MSW Student Handbook

Introduction	3
I. Winthrop University History and Institutional Purpose	3
A. History	3
B. Purpose	4
II. Department of Social Work	5
A. History	5
B. Social Work Program Rationale	6
· Program Mission Statement	6
· Program Goals	7
· Foundation Objectives	8
· Concentration Objectives	9
C. The Mission of the Department within the Mission of the University	10
D. Relationship of the Program to the Ethics and Values of the Profession	11
E. Program Focus	12
F. Nondiscrimination Policy	13
G. Program Formats	13
III. Admissions Requirements and Procedures	14
IV. Degree Requirements	15
V. Advisement	17
VI. Transfer Credit Policy	18
VII. Student Rights and Responsibilities	20
A. Students Rights	20
B. Students Responsibilities	22
C. Appeal and Grievance Procedures	22
D. Termination Policy	23
VIII. Student and Professional Organizations	24
APPENDICES	24
A. Social Work Student Ethical Behavior Code	25
B. Application for Field Instruction I	26
C. Application for Field Instruction II	28
D. NASW Code of Ethics (Ethical Principles)	30
E. CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards	33
F. Social Work Field Agencies	53
G. Social Work Faculty and Staff	57

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Social Work offers a graduate social work program that has been granted candidacy status by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Its aim is to graduate fully competent social workers capable of advanced individual and community empowerment practice. An overview of the history of the university and the evolution of the social work program will follow along with a review of the MSW program mission, goals and objectives.

This handbook is designed to introduce new students and serve as a guide for continuing students to the many important aspects of the social work program. The program is lively and dynamic, changing constantly to provide a state-of-the-art curriculum and instruction. Students, therefore, are encouraged to refer to the most current handbook to insure accurate information, and to remain aware of changes that have been instituted.

I. WINTHROP UNIVERSITY

A. History

Winthrop University was founded in 1886 as a training school for teachers by David Bancroft Johnson, then superintendent of schools in Columbia, S.C. With the backing and support of the honorable Robert C. Winthrop, chair of the Peabody Educational Fund, the "Winthrop Training School for Teachers" was established and began operations on Nov. 15, 1886. Using the Chapel of the former Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Columbia, 17 students were enrolled. Through the efforts of Governor John P. Richardson, the legislature in 1887 granted a charter to the school and provided scholarships for one student from each of the 34 counties of the state. In 1891, at the urging of President Johnson and with the support of Governor Benjamin Ryan Tillman, Winthrop became a state-supported institution, and the name was changed to "The South Carolina Industrial and Normal College." However, in 1893 the college became known as "The Winthrop Normal and Industrial College of South Carolina." In that same year, the decision was made to move the college to Rock Hill.

Winthrop continued to grow, eventually encompassing a beautiful 100-acre campus and 450 acre recreational area in the heart of the Carolinas. As the campus and enrollment grew, Winthrop's mission continued to broaden. The legislature recognized Winthrop's growth, achievements and statewide importance by granting university designation, effective in July of 1992. Winthrop University has changed considerably over the past century, but what has not changed has been the University's commitment to excellence in education and the promotion of student learning.

B. Purpose

Winthrop University is a comprehensive, public institution granting baccalaureate and masters degrees. From its origins as a teacher’s college, the mission of the University has been broadened to include the liberal arts and selected professional programs. Today, and in the foreseeable future, Winthrop University will emphasize multi-purpose identity and will continue to offer challenging academic programs of national caliber.

All of the academic programs at the University - whether or not pre-professional in orientation - are predicated upon the liberal arts and sciences. Students at Winthrop develop the skills and gain the understandings that mark the broadly educated person. Based upon this foundation, graduates are prepared to enter or develop in professional positions in business, industry, government, education, the arts, and human services, or to enter graduate and professional schools.

II. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

A. History

The Social Work Program at Winthrop University developed out of a history of social welfare course offerings dating back to the 1930s. It’s undergraduate social work porgram was first approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 1970 when the Council began to approve undergraduate social work programs. In 1974, the program (then housed in the Department of Sociology) was first accredited. In 1983, the Social Work Program was approved for departmental status and officially became the Department of Social Work. The BSW program was last reaffirmed from 1999 through 2007.

