Student Handbook

The Social Work Program operates under a selective admissions policy.  That policy requires that students who have declared Pre-Social Work as a major must make formal application for admission to the Social Work Major.  Enrollment in advanced courses and the field is restricted to students who have been FORMALLY admitted to the Social Work Program.  Application is made after students have completed Introduction to Social Welfare Policy (SW 226) and Human Behavior in the Social Environment (SW 227).

There are three documents that are available to assist prospective, as well as currently enrolled, students; The University catalog, The University Student Handbook, and this Social Work Program Student Handbook.  You are urged to read these materials as all these documents are meant to clarify University as well as Social Work Program policies.

In order for a student to be accepted into the Social Work Major, they must have applied and been accepted by Central Connecticut State University.  ACCEPTANCE INTO CCSU DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY GUARANTEE ACCEPTANCE INTO THE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM.  All students must apply and be accepted into the major in a separate application process.

This handbook includes the Social Work Admission Policy along with a description of the application process, procedures and an application form.  NOTE that you must submit a completed application form, copies of transcripts from all colleges attended and your personal statement (which will be evaluated as a sample of your writing) by MARCH 1ST or OCTOBER 1ST prior to entering advanced social work courses.  Application forms are also available from the Program Office (Vance Academic Center, Room 3240500).

Please note there is a separate admissions process for the Social Work Field Practicum and Field Practicum Seminar, as well as a separate set of eligibility requirements.  The field practicum application process takes place at the completion of two practice courses, (SW360 Generalist  Social Work Practice with Individuals & Families & SW361 Generalist Social Work Practice with Small Groups), and is described in this handbook.

We look forward to working with you toward your goal of becoming a Social Worker.
 

Barbara A. Candales, Ph.D, MSW, MPIA Director/Associate Professor 

Catherine R. Baratta, Ph.D. Field Coordinator/Assistant Professor

Patricia Henry Hensley, Ph.D., LCSW, Assistant Professor                        
 

INTRODUCTION

The Social Work Major is a separate major and autonomous program within the Department of Sociology.  Our students receive a BA degree in Social Work at the end of four years.  It has been our experience that graduates of the Social Work Program are well prepared for beginning social work jobs and admission into graduate schools of social work.
 

HISTORY

The Social Work Program has developed over the past 19 years from a Social Work minor staffed by a single part-time professor teaching three courses, to a Social Work major in 1989 leading to a B.A. in Social Work, staffed by two and a half full-time and several part-time professors.  The Social Work Program is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Council on Social Work Education.  The program is constantly changing to remain current in the field of social work.  Therefore, it is especially important that students keep up with curriculum changes by keeping in close contact with their academic advisor.

The main educational objective of the undergraduate Social Work Program at Central Connecticut State University is the preparation of qualified graduates to function in a wide spectrum of entry level generalist social work positions.  This implies preparation in the generic base of social work which include an understanding of and the experience necessary for a generalist approach to practice.

A second objective of the Program is to recruit students from diverse backgrounds who will contribute to the University, the community and the profession of Social Work and to provide a broad-based liberal arts education.

A third objective is to enhance each student's sensitivity, critical thinking and awareness of cultural diversity, human needs, and social problems. The Program seeks to train students to conceptualize changes necessary for a humane society.

A fourth objective is to continue to meet the employment needs of Connecticut's citizens by preparing students to be professional social workers able to practice with client systems of various sizes and types.

Finally, the Social Work Program desires to prepare students who will be sensitive to the dynamics of change and recognize a responsibility to continue their professional development.  While not the Program's main objective, we aspire to prepare students for graduate education in social work.
  

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT

The Social Work Program's policy concerning nondiscrimination is consistent with the University wide policy regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity.  In addition, the Social Work Program practices a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all regardless of gender, race, color, sexual orientation, disability, political or religious affiliation.

The Social Work Program is committed to recruiting, admitting, and retaining students from diverse cultural and ethnic groups.  The faculty makes every effort to treat all students with respect and endeavors to handle all students fairly. Students in the Program are strongly encouraged to think critically and to focus on self awareness, their own prejudices, and become sensitized to issues of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and physical disabilities.

