The field component of the Social Work major is one of the strengths of the program.  Students who enter the Program in their sophomore year will graduate with about 680 hours of agency practice. It is the feeling of the Program faculty that this breadth of field experience is to the student's advantage. The Program utilizes a concurrent model of field education that affords students opportunity to simultaneously practice in the field the theory that is learned in the classroom.  The region surrounding CCSU possesses a rich array of human service agencies and provides a wide range of opportunities to support the field instruction program.  The Program has used over 200 agencies to provide field opportunities for students) and enjoys strong support from the professional community.
 

The following objectives have been articulated for the field sequence:

1.   Provide multiple and cumulative field experiences which prepare students for strong contributions to local agencies.

2.   Integrate conceptual materials from foundation courses with generalist practice skills.

3.   Expose students to current issues that impact on social work values and ethics.

4.   Solidify the strength perspective in generalist social work practice with diverse client systems.

5.   Expose students to a variety of social work techniques and strategies that will increase critical thinking and their ability to select and implement those which will enhance the coping of diverse client groups.

6.   Increase ability in applying strategies that empower client systems to advance social and economic justice.

7.   Demonstrate knowledge of, and sensitivity to diverse world views that include religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity, race, and culture.

8.   Use the supervisory process to recognize one's own feelings, values, and biases and to further practice skills.

9.   Use research to benefit client systems and evaluate one's own practice.

Our underclassmen, sophomores and juniors are required to put a total of 70 hours a semester, five hours a week into a field experience in an agency setting which provides service to individuals, groups, or communities.  Students are given a wide variety of agencies to choose from.  Classroom faculty monitor and evaluate the field experiences through classroom assignments and agency evaluations.  Basically, we want our students to feel comfortable in a social work environment dealing with a social work client base.  We expect students to become familiar with agency policy, intake procedures, staff responsibilities, and client services.  Course work will require that students are able to articulate the above.  The students remain in their field experience one year and have the opportunity to change agencies at the completion of two semesters.

 Central Connecticut State University Social Work students have stocked give-a-way food closets, visited with nursing home patients, participated in after school sports programs, tutored, candy-striped, been mentors to juveniles on probation, big brothers/sisters and more.

The agency's responsibility is to provide a Field Instructor, preferably someone with a BSW or MSW, who will direct the student as to what is expected of him/her and be available for questions.  It is also necessary for this person to monitor the student's work and fill out an evaluation form at the end of each semester (see appendix C).

1. To have students test career interest in the field of social work.

2. To have students become familiar with a social welfare agency and how it operates.

3. To expose students to clients that social workers serve.

4. To develop in students the following skills before they enter the senior field practicum:

        A. Professional attitudes about work as evidenced by:
              - dependability in completing assignments
              - conscientiousness about work hours (70 hours/semester)
              - appropriate dress for agency setting
              - timeliness
              - the use of common sense and good judgment
              - ability to relate well to other agency staff
              - ability to respond positively to supervision
              - development of an identity with the social work profession

        B. Beginning skill in relating to clients as evidenced by:
              - sensitivity to ethnic/cultural differences
              - development of good listening skills
              - ability to approach clients with enthusiasm
              - ability to maintain discipline without being authoritarian
              - ability to be warm and accepting despite frustration/hostility
              - ability to adjust to new situations
              - development of beginning knowledge about agency service (eligibility, intake procedures, etc.)

5. To provide the substance for assignments in all social work classes.

6. To provide an opportunity to integrate classroom learning with the practice reality.

7. To assist the faculty in successfully matching students and agencies for the senior field practicum.

 8. To assist the program faculty in COUNSELING OUT those students who do not show PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES or interest in the field of social work.
 

A second application process with additional eligibility requirements is necessary for admissions to SW 450/451 (appendix D). Applications must be received by October 1st or March 1st, the semester prior to the student's planned enrollment in the Field Practicum and Field Practicum Seminar.

1. All course requirements for the Social Work major must be completed except for SW 362 and  SW 426 which may be taken in conjunction with the Field Practicum.

2. Students must be in good academic standing (see academic requirements).

3. Students must have demonstrated good writing skills in previous courses.

4. Students must have demonstrated professional behavior in previous field experiences.

In the event that the student is denied admission to the Field Practicum and Field Practicum Seminar, the process to appeal this decision is outlined in this handbook and the University Student Handbook (see Grievance Policy and Procedures).

