MSW DIRECT MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK ADVANCED STANDING APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 2015-2016 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS Topic Page Introduction and quarter dates 3 Admission Requirements 6 MSW Direct Admissions Policies 7 Financial Aid and Program Costs 11 Application Forms and Files 13 Resume 14 Case Analysis 15 Application Questions 16 Statistics and GPA Documentation Form 18 Self-Disclosure Statement 19 Petition for Exceptional Consideration 20 Online University Graduate School Application (eapp) 21 Transcripts 22 References 23 Submitting Transcripts and References 31 Appendix A: How to Compute Your GPA 32 Appendix B: Check list 33 2
INTRODUCTION Please read this document in its entirety before applying to the MSW Direct program. Once you have submitted the Online Graduate and Professional Admissions Application (eapp), you can no longer add or edit your materials. Applying to MSW Direct is complex, and has certain differences from applying to our traditional MSW programs. When to apply MSW Direct ONLY admits for Advanced Standing during the fall quarter of each year. Interested students wanting to pursue the Advanced Standing route must complete the application by the deadline listed below. 2016 Fall Quarter: Applications are due on May 13 th, 2016. In-person orientation begins Wednesday, September 7 th. IMPORTANT! Applying to our program has two dimensions: You apply to the Indiana University School of Social Work (template) and the Indiana University Graduate School (eapp). Refer to page 13 for further explanation. Applications received after the due date will be considered on a spaceavailable basis. Complete applications include bundled and surface-mailed transcripts and reference letters along with your eapp and consolidated online application template. This application template includes your resume, case analysis, application questions, statistics and GPA form, disclosure, and if needed the GPA petition. Please note: If you submit all of your application materials close to the deadline, your financial aid will likely not be processed before the first day of the quarter. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to apply early to ensure timely processing of your financial aid. 3
MSW Direct is not exclusively for Indiana residents. Out of state students are welcome! Please check the following link to see if your state is authorized: http://online.iu.edu/programs/state_auth.php MSW Direct utilizes a self-managed online application process where you submit almost all application documents, with exception of references and transcripts, in the eapp form provided by the IUPUI Graduate School (see page 2). A $60 application fee is required and you can securely pay online at the same time. Official transcripts from ALL previous college/university work are required. Applications will not be reviewed until all materials have been received. Considering graduate school options marks a challenging and exciting time! If continued professional social work education is your choice, the Indiana University School of Social Work (IUSSW) offers you a rigorous program of study through a virtual classroom environment and on site field experience in your community insofar as possible. The IUSSW MSW Direct program invites applicants who have demonstrated competency through previous academic work, professional achievements, and volunteer commitments; have a commitment to social justice and working with others; and an affinity for pursuing education in an online medium. The administrative home of the IU School of Social Work (IUSSW) is on the IUPUI campus in Indianapolis. However, the IUSSW is a system school within the larger Indiana University network of campuses. The MSW program, fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, is offered face to face on the following campuses: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indiana University South Bend (IUSB), Indiana University Northwest (IUN) in Gary, Indiana, University East (IUE) in Richmond, Indiana University Southeast (IUS) in New Albany, and Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW). The Indiana University School of Social Work is nationally ranked. We ve been accredited since 1923 and the school was the first in the United States to offer a degree from a regular university. MSW Direct is offered through the IUPUI campus. IMPORTANT! You must apply to only one Indiana University School of Social Work MSW program in a calendar year. This includes the MSW Direct program. If you apply to more than one campus location within the Indiana University School of Social Work you risk not being processed for admission. MSW Direct is a new addition to IUSSW programming. Delivered on a virtual campus, MSW Direct has the same accredited status as the face-to-face programs on all Indiana University campuses. General information about the Indiana University MSW Direct program is contained in this document. We recommend that you review the MSW Direct website, http://mswdirect.iu.edu/, for more information about the program and application process. For information about the Indiana University School of Social Work s face to face programs on various campuses in the state consult the IUSSW website www.socialwork.iu.edu. 4
A major difference in delivery of the MSW Direct program is the academic calendar. Students enroll in quarters that are eleven weeks in length, completing four such quarters in a calendar year. While we use the term quarter for convenience, all class hours are actually computed as semester credit hours. Field practicum components will likely expand beyond quarters to provide you with the opportunity to complete required practicum hours in a reasonably paced period of time. The recommended load is two courses per quarter with exception to the first quarter. In order to acclimatize students to our program, we only allow registration for D556 in the first quarter. Some student may wish to take more than two courses per quarter. There are specific limits in terms of course availability and the student s status in the program. A permission form for this is required. Another difference is in program delivery. MSW Direct courses are created as modules in a web environment. There are generally ten or eleven modules per class that address different topics or themes. The materials are presented in an asynchronous, interactive format to a large degree and students work independently. This means you work independently and alone. Social presence is assured through interaction with colleagues and instructors. Advanced Standing Eligibility If you have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program conferred within the past five years you may apply for advanced standing status. Our Advanced Standing MSW degree requires successful completion of 45 credit hours. Students admitted to advanced standing receive credit for the five foundation curriculum courses (15 credit hours) and enter the MSW program at the intermediate level. An administrative fee is required, approximately $300. The intermediate courses for MSW Direct advanced standing are identical in content to the face-to-face MSW courses. The curriculum concentration (final 30 credit hours) offered to MSW Direct students is considered Advanced Generalist. This concentration is only available to MSW Direct students. What Am I Getting Into? Some students make the assumption that online study is easier nothing could be further from the truth! Online education requires major time commitments and time management skills that are far more intense than the face-to-face classroom experience. The curriculum for the online program is identical to our face-to-face program. If, after reading this document in its entirety, you have any questions about the MSW Direct application, or the application process, please feel free to direct questions to the program at swdirect@iu.edu or 317-274-7180. Thank you for considering the MSW Direct Advanced Standing program at Indiana University School of Social Work! 5
