Student Social Work Handbook

On March 7, 1887 the General Assembly of North Carolina enacted legislation, sponsored by Representative Hamilton McMillan of Robeson County, creating the Croatan Normal School. The law, which was in response to a petition from the Indian people of the area, established a Board of Trustees and appropriated $500 to be used only for salaries. Local people constructed a building at a site about one mile west of the present location.

The normal school was founded to train Native American public school teachers. For many years, the instruction was at the elementary and secondary level, and the first diploma was awarded in 1905.

The school moved to its present location in Pembroke, the center of the Indian community, in 1909. The General Assembly changed the name of the institution in 1911 to the Indian Normal School of Robeson County, and again in 1913 to the Cherokee Indian Normal School of Robeson County. In 1926, the Board of Trustees added a two-year normal program beyond high school, and phased out elementary instruction. The first 10 diplomas were awarded in 1928, when the state accredited the school as a "standard normal school."

Additional college classes were offered beginning in 1931, and in 1939 a fourth year was added with the first degrees conferred in 1940. In recognition of its new status, the General Assembly changed the name of the school in 1941 to Pembroke State College for Indians. Until 1953 it was the only state-supported four-year college for Indians in the nation. The scope of the institution was widened in1942 when non-teaching baccalaureate degrees were added, and in 1945 when enrollment, previously limited to the Indians of Robeson County, was opened to people from all federally-recognized Indian groups. A few years later, in 1949, the General Assembly shortened the name to Pembroke State College.

The Board of Trustees approved the admission of white students up to 40 percent of the total enrollment in 1953 and, following the Supreme Court's school desegregation decision, opened the college to all qualified applicants without regard to race in 1954. Growth of over 500 percent followed during the next eight years. In 1969 the General Assembly changed the name again to Pembroke State University, and made the institution a regional university. Such universities were authorized "to provide undergraduate and graduate instruction in liberal arts, fine arts, and science, and in the learned professions, including teaching" and to "provide other graduate and undergraduate programs of instruction as are deemed necessary to meet the needs of their constituencies and of the state."

A few years later, in 1972, the General Assembly established the 16-campus University of North Carolina with Pembroke State University as one of the constituent institutions. The Board of Governors approved the implementation of master's programs in professional education at Pembroke State University in 1978, as well as several new undergraduate programs.

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke celebrated its centennial in 1987. On July 1, 1996, Pembroke State University officially became The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is rated by U.S. News as one of the most diverse campuses in the nation. Historically, there have been many racial confrontations and such community problems are openly addressed within the Social Work curriculum. In preparing for entry level professional social work practice, it is essential that the individual becomes knowledgeable about the various racial and ethnic groups within the community. The recognition and the development of "cultural competence" in cross cultural interaction is an integral component of the Social Work Program and is a major theme throughout.

Major Events

1. 1969-70, The Department of Sociology and Geography offers its first social work course.

2. 1973, The Department of Sociology and Geography hires its first MSW faculty.

3. 1977, The Department of Sociology gains permission to add an additional MSW faculty. The MSW faculty work toward creating a Social Work major.

4. 1982, The General Administration of The University of North Carolina grants permission for PSU have offer a Social Work Major. In May 1982, the first SWK majors graduate.

5. 1982, The SWK faculty begin to work toward gaining Candidacy Status with the Council on Social Work Education.

6. 1983, The Department of Sociology adds "Social Work" to its name.

7. 1984-5, The Social Work Program receives its first and second Candidacy Status site visits.

8. 1986, The Social Work Program is admitted to Candidacy Status. The faculty work toward initial accreditation.

9. 1987, The Department of Sociology and Social Work gains permission to add an additional MSW faculty.

10. 1988 (Fall), The Social Work Program received its CSWE site visit.

11. 1990 (Spring), The Social Work Program is admitted to Initial Accreditation. Full Accreditation Status is granted retroactive to 1987 graduates.

12. 1990, The SWK faculty begin to work toward CSWE reaffirmation.

13. 1991, The General Administration of University of North Carolina grants a change of degrees for the PSU Social Work Program. We move from the BS to the BSW degree.

14. 1993 (Fall), The Social Work Program received its CSWE site visit.

15. 1994 (Spring), The Social Work Program is reaffirmed as a fully accredited Social Work Program.

16. 1996 (July 1), Pembroke State University is renamed The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

17. 2001 (November), The Social Work Program has its most successful CSWE site visit.

18. 2002 (March), The Social Work Program celebrates its 20th anniversary and offers its 10th annual symposium.

19. 2005, The Social Work Program became an independent department.

Mission of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke

The university encourages the pursuit of education as a lifelong experience so that its graduates will be equipped to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. Drawing strength from its heritage, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke continues to expand its leadership role in enriching the intellectual, economic, social and cultural life of the region and beyond.