SOCIAL WORK CURRICULUM

The Social Work Major is 51 credit hours comprised of courses in the Liberal Arts major including: Soc 110 or Anth 140; Soc 111; Soc 233; and Bio 111.  Also students are required to take Stat 215; PS 110 or 230; and Econ 200. There are 42 credits of core Social Work Courses, which are in foundation areas as required by the Council on Social Work Education: Social Welfare Policy (SW 226, SW 426), Human Behavior in the Social Environment I and II (SW 227, SW 368), Practice (SW 360, SW 361, SW 362), Research (SW 374), and Field (SW 450-453).  In addition, two Social Work electives are also required.
NOTE: This major does not require a concentration.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM

Ideally a student knows they want to major in Social Work when they enter CCSU as freshman.  However, there are times when students transfer into the program from both inside and outside the University.  These students adhere to all academic requirements of the Program.

The following is a sample sequence for Social Work required courses:
 

* Rec 104  - Self Defense is highly recommended
 
DESCRIPTION OF CORE SOCIAL WORK COURSES

SW 226 Social Welfare Policy and Service I
Prereq.:  Soc 110 or Anth 140, Soc 111 and PS 110 or 230.  Exploration of the historical background of social work and social welfare institutions in the United States and around the world; knowledge, values and practice skills that distinguish social work as a discipline.  Field work required.  Pre-Social Work majors only.

SW 227 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
Prereq.:  Bio 111, and Soc 233. Examination of individuals, families, and communities, taking an ecological perspective of the life span; various cultural, economic, and ethnic factors that influence lives; application of social work values and how these relate to developmental tasks in a socio-political environment.  Field work required. Pre-Social Work majors only.

SW 360 Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
Prereq.:  SW 226 and SW 227 and admission to Social Work major.  Study of the delivery of direct service to individuals and families interacting within groups and communities; tasks and skills necessary for a generalist social worker to empower clients to modify and change their situations.  Field work required.

SW 361 Generalist Social Work Practice with Small Groups
Prereq.:  SW 226 and SW 227 and admission to Social Work major.  Use of the small group as a resource for delivering direct service in the generalist social work practice; tasks and skills necessary for the social worker to use group process to empower clients. Field work required.

SW 362 Generalist Social Work Practice with Families, Organizations, and Communities
Prereq.:  SW 360 and SW 361.  Interventions and strategies for assisting families, organizations, and communities in the context of generalist social work practice; tasks and skills necessary to bring about change in large systems.  Recommended SW 450 and SW 451 or SW 452 and SW 453 be taken concurrently.  Field work required.

SW 368  Human Behavior and the Social Environment II *
Prereq.: SW 227.  The ecosystems framework provides the foundation to examine systems of all sizes - families, groups, organizations and communities.  Special attention is given to the impact of human diversity, discrimination, and oppression in the context of these social systems.  Field work required. It is recommended that SW 360 be taken concurrently.
 
SW 374 Introduction to Social Work Research
Prereq.:  Stat 215.  Research knowledge and skills essential for beginning social work practice.  Theory of social research, hypothesis testing, research design, sampling, data collection techniques, and ethical issues germane to social workers.  Quantitative and qualitative research and the problem-solving model, associated with a research proposal applicable to social work practice, will be developed. Field work required.

SW 426 Social Welfare Policy and Services II
Prereq.:   SW 360, SW361 and Econ 200.  Uses of policy analysis and planning as intervention strategies in generalist social work practice.  Recommenced that SW 450 and SW 451 or SW 452 and SW 453 be taken concurrently. Field work required.

SW 450 - SW 453
(Described under Senior Field Practicums and Field Practicum Seminars)

Social Work Electives
Two Social Work electives must be taken in order to complete the Social Work requirements for graduation.  The student may select from a variety of topics, some of which are: Health and Social Work (SW 436); Child Welfare I (SW 437); Child Welfare II (SW 438); Puerto Ricans in Transition: A Social Work Perspective (SW 441); Social Consequences of Immigration (SW 442); and Africentristic Cultural Competence (SW 478).

NOTE:  The Program faculty will make every effort to keep students informed of any changes within the curriculum.  However, students must take responsibility to keep up to date on program changes.
 
*Change/addition to social work curriculum effective Fall 1998.
 

PROFESSIONALISM

In each course, students are expected to act in a professionally responsible manner, including attendance, promptness, and respect for the diverse opinions of their classmates as well as tolerance for differences.  The students' professional behavior is an important part of their commitment to be a social worker.
 

ACADEMIC ADVISING PROCEDURES

Professional advising is carried out by all Social Work faculty.  This type of advising involves assisting students in assessing their aptitude and motivation for a career in Social
Work.  In addition, all Social Work faculty participate in evaluating applications to the Social Work Program.

