The Handbook should be used in making formal application for admission to the Social Work Program, and in application for senior Social Work Practicum (SW395). Application for admission into the Program needs to be completed prior to taking the sequenced junior and senior level classes. Application for admission to Practicum is made in the spring of the Junior year for the practicum experience in the Spring semester of the Senior year.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview of the Social Work Program
The Social Work Program at Bethany College is accredited at the Baccalaureate level by the Council on Social Work Education. Its primary goal is the preparation of students for professional social work practice. Professional competence in social work builds on the liberal arts curriculum at Bethany. Social Work knowledge, skills, and ethics are learned in the major core classes. In accordance with Accreditation guidelines, no credit is given for life experience or previous work experience.
The Social Work Program recognizes the value and importance of human diversity in a pluralist society and strives to promote inclusion of persons of diverse sex, age, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origins, sexual orientation, disablement and veteran status in all of its programs and policies including program admissions.
MISSION, GOALS, and OBJECTIVES
Social Work Program Mission Statement:
To prepare graduates to live lives of faith, learning and service through careers in generalist social work practice in a constantly changing, and increasingly diverse society and world. Completion of the program also prepares graduates for graduate education in social work through accomplishment of the social work professional foundation curriculum.
Social Work Program Goals:
A. To develop, deliver, assess and improve a social work education program that fulfills the objectives outlined in the Council on Social Work Education’s “Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards” for baccalaureate social work education.
(In several discussions among faculty, students, and Advisory Council members about goals for the Bethany College Social Work Program, attention repeatedly turned to three special themes in our effort to prepare generalist social workers (Goal A). These three themes constitute goals 2, 3, and 4 and will be infused throughout the curriculum and activities of the program.)
B. To instill and sustain the social work tradition of action for social and economic justice in our society and others parts of the world and to share this tradition with the broader campus community.
C. To develop and demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in the face of an ever changing and challenging social and human service environment.
D. To promote and inculcate a family centered practice emphasis that embraces all ages and stages of development across the life span including children, adults and aging persons.
Program Goal A: To develop, deliver, assess and improve a social work education program that fulfills the objectives outlined in the Council on Social Work Education’s “Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards” for generalist baccalaureate social work education.
“Social work education is grounded in the liberal arts and contains a coherent, integrated professional foundation in social work . . .Graduates of baccalaureate programs demonstrate the capacity to meet the foundation objectives and objectives unique to the program.” (CSWE, Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards 2001 page 7) The program objectives for social work education are presented on page 9 in the CSWE’s “Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards” (EPAS) approved by the CSWE Board of Directors in June 2001 and distributed in final form on May 17, 2002. Baccalaureate program objectives are identified below by Arabic numerals.
“The professional foundation, which is essential to the practice of any social worker, includes, but is not limited to, the following program objectives.” (EPAS page 7) Graduates demonstrate the following abilities.
Objectives for Goal A:
1.“Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice.
2. Understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and principles, and practice accordingly.
3. Practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge, and skills related to clients’ age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.
4. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice.
5. Understand and interpret the history of the social work profession and its contemporary structures and issues.
6. Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice with systems of all sizes.
7. Use theoretical frameworks supported by empirical evidence to understand individual development and behavior across the life span and the interactions among individuals and between individuals and families, groups, organizations, and communities.
8. Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies.
9. Evaluate research studies, apply research findings to practice, and evaluate their own practice interventions.
10. Use communication skills differentially across client populations, colleagues, and communities.
11. Use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice.
12. Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems and seek necessary organizational change.” (EPAS, page 7-8)
INCLUSIVENESS AND DIVERSITY
Bethany College strives to affirm its commitment to being a community of inclusiveness and diversity by its Christian heritage and by its respect for human dignity. As the Church in mission in higher education, Bethany College is expected to respond to the gospel by recognizing more fully that the inclusive nature of this college is manifested in the gift of diversity. Likewise, as a human community, we are called to recognize the dignity and worth of all persons and to embody in our community, in as complete a measure as possible, the full richness and diversity of people.