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR ADVANCED STANDING APPLICANTS The following items are the minimum requirements for consideration for admission: 1. Evidence of an earned bachelor s degree in social work from a program accredited by a recognized regional accrediting association conferred within the past five years, and an official transcript showing verification of the degree. This degree must also be from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. 2. Evidence of successful completion of one course in statistics. This course can be taken in any discipline and on any level (graduate or undergraduate) so long as it was taken at an accredited college or university. The school does not recommend any specific course. The course may be taken pass/fail. Applicants who are unclear whether a course will be accepted are encouraged to seek preapproval by contacting the MSW Direct academic advisor at swdirect@iu.edu or 317-274- 7180. The process typically involves the submission of a syllabus or course description. 3. An earned cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the final 60 credit hours (or 90 quarter hours) of the degree. You must compute this so you can enter it on the Statistics and GPA Documentation Form (see page 17). Directions can be found at How to compute your GPA, located in Appendix A (see page 31). Those seeking an exception to this requirement must include the Petition for Exceptional Consideration (see page 19). 4. Each advanced standing applicant must submit four letters of reference. One must be from a full-time faculty member (not adjunct) from your school who can best speak to your ability to attend the MSW program as an advanced standing student. Another reference must be from your field instructor. If you cannot contact your last field instructor then your final field evaluation may be substituted for this reference. There are separate reference forms for the faculty and field instructor references. The other two references are the applicant s choice. NOTE Materials that show evidence of plagiarism or misrepresentation will result in the application being denied. No further consideration will be given. Applications to any additional IUSSW MSW program(s) will not be considered. 6
MSW DIRECT ADMISSIONS POLICIES Admissions Decisions Admission with advanced standing to the Master of Social Work program is very competitive. Simply meeting the minimum requirements previously listed does not guarantee admission. Admissions decisions are not based on any single criterion. All of the following are taken into account: 1. Past academic performance as reflected in a cumulative undergraduate GPA. 2. Critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate effectively in writing as reflected in the case analysis and application questions. 3. Graduate course work performance (if any). 4. Judgments by faculty reviewers of the candidate s commitment to social work and suitability for the profession based on a review of the application. 5. Length and type of work and/or volunteer experience. 6. Letters of reference. 7. Evidence of personal qualities considered important for the practice of social work. Admissions decisions are communicated to the applicant electronically and/or by surface mail. Please indicate your current residence and email address. Private email addresses such as those from Yahoo, Comcast, etc., are better than university email addresses because recent graduates often lose their university email status. Applicants will receive one of two admission responses: Applicants are accepted or denied. Conditional or probationary admissions are not available in the MSW Direct Advanced Standing program. Neither the IUSSW Admissions Coordinator, the IUPUI MSW Director, Executive Administration, nor any admissions committee member will disclose to an applicant the reason admission is denied. Once you submit your application to the IU School of Social Work, it becomes the property of the school and its content or copies of its content will not be released under any circumstances. The MSW Direct program accepts about 60% of all applicants. Upon receipt of ALL application components, please allow three to four weeks for notification of the decision. Transfer Credit A person with graduate credits in a behavioral science field may potentially transfer one threecredit hour course to the MSW Direct program with the following caveats: The school must approve it as an elective and the course must not be more than five years old at the time of MSW graduation. Course work that is part of a conferred graduate or undergraduate degree may not be considered for transfer credit. 7
Incomplete Applications Only complete applications are reviewed. An application is determined as complete when all required files have been received by the program. The Checklist form, Appendix B at the end of this document, will help you keep track of all admissions materials needing to be submitted. Due to the volume of applications, the school is unable to notify an applicant if items are missing. Our goal is to review and notify applicants of a decision after four weeks. If you have not heard from the school after that time, you are welcome to email or call the school to verify that your application is considered as complete. Transfer Students We do not accept transfer students at this time from other MSW programs, both within Indiana and nationally. Graduate Testing The Graduate Record Exam (GRE), the Miller s Analogy Test (MAT), and other graduate tests are not required in order to be considered for admission into any MSW program at the Indiana University School of Social Work. Continuous Enrollment The full 45 credit MSW Direct Advanced Standing program may be completed within about two years if the student continuously takes two classes per quarter. Completion times may vary, however, depending on field practicum availability and schedules. For example, some practicum may not be available during summer months. Others may require extended time beyond two quarters. Students may stop taking classes or stop out for one or more quarters, or take more than the recommended two courses depending on personal circumstances and course availability. While the student may elect to stop out for any quarter, the student MUST inform the MSW Direct program about this in order to maintain enrolled status. While students are free to stop out of the MSW Direct program, this may risk going into the grace period on student loans. Time Limitation All MSW degree requirements must be completed no more than five years from the date of the student s first enrollment in the MSW Direct program. Advanced Standing Beginning Course and Field Requirements The MSW Direct advanced standing program has slightly different requirements from our other campus-based programs. Students begin advanced standing study by enrolling in the three-hour D556 Generalist Foundations for Social Work Practice course. This is a bridge course intended to review selected social work theories and concepts so the student can make a smooth transition into the intermediate curriculum. Students start additional courses only after passing this course. A face-to-face orientation is required for all advanced standing students. The orientation is three days in length and is held at the beginning of study and is part of the D556 course. 8