The following are the current procedures for academic advising and record keeping.  It is expected that all students take responsibility for making sure all paper work (such as substitution forms, course transfer credit and graduation requirements) are met.  The advisors will be available to advise on the Social Work Program requirements.  However, STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR, AND MUST BE DILIGENT IN, MEETING ALL UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION.

1)   Freshman and transfer students (pre-Social Work majors) will be met by a University advisor  whenever possible, before they enter CCSU.

2)   Students will be given a detailed Social Work curriculum sheet and a student handbook describing the Social Work Program.  Students must sign that they received the Handbook. The Social Work Student Handbook describes the Program and all application procedures necessary to be  admitted to the program, all Social Work course prerequisites, and the final field practicum requirements and application process.
 
3)   During registration, Pre-Social Work majors have the following options available to them:
A)  To meet individually with the University advisory service.
B)  To meet with the University advising service along with Social Work faculty and students who have experience with the Social Work Program course requirements.  These  students are able to offer special insights into negotiating the University bureaucracy.

Please note: While peer advising and the University advisor are an integral part of the process of choosing courses toward the completion of your degree, it is the student's responsibility to determine that all graduation requirements have been met.

Students who have been accepted into the Social Work major will be advised by permanent Social Work faculty.
 

STUDENT ADVISEMENT FILES

1)  Student advisement files are kept in the Director of the Social Work Program's office.  They are maintained by her and the Social Work Program's University Assistant.

2)  The materials kept in the files include: The students' application to the Social Work Program,   Application for the senior field practicum, the student's competence assessment forms from all field experiences, all computer printouts regarding transcripts and special university services, any notes from advising conferences, all correspondence between the student and the advisors, the student's up-to-date checklist used for scheduling, and any course assignments (papers and tests) which faculty deems important and which indicate professional or academic competence.

3)  The advising file is open to the student's review upon request.  The information in the file is viewed as material helpful to the student and the advisor and is not meant to be harmful in any way.

4)  Files are maintained for a period of three years after completion of the Social Work Program for purposes of  referring job opportunities and alumni events.
 
ADMISSION TO THE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM (MARCH 1st or OCTOBER 1st)
 

The CCSU Social Work Program operates under a selective admissions policy.  The policy is based on the need to maintain a program of excellence in the classroom and to assure availability of quality internship placements.  The Program reserves the right to admit a limited number of students each year.  Meeting the minimum standards does not guarantee a student will be admitted to the major.
 

1)  Acceptance into the Social Work Program will be based upon an application, personal interview, and the following criteria:
 A) Academic achievement consistent with the academic policy of  the   program (see academic requirements below).
B) Successful work and/or volunteer experience in the field (employer references and/or previous field evaluations should be included).
C) Potential for professional competence including inter- and intra-personal skills  (current field evaluations will be considered).
D) Demonstrated competence in writing skills.
E) Transfer students who meet all requirements and prerequisites may apply where applicable, recommendations from Human Service Program Directors are  required.

 2)  A date for applicants' interviews, to take place at CCSU, will be set after applications are received.  This time will be used to inform students of their application status, develop future educational goals and receive individual advising.
 
3) Students not accepted into the Social Work Program may appeal by using the grievance procedures outlined in this handbook and/or the University Student Handbook.

4) Students who have left CCSU, or the Social Work Program for more than two semesters must reapply.

TRANSFER POLICY

The Social Work Program does not accept courses taught on a 100 level as equivalent to 300-400 level courses.  One hundred level courses are accepted as general electives unless they
specifically apply to social work, in which case they may be accepted as social work electives.  Social work courses taught at other accredited Programs are evaluated for content before being accepted for a core course.  The course evaluation consists of reviewing the course syllabi for content, required reading assignments, and grade given.  Field experience credit given by other Programs is accepted only as elective credit for the Social Work Program.  There are no means through which a student can obtain credit for courses in the Program on the basis of credit by examination, life experience, work experience, or non-collegiate sponsored instruction.
 

CREDIT FOR LIFE OR WORK EXPERIENCE

The Social Work Program does not grant credit for either life or work experience in lieu of any required Social Work course or the field practicum.  Students who have completed social work courses from CSWE accredited programs will have their materials reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine comparability with CCSU Social Work requirements.
 

