BSW Practicum

The field Practicum experience offers an opportunity for students to integrate, apply and contribute to social work knowledge, skills and values in a community agency setting, under the supervision of a qualified Field Instructor. A variety of agencies reflecting the diverse settings and fields of practice in which social workers are employed are selected for field placements. Each affiliated agency and supervising social work practitioner (field instructor) has been evaluated by the Field Education department. The agency mission, scope of services, funding sources, staffing, client populations, levels of supervision, and learning opportunities are assessed in relation to professional accreditation standards established by the Council on Social Work Education. Criteria for agency selection includes the agency's mission to serve diverse clients and populations at risk, and to promote economic and social justice within the ethics and values of the social work professions. Concurrently, assessment is made of the credentials, experience, educator ability and professionalism of the social workers who elect to directly supervise student learning as University designated Field Instructors.

The B.S.W. Program Director, B.S.W. Field Director, Field Instructors, students, other campus faculty and administrators work together in the educational process. Information regarding student needs and progress will be shared among these individuals as necessary to optimize student learning.