In addition to the above, the following standards, distinguished
from academic standards, describe the physical, cognitive, emotional,
and character requirements to provide reasonable assurance that
students can complete the entire course of study and participate fully
in all aspects of social work education and practice. Acquisition of
competence as a social worker is a lengthy and complex process that
will be undermined by significant limitations of the student`s ability
to participate in the full spectrum of the experiences and the
requirements of the curriculum.
Students in the School of
Social Work are expected to possess the following abilities and
attributes at a level appropriate to their years in the program. They
are expected to meet these standards in the classroom and in their
practica. Attention to these standards will be part of evaluations made
by faculty responsible for evaluating applications for admission, as
well as by faculty responsible for evaluating students` classroom and
practicum performance.
Attendance
The social
work student must be able to attend class and practicum placement with
or without reasonable accommodation. The SSW Coordinator for the
Concerns of Students with Disabilities may be consulted regarding
reasonable accommodations.
Participation
The
social work student must have the ability to participate in classes and
in practicum placement. Students must be able to acquire, integrate,
and effectively communicate data to students, faculty, supervisors, and
clients with or without reasonable accommodation. The SSW Coordinator
for the Concerns of Students with Disabilities may be consulted
regarding reasonable accommodations.
Communication Skills
The social work student must communicate effectively and sensitively
with other students, faculty, staff, clients, and professionals.
Students must express their ideas and feelings clearly and demonstrate
a willingness and ability to listen to others. They must have
sufficient comprehension of spoken and written English to understand
the content presented in the program.
Self-Awareness
The social work student must know how his or her values, attitudes,
beliefs, emotions, and past experiences affect his or her thinking,
behavior, and relationships. The student must be willing to examine and
change his or her behavior when it interferes with his or her working
with clients and other professionals and must be able to work
effectively with others in subordinate positions, as well as with those
in authority.
Professional Commitment
The
social work student must have a strong commitment to the goals of
social work and to the ethical standards of the profession. The student
must be committed to the essential values of social work, which are the
dignity and worth of every individual and his or her right to a just
share of society`s resources.
Knowledge Base for Social Work Practice
The professional activities of social work students must be grounded in
relevant social, behavioral, and biological science knowledge and
research. This includes knowledge and skills in relationship building,
data gathering, assessment, interventions, and evaluation of practice.
Objectivity
The social work student must be sufficiently objective to evaluate
systematically clients and their situations in an unbiased, factual
way.
Empathy
The social work student must
endeavor to seek to comprehend another individual`s way of life and
values. He or she must be able to communicate this empathy and support
to the client as a basis for a productive profes- sional relationship.
Energy
The social work student must be resistant to the undesirable effects of
stress, exercising appropriate self-care, and developing cooperative
and facilitative relationships with colleagues and peers.
Acceptance of Diversity
The social work student must appreciate the value of human diversity.
He or she must serve in an appropriate manner all persons in need of
assistance, regardless of the person`s age, class, race, ethnicity,
religious affiliation (or lack thereof), gender, ability, sexual
orientation, and value system.
Interpersonal Skills
The social work student must demonstrate the interpersonal skills
needed to relate effectively to other students, faculty, staff,
clients, and professionals. These include compassion, altruism,
integrity, and the demonstration of respect for and consideration of
others.
Professional Behavior
The social work student must behave professionally.