NOTE: Students who leave CCSU or the Social Work Program for more than one academic year, regardless of  the circumstances, must reapply and be accepted in order to continue in the social work program.  In addition, if the student is at the senior level, a new field practicum application must be completed and approved.

Conferences are scheduled at any time it is felt that students are not meeting academic standards or demonstrating professional behavior.  Students and faculty will agree upon how to improve these and a specific time when a demonstrated change must take place.  If students can not meet the Program requirements, they will be helped in selecting another major.  Students can appeal these decisions in writing to the Director.

Students have access to the Social Work faculty if they wish to express their suggestions, criticisms, or complaints about the program or their individual treatment. Office hours are posted in the department and listed in all Social Work course syllabi. Students are routinely informed of the formalized procedure that exists to deal with grievance matters.  In addition, the University Student Handbook specifies policies on student rights and responsibilities, judicial procedures and grade appeals.

 When a serious grievance is raised within the Social Work Program, the first step is for the student to raise the issue with the faculty member involved.  If it is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student, the matter can be taken to the Social Work Program Director.  The next step in the process would be to meet with the Chair of the Department.  If the issue is still not resolved satisfactorily, the student has the option of filing a formal grievance with the Dean of Arts and Sciences IN  WRITING with a copy given to the Social Work Director. Additional procedures for grievances are addressed in the University Student Handbook.  The Social Work faculty will provide information to help the student initiate and follow through when filing a formal grievance is required.
 

SW 450 Field Practicum I
Prereq: All other requirements for the major except SW 362 and 426 (may be taken concurrently with this course); completed field application and permission of field coordinator. Placement in a social work agency in the community for a minimum of 200 hours. Students engaged in social work roles and activities which help them to develop generalist practice skills and knowledge. Must be taken concurrently with SW 451.

SW 451 Field Practicum Seminar I
Prereq: All other requirements for the major except SW 362 and SW 426 (may be taken concurrently with this course); completed field application and permission of field coordinator. Shared learning experience among all students placed in a community social work agency to provide an opportunity for information exchange in depth. Case processes and agency analysis are required. Social work philosophies, values and ethics in the social service delivery system are reinforced. Relevant reading, assignments and projects to help students integrate theory and practice. Must be taken concurrently with SW 450.

SW 452 Field Practicum II
Prereq: SW 450 and 451 and permission of field coordinator. Continued placement in a social work agency in the community for a minimum of 200 hours. Students are engaged in social work role and activities which further prepare them for professional practice responsibilities. Must be taken concurrently with SW 453.

SW 453 Field Practicum Seminar II
Prereq: SW 450 and 451 and permission of field coordinator. Shared learning experience among all students placed in a community social work agency to provide an opportunity for information exchange in depth. Evaluation of practice and organized community outreach in the social service delivery system are reinforced. Relevant readings, assignments and projects help students integrate theory and practice. Must be taken concurrently with SW 452.
 

Upon completion of two semesters of the senior Social Work Practicum, the student should:

1. Demonstrate an ability to think critically and identify and initiate the problem solving process with diverse client groups.

2. Determine the urgency of situations affecting clients.

3. Demonstrate an awareness of various resources and providers that would benefit diverse client groups.

4. Demonstrate the ability to work with the limits of service and procedural requirements of the agency in which she/he is doing field work.

5.  Demonstrate the ability to engage in practice consistent with the values and ethics of the social work profession.

6. Be able to gather information pertaining to clients' problems and have the ability to develop a service plan using eclectic forms of interventions which are flexible, culturally and ethnically sensitive.

7. Engage in gender sensitive practice with an awareness of special issues for women, including oppression.

8. Be able to work with individuals and families on an individual basis as well as deliver direct service using groups as a resource.

9. Be able to provide technical assistance and support to individual, families, groups as well as small communities to begin the process of empowerment.

10. Use the supervision process to gain insight into how to improve personal competencies and respond positively to suggestions.
 