The Advanced standing program requires one field practicum with a minimum of 640 contact hours in an approved social services agency. We strive to place students as close as possible to their home communities. Life Experience While valued, academic credit for life experience and previous work experience is not given in whole or in part toward the social work degree. Repeat Applicants Applicants who have previously applied to the Indiana University School of Social Work will need to submit a new application and pay the application fee again. Once you have applied to MSW Direct your application is good for any quarter dating one year from the date of your application submission. Repeat applicants who have been denied admission must wait a minimum of two quarters before re-applying. International Applicants MSW Direct is not accepting international students at this time, with the possible exception of Canadian citizens, because of US Homeland Security law. United States citizens who are living abroad may apply. Prior consultation with MSW Direct staff is required. The student MUST be physically present for the three day face-to-face course orientation session. Armed Services Applicants Any applicant serving in the United States armed services may apply to the program and may participate if deployed abroad. Applicants in the immediate family such as a spouse may also apply. However, the student MUST be physically present for the three day face-to-face course orientation session. Indiana University strives to be supportive of military personnel, their families, and veterans. The IUPUI campus has an Office for Veterans & Military Personnel. Please visit http://veterans.iupui.edu for more information. Policy on Ability MSW Direct strives to be more than ADA compliant. We strive to be ability-friendly. However, the student MUST be physically present for the three day face -to-face course orientation session. If you have a documented ability issue, please contact our office at swdirect@iu.edu, or 317-274-7180. The IUPUI Adaptive Educational Services email is http://aes.iupui.edu/general.html and their phone number is 317-274-3241. The VideoPhone number is 317-278-2052. Sex Offender Policy It is the policy of the School of Social Work that no students or applicants who have been convicted of sex offenses against children shall be eligible for admission or matriculation into any BSW, MSW or PhD programs. Procedures to implement the sex offender policy are under review for the IU system. The current policy may be viewed at http://www.indiana.edu/~bulletin/iu/social-work/2012-2013/policy/sex-offense.shtml 9
Policy on Nondiscrimination Based on the tradition of the social work profession, and consistent with Indiana University s Equal Opportunity Policy, The Indiana University School of Social Work affirms and conducts all aspects of its teaching, scholarship, and service activities without discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, socio-economic status, marital status, national or ethnic origin, age, religion or creed, disability, or political or sexual orientation. The School of Social Work has a strong commitment to diversity and nondiscrimination. Indeed, diversity is celebrated as strength. This perspective is demonstrated by the composition of its faculty and student body, curriculum content, and recruitment and retention activities. Further commitment is demonstrated through participation in university committees dealing with oppressed populations, numerous service activities, including advocacy on behalf of the disadvantaged, the selection of field practicum sites, and by school policies related to promotion and tenure of its faculty. 10
FINANCIAL AID AND PROGRAM COSTS FAFSA Opportunities for financial aid for graduate students are very different from those for undergraduates. It is important to understand that graduate students are only eligible for loans through the federal government, and not grants. In order to obtain a student loan, the following steps must be taken: Step one: Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at www.fafsa.gov. It is important to file the FAFSA annually for maximum consideration of aid and preferably before the quarter in which you are applying. Be sure to include the IUPUI Federal School Code (001813) when completing this application to ensure your information is correctly transmitted to IUPUI. If you need assistance in completing the FAFSA or for general financial aid questions please contact the IUPUI Office of Student Financial Services at http://www.iupui.edu/~finaid/ Step two: Students admitted to the IU School of Social Work will receive Financial Aid information via the University s OneStart portal, https://onestart.iu.edu/my2-prd/portal, and University email. Students should monitor their to do list on OneStart. Please contact the office below for more information: Office of Student Financial Aid Services 420 University Blvd, Suite 250 Indianapolis, IN 46202-5145 MSW Direct Financial Aid Contact: gradaid@iupui.edu 317-278-2880 Tuition and Fees The cost for attending the MSW Direct program varies depending on the length of time you are in school and on your state of residence. Legal residents of Indiana pay a tuition rate of $530.50 per credit hour. Non-residents pay $662 per credit hour. Please note that these are the current rates set by the Indiana University Board of Trustees, and are subject to change. Advanced standing, 45 credit hours, amounts to $23,872.50 for Indiana residents and $29,790 for nonresidents. Every Advanced Standing student will pay tuition for 45 credit hours and an administrative cost for 15 credits by credential which will be approximately $300. This does not cover additional costs including the visit to campus, books, computers, and other incidentals. When you enroll you will incur fee assessments. (See Table on the next page.) You will need to budget for one trip to attend the required three day face-to-face orientation. Convenient hotels nearby are about $100 per day, so you will want to plan accordingly. Two trips if you want to attend graduation! 11
MSW Direct Mandatory Fee Assessment 2015-2016 Approved Fees Enrollment <= 6 Credit Hours Enrollment > 6 Credit Hours Mandatory Fees General Fee $210.38 $361.10 Fall, Spring, and Summer Quarters Winter quarter $0.00 $0.00 per Credit up to Hour of maximum Enrollment Temporary Repair & Rehabilitation Fee Fall, Spring, and Summer Quarters $13.55 $162.60 Winter quarter $0.00 $0.00 Distance Education Fee (All Quarters) $30.00 per credit hour The university and the IUSSW reserve the right to change the amounts of tuition and fees at any time without notice, as necessitated by university and legislative action For up-to-date information about tuition and fees in effect at the time of registration, visit http://www.bursar.iupui.edu. New tuition rates are typically announced prior to the fall semester and are subject to change. Actual Costs If you do the math you have to consider tuition, fees, supplies, and transportation. If you enroll for six hours of credit or less continuously over a period of ten quarters you will incur fees amounting to approximately $2,800. Add an additional $3,000 estimated cost for books, computers, and other study materials. In-State Approximate Costs for the MSW Direct Program: Tuition: $31,830 ($530.50/credit hour for 2015-2016 academic year) Mandatory Fees: 2,800 ( 6 credit hours for two classes/quarter) Books/Supplies 3,000 Travel: 500 (Includes hotel/meals, travel) Total: $38,130 Out-of-State Approximate Costs for the MSW Direct Program: Tuition: $39,720 ($662/credit hour for 2015-2016 academic year) Mandatory Fees: 2,800 ( 6 credit hours for two classes/quarter) Books/Supplies 3,000 Travel: 800 (Includes hotel/meals, travel) Total: $46,320 Please remember that these estimates are based on current rates that may increase in the future. 12
