4600 (2.0 Credits) Practicum II. Students at agency 4 days per week. (Full-time Placement). 0.5 credit in SOWK elective at the 4000 level or higher SOWK nd half of Practicum 1 (Worth 2.0 Credits in Total). Students at agency 2 days per week. SOWK 3100 (0.5) Social Administration and Policy SOWK 3200 (0.5) Social Work Practice in Communities and Organizations SOWK 4200 (0.5) Honours Integrative Seminar 0.5 credit in SOWK elective at the 4000 level or higher ** Please note: The above table outlines typical SOWK course sequencing for students entering into first year. If you have been admitted into the BSW Program at the 2 nd or 3 rd year entry level, please see tables below. ** Second year entry Full-time students in second year typically take core courses in Social Work as outlined in the table below: Fall Term Winter Term SOWK 2000 (0.5-1 st half of 2 term course) SOWK 2000 (0.5 2 nd half) SOWK 2100 (0.5) SOWK 2502 (0.5) SOWK 2501 (0.5) Elective (0.5) Elective (0.5) Elective (0.5) Elective (0.5) Elective (0.5) **Please note: Students who enter the BSW program with 2nd year standing, and who have already taken SOWK 1000, or who have received transfer credit for SOWK 1000, must take SOWK 2000 upon entry into the program.** **Students who enter the BSW program with 2nd year standing, and who do not have a transfer credit for SOWK 1000 must take both SOWK 1000 concurrently with SOWK Students entering at second year DO NOT take SOWK 3000.** Third year entry This usually includes students with a previous degree, or 3 rd year standing upon admission, into the BSW Program. Full-time students who are admitted to third year, normally take required courses in the 8

9 Fall term, and the third year Practicum (Practicum I), in the Winter term, with another half, of full credit, of either SOWK 2000 or **Students must complete all Fall term prerequisite courses, to be eligible to take SOWK 3601 (Practicum I) course in the Winter term.** Fall Term Winter Term SOWK 2000/3000 (0.5) SOWK 2000/3000 (0.5) SOWK 2100 (0.5) SOWK 3601 (2.0) Practicum 352 hours at SOWK 3100 (0.5) SOWK 3200 (0.5) SOWK 3201 (0.5) the agency, plus 12 hours of seminar meetings on campus. Placement is usually 4 days per week. **Please note: Students who enter the program with third-year standing, and who have a transfer credit for SOWK 1000, must take SOWK All other students must take SOWK ** **One of the requirements of the Bachelor of Social Work degree is the completion of a practicum. In Ontario, provincial laws require organizations to conduct police records checks for individuals who will be dealing with children and vulnerable adults. The police record check for practicum is required even if students have had a recent police records check completed for some other purpose. Students must apply in person by attending any main police station. The information released by the police as part of the records check might include existence of criminal convictions, outstanding charges, as well as any incidents where there has been notable police contacts for at least the previous five years. If any such information is revealed on the police records check, it may be difficult, if not impossible, for you to secure a practicum. ** IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT COURSES AND COURSE SEQUENCES Please ensure that you understand the uniqueness of your point of entry, and what it means for your course sequencing. It is your responsibility as a student, to ensure that you are registered, in the correct and required courses. Below are some important points to understand. 1. Your courses of study can vary It should be noted that many students are admitted to Social Work with a variety of transfer credits and experience. Thus, student programs will vary. All students must take the core (required) courses. The exception to this is SOWK 1000 and SOWK 3600 or SOWK 3601 for which you can receive advanced standing (transfer credit). Approved research methods and statistics courses can be substituted for SOWK 2501 and SOWK

10 If you ve already successfully completed university level courses in both statistics and research methods, and were not given SOWK 2501 and/or SOWK 2502 transfer credit on admission, please contact the BSW Program Administrator to discuss your options. 2. SOWK Honours Integrative Seminar Must be completed after the successful completion of the fourth year placement.** **SOWK 4200 is only available in the Fall, and Winter terms (not in the spring or summer terms).** **Exceptions To This Program Requirement Are Not Permitted. It Is Your Responsibility As A Student To Ensure That You Are Following The Proper Course Sequencing.** 3. BSW degree and concurrent minor in another field While doing your BSW degree in Social Work, you can also do a minor in another field. The constitution of a minor is determined by the unit that delivers those courses. Students are advised to consult the undergraduate calendar, to find out the requirements of the minor, in the discipline they wish to complete a minor in. For example, if you are interested in pursuing a minor in Psychology, you will need to consult the undergraduate calendar to find out the requirements for the minor in Psychology. By doing so, students will be familiar with the requirements of the minor, the number of credits they need to complete for the minor, and/ or if there are any other requirements in the minor such as a requirement for research methods and statistics. Sometimes, courses are able to double-count on your audit. **Students are advised to consult the undergraduate calendar regarding minor requirements, before taking courses for the minor.** 4. All correspondence with Carleton University faculty, and staff, must be done through your Carleton account Please make sure to correspond with faculty and staff at Carleton from your Carleton account. You can access your Carleton once you ve activated your My Carleton One account. Please make sure you manage your space limitations in your as the university will use this as the main source of contact for students. 5. Important Registration Information Please register for both the fall and winter terms once registration opens up to you. If you get a Registration Error when trying to register for a course, please submit a Registration Error Override Request if you feel you have a valid reason to be in the course. Registration Information 10