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM

In accordance with university policy, a student must have an overall GPA of 2.0 and a minimum of "C" in all courses required for the social work major.  This includes prerequisite courses for the major.  In addition, students admitted to the Social Work major MUST maintain an average of 2.50 or better in all social work courses.  This includes all prerequisites.
 

COUNSELING OUT AND TERMINATION FROM THE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM 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 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 allow client 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, no matter what the circumstances, must reapply and be accepted to continue in the Social Work Program.
 

GRIEVANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES

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 cannot 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.
 

FIELD COMPONENT OF THE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM

The field component of the Social Work major is one of the strengths of the program.  A student who enters the Program in their sophomore year will graduate with approximately 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 more than 200 agencies to provide field opportunities for students (see Appendix F) 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 contribution to local agencies.

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

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

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

5.  Expose students to a variety of social work techniques and strategies and increase 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.  Use the supervisory process to recognize one's own feelings, values, and biases and to  further practice skills.

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

SOPHOMORE/JUNIOR FIELD EXPERIENCE

Our underclassmen (sophomores and juniors) are required to put a total of 70 hours per semester, averaging out to about five hours per 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 practice experience 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.
 

OBJECTIVES OF THE SOPHOMORE/JUNIOR FIELD EXPERIENCE

1) 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.)

2) To have student test his/her career interest in the field.

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

4) To expose students to clients that social workers serve.

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.
 
VEHICLE POLICY

Students should NOT use their own vehicles to transport clients.  If agencies require driving, and an agency vehicle will be used,  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. Students are strongly encouraged to consult personal vehicle insurance company regarding liability.
 

SAFETY POLICY

Human Service agencies are not immune to workplace violence.  Often social workers deal with disgruntled clients and are in positions of power to influence decisions made regarding our client's lives. We strongly recommend that students be aware and alert for the potential for violence in their placements.

• Be alert.  Be aware of both verbal and non-verbal cues that can indicate growing agitation of clients.
• Exercise good judgment.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Trust your instincts.
• Report any concerns to your field instructor or other agency personal and a social work faculty member.

SENIOR FIELD PRACTICUMS AND FIELD PRACTICUM SEMINARS (SW 450, 451, 452, & 453)

A second application process with additional eligibility requirements is necessary for admissions to SW 450,451.  Applications must be received by March 1st or October 1st of the academic year prior to the student's planned enrollment in the field practicum and field practicum seminar.

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 are 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 readings, 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 roles 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.
 
CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE FIELD PRACTICUM AND FIELD PRACTICUM SEMINARS

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 first or second 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).  Students must successfully complete SW 450 and SW 451 to take the second semester of the field practicum and field practicum seminar SW 452 and SW 453.

POLICIES FOR THE USE OF EMPLOYMENT AS FIELD PRACTICUM

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 will 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.
 

TERMINATION OF THE FIELD PRACTICUM

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 seminar or do not follow the Learning Contract signed with their field instructor.

3)  Personal difficulties interfere with the professional/client relationship and the student's  overall academic work.

Students have the right to appeal the decision to terminate the field practicum and the field practicum seminar (see Grievance Policy and Procedures).

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND SERVICES

The Student Social Work Club is a student organization recognized and funded by the University.  The Social Work Club sponsors meetings, social service projects, and helps organize and fund the annual Four State Universities Undergraduate Social Work Conferences.  All Pre-Social Work and Social Work majors are eligible and encouraged to actively participate.

Phi Alpha Honor Society is a national honor society for Social Work students.  Social Work majors qualify after they have completed a minimum of nine Social Work credits and achieved an overall GPA of 3.0 and an average of 3.25 in Social Work courses.

National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Students are encouraged to join NASW.  The student membership fee is $40.00 and includes a subscription to SOCIAL WORK and national and state newsletters.  There are many valuable membership services and professional activities afforded by belonging to this professional organization.
 
Campus student services There is a wide range of student services on CCSU campus such as: The Counseling Center, The Women's Center, Career Counseling, Academic Support, The Writing Center, and the Office of Special Student Services.  Students should refer to their University Student Handbook.
 
STUDENT RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Students have the right and the opportunity to participate in the evaluation of the education they are receiving.  Class evaluation forms are utilized each semester to assess the quality of classroom experiences and to make recommendations to the professors.  In addition, officers of the social work student clubs are asked to meet with faculty to discuss and evaluate Social Work Program policies on a regular basis.  Finally, graduating seniors, each semester, are asked to review their educational experience.  They meet with faculty individually to point out strengths of the program, as well as areas that need improvement.

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