APPLICATION FORMS AND FILES When you apply to MSW Direct you need to prepare several documents and forms in advance of applying. These include: IUSSW Application Template Resume Case analysis Application Questions Statistics and GPA computation Self-Disclosure Statement Petition for Exceptional Consideration, if needed IUPUI Graduate School eapp Transcripts References IMPORTANT! In regards to your Application Template, you MUST consolidate all of these into ONE.doc,.docx, or.pdf file. Once you have this file ready, you submit it online by uploading it to the additional upload portion of the eapp. Only one file may be uploaded to the website. You can save, edit, and add to the online application up to the point where you pay the $60 application fee and submit your eapp. Once you have done so, you cannot change your application in any way. We have made a sample template available for your convenience. You can use this template to insert all of your written materials and forms and save them as one document. It is available at: http://mswdirect.iu.edu/documents/as-msw-direct-application-template.docx Just be certain you completely understand ALL of the instructions in this entire document before you send it! In addition, you must also prepare a surface mail packet with references and transcripts that is mailed to our office. See directions on page 31. 13
RESUME You will need to submit a professional resume, including all pertinent dates, covering the following areas: 1. EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE Please include all colleges/universities attended starting with the most recent. Include dates. 2. PROFESSIONAL AND OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE List all paid employment in chronological order starting with the most recent. Please be specific in describing the positions held and include both full and part time employment. Please account for all your time for at least the past ten years. Include dates. 3. PRACTICA/INTERNSHIPS List all practica or internships with dates, and briefly describe roles and activities. 4. RELEVANT VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Please list each organization, dates volunteered and briefly describe role/activities. This is included in the template. 14
CASE ANALYSIS The MSW Direct requires a case analysis as part of the admissions application for advanced standing. To access the case go to http://mswdirect.iu.edu/documents/advanced%20standing%20case.pdf Questions for analysis: 1. How do biological, psychological and socioeconomic factors explain this situation? 2. What information would you want to gather from sources such as Ben, his mom, service providers, and community resources? What methods would you use to gather this information? 3. Bens mother has been a primary source of support throughout his adulthood. What services would you recommend for an adult whose caretaker is no longer able to provide care? 4. If you were to design a program for such adults, what services would you include? 5. Every state has many Bens. What policy recommendations for care would you recommend to a legislative body? 6. What would be a practice-informed research project that would be applicable to this case? 7. Would your overall analysis of Ben change if he had initially been described as an Asian American, African American, Hispanic American or Native American male? (Choose one.) Be certain to support your analysis with references from the professional literature. Font: 12 point Pages: 6 pages of text, no more no less, excluding title and reference pages. Spacing: Double spacing, one inch margins. Format: Include title and reference pages. Citation style: American Psychological Association (APA) 6th Ed. is required. For assistance with APA see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resources/560/01/ This is included in the template. 15
APPLICATION QUESTIONS One of the most important aspects of your application is your ability to communicate, in writing, that you meet all of the requirements of IUSSW. This is to be accomplished through the application questions and case analysis. It is of utmost importance that all materials are written exclusively by the applicant. Any indication that someone else has substantially helped with or written this statement is grounds for rejection of the applicant or dismissal from the MSW Program. Application Questions Please copy and include each question in your responses. Your responses will aid the Admissions Committee in assessing your qualifications for professional social work practice. We assess your application on qualities such as the ability to think analytically and conceptually; clarity in self-expression; responsiveness and sensitivity to diversity; commitment to improving social conditions; and the ability to function creatively, responsibly and independently. 1. Discuss the factors which make you a strong candidate for graduate level study in social work. What talents and skills will you bring? Why do you wish to attend a MSW program at this time? What experiences have made you desire more professional practice training? Where do you see yourself as a social worker in the next five years? 2. The concept of cultural pluralism emphasizes respect for diversity of values, heritages, customs, and lifestyles. We are interested in your experiences with people from diverse populations. For each of the following diverse groups, describe how you have worked with each. If you have gaps in your exposure to diversity, what is your plan to broaden your effectiveness to work respectfully and effectively with each of these populations? a. Ethnicity (race, culture) b. Spiritual tradition different from your own c. Age d. Disability e. Socio-economic status f. Sexual orientation 3. From experience in your BSW internships or in your current employment recount an ethical dilemma. Discuss your decision making process and factors that contributed to the ultimate outcome. Please protect confidentiality and DO NOT reveal names or organizations. 16
4. Graduate school provides learning opportunities that require a substantial investment of time and energy. Plan to spend a minimum of twenty hours per week on homework for a typical load of two courses. In addition, a minimum of two quarters of field practicum will require approximately 20-24 hours per week. The minimum total time in the agency setting, not including transportation to the jobsite, is 640 hours. Much of the time and workload will be dependent on the needs of the agency. This practicum must be completed at an agency approved by the IUSSW. Please keep in mind that agencies rarely offer night/evening/weekend hours. Please describe plans that you are making to adjust your personal and professional life in order to successfully participate in coursework and the field practicum. Font: 12 point Pages: 6-8 pages of text, no more no less, excluding title and reference pages. Spacing: Double spacing, one inch margins. Format: Include title and reference pages. Citation style: American Psychological Association (APA) 6th Ed. is required. For assistance with APA see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resources/560/01/ This is included in the template. 17
