MSW DIRECT MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

MSW DIRECT MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 2015-2016 1 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 Writing Sample 15 Application Questions 16 Prerequisite 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 27 Appendix A: How to Compute Your GPA 28 Appendix B: Check list 29 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 has a rolling admissions process. You can apply at any time during the year, but must indicate the quarter you hope to begin the program. Quarter admission is dependent upon the number of applications received for a particular quarter. The following application deadlines apply for each of the upcoming quarters: 2015 Fall Quarter: Applications are due on May 13 th, 2015. In-person orientation begins Wednesday, September 9 th. Winter Quarter: Applications are due on August 11 th, 2015. In-person orientation begins Wednesday, December 9 th. 2016 Spring Quarter: Applications are due on November 13th, 2015. In-person orientation begins Wednesday, March 9 th. Summer Quarter: Applications are due on February12 th, 2016. In-person orientation begins Wednesday, June 8 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 application template. This application template includes your resume, writing sample, application questions, prerequisites, 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 21). 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 at http://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 D501 in the first quarter. Some student may wish to take more than two courses per quarter after the foundation level. 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 The following items are the minimum requirements for consideration for admission: 1. Evidence of an earned bachelor s degree from a college or university accredited by a recognized regional accrediting association, by providing an official transcript showing verification of the degree. This does not need to be a BSW. 2. Evidence of coursework in liberal arts, demonstrated by the successful completion of a minimum of six courses in social or behavioral sciences. Courses are accepted from the following disciplines: Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Criminal Justice, and Social Work. An applicant may count no more than three pre-requisites from Economics or Political Science. Applicants with undergraduate degrees in psychology, sociology, anthropology, criminal justice or social work usually have the six pre-requisites from their major. Applicants who are unclear whether a course will be accepted as a social or behavioral science pre-requisite course are encouraged to seek pre-approval 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. 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. Applicants who are unclear whether a course will be accepted as a statistics pre-requisite course are encouraged to seek pre-approval as in item 2 above. 4. 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 Prerequisite Documentation Form (see page 18). Directions can be found at How to compute your GPA, located in Appendix A (see page 28). Those seeking an exception to this requirement must include the Petition for Exceptional Consideration (see page 20). 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 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 writing sample 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. Probationary admissions are not available in the MSW Direct program. In some cases applicants may receive a Conditional Acceptance. A conditional acceptance means that once the school has received evidence of all completed pre-requisites such as completion of a statistics course, you will be offered admission into the next available quarter. 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. 7

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. 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. Students currently enrolled in any other MSW programs within the IUSSW are eligible for transfer into the MSW Direct program. Specific status requirements are in place. Contact the MSW Direct offices for more information. Graduate Testing The Graduate Record Exam (GRE), the Miller s Analogy Test (MAT), and other graduate tests are not required nor considered for admission into any MSW program at the Indiana University School of Social Work. Continuous Enrollment The full 60 credit MSW Direct program may be completed within about three years if the student continuously takes two classes per quarter. (Students only take the one D501 three credit course during the first quarter.) Completion times may vary, however, depending on field practica availability and schedules. For example, some practica may not be available during summer months. Others may require extended time beyond one quarter. Students may stop taking classes or stop out for one or more quarters. 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 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. 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. 8

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. Advanced Standing Applicants Qualified applicants with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE accredited program conferred within the past five years may apply for advanced standing status. Students admitted to advanced standing are awarded credit for the five MSW foundation curriculum courses (15 credit hours) and enter the MSW program at the intermediate level. An administrative fee is required, approximately $300. Please note that advanced standing applicants are required to submit a reference from a member of the social work faculty of the BSW program that granted their BSW degree, a reference from their final field instructor or evaluation and two additional references. Advanced standing requires a separate application. DO NOT USE THIS DOCUMENT! 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. The full 60 credit hour program amounts to $31,830 for Indiana residents and $39,720 for non-residents. 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 campus 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 will need to prepare several documents and forms in advance of applying. These include: IUSSW Application Template Resume Writing Sample Application Questions Prerequisite Documentation 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/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 27. 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