11. Evaluate personal practice skills and clearly identify areas that need improvement.

12. Use research skills to evaluate treatment outcomes and client change.

13. Generate reports and maintain records in a competent, professional and timely fashion.

 The process of selecting a field practicum for each senior is based upon the individual learning needs of the student and the overall objectives of the Program.  Field placement is a very personal experience for each student.  The primary concern of faculty in determining a placement is that the field experience be one that continues the professional development of the student in an educationally directed manner.  It is also expected that the assignment to a particular agency will reflect considerable knowledge by the faculty of students' academic needs, special interests and aptitudes. Other criteria include:

1. The interest of the student as it relates to the educational needs of the student

2. The potential exposure to additional experiences within the social work profession

3. The particular structure of the agency which would best meet the educational needs of the student.

4. The availability of a qualified instructor (MSW) within the agency to coordinate and direct student's learning objectives as specified in individual student learning contracts

5. Incorporation of the special needs of individual students with regard to physical abilities, transportation, and other necessary personal requirements.
 

After students have submitted a field practicum application and before they are accepted into SW 450/451, students must identify their areas of interest in social work practice and discuss the professional skills necessary to do this type of social work with  faculty.  If the faculty is not confident that a particular student possesses these skills or the necessary temperament, he/she will be encouraged to investigate other areas of social work.  Students are accepted into the Field Practicum and Field Practicum Seminar and placed in a field agency only after they have completed the following:

 
1.  Set a Meeting with Field Coordinator/Faculty member.
Students must schedule several meetings with Social Work faculty to discuss the Field Practicum application, choice of client population, and agencies that interest them.
 
2.  Obtain Field Coordinator/faculty approval for agency interviews.
Faculty and student will discuss agency requirements, student's eligibility, and educational  needs, and interests after which a number of agencies that the student might wish to visit will be agreed upon.

3. Obtain Permission from the Field Coordinator/Faculty member for the practicum agency. Students will report back to the Social Work Faculty their impression of assigned agencies and discuss their interviews.  A field practicum will be chosen or new agencies suggested.  The process continues until the student, faculty, and field coordinator agree on a field practicum agency.
 

 It is the student's responsibility to contact agencies for initial placement appointments.  Only agencies that have been approved by the Program will be recommended. However, students are encouraged to make suggestions regarding other agencies that might be better suited to their educational needs.  These agencies will be contacted by the Field Coordinator to determine the advisability of placing a student in a practicum with them.

Once the student and the Field Instructor have agreed on the student's responsibilities in the Field Practicum, the Field Coordinator will contact the agency to make sure the Field Instructor understands the individual learning needs of each student intern, the requirements of the Social Work Program, and to formalize the placement.
 

We seek to work with agencies whose boards and staff are committed to the training of undergraduate Social Work students.  Agencies should indicate a willingness to structure a variety of learning opportunities that offer students an educationally productive learning experience.
 

The following are criteria which should be met by participating agencies:

1.  The agency's general philosophy, ethics, values, and operational standards should be consistent with the goals of Social Work Education and the Social Work profession.

2.  The agency must be willing to provide a qualified MSW Social Work Field Instructor. In some instances the Social Work Program Field Coordinator may decide it would be appropriate to utilize an agency that cannot provide this kind of supervision, in which case a BSW with experience will be considered.

3.  A Field Instructor will be required to complete and submit an application.

4.  The Field Instructor MUST provide at least on weekly supervisory/ instruction conference of one hour.

5.  Assignments in the field agency should be made which afford both educational and experiential value to the student.  They MUST involve participation not merely observation.

6.  The agency should be able to provide adequate space and supplies for the intern to carry out his/her assignments.
 
 

1. The student must apply for use of employment as a Field Practicum using the field application form and complete all paperwork preceding the beginning of placement.

2. The agency must meet the criteria of the CCSU Social Work Program for becoming an approved agency.

3. The Field Instructor must meet the CCSU Social Work Program's criteria used in the selection of Field Instructors, and be available to attend Field Instructor Seminars twice each semester.

4. The student must take on additional activities which are challenging, skill enhancing, and educationally directed, based on the curriculum of the Social Work Program.  The employee-student may use university vacations and weekend for field activities and extend the hours into the summer to complete practicum hours.

5. The employee-student must be in good standing with the employing agency, not a probationary employee or the subject of disciplinary action with the agency.

6. Evaluation for the educational experience shall be separate from the work evaluation, must be consistent with academic standards and submitted each semester.

7. If the employing agency and the employee-student agree to these policies, a signed agreement  between the CCSU Social Work Program, the agency, and the student must be included with the field practicum application.

To provide the student with an orientation to the agency.