STATISTICS AND GPA DOCUMENTATION Statistics: Why do we require a statistics course before beginning study? Social Work is both an art and a science. You need a basic grounding in statistics in order to evaluate policies and information from the practice literatures as well as engaging in research informed practice and practice informed research. Not sure that your course is acceptable? As a general rule, courses with the specific word statistics from the social or behavioral sciences are acceptable. Anthropology, sociology, political science, psychology, or mathematics departments generally make these available as do some business and health care programs. Common descriptors often include terms such as: descriptive statistics, probability, sampling, hypothesis testing, data analysis, correlation, and/or regression. If you want evaluation of a statistics course please email a copy of the course number, the exact catalog description, and institution to swdirect@iu.edu. If you have not taken a course in statistics you may still apply to MSW Direct but if accepted you will get a conditional acceptance and must satisfactorily complete the statistics course before beginning any MSW Direct coursework. Graduate Point Average: We require an earned cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the final 60 credit hours (or 90 quarter hours) of the degree. Those seeking an exception to this requirement should utilize the Petition for Exceptional Consideration found below. It is your responsibility to compute your undergraduate GPA. See Appendix A, Page 31for directions. If you have also completed graduate studies, it is your responsibility to provide the GPA for these as well. This is included in the template. 18
SELF-DISCLOSURE STATEMENT This form must be completed and submitted by EVERY applicant and is included in the template. Please place an X or BOLD your answers. Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No 1. Are you, or have you ever been the subject of any disciplinary proceedings while attending any college, university, or other post-high school educational program? 2. Have you ever been convicted of any violation of law, or are there any charges pending against you? (Include all criminal offenses, i.e., felonies and misdemeanors.) 3. Are you or have you ever been the subject of any disciplinary proceedings by any professional organization? If yes to question #2, do you wish to appeal to the School of Social Work s Policy on Sex Offenses? For a copy of the policy, please see Admission Policies Applicable to IUSSW applicants in this document. If you have answered Yes to any of the questions, you must provide a personal statement of explanation giving full details and an explanation of all event. Your personal statement should be included as a separate section at the end of your application docuent. Also, include the facts and the disposition of all cases. Please be advised that answering Yes to any of the above questions does not automatically disqualify your application. In addition, it is also appropriate to discuss significant issues disclosed here in your application questions. This is included in the template. If you intend to practice in Indiana: Please note that in order to obtain a license to practice social work in Indiana one must : Furnish satisfactory evidence to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency that the individual does not have a conviction for a crime that has a direct bearing on the individual's ability to practice competently and/or Furnish satisfactory evidence to the agency that the individual has not been the subject of a disciplinary action by a licensing or certification agency of another state or jurisdiction on the grounds that the individual was not able to practice as a social worker or clinical social worker without endangering the public. If you intend to practice in another state or country: Licensure/certification is regulated individually by states and no two are exactly alike. Some states have different levels of licensure/certification. For specific information contact the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensure/certification laws for the United States and Canada. http://www.aswb.org. In addition, go to your own state s official website and search for the unit that regulates social work. Contact them for specific details. Do not rely on friends, faculty, or other sources! They told me is no substitute for official information! 19
PETITION FOR EXCEPTIONAL CONSIDERATION An applicant who believes that her or his individual circumstances warrant exceptional consideration for a waiver of the minimum admissions requirement of an undergraduate 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours (or 90 quarter hours) of coursework must petition the MSW Direct professional staff. This is necessary even if the applicant has more recently completed graduate level course work with a higher GPA. The waiver should be submitted by the applicant as the petition file in the form of a statement entitled "Petition for Exceptional Consideration." The petition should include a statement indicating how the minimum admission requirement of a 3.0 GPA does not provide the applicant a fair and adequate opportunity to present himself or herself in a favorable light. The applicant should briefly discuss how (s)he has indeed demonstrated an ability to successfully excel at the graduate level. For example, an applicant might provide evidence of superior grades during the final several semesters of work prior to graduation, indicating a trend toward improved performance. Or, subsequent to receipt of the undergraduate degree, an applicant might demonstrate academic competence through achievement in another graduate program. The applicant should also discuss how, if granted admission to the MSW Direct program, she or he plans to address potential obstacles to successfully complete the program. For example, if a low grade point average was viewed as the result of a "need to work full-time during my undergraduate studies", the applicant should discuss why that is not likely to be a factor during his or her MSW study. This is included in the template. 20
ACCESSING AND COMPLETING THE eapp To complete your eapp go to: http://www.iupui.edu/~gradoff/admissions/apply.shtml Next, click on the link Begin your application for graduate or professional school at IUPUI. From here, you will either create a new account or use your existing student account if you are currently an IU affiliated student. When completing the graduate application, do not write entirely in lowercase or in caps when entering your application information. Please use correct punctuation. A review of your application will not occur until after a current eapp is on file. When you go into the eapp you are asked many questions. This includes tabs such as personal, additional, application and departmental information. Please DO NOT jump forward in the eapp as fields will change with certain options. In the Application Information tab choose the following: What type of degree do you intend to pursue? Masters Academic Program: Social Work Direct o DO NOT SELECT THE Social Work (MSW) CHOICE! THIS IS THE WRONG PROGRAM! Academic Plan: MSW Online Are you applying to a dual degree program? No When do you wish to enroll? Specify your first choice REMEMBER! Once you have paid your $60 fee at the end of the application s Submit folder you cannot edit or add to your application! You may edit and add up until this time. If you have problems or questions with the online university graduate school application contact the Graduate School Office at (317) 274-1577 or gradoff@iupui.edu. 21