11 6. Academic requirements to remain in good standing According to the undergraduate calendar, the following is required in order to be in good standing in the BSW program: i) If the number of credits included in the Overall CGPA is at most 15.0, the Overall CGPA must be at least 6.00 and the Major CGPA must be at least ii) If the number of credits included in the Overall CGPA is at least 15.5, the Overall CGPA must be at least 6.00 and the Major CGPA must be at least iv7/# Grades and what they mean The following grading system is used at the School of Social Work, in line with the general practices at Carleton University. Carleton University Grading System Grade Point Percentage Grade Point (1.0 Credit) Grade Point (0.5 Credit) A A A B B B C C C D D D F Please familiarize yourself with the School s Statement on Social Media: The Practicum Field education is a central part of your study in the BSW program. For information on the Practicum courses, please visit the School s website You ll find details about the Practicum courses, including pre-requisites, application deadlines, and the field placement process and protocols. 11

12 School Committees There are several Committees of the School and we strongly encourage your participation in them. Instead of individuals signing up for committees, at the SSW, we prefer if these decisions are made collaboratively, by the student body through the BSW Student Society. The Departmental Board is the final decision-making body on policy for the School of Social Work. The functions of the Departmental Board, its terms of reference, and its procedures are contained in the Governance Document which is available on the School s web site. The composition of the Departmental Board includes faculty and student representatives from each of the years of the BSW and MSW programs. Chair: Gerald de Montigny The following Committees, on which students have representation, report to the Departmental Board. We strongly encourage you to participate in these Committees, as this is an opportunity for you to have a voice and share your ideas and suggestions regarding the Social Work Program. The BSW Committee is responsible for making all policy and curriculum recommendations related to the undergraduate program. The committee normally meets once a month. Chair: Therese Jennissen The MSW Committee is responsible for making all policy and curriculum recommendations. Chair: Hugh Shewell The Field Education Committee is responsible for evaluating and initiating policy of the field placement component of the undergraduate and graduate programs. The committee also sponsors events such as the Agency Fair. Typically it meets monthly. Chair: Brooke Eagle The Social Justice Committee brings together students, faculty, community members and institutional stakeholders. It plans events, identifies social justice based school curricular issues, initiates projects to identify needs, organizes public forums and conferences, discusses and clarifies equity and social justice policies, supports students and faculty, and contributes to the provision of a supportive learning classroom environment. Bachelor of Social Work Student Society (BSWSS) The Bachelor of Social Work Student Society (BSWSS) is a student led organization which offers opportunities for BSW students to network, socialize and have fun! It also seeks to promote social justice and advocacy for students. BSWSS objectives are: - To promote respect and create a safe environment - To provide accountability - To create educational opportunities - To build community The BSWSS was created in October 1995 and it won CUSA's 2014 Most Improved Academy Society Award. Some of the activities organized by the BSWSS are: 12

13 - Drop-in socials - BSW sweatshirts - Participation in Relay for Life - Lunch and Learn event with community organizations We would love to hear from you and see you at our events! For suggestions, questions and volunteer opportunities, please contact us at bswss.cu@gmail.com Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) All Social Work students are encouraged to become members of this professional association. Membership provides students with the opportunity to network within the professional community and add strength to social and professional advocacy. Students become part of the voice for social justice and for the underprivileged in Ontario. Association members receive a number of regular publications as well as information about events and presentations of interest to social workers in the city. OASW each year provides one free student membership to the School of Social Work at Carleton. Students who wanted to be considered for the free membership should contact the Director of the School of Social Work. With an OASW membership you also automatically become a member of the Eastern Branch of OASW. Application forms for membership are available at: Or by contacting the Eastern Branch of OASW School of Social Work Resources The Computer Lab, Room DT 605 is for the use of social work students. Key is available in the Main Office (509 Dunton Tower). There are several bulletin boards located at different points around the School (5 th and 6 th floor Dunton Tower) including two in the student lounge. These are important places for students, faculty and staff to post general information, schedule changes, job postings, and minutes to meetings. Remember to keep yourself updated on the latest information by reading the boards regularly. You can also check our web site for upcoming events. The Student Lounge on the 5th floor (Room 518) is available for all Social Work students. It is a great meeting place and a spot to heat up and eat your lunch! Please keep the lounge clean! Broader Carleton Resources The MacOdrum Library supports excellence in academic scholarship by collecting, preserving and providing access to information resources and services for the Carleton University teaching, learning, research, and administrative communities. Central services include reference services, inter-library loans, circulation, and course reserve. For information regarding library tours and workshops: Reference Services provides research help either at the Research Help Desk, located on the main (second) floor of the library or on a one-to-one basis with various subject specialists. There are sixteen 13

14 subject specialists, each responsible for several academic programs, and these specialists will help you find the information and library materials that you need for your essays and assignments. A list of the subject specialists can be found under Research Help on the library s home page: Contact information for the Social Work subject specialist is located at: Many professors place required readings on reserve at the library and you must go to the circulation desk (located on the main [second] floor of the library) to ask for and check out this material. Most of the resources on reserve are on loan for a two- or four-hour period and cannot be taken out of the building. You can, however, photocopy the relevant pages/sections or read them in the library. The circulation desk is located on the main (second) floor of the library. Resources for Students There are many resources available to undergraduate students. For additional information regarding student resources, please visit Faculty and Staff 14