In February 2006 the MSW program was granted candidacy status by the Commission on Accreditation of CSWE. Full accreditation cannot be gained until the first class of students graduate which will happen in May of 2008. The program expects to achieve full accreditation in the spring of 2009. At that point the first class of graduates will be recognized of having fully accredited MSW degrees. Graduation from a MSW program in candidacy qualifies graduates for all jobs requiring a MSW, for sitting for the licensing examination and for membership in the National Association of Social Workers.

B. MSW Social Work Program Rationale

Program Mission

The mission and goals of the Social Work Department evolve within the context of the greater Winthrop University community. Fortunately, there is a very good fit between the vision of the University and the interests and concerns of the social work faculty. The University has a rich liberal arts tradition, has rewarded excellence in teaching, values diversity, and is student focused, while supporting the expansion of scholarship and community service. The statement on the nature and character of Winthrop University found in the 2005-2006 Vision of Distinctions states:

Winthrop is South Carolina’s distinctive public comprehensive

University Committed to serving the educational needs of the citizens of the state and the region, we bring the world to Winthrop and Winthrop to the world.

As a community of learners:

· We center the Winthrop experience on student development

inspired by our commitment to the liberal arts tradition, to

national caliber professional education, and to developing

leadership and civic responsibility;

· We nurture collective and individual growth, enlightenment, and transformation;

· We value the search for truth through reasoned and disciplined

inquiry, innovation, and free expression;

· We embrace multiculturalism and the broadest possible diversity

of people and perspectives;

· We share a strong sense of place – a beautiful, historic campus

with a collegial and caring atmosphere; and

· We fulfill and enhance the nature and character of the university

through policies and resources that reflect and advance these

ideals and aspirations.

Within this broader University vision the mission of the graduate social work program is as follows:

Using an ecological/empowerment construct, the MSW curriculum at Winthrop University produces graduates who are capable of enhancing the health and well-being of persons across the life span, in various population groups’ by strengthening the resilience of individuals, families, groups, and communities to expand their coping skills and empower them to improve their quality of life and to maximize their opportunities for growth and development. In addition, the Department is committed to making ongoing contributions to the development of the greater community through practice-relevant research, scholarship, and community service.

Program Goals

1. Provide a foundation curriculum that will enable all students to engage successfully in generalist social work practice.

2. Provide a concentration curriculum that will enable all students to competently advance the program’s mission.

3. Promote in students a valuing of diversity, an understanding of oppression and inequality, and a commitment to social and economic justice.

4. Promote in students an appreciation for and an adherence to the values and ethics of the social work profession.

5. Develop in students the understanding of and capacity to engage in client advocacy and public policy advocacy.

6. Promote in students the use of research to evaluate critically their own practices and to assess the social service delivery system.

7. Enable students to develop a commitment to life-long professional learning and the ongoing enhancement of their practice skills.

Program Objectives

Foundation Objectives:

Upon completion of the foundation courses students will be able to:

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 client’s 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 a generalist social work perspective to practice with systems of all sizes.

7. At a beginning level, utilize the ecological/strengths perspective to empower various client systems to enhance their resilience and ability to solve their own problems through the use of empirically based interventions.

8. 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.

9. Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies.

10. Evaluate research studies, apply research findings to practice, and evaluate their own practice interventions.

11. Use communication skills differentially across client populations, with colleagues, and in communities.

12. Use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice.

13. Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems and seek necessary organizational change.

14. Utilize the tools of information technology that support practice and demonstrate an understanding of the impact of information technology on their clients.

Concentration Objectives

Upon completion of the advanced courses, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate competence in all foundation objective areas.

2. Apply the knowledge and skills of Advanced Individual & Community Empowerment Practice as articulated in the advanced practice course objectives.

3. Successfully apply Advanced Individual & Community Practice within one of three fields of practice (social work practice with families and children, social work practice with older adults, or social work practice in health/mental health).

4. Analyze, intervene, and evaluate client systems in ways that are highly differentiated, discriminating, and self-critical.