TRANSCRIPTS IMPORTANT! THIS PART OF THE APPLICATION IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TEMPLATE. Official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities you have attended are required including any post-graduate studies. Your bachelor s degree must be finished with all degree requirements and statistics course by the start of the enrolled quarter. You can proceed once your degree is awarded. No exceptions are possible. Your degree must be awarded by an institution that is regionally accredited in the United States. For degrees earned outside of the United States please contact the program at swdirect@iu.edu While we cannot admit international students because of Homeland Security laws, we will consider United States citizens who have earned international degrees. Canadian universities are an exception. An official transcript is one that comes from the University/College which typically has a raised seal or some other documentation that denotes authenticity and is sealed/unopened. There are three ways to forward your transcripts: If you have earned your degree from IUPUI you can have them electronically sent. Go to http://registrar.iupui.edu/transcript/index.html If electronic copies are available from your college or university, have your school email them to you, make copies, and bundle them together with your reference letters and send them to MSW Direct. See page 30. When your official transcripts are available on paper only, you must have them mailed to yourself, bundle them together with your reference letters and send them to MSW Direct. See page 30. 22
REFERENCES IMPORTANT! THIS PART OF THE APPLICATION IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TEMPLATE. Each advanced standing applicant must submit four letters of reference. One must be from a full-time faculty member (not adjunct) from your school who can best speak to your ability to attend the MSW program as an advanced standing student. Another reference must be from your final field instructor. If your field instructor is not available then a copy of your final field evaluation may be substituted for this reference instead. There are three separate reference forms for the field instructor (see page 23), faculty (see page 25), and additional references(see page 27.) The other two references are the applicant s choice. We highly recommend you use professional (paid or volunteer) references when possible. We encourage you to choose those persons who can best speak to your abilities to practice social work and succeed in graduate school. Please note that applicants should never use friends, neighbors, family members or significant others. Additionally, please carefully consider the use of clergy or counselors sometimes these individuals are limited in their scope of answers due to confidentiality issues. It is never recommended to use an old reference letter as they do not provide the most current information regarding the applicant. Please be sure to read the reference forms completely and fill out the sections you need to complete, including the waiver statement. When giving each of your referees this form to fill out, please be sure to provide them with a self-addressed stamped envelope for their use. Make sure that you note on the envelope somewhere that it contains a reference. Be certain to tell your references when you need their letters returned to you to meet your application deadline. You will also need to make all necessary arrangements to receive these sealed envelopes/references in time for you to forward them to the MSW Direct program. You may need to follow up with your referee if the deadline is approaching and you have not received your reference form. DO NOT SEND INDIVIDUAL REFERENCE LETTERS DIRECTLY TO THE SCHOOL. When you have received all of your references, bundle them together with your transcripts and mail them as a single package to the program. Instructions are on page 30. References must be received in sealed envelopes with the referee s signature across the flap to be considered valid. Unsealed reference letters will warrant the application ineligible for review. We do not accept faxed or emailed reference letters. 23
Indiana University School of Social Work MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW) Request for Reference -- Field Instructor ADVANCED STANDING APPLICANTS Dear Field Instructor, (Print name of the Field Instructor completing this recommendation form) You have been selected to provide a recommendation for (Print your name as the applicant) Date of BSW graduation: (Applicant should fill this in) [Applicants, please be sure to provide a stamped, self-addressed business size envelope with this form to the Referee.] You have been selected specifically to discuss this candidate s suitability for the advanced standing program. Your candid assessment of the applicant will greatly assist the Admissions Committee in determining whether the candidate should be admitted for graduate study. Application to the Indiana University School of Social Work program is a self-managed process. Therefore, the applicant is responsible for the collection and submission of all reference letters. This ensures that the applicant knows the application is complete when submitted. Please complete this form, including a separate page answering the questions on page 2, staple the attachments to the form, seal in the envelope provided to you by the student, and sign your name across the sealed flap. Then RETURN IT TO THE APPLICANT. DO NOT SEND THIS FORM DIRECTLY TO THE SCHOOL! The applicant will then submit the sealed envelope to the IU School of Social Work with the other application materials. Unsealed references will deem the applicant ineligible for review. Please be sure to complete and return this form to the applicant within a reasonable time for them to meet their appropriate deadline. NOTICE OF WAIVER COMPLETION REQUIRED BY APPLICANT I am aware of my rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to have access to letters of recommendation written on my behalf. I also understand that by submitting this letter of recommendation with my application packet, it becomes the property of the IU School of Social Work and therefore, my right of access is limited to viewing the document only at the school and I will not be allowed to obtain a copy of the letter from the school. I also understand that my ability to view these documents is contingent upon my being admitted and enrolling into the MSW Direct program at the IU School of Social Work. It is my desire that this letter be written in confidence and I waive my right of access to read this letter. I wish to retain my right to read this document once I have been admitted to the program and enroll. Date Signature You must check one of the above options, sign and date this waiver if this letter is to be included in your file. Failure to comply will automatically forfeit the right of the applicant to read this letter. 24