To work with the Faculty Field Liaison to design an educationally productive field experience for each intern assigned.

Offer opportunities for the student to practice more than one social work skill.

Evaluate students periodically and submit end of semester reports provided by the program.

Immediately notify the Faculty Field Liaison of any problems with the student or the internship assignment so that corrective action may be taken.

Treat the student as part of staff, including attendance at staff meetings, whenever time allows.

Require Field Instructors to attend orientation and training sessions offered by the CCSU Social Work Program.
 

Students are NOT encouraged to use their own or the agency vehicles to transport clients.  If agencies require driving, students must be informed of their personal liability in case of an accident IN WRITING.  Students must agree to these terms and write a letter to the agency stating such with a copy to the Social Work Director. If a student is under the age of eighteen a parent must sign.
 

In order to enhance the practice of a Senior Field Practicum student, two training seminars per semester are offered for Field Instructors.  Because of the critical role you play in the integration of theory and practice, we expect Field Instructors to attend all of these sessions.

These seminars are to provide Field Instructors with a didactic and interactive curriculum on supervising undergraduate Social Work students which include:

1. Expectations for student performance.

2. Appropriate caseloads for the student placed in your agency.

3. Discussion on how best to support the Field Practicum Seminar assignments and integrate and utilize them to benefit your agency.

4. Opportunity to share issues and concerns with other Field Instructors and offer  recommendations for Program improvement.
 

We suggest that when the student-intern arrives in your agency, introduce them to the secretarial help, show them the bathrooms and inform them of the coffee routine.  This will help acclimate them to the agency.

Also, be sure to:

1. Designate a work space.

2. Discuss with the student his/her educational background and expectations for the practicum.

3. Go over student learning contract and connect agency needs with student expectations.
 
4. Select tasks and experiences that will give the student experiences on a level where he/she can increase their confidence.

5. Expect the student to put in at least 14 hours a week.  If more time, weekend time or scattered  time is expected make sure this is part of the contract agreed upon by the Field Instructor, the student, the Field Coordinator, and the faculty Field Liaison.
 
6. Hold regular weekly supervisory conferences with the student.

7. Notify the faculty Field Liaison IMMEDIATELY should there be any difficulty with the student.

8. At the end of each semester, work with the student to complete the required written evaluation of the student's performance.
 

STUDENT LEARNING CONTRACT: It is expected that the student learning contract will be completed in order to maximize the agency-student services to each other.

The learning contract should state the specific learning objectives of the student as they are related to the agency's program needs and the student's professional growth.  Each student and agency will negotiate times, days, and agency assignments in compliance with the Social Work Program requirements.

NOTE: Actual practice assignments in the Field Practicum agency should be made on an individual basis according to the educational needs of each student, the experience (or lack thereof) of the student and the function of the agency.  Good field assignments move from simple tasks to more complex ones which hence afford the student a feeling of achievement.

The faculty Field Liaison is a member of the Social Work faculty who:

1.  Serves as a link between the Program, agency, Field Instructor, and the student.

2.  Works with the Field Instructor to plan and structure appropriate learning experiences based upon student's individual learning needs.

3.  Assists students in assessing their performance and progress.

4.  Holds conferences with the agency Field Instructor during the semester to evaluate a student's social work practice.  Whenever possible, ONE meeting will take place at the field agency each semester.  However, meetings can take place at other locations including CCSU and by telephone. Conferences will be determined by Field Instructors' schedules, client privacy needs, and student assignments.
 
5.  Evaluates overall field performance of student, the Field Instructor and the agency.

6.  Inputs into the grading of students in conjunction with the Field Practicum Seminar instructor.

The Field Practicum Seminar professor must structure classroom lectures, readings, assignments, and projects to fit the diverse types of social work practice of students enrolled (these will vary semester to semester).  The responsibility of final grades in the seminar will be borne by the Field Practicum Seminar professor. The final grade for the field practicum will be borne by the seminar professor in consultation with the faculty Field Liaison and the Field Instructor.  Grades for both the Field Practicum and the Field Practicum Seminar will be based on the following:

FIELD:

1.  Evaluation furnished by the agency's Field Instructor based upon the student's learning contract.

2. The quality of the student's performance of duties in the field.

a) The type and difficulty of field agency responsibilities and how well they are carried out by the student.

b) How the student conducts him/herself as a professional ie., dresses appropriately, is responsible about being on time and makes up sick days.