5. Synthesize and apply a broad range of knowledge and skills with a high degree of autonomy and proficiency.

6. Refine and advance the quality of their practice and that of the larger social work profession.

C. The Mission of the Department within the Mission of the University

The Social Work Program strongly endorses the University's purpose of building upon a liberal arts and sciences foundation to help students develop the skills and understanding characteristic of "a broadly educated person." This is demonstrated through the program's requirement of a broad selection of general education courses which, in many cases, also serves to meet the University's general education distribution requirements. A high proportion of courses in the Social Work Program are drawn from eight traditional academic disciplines. The professional course work builds upon and integrates concepts drawn from the liberal arts and adds theory, research and skill development from the social work profession.

The Social Work Program’s primary objective of preparation for advanced professional social work practice is consistent with Winthrop University's overall commitment to professional preparation through "selected programs of national caliber." Winthrop has offered undergraduate social work preparation since the mid 1930s. It consistently sought - since CSWE developed an interest in undergraduate programs - to keep its program in harmony with CSWE guidelines and standards, and now will do the same for the MSW program.

The Social Work Program’s objective to prepare its graduates for "disciplined use of social work knowledge, skills and values in promoting sensitivity to . . . human diversity and positive regard for a pluralistic society" is directly related to a primary University goal of promoting "a culturally diverse environment" in which the University "cherishes the gifts of all its people of both genders and all races, religions, and ethnic origins." The social work faculty consistently challenges students to examine their values and attitudes regarding others. They challenge students to examine ways that they, as individuals and social work as a profession, might effectively bring about changes that would make our society and its institutions more humane and sensitive to the needs of others. Faculty must teach and students are expected to learn, understand and adhere to these values, which are espoused in the NASW Code of Ethics. Commitment to these and other specified values reflect professional commitment and must be reflected in practice.

The curriculum also contains content throughout on human diversity and special populations. This content relates to the University goal ". . . to impart to its students the knowledge, skills, experiences, and values necessary to enrich their lives permanently, and to meet the needs and challenges of the society in which they will live as citizens and professionals."

The social work faculty actively engages in research and community service activities. In turn, they encourage students to engage in research and community service. Students also are encouraged to participate in activities such as the MSW Student Association, professional meetings and, otherwise, prepare for life after Winthrop University.

D. Relationship of the Program to the Ethics and Values of the Profession

The Social Work Program objectives are consistent with the ethics and values of the profession as they strive to help students examine their values, acquire the necessary base, and develop needed skills to become effective baccalaureate level social work practitioners. Social work values such as the inherent worth of the individual, the right to self-determination, individualization, confidentiality, concern for and responsibility for others, and the nonjudgmental attitude are stressed in all social work courses.

Students are exposed to the damaging effects of ageism, homophobia, poverty, racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination that unjustly penalize large numbers of human beings throughout the world. Commitment to equal opportunity and social justice is stressed. Students are helped to understand and appreciate lifestyles with which they are not familiar and to see that "different" does not necessarily mean better or not as good as. They are taught that people with other lifestyles, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, and viewpoints of life are of equal value and should have the same rights as the majority. Social work students are shown the effects of the environment on the social functioning of individuals, families, small groups, organizations, and communities.

The professional responsibility of the social worker is discussed and examined at several levels of the program. The NASW Code of Ethics and other materials are used to explicate this issue. This concern is dealt with as a most serious matter. Students are helped to see that it is an ethical responsibility for the social worker to maintain the highest level of current knowledge available. The goals of the professional relationship are meant to meet the needs of the client and not the social worker.

E. Program Focus

The Social Work Program’s primary goal is the preparation of students for advanced social work practice. This practice includes work with individuals, families, and small groups within their community context. The focus is on empowering clients and client systems to develop the resilience and resources to take control of their lives and enhance their quality of life.

F. Nondiscrimination Policy

The program and administration of the Social Work Department of Winthrop

University shall be conducted without discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, creed, ethnic or national origin, disability, political orientation or sexual orientation. To the degree that the Department has decision making authority, this policy shall apply to all aspects of the program including making continuous efforts to ensure equity to faculty and staff in the recruitment, retention, promotion, tenure, assignment, and remuneration of program personnel, including class, field, research, and other faculty, administrative personnel and support staff; and to students through student recruitment, admission, retention, and financial aid policies and procedures. In addition the Department will exercise its full influence in advocating for the application of the aforementioned policies in specific situations where another administrative unit of the University holds decision-making authority affecting social work students or personnel.