For the field referee: On a separate piece of paper, please answer the following (We understand some applicants may currently be in practicum. If so, please speak of their experience to date): 1. Does the applicant display strong practice skills with individuals, families, groups, organizations and/or communities? 2. Does he/she use good professional judgment? 3. Does the applicant have unique characteristics, special strengths or particular difficulties in interactions with clients? What impresses you about the applicant? 4. Has the applicant developed ethical reasoning and decision-making skills? 5. Overall, does the applicant deliver effective social work services? 6. Is the applicant, in your opinion, ready to advance professional roles in graduate school? RECOMMENDATION FOR ADVANCED STANDING: Yes, I highly recommend Yes, I recommend Yes, I recommend with reservation No, I do not recommend Signature: Date: Name (Please Print): Agency/Organization: Address: How long have you known the applicant? Please accept our appreciation of your time and effort in helping us determine this applicant s suitability for graduate social work education. 25
Indiana University School of Social Work MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW) Request for Reference -- Faculty Member ADVANCED STANDING APPLICANTS Dear Referee, (Print name of the Faculty Member (not an adjunct) completing this recommendation form) You have been selected to provide a recommendation for (Print your name as the applicant) Date of BSW graduation: (Applicant should fill this in) [Applicants, please be sure to provide a stamped, self-addressed business size envelope with this form to the Referee.] You have been selected specifically to discuss this candidate s suitability for the advanced standing program. Your candid assessment of the applicant will greatly assist the Admissions Committee in determining whether the candidate should be admitted for graduate study. Application to the Indiana University School of Social Work program is a self-managed process. Therefore, the applicant is responsible for the collection and submission of all reference letters. This ensures that the applicant knows the application is complete when submitted. Please complete this form, including a separate page answering the questions on page 2, staple the attachments to the form, seal in the envelope provided to you by the student, and sign your name across the sealed flap. Then RETURN IT TO THE APPLICANT. DO NOT SEND THIS FORM DIRECTLY TO THE SCHOOL! The applicant will then submit the sealed envelope to the IU School of Social Work with the other application materials. Unsealed references will deem the applicant ineligible for review. Please be sure to complete and return this form to the applicant within a reasonable time for them to meet their appropriate deadline. NOTICE OF WAIVER COMPLETION REQUIRED BY APPLICANT I am aware of my rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to have access to letters of recommendation written on my behalf. I also understand that by submitting this letter of recommendation with my application packet, it becomes the property of the IU School of Social Work and therefore, my right of access is limited to viewing the document only at the school and I will not be allowed to obtain a copy of the letter from the school. I also understand that my ability to view these documents is contingent upon my being admitted and enrolling into the MSW Direct program at the IU School of Social Work. It is my desire that this letter be written in confidence and I waive my right of access to read this letter. I wish to retain my right to read this document once I have been admitted to the program and enroll. Date Signature You must check one of the above options, sign and date this waiver if this letter is to be included in your file. Failure to comply will automatically forfeit the right of the applicant to read this letter. 26
For the faculty referee: On a separate piece of paper, please answer the following questions: 1. What do you consider the applicant s major strengths as a candidate for the advanced standing program at IU? 2. What would you add regarding his/her skill development while in placement, including the type of assignments, clientele, commitment to social work values, and commitment to work with oppressed populations? 3. In your opinion, what distinguishes this candidate from others who are entering the standard MSW program? Does this student have practice skills strong enough to enter the MSW program at the intermediate level? What skills does this applicant possess that make him/her an appropriate candidate for the advanced standing program? 4. What reservations do you have about the applicant s potential for successful completion of the advanced standing program? RECOMMENDATION FOR ADVANCED STANDING: Yes, I highly recommend Yes, I recommend Yes, I recommend with reservation No, I do not recommend Signature: Date: Name (Please Print): School: Address: How long have you known the applicant? Please accept our appreciation of your time and effort in helping us determine this applicant s suitability for graduate social work education. 27
Indiana University School of Social Work MSW Direct Request for Reference Form Print Name of Reference: Applicant s Name: [Applicants, please be sure to provide a stamped, self-addressed business size envelope with this form to the Referee.] Dear Referee, You have been selected to provide a recommendation for this applicant. Your candid assessment of the applicant will greatly assist the Admissions Committee in determining whether the candidate should be admitted for graduate study. Please complete this form and answer the questions on a separate sheet of paper. When finished, please seal this form and your letter in the envelope provided by the student and sign across the sealed flap. Then RETURN IT TO THE APPLICANT. DO NOT SEND THIS FORM DIRECTLY TO THE SCHOOL! Application to the Indiana University School of Social Work program is a self-managed process. Therefore, the applicant is responsible for the collection and submission of all reference letters. This ensures that the applicant knows the application is complete when submitted. Please complete this form, staple the attachments to the form, seal in the envelope provided to you by the student, and sign your name across the sealed flap. Then return it as soon as possible to the applicant. The applicant will then submit the sealed envelope to the IU School of Social Work with other application materials. Unsealed references will deem the applicant ineligible for review. Please be sure to complete and return this form to the applicant within a reasonable time for them to meet the appropriate deadline for the quarter they are applying. NOTICE OF WAIVER COMPLETION REQUIRED BY APPLICANT I am aware of my rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to have access to letters of recommendation written on my behalf. I also understand that by submitting this letter of recommendation with my application packet, it becomes the property of the IU School of Social Work and therefore, my right of access is limited to viewing the document only at the school and I will not be allowed to obtain a copy of the letter from the school. I also understand that my ability to view these documents is contingent upon my being admitted and enrolling into the MSW Direct program at the IU School of Social Work. It is my desire that this letter be written in confidence and I waive my right of access to read this letter. I wish to retain my right to read this document once I have been admitted to the program and enroll. Date: Signature: You must check one of the above options, sign and date this waiver if this letter is to be included in your file. Failure to comply will automatically forfeit the right of the applicant to read this letter. 28