The gift of diversity strengthens and enriches us. It brings us to listen to the voices and needs of others. We must learn more about each other and be more understanding of and sensitive to one another’s customs, values and needs. Our task is not to try to change or diminish these differences, but to share them lovingly with one another. By respecting the uniqueness of others and rejoicing in our diversity, we will find unity, peace and justice.
We acknowledge and wish to promote the presence of diversity within the Bethany College community. Our diversity has many dimensions, for students, staff, faculty and administration including age, gender, race, cultural and ethnic origin, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, ability, marital status, and employment categories within the college structure.
Bethany College declares its intention to actively bring about a more fully-inclusive and diverse college community, one which:
· is free of myths and stereotypes about gender, age, orientation, ability, religious, race, cultural and ethnic backgrounds;
· confronts racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination wherever and whenever they may appear in the life and values of the campus community;
· adopts policies and practices that acknowledge and protect the rights and dignity of all persons and which provide equitable access to resources;
· encourages and expects teaching and advising practices, professional behaviors and uses of language that promote the elimination of inappropriate, prejudicial and demeaning attitudes, assumptions and stereotypes about sex roles and racial or cultural identity;
· encourages the use of inclusive language about God in the college’s worship life;
· in hiring persons to fill positions at the college, seeks to actively employ women and persons of all races and diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds when hiring to fill all categories of employment;
· fosters an appreciation of diverse religious traditions and values systems; and
· works to continuously educate all administrators, faculty, staff and students about the issues, needs and concerns of people from diverse backgrounds.
Concern for inclusiveness and diversity must permeate the student recruitment process, the employment and advancement of faculty, administration and support staff, the design and implementation of curricular and co-curricular programs, the selection of the Board of Directors, and all other aspects of the life and operation of this college.
Our mutual task, then, is to facilitate relationships which are defined by justice and love for one another. We are enriched by full partnership and fellowship among women and men of different races, cultures and beliefs. Bethany College calls upon all members of the campus community to take responsibility for implementing this declaration.
Board of Directors, October 17, 1988
Revised and approved by the Board of Directors, May 17, 1998
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Bethany College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, abilities, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or veteran status in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its educational programs and activities, as specified by federal laws and regulations. Bethany College has designated an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Officer to coordinate compliance with these various laws and regulations.
ADMISSIONS INTO AND TERMINATIONS FROM PROGRAM
Admissions
The purpose of the social work admissions procedure is to assess a student’s potential for professional social work education and for a career in social work.
The admission procedure, admission actions, and admission criteria are presented below.
A. Admission Procedure
The Social Work Program Director is responsible for the administration of the Social Work Program Admissions Procedure. The Social Work Admissions Committee reviews application materials, conducts interviews, and makes admissions decisions. The committee consists of two social work faculty members,
two social work students, and one member from the Social Work Program Advisory Committee. The social work student members are selected by and from the students already admitted to the social work program.
The Social Work Admissions Committee meets at least twice each year. Most students apply for admission during their sophomore year. Interested students should contact the Social Work Program Director as early as possible and should apply for admission at least one semester before they hope to enroll in professional social work courses. Professional social work courses include: SW315, SW325, SW330, SW331, SW333, SW371, SW395, and SW396. In some instances, such as transfer from another institution, and at the discretion of the Social Work Program Director, students may receive temporary admission while the regular admission procedure is completed.
1. Potential applicants secure application materials from the Social Work Program Director including:
a. General Information,
b. Self-Assessment Form,
c. Social Work Essay Format,
d. Admissions Interview Description,
e. Social Work Admissions Reference Forms.
2. Completed application materials are submitted to the Social Work Program Director. An up-to-date college transcript(s) or academic work report must be included.
3. The Social Work Program Director compiles and distributes application materials to the Admissions Committee and convenes the admissions interview.