G. Program Formats

The MSW can be earned in one of three ways. A 60 credit hours two year, four semester format, a 60 credit hours three year intensive weekend format or a 39 credit hour advanced standing format. The three year program is designed to meet the needs of those working in the social work field who are not able to take significant periods of time away from work. Each course in the intensive weekend program is offered on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday one weekend and then continues on a Saturday and Sunday a month later. Assignments will be completed prior to the first weekend, between weekends and following the second weekend. This pattern continues for three years and 60 credit hours.

In addition there is available for recent B.S.W. graduates from accredited programs a 39 credit hour, one year advanced standing program. Those students admitted into this program take 9 credit hours in the summer and then proceed directly into the second year. Those interested in advanced standing status are required to satisfactorily (B or better) complete SCWK 606 Social Work Foundation Review during the Maymester summer session. Those not demonstrating mastery of the foundation material will be able to move into one of the 60 credit hour options as appropriate.

III. ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES

A cohort admissions process is used for the MSW with applications and credentials submitted to Graduate Studies by February 1 and decisions made by March 1. For the two- and three- year programs, cohorts will only be admitted for the fall semester. Advanced standing cohorts will only be admitted for the summer semester. Exceptions to the admissions requirements will be reviewed by the admissions committee and an interview may be required.

Applications for Graduate Admission can be obtained from either the Graduate Studies Office or the Social Work Department Office. Admission is competitive and only applicants with complete application packets will be reviewed. Late applications will be considered as openings exist. For admission into the MSW degree program, the applicant must:

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university for all three options. For the One year Advanced Standing Program, the BSW degree must be completed within the last five years from a regionally accredited college or university with a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

2. Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

3. For all three options, official transcripts must reflect at least 30 semester hours of prerequisites in liberal arts. Courses must include cultural anthropology, American government, human biology, macroeconomics, psychology and sociology.

4. Have an overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the Advanced Standing Program. For the two and three year programs, a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required on the last 60 hours.

5. Submit an official score of 800 or above on the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (verbal and quantitative portions combined) or an official MAT score of 400 or above.

6. Submit three letters of recommendation from professionals in the social work field using the departmental form.

7. Submit the Evidence of Experience Form. Students in the three year program must be currently working in the social work field.

8. Submit a professional resume as outlined by the department.

9. Submit a personal statement describing why you want to enter the MSW program.

10.Submit the Master of Social Work Questionnaire using the departmental form.

IV. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for Full-Time and Weekend Programs (60 credit Hours)

	Semester Hours
SCWK 601 Human Behavior in the Social Environment	3 Credits
SCWK 602 Social Welfare Policy	3 Credits
SCWK 603 Social Work Research	3 Credits
SCWK 604 Generalist Social Work Practice I	3 Credits
SCWK 605 Interpersonal Helping Skills	3 Credits
SCWK 610 Generalist Social Work Practice II	3 Credits
SCWK 611 Generalist Social Work Practice II	3 Credits
SCWK 612 Field Instruction I (Generalist)	3 Credits
SCWK 614 Advanced Social Welfare Policy	3 Credits
SCWK 621 Advanced Social Theory	3 Credits
SCWK 622 Field Instruction II (Advanced)	6 Credits
SCWK 623 Advanced Social Work Intervention	3 Credits
SCWK 631 Advanced Discrimination & Inequality	3 Credits
SCWK 633 Advanced Social Work Research	3 Credits

Select 15 hours from one of the following field of practice tracks:

Social Work Practice with Families and Children:	Semester Hours
SCWK 523 Families & Children: Policy & Services	3 Credits
SCWK 533 Families & Children: Practice & Trends	3 Credits
SCWK 643 Advanced Practice with Families & Children	3 Credits
SCWK 632 Field Instruction III – (Fam. & Children’s Agency)	6 Credits

Social Work Practice with Older Adults:
SCWK 521 Older Adults: Policy & Services	3 Credits
SCWK 531 Older Adults: Practice & Trends	3 Credits
SCWK 641 Advanced Practice with Older Adults	3 Credits
SCWK 632 Field Instruction III – (Agen. Serv. Older Adults)	6 Credits