WRITING SAMPLE Provide an original, formal writing sample that demonstrates your academic abilities. This cannot be a previously written paper or classroom assignment. It is not advisable to write about a topic related to your own history. Your paper must contain the following: 1. Describe an aspect of a major social problem in American society that is of interest to you. Acceptable topics would include but are not limited to substance abuse, poverty, dysfunction in the school system, crime, mental health issues, aging, health care, or homelessness. For example, if choosing substance abuse you might select presenting issues on prescription drug abuse in a certain population. 2. Recommend a course of action for social change. For the issue identified, determine a policy change or program idea that would help the population impacted. 3. Discuss the implications of this topic to social workers. 4. Provide citations and include a reference page. An abstract is not necessary. Font: 12 point Pages: 3 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) is preferred. 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 a writing sample. 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 Direct 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. What is your perception of the profession of social work and how do you account for your interest in this field? This could include a history of paid or volunteer experiences that support your choice of social work as a profession. 2. The social work profession goes beyond working with individuals, groups and families to also include advocacy, public policy, leadership and management, community organizing and development. How do you see this fitting into your career as a social worker? 3. 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 or value dilemmas, 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 4. When social workers are in a situation where they must choose between two relevant, but competing choices, and where each choice may have an undesirable consequence for the parties involved, this is called an ethical dilemma. Describe an ethical dilemma you have experienced. Discuss your decision-making process and factors which contributed to the ultimate outcome. Please protect confidentiality, and DO NOT reveal names of individuals or organizations. 16

5. An online graduate program provides learning opportunities that require an investment of time and energy. You will need to plan to spend an average of 20 hours per week devoted to your two online courses each quarter. In addition, you will need to complete two field practica experiences, with internship hours averaging 16-24 hours a week, depending upon the number of quarters over which each practicum extends. Please note in most cases practica field agencies can only accommodate daytime hours. Discuss why you are prepared to be in an online graduate program at this time in your life/career. Please describe plans that you are making to adjust your personal and professional life in order to successfully participate in this rigorous educational endeavor. 6. Your ability to participate in an online graduate program requires that you have a reliable internet connection and adequate hardware. Please describe how you plan on connecting to the program and the kind of computer equipment you plan to use. Font: 12 point Pages: 6-8 pages of text, no more no less, excluding title and reference page Spacing: Double spacing, one inch margins. Format: Include title and reference page Citation style: American Psychological Association (APA) preferred For assistance with APA see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resources/560/01/ This is included in the template. 17

PREREQUISITE DOCUMENTATION FORM Please list below all prerequisites you have completed and record on the corresponding line each course name and course number. If the course has not yet been completed, note in the box your plan to complete it prior to enrollment in the MSW Direct program. (Applicants currently completing an undergraduate degree can take the MSW Direct pre-requisite courses for pass/fail provided a course grade is not necessary for your current undergraduate degree requirements). Social- Behavioral Sciences Course Title Course number Institution Attended Term Completed i.e. Fall 2014 If not completed, date planned 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Statistics Note: If you have taken a statistics course in any of the social or behavioral sciences you may include it in the six above. 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. A conditional acceptance means that once the school has received evidence of all completed pre-requisites, you will be offered admission into the next available quarter. It is your responsibility to compute your GPA. See Appendix A, Page 28 for directions. Enter your computed GPA Here: 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 events. Your personal statement should be included as a separate section at the end of your application document. 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 prerequisite courses 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 27. 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 27. 22

REFERENCES IMPORTANT! THIS PART OF THE APPLICATION IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TEMPLATE. DO NOT SEND INDIVIDUAL REFERENCE LETTERS DIRECTLY TO THE SCHOOL. Applicants are required to collect three letters of reference using the Request for Reference Form on the following page. All references must be current; one reference should be from either a current supervisor or academic professional, when available. For the remaining references, we highly recommend you use academic and/or professional (paid or volunteer) references when possible. IUSSW prefers that not all three references be from academic professionals or the same category. Not every applicant has a current professional affiliation with former professors. We encourage each applicant to choose those persons who can best speak to their 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 in order 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 27. 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 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. 24

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. 25

**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. 26

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 27

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. 28

APPENDIX B Check List Here is a check list to help you prepare your application. Best wishes! Requirement Duty Date Done! Resume Writing Sample Application Questions Prerequisite 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 with Refs Request, Bundle with Transcripts 29