4. The applicant participates in the Social Work Admissions Committee interview.
5. The Social Work Admissions Committee reviews application materials and determines admission action to be taken.
6. Social Work Program Director notifies the applicant of the admission action taken within 10 days of the Admissions Committee meeting.
1. Full Admission—Student is permitted to enroll in professional social work courses.
2. Conditional Admission—Student is permitted to enroll in professional social work courses but must complete specified requirements within specified time to achieve full admission to the program.
3. Denial of Admission—Student is not permitted to enroll in professional social work courses. Specific reasons for denial must be stated. Students may reapply in the ensuing fall or spring semester.
For admission to the social work program a student must meet the following conditions:
1. The student must be making “satisfactory academic progress” as defined in the Bethany College Catalog.
2. The student must have successfully completed seven of the fourteen Bethany College General Education Requirements.
3. The student must have successfully completed the following social work and social work foundation courses:
Courses Hrs.
SW120 Social Work and Human Services 3
SO101 Principles of Sociology 3
PY101 General Psychology 4
4. The student must have been recommended for admission by:
a. one faculty member selected by the student,
b. the student’s academic advisor, and
c. one Student Life Division staff member (Resident Director, Director of Residence Life, Dean for Student Life, Campus Pastor, or College Counselor). A social work admissions reference form is provided. If references are not from Bethany College personnel they must be approved by the Social Work Program Director.
5. The student must show potential for successful completion of professional social work education and for a career in social work.
The applicant’s potential for successful completion of professional social work education and for a career in social work is evaluated by the Admissions Committee. Applicants are admitted who demonstrate potential for acquiring knowledge, sensitivity and ability in the areas of professional concern listed below. Evidence for evaluation is found in the applicant’s social work essay, Admissions Committee interview, references, college transcripts and self-assessment. Criteria include the following:
1. Commitment to abide by professional social work ethics.
2. Understanding of social work perspective.
3. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
4. Awareness of and sensitivity to one’s own behavior and values.
5. Awareness of and sensitivity to the values and behavior of others including appreciation for human diversity.
6. Ability to take the initiative in relationships with others including self-confidence and resourcefulness.
7. Maturity and emotional stability necessary to do professional social work.
8. Ability to understand and apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
9. Ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate social situations including scientific inquiry.
D. Continuation In/Termination From Admission the Social Work Program
Review of a student's status regarding satisfactory progress is an on-going process based on participation in and performance in all aspects of the program. Criteria for satisfactory progress in the Social Work Program are based on the same criteria as admissions but noted in terms of growth and continued suitability.
1. The student must be making "satisfactory academic progress" as defined in the Bethany College Catalog with an overall GPA of 2.0 and the appropriate number of academic hours for your class standing.
2. The student must show continuing growth and potential for successful completion of professional social work education and for a career in social work by demonstrating continued acquiring of knowledge, values, and skills in the areas of professional concern listed below.
a. Shows awareness of and sensitivity to one's own behavior and values including the purposeful and conscious use of self that is appropriate to the setting and work being done.
b. Abides by professional social work ethics and the Kansas Social Work Licensing Law and Regulations.
c. Shows understanding of and ability to use the social work perspective by using a person-in-environment perspective that emphasizes the bio/psycho/social/cultural interaction and influence on human behavior, and to apply the strengths perspective, emphasizing partnership with the people seeking service, is the unique foundation for social work practice.
d. Demonstrates an ability to communicate verbally and in writing at a professionally acceptable level.
e. Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the values and behavior of others including appreciation for human diversity including the ability to interact in a non-judgmental manner.
f. Demonstrates an ability to take appropriate initiative in relationships with others including self-confidence and resourcefulness, and appropriate setting of boundaries.
g. Demonstrates, personally and in professional settings, the emotional maturity and stability necessary to do professional work.
h. Demonstrates the ability to understand and apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.
i. Demonstrates the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate social situations including scientific inquiry.
3. Students must also continue to show the potential themselves to be “worthy of public trust” as defined by Kansas Social Work Licensing Laws.