3. The quality and timeliness of completion of all agency assignments.

4. Recommendations of the faculty Field Liaison and the Field Instructor.

SEMINAR:

1. Regular attendance.

2. The quality of the student's classroom participation in the Field Practicum Seminar.

3. The quality and timeliness of completion of all classroom assignments.

The student must:

1.  Have completed the prerequisites for the Field Practicum and Field Practicum Seminar.

2.  Allow a minimum of 200 hours per semester for the Field  Practicum.

 3.  Treat all information regarding client/client group as confidential.

4.  Abide by the rules and regulations of the practicum agency.

5.  Dress in a manner appropriate and acceptable to the practicum agency.

6.  Treat agency clients with dignity and respect.

7.  Report necessary absences to the Field Instructor promptly and make up lost time.

8.  Conduct him/her self at all times in a PROFESSIONAL manner and demonstrate competence in generalist practice skill.
 

Illness is the only legitimate absence from the Field Practicum and the Field Practicum Seminar.  If such an emergency arises, the student is responsible for immediately notifying the Field Instructor and taking responsibility for postponing appointments or scheduled meetings.  Students are responsible for making up time missed in the field and all seminar assignments.

On occasion difficulties may arise in the field practicum.  The Field Liaison will work with the student and the Field Instructor to resolve these situations.  In the event that the problem cannot be resolved, the student may be given another placement.  In some instances, it becomes evident that the problem goes beyond the field experience and relates to the student's ability to maintain adequate and consistent professional behavior.  In such cases, termination from the Field Practicum and the Field Practicum Seminar may occur.

Termination from the Field Practicum and the Field Practicum Seminar will be considered if the following situations arise:

1.  Students do not complete class or field assignments promptly or in a professional manner.

2.  Students do not display professional behavior in the field practicum and/or in the seminar.

3.  Personal difficulties interfere with the professional/client relationship and the students overall academic work.

4. Students who leave CCSU or the Social Work Program for more than two semesters, regardless of  the circumstances, must reapply and be accepted in order to continue in the social work program.  In addition, a new field practicum application must be completed and approved.

Students have the right to appeal the decision to terminate the Field Practicum and the Field Practicum Seminar (see Grievance Policy and Procedures).
 

Ideally, students entering the Social Work Program take courses with the expectation of continuing in the Program.  However, it is possible that the student and/or the faculty conclude that a student is not fully motivated toward or understanding of the academic or professional responsibilities which this major requires.

In addition, termination from the Social Work Program will be considered under the following circumstances:

1.  Students do not meet the academic requirements of the Social Work Program.

2.  Students do not complete class or field assignments promptly or in a professional manner.

3.  Students do not display professional behavior in the class or field as is defined by the NASW Code of Ethics. [Example]: Failure to meet generally accepted standards of professional conduct, personal integrity or emotional stability requisite for professional practice; inappropriate or disruptive behavior toward colleagues, faculty, or staff (at School or field placement).

4.  Student is unable to offer professional service to the client population. [Example]:
     Consistent failure to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills necessary for forming professional helping relationships (for example, unable to demonstrate nonjudgmental attitude; unable to allowclient self- determination).

Acceptance into the Program does not guarantee a student will pass from course to course, academic grades must be maintained and continued professional competence is a requirement.  If at any time in the student's affiliation with the Program, they do not meet the criteria, they will be notified and terms will be discussed for continuing in the Social Work Program.  In most cases, students are given a semester to correct the problem or else they are requested to leave the Program.  Students may appeal this decision (see Grievance Policy and Procedures).  Students who leave CCSU or the Social Work Program for more than two semesters, regardless of the circumstances, must reapply and be accepted in order to continue in the Social Work Program.

The field experience frequently is viewed by students as the most meaningful and the most memorable part of their undergraduate education.  It often leads to a continued relationship between the student and an agency as a future employer or source of referral.  This is indicative of the goals students have to become professional Social Work practitioners but also is a
tribute to the Field Instructor, with whom students are placed.  The Field Instructors join with the faculty in the responsibility of assisting students in the difficult and critical transition from student to professional Social Worker.

Once again, we thank Field Instructors for assisting the Social Work Program at Central Connecticut State University in preparing its Social Work majors for beginning social work practice.
 

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