Social Work Practice in Health/Mental Health:
SCWK 522 Health/Mental Health: Policy & Services	3 Credits
SCWK 532 Health/Mental Health: Practice & Trends	3 Credits
SCWK 642 Advanced Practice in Health/Mental Health	3 Credits
SCWK 632 Field Instruction III – (Hlth/Mental Health Agen.)	6 Credits

Total Semester Hours	60 Credits

Requirements for the Advanced Standing Program (1 year)

	Semester Hours
SCWK 606 Social Work Foundation Review	3 Credits
SCWK 614 Advanced Social Welfare Policy	3 Credits
SCWK 621 Advanced Social Theory	3 Credits
SCWK 622 Field Instruction II (Advanced)	6 Credits
SCWK 623 Advanced Social Work Intervention	3 Credits
SCWK 631 Advanced Discrimination & Inequality	3 Credits
SCWK 633 Advanced Social Work Research	3 Credits

Select 15 hours from one of the following field of practice tracks:


Social Work Practice with Families and Children:	Semester Hours
SCWK 523 Families & Children: Policy & Services	3 Credits
SCWK 533 Families & Children: Practice & Trends	3 Credits
SCWK 643 Advanced Practice with Families & Children	3 Credits
SCWK 632 Field Instruction III – (Fam. & Children’s Agency)	6 Credits

Social Work Practice with Older Adults:
SCWK 521 Older Adults: Policy & Services	3 Credits
SCWK 531 Older Adults: Practice & Trends	3 Credits
SCWK 641 Advanced Practice with Older Adults	3 Credits
SCWK 632 Field Instruction III – (Agen. Serv. Older Adults)	6 Credits

Social Work Practice in Health/Mental Health:
SCWK 522 Health/Mental Health: Policy & Services	3 Credits
SCWK 532 Health/Mental Health: Practice & Trends	3 Credits
SCWK 642 Advanced Practice in Health/Mental Health	3 Credits
SCWK 632 Field Instruction III – (Hlth/Mental Health Agen.)	6 Credits

Total Semester Hours	39 Credits

V. ADVISEMENT

The Social Work Department is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, and is therefore governed by its policies and regulations. The College of Arts and Sciences' Adviser Manual defines academic advising as "assisting students to realize the maximum educational benefits available by helping them to better understand themselves, and to learn to use the resources of an educational institution to meet their special needs and aspirations." The manual goes on to spell out in great detail the advising process at Winthrop University. The Social Work Department follows this manual and goes even further to ensure that students are given individualized academic and career advising.

The social work faculty is strongly committed to academic and career advising and encourages students to come in and discuss their educational and career objectives and concerns. Most students do this much more than the required two times a year.

Advising sessions are used to help students examine their educational performance, career objectives, and how the two relate. The faculty member and student examine the student's views on social work and social welfare, his or her values as compared to that of the profession, and his or her progress towards successfully completing the program. Problem areas are identified early and acted upon. Often, individual situations are discussed by the social work faculty as a whole in order to find an acceptable solution to a specific problem.

Students are expected to inform both the department administrative assistant and the Registrar of change in their addresses and telephone numbers so they may receive departmental communication as needed. A bulletin board and general mailboxes are available to all students and are also used to disseminate certain information to students. The social work faculty continuously tries to encourage as much out of class contact with students as possible.

VI. TRANSFER CREDIT POLICY

As stated in the Winthrop University Graduate Bulletin:

Winthrop may credit toward a graduate degree 9 semester hours of graduate work from another accredited graduate institution upon recommendation of the appropriate advisor and academic dean. (An additional 3 semester hours may be transferred, at the discretion of the advisor and academic dean.) Students in the Master of Science program in physical education are limited to a maximum of six hours of transfer credit. Transfer of credit must be approved in writing by the student's advisor and academic dean for inclusion in the student's official program of study; and the course level is verified in Graduate Studies. After a student has entered a graduate program at Winthrop, permission from the student's advisor and academic dean is required prior to enrolling in the transfer course(s). Permission to Transfer forms are available in Graduate Studies. Official copies of transcripts must be submitted and evaluated before any transfer credit may be officially accepted. Certain courses submitted for transfer may not be considered equivalent to specified requirements although course titles may be the same.

D. Termination Policy

VIII. Student and Professional Organizations

APPENDICES

INTRODUCTION

F. Nondiscrimination Policy