Social Work Handbook

Note: The following pages from the student handbook were chosen for an Internet reference.

The entire student handbook can be purchased at The Book Shelf, 619 Huff Street, or the WSU Bookstore. 

• Student Association of Social Workers (SASW)
• SASW - Rochester Center
• Social Work Program Guide
• Student Activity / Achievement Report
• Student Opportunities
• Admission Requirements
• Application Process
• Required Courses
• The Social Work Field Experience and Practicum
• Recommended Course Sequence For The B.S. Social Work Major
• Winona Fall Sequence (Junior Year)
• Winona Spring Sequence (Junior Year)
• Winona Spring Sequence (Senior Year)
• Rochester Spring Sequence (Junior Year)
• Social Work Program Transfer Policy
• Merit System & Doer Exams
• Student Information Page
• Potential Field Placements

Student Association of Social Workers (SASW-Winona)

The SASW is a pre-professional association for all students interested in the field of social work. Members are encouraged to be active participants in program development and campus and community activities.

This association offers peer support, community service activities, public speaking and educational engagements, fund-raising events, and social activities. These experiences form a base for entering into the professional field of social work.

Students are invited and encouraged to join. Anyone wanting information on becoming involved can leave a message in the SASW president's mailbox located outside the departmental office, Minne 228.

Student Association of Social Workers (SASW-Rochester Center)

Mission Statement

The purpose of the Student Association of Social Workers at WSU-Rochester Center is to create an environment that provides a foundation for social work skills and practice. The SASW strives to develop, organize and promote positive change within the academic, social and professional communities. The SASW is committed to ethical and empathetic practice, human diversity and excellence within the social work profession.

This pre-professional association is an excellent opportunity for students to prepare for the profession of social work. The SASW offers peer support, community service activities, fund-raising events, public speaking and educational engagements, and various social activities.

Anyone wanting information on becoming involved can leave a message in the social work faculty offices, ST129 or ST130. There is also a file box located near the office where students can look through information or leave a message with any social work student. Students are invited and strongly encouraged to join.

Please Note: The SASW has a social work faculty member as an advisor on each campus.  SASW membership has the right to request any of the social work faculty to serve as the association's advisor in a given academic year.  The association should be aware that the faculty member has the right to accept or decline the appointment. 

Social Work Program Guide 

1. Declare the Major
   
   At the point that a student decides to become a social work major at Winona State University, the Declaration of Major form should be completed and the student should meet with an advisor to discuss interests, future plans, creating and resume, and the advantages of being a member of the Student Association of Social Workers. The Declaration of Major form can be obtained from the Social Work office in 228 Minne Hall.  On the Rochester campus, students should inquire in the faculty offices at ST 129 or ST 130.
   
   PLEASE NOTE: Declaring intent to major in social work and taking courses in the program does not constitute acceptance into the professional program or guarantee graduation from the Program; students must be formally accepted into the Social Work Program before entering SW365 Practice I and SW370 Human Behavior in the Social Environment, to continue in the professional sequence. 
   
2. Apply for Field Experience SW 350
   Completion of SW350 is a requirement in order to enter the academic core courses in the Social Work Department. Field Experience is completed over a 16 week semester, with the student in placement for 8 to 10 hours per week.  Students should take note that the agency and its target population where the field experience is completed cannot be used for the Senior Practicum.  Students must plan the field experience the semester prior to enrolling.  Students who seek permission to register in SW350 or SW351 should follow these steps to ensure acceptance.  Registering for field experience takes time and planning, and it is in the student's best interest to initiate this process early.
   1. Purchase the Social Work Field Experience manual located in the campus  bookstore.
   2. Complete the application found in the manual.
   3. Attend one of the informational sessions on Field Experience offered by the Director of Field Education in the Fall or Spring semester.
   4. Secure a signed placement memo located in the Field Experience Manual from the supervisor at the agency you have selected to complete your experience.
   5. Follow the deadlines for registration located in the Field Experience Manual.
   6. With approval, the Director of Field Education will issue the student a permission slip to enroll in the course.  Students may enroll during the regularly scheduled enrollment period with the university.
      