SUMMARY EVALUATION: We would appreciate a candid discussion concerning the applicant s capabilities and limitations in relation to potential academic performance and suitability for the profession of social work. Some of the characteristics that social workers must possess are: An absolute commitment to work on behalf of oppressed populations Demonstrated abilities to work for social justice Intellectual ability Ability to work with others Emotional stability Sense of responsibility Advanced oral and written communication skills Creativity and motivation Leadership skills Ability to think critically With the above in mind, please attach a letter addressing the following questions: 1. What strengths/weaknesses does the applicant possess that would impact his/her progress in the MSW Program? 2. Have you observed and can comment on the applicant s scholastic performance in undergraduate education? 3. How would you compare/describe this applicant s personal/philosophical values/ethics and the congruence with the values/ethics of social work? ** 4. How have you witnessed the applicant s commitment to social justice? 5. Please assess the applicant s commitment to work on behalf of oppressed populations. RECOMMENDATION FOR ADMISSION: Yes, I highly recommend Yes, I recommend Yes, I recommend with reservation No, I do not recommend Signature: Date: Name (Please Print): Title/Position: Agency/Organization: Address: Degree: Institution: How long and in what professional capacities have you known the applicant? Please accept our appreciation of your time and effort in helping us determine this applicant s suitability for graduate social work education. 29
**Preamble of the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. A historic and defining feature of social work is the profession s focus on individual well-being in a social context and the well-being of society. Fundamental to social work is attention to the environmental forces that create, contribute to, and address problems in living. Social workers promote social justice and social change with and on behalf of clients. Clients is used inclusively to refer to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers are sensitive to cultural and ethnic diversity and strive to end discrimination, oppression, poverty, and other forms of social injustice. These activities may be in the form of direct practice, community organizing, supervision, consultation administration, advocacy, social and political action, policy development and implementation, education, and research and evaluation. Social workers seek to enhance the capacity of people to address their own needs. Social workers also seek to promote the responsiveness of organizations, communities, and other social institutions to individuals needs and social problems. The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core values. These core values, embraced by social workers throughout the profession s history, are the foundation of social work s unique purpose and perspective: service social justice dignity and worth of the person importance of human relationships integrity competence. This constellation of core values reflects what is unique to the social work profession. Core values, and the principles that flow from them, must be balanced within the context and complexity of the human experience. 30
SUBMITTING TRANSCRIPTS AND REFERENCES EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! Bundle ALL of your transcripts and ALL of your reference letters into ONE envelope and send it via US Postal Service certified mail with return receipt. Make sure the application is post-marked no later than the due date. You may also include a self-addressed, stamped POSTCARD and we will return it to let you know your application has been received and is complete. When ready, mail this part of your application to: IUSSW MSW Direct Admissions 902 West New York Street ES 4138 Indianapolis, IN 46202-5156 31
APPENDIX A How to Compute Your GPA IUSSW requires a GPA of 3.0 for the final 60 credit hours (or 90 quarter hours) of an undergraduate degree. Each applicant should review their transcripts to ensure that they have a clear understanding of their GPA. IUSSW uses a four point scale when calculating GPA. For admission review, we do not use a grade forgiveness policy. This requires us to calculate all undergraduate grades shown on all transcripts. Therefore, you need to be aware that the Cumulative Undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) used for our review may not correspond with what is listed on your final transcript. All applicants with an undergraduate GPA below a 3.0 must submit the Petition for Exceptional Consideration for the application to be reviewed. Each applicant should check their transcripts to determine the value placed on each grade that was used to calculate their final GPA. Each school may vary in the scale they use for GPA calculation. In order to be equitable, IUSSW will figure all applicants GPA based on the following four-point scale: A = 4.0 A- = 3.7 B+ = 3.3 B = 3.0 B- = 2.7 C+ = 2.3 C = 2.0 C- = 1.7 D+ = 1.3 D = 1.0 D- =.7 F =.0 Every course is assigned a grade. The cumulative GPA is based on a formula that includes the number of credit hours of the course and the grade assigned divided by the total number of credit hours. [# credit hours X value of grade / total credit hours] As an example: S100 3 credits B+ = 9.9 (3 X 3.3) S150 4 credits A- = 14.8 (4 X 3.7) 7 24.7 24.7/7 = 3.52 (GPA) Each student needs to look at their final 60 credit hours (or 90 quarter hours), apply the above scale and formula to determine the exact GPA. When calculating your GPA, do not break semesters in half, but calculate approximately 60 credit hours to determine your GPA. You may have more than 60 when calculating, depending on your semester load. If you are very close to 3.0, you may want to fill out the Petition for Exceptional Consideration. This petition, if necessary because of your undergraduate GPA, is required even if you have completed more recent graduate level coursework with a higher GPA. Also, do not round GPA numbers. For example, a GPA of 2.98 is not rounded up to 3.0. You are asked to calculate your GPA with these guidelines and record it on the checklist you submit with your application template. 32
APPENDIX B Check List Here is a check list to help you prepare your application. Best wishes! Requirement Duty Date Done! Resume Case Analysis Application Questions Statistics and GPA Form Self-Disclosure Petition for Exception Apply online Transcripts References Write document, Include in Template Write document, Include in Template Write document, Include in Template Complete form, Include in Template Complete form, Include in Template Write if needed, Include in Template Apply & Attach Template Request from school(s), Bundle and mail with Refs Request, Bundle and mail with Transcripts 33