Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
School of Social Work
 
About the University
About the School
Degree Programs
Baccalaureate Program (B.A.S.W.)
Master of Social Work Porgram (M.S.W.)
Graduate Admission
Professional Qualifications
Essential Abilities and Attributes for Admission and Continuance in the School of Social Work
Professional Foundation
Advanced Curriculum
Two-Year M.S.W. Program Sequence
Four-Year M.S.W. Option
Advanced Standing
Dual-Degree Options
Field Instruction
Concentrations
Area of Emphasis
M.S.W. Certificate in Aging
Summer and Winter Sessions
Doctoral Program (Ph.D.)
Continuing Education and Professional Development
Professional Credit Courses (Nonmatriculated)
Financial Aid
Student Associations
Academic Policies and Procedures
Course Listings
Administration and Faculty
Field Agencies
Divisions of the University
Camden Newark New Brunswick/Piscataway
Catalogs
  School of Social Work 2011–2013 Degree Programs Master of Social Work Porgram (M.S.W.) Graduate Admission Essential Abilities and Attributes for Admission and Continuance in the School of Social Work  

Essential Abilities and Attributes for Admission and Continuance in the School of Social Work


In addition to the academic and professional qualifications, 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 performances.

Attendance

The social work student must be able to attend class and practicum placement with or without reasonable accommodation. M.S.W. students requiring assistance with any aspect of disability services should contact the Office of Disability Services, Kreeger Learning Center, 151 College Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (732-932-2848 or dsoffice@rci.rutgers.edu).

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. M.S.W. students requiring assistance with any aspect of disability services should contact the Office of Disability Services, Kreeger Learning Center, 151 College Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (732-932-2848 or dsoffice@rci.rutgers.edu).

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. For more information on the values and ethical standards of the profession of social work, please read the National Association of Social Workers' Code of Ethics at http://www.naswdc.org/pubs/code/code.asp.

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 systematically evaluate 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 professional 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.

 
For additional information, contact RU-info at 732-445-info (4636) or colonel.henry@rutgers.edu.
Comments and corrections to: Campus Information Services.

© 2012 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. All rights reserved.