3. Apply for Formal Admission to the Program
   
   Applications are due the first Tuesday in October or the third Tuesday in February depending on the semester students apply.  Students who wish to enter the social work major must make a formal application the semester before entering Practice I.  Students should consult their assigned faculty advisor on academic readiness to apply for entrance in the program.  Application forms are located in Appendix E.  
   
   Students must have completed the foundation courses and Introduction to Social Work (SW 340) in order to be accepted into the core courses and the social work  program. If you are currently taking the classes while applying to the program you may receive an acceptance letter PENDING the completion of the necessary courses.
   
   It is recommended that the Social Work Field Experience (SW 350) be completed before or concurrent with Introduction to Social Work (SW 340). In addition, students must have earned 64 semester credits at the time they apply into the program, and have a 2.5 GPA in all foundation courses.   A grade of D or lower is not accepted for any foundation courses.
   
   Those students who have not completed their requirements by the beginning of the junior year should see their advisor to develop a plan of action.  Admission into the Social Work Program will be delayed and admission to Practice I denied, pending completion of all requirements.  For those changing to a social work major after the beginning of their junior year, see a social work faculty member for advising.
   
4. Take Program Courses 
   Students must observe the course schedule guidelines and consult with their advisor each semester before registration. Learning is enhanced by sequencing the core social work courses as required by the Program.  In addition, students will develop and meet the goals in their individualized Student Professional Development Plan.  Plans and outcomes will be reviewed on a regular basis in Practice I, Practice II, and Practicum Preparation courses.
    

Student Activity / Achievement Report

Students document extra curricular and academic activities for their permanent file using student activity/achievement reports.  These reports (also known as “green sheets”) provide evidence of student activities throughout their college experience and are invaluable as students seek practicum and employment opportunities, and build their professional resumes.  Green sheets are available in the Social Work Office in Minné 228 (Winona campus) or ST 129 or ST130 (Rochester campus).

Purpose

1. Enables students to have the documentation to develop resumes for
   employment or graduate school applications.
2. Creates reference files for faculty.
3. Creates means for the Social Work Program to document student
   development.
4. Encourages students to begin to focus on their career development.

 

Items To Be Reported On This Form

1. Relevant workshops attended or participated in or helped to develop.
2. Community service activities.
3. Professional memberships-NASW-SASW-CSWE-ALPHA DELTA MU.
4. Relevant work experiences.
5. Campus activities and/or service to campus organizations.
6. Exceptional work, practicum, or classroom contributions specifically
   noted by professor, field instructor or coordinator, and/or work
   supervisor.
7. Offices and/or positions held in campus or community programs.
8. Any other activities seen as relevant to academic and professional
   development.
   

Student Opportunities

Alpha Delta Mu - Honors Program

Each fall and spring semester of the junior or senior year, majors apply to the Program faculty for admission. Eligibility for admissions in Alpha Delta Mu Honor Society is a GPA of 3.0 or better in all course work attempted at all schools attended.  There is a one-time membership fee.  See your advisor for more information.

International Opportunities

The Social Work faculty believes that a global perspective is important in order to be a contemporary social work professional.  Students are encouraged to get a travel abroad experience while they are in college.  Many students may want to go abroad through the Study Abroad office during their sophomore year and take university studies classes.  This way their social work sequencing will continue for their junior and senior year and will enhance their learning.

Students with some Spanish skills may be able to participate in study abroad programs during the spring semester of their junior year in Mexico.  Other trips to places such as Great Britain and Bangladesh have also been offered.  Students should check with their advisor to learn more about these programs early in their college experience.

Student E-mail and Social Work Blackboard Site  

It is expected that students maintain a WSU web-mail account and check messages frequently.  The use of other e-mail addresses for university and program communication is strongly discouraged. The Social Work faculty will only use WSU electronic communication with students.  Students are also expected to regularly check the Social Work Department Blackboard site.

Application for Graduation

Students should apply three semesters before graduation, while enrolled in Social Work Practice II.  It is recommended that all students apply at this time to prevent unexpected and last-minute problems.

Graduation Breakfast Reception/Field Instructor Recognition Event 

All WSU social work graduates and their families, members of SASW, along with social work field instructors, are invited to a graduation breakfast before the fall and spring graduate ceremonies. The breakfast is hosted by social work faculty.  This event is held on the Winona campus and students are encouraged to participate in this celebration of achievement and recognition of community field instructors.

Last Modified: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 12:59