4. Students must continue to abide by Bethany College codes of conduct as found in the college catalog, the student handbook and the Social Work Student Handbook.
5. Students who fail to meet the requirements for satisfactory progress in the Social Work Program shall be notified of this fact in writing by the Program Director and efforts will be made through the advising process to formulate a plan which will result in a return to satisfactory progress.
E. Termination from the Social Work Program:
Failure to achieve satisfactory progress either because of inability to formulate a workable plan or through inability to meet the requirements of the plan shall result in a recommendation by the Program Director, in consultation with other faculty, that the student's enrollment in the Social Work degree program be terminated.
1. Criteria for termination from the program are:
a. Failure to show satisfactory progress in the areas noted above in Section D.
b. Serious violation of the School codes or policies
c. Emotional instability or immaturity sufficient to interfere with the ability to carry out the roles and responsibilities of a professional social worker as noted in section D.
2. Notification shall be in writing to the student and a copy of this notification shall be sent to the Academic Dean.
3. The Program Director shall schedule a meeting with the student, at which time the recommendation to terminate will be reviewed. The Academic Dean and other faculty will be invited to attend this meeting as needed or as is appropriate. The student has a right to attend this meeting and may be accompanied by a person of their choosing. Evidence having a bearing on the recommendation to terminate shall be accepted from the student.
4. When a final decision is made to terminate a student, efforts will be made through counseling and advisement to help the student find an alternative course of study.
5. Termination from the social work program shall not preclude a student from applying for readmission through regular application procedures. Such applications will not be considered, however, unless a minimum period of one year has elapsed since termination.
F. Procedure for Review of Admissions/Termination Decisions
All decisions of the Social Work Admissions Committee and of the faculty to terminate a student are subject to review under the Bethany College Procedure for Resolving Academic Disputes. A complete copy of this procedure can be found in the Bethany College Student Handbook and Social Work Student Handbook.
ASSURANCE STUDENTS DO NOT REPEAT FOUNDATION CONTENT
It is the policy of the Bethany College Social Work Program that students will not be required to repeat foundation content in courses, with a grade of C or better, transferred from colleges or universities with accredited social work programs. The social work faculty advisor and the student will review the student’s transcript and record courses that meet social work foundation content areas. When necessary the social work advisor will prepare course substitution forms and forward them to the Enrollment Services Office. (Bethany College Social Work Student Handbook)
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OVERVIEW OF THE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM
(Bethany College academic catalog pg 22)
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MISSION, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES
(Social Work Curriculum Document pg 1)
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INCLUSIVENESS AND DIVERSITY
(Bethany College academic catalog pg 8)
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STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
(Bethany College academic catalog pg 163)
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ADMISSIONS INTO AND TERMINATION FROM PROGRAM
(Bethany College academic catalog pg 22)
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ASSURANCE STUDENTS DO NOT REPEAT FOUNDATION CONTENT
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| SOCIAL WORK PRACTICUM POLICIES |
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STUDENT PRACTICUM APPLICATION DIRECTIONS
(Social Work Practicum Manual Appendix D pg 2)
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CRITERIA FOR ADMISSIONS TO FIELD PRACTICUM PLACEMENT
(New addition that will be added to Practicum Manual)
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AGENCY/POPULATION REQUEST
(Social Work Practicum Manual Appendix D pg 3)
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CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF PRACTICUM AGENCIES
(New addition that will be added to Practicum Manual)
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| COLLEGE WIDE POLICIES |
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Application for Transfer Admission
(Bethany College academic catalog pg 170)
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GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
(Bethany College academic catalog pg 165)
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ACADEMIC HONESTY
(Student Handbook pg 44)
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DISIPLINARY MEASURES FOR ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
(Student Handbook pg 45)
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ACADEMIC DISPUTES
(Student Handbook pg 45)
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SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
(Student Handbook pg 54)
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DISABLED STUDENTS
(Student Handbook pg 58)
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