Mission of the Social Work Program

The mission of the Social Work Program at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke seeks to prepare students to become leaders in enhancing the quality of life and seeking solutions to rural problems. It is particularly concerned with the consequences of injustice, and thus focuses on the empowerment of populations-at-risk and the advancement of economic, political and social justice in all communities.

Purpose of Social Work Education

Social work practice promotes human well-being by strengthening opportunities, resources, and capacities of people in their environments and by creating policies and services to correct conditions that limit human rights and the quality of life. The social work profession works to eliminate poverty, discrimination, and oppression. Guided by a person-in-environment perspective and respect for human diversity, the profession works to effect social and economic justice worldwide. Social work education combines scientific inquiry with the teaching of professional skills to provide effective and ethical social work services. Social work educators reflect their identification with the profession through their teaching, scholarship, and service. (Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, CSWE 2001)

Goals of Social Work Program

Program Goal #1	To prepare students for entry level generalist social work practice
Program Goal #2	To prepare students who will demonstrate ability to appreciate human diversity and issues of social and economic justice
Program Goal #3	To prepare students to understand the role of the social workers in our region and a changing society
Program Goal #4	To instill in students a commitment for continued personal and professional growth

These goals are met through the liberal arts/general education perspective, most of which is completed during the first two years of college, and through the social work professional foundation courses completed during the third and forth year.

Program Objectives

The Program's objectives stem from its mission and goals. After completing the BSW degree requirement, graduate will have the ability to:

1. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice.

2. Understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and principles, and practice accordingly.

3. Practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge, and skills related to clients’ age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.

4. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice.

5. Understand and interpret the history of the social work profession and its contemporary structures and issues.

6. Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice with systems of all sizes.

7. Use theoretical frameworks supported by empirical evidence to understand individual development and behavior across the life span and the interactions among individuals and between individuals and families, groups, organizations, and communities.

8. Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies.

9. Evaluate research studies, apply research findings to practice, and evaluate their own practice interventions.

10. Use communication skills differentially across client populations, colleagues, and communities.

11. Use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice.

12. Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems and seek necessary organizational change.

13. Use social work skills within the context of our rural environment

OVERVIEW OF THE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM

The primary objective of the Social Work Program is to prepare students for generalist professional social work practice. Eight sequences of courses are required to meet the primary objective. These include:

a. Social Work Values and Ethics -- With the backdrop of the Generalist Model, social work professional values and ethics are analyzed and applied to the social worker's daily activity.

b. Human Diversity -- One's culture has a profound influence on an individual's perception of the social world. The basis of effective social work practice is a theoretical understanding various cultural differences.

c. Populations-at-Risk and Social and Economic Justice-- Some populations are more vulnerable than others. These are the populations that social workers are most apt to have as client systems. However, the study of socioeconomic class is the basis upon which we best learn the intervention with populations at risk.

d. Human Behavior and Social Environment -- In this curriculum, students are introduced to theories related to the human condition. Generalist social workers are attracted to the idea of viewing people in their environment. This environment includes the biological, cultural, psychological and social.

e. Social Welfare Policies and Services -- The primary focus of this sequence is to illustrate the vast area and environment in which social workers intervene. To provide content about the history of social work Within a context of social and economic justice, students are offered insight on how social policies are constructed. In addition, students are given insight on how human service agencies are administered.

f. Social Work Practice -- These courses address basic generalist skills that traverse the vast range of social work practice. The generalist model offers the student an important array of skills that will enable him/her to function in a wide variety of employment settings.

g. Social Research -- This course addresses the use of the scientific method and critical thinking skills to enhance generalist social work practice. Students are taught methods of practice and program evaluation. and to evaluate best practices.

h. Field Education -- During a semester (block placement), students work in a social service agency. This experience requires them to integrate their generalist skills acquired from the other course sequences. To assist students, a seminar is a required part of the field experience.

ADMISSION AND RETENTION

Because Social Work is a professional program, it is unlike other majors at University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Criteria and process for admission can be found in the UNCP Academic Catalog. The declaration of the Social Work Major occurs in the Office of the Chair of the Social Work Department. Please be mindful that completing a degree of major does not mean one is admitted to the social work program. The program screens applicants for academic and professional standards. In order to be admitted to the Social Work Program, students must be:

· Successfully admitted to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. For more information click here

· Successfully complete ENG 105, English Grammar, and ENG 106, English Composition. These courses prepare students to write professionally. In particular, students are taught the APA citation style, which is required for all papers submitted to SWK courses.

· Successfully complete 75 % of the liberal arts curriculum with a minimum 2.25 GPA. The generalist model requires social workers to be academically well rounded. The Liberal Arts is considered an extremely important foundation for competent social work intervention.

· Complete (or currently enrolled in) SWK 200 (Introduction to Social Work), SWK 380 (Social Work Practice I), and SWK 371 (Writing for the Social Sciences). Admission to the major is required before a student can enroll in SWK 348, 448, 345, 385,445, 391, 450 and 480 . As of Fall 2007 all social work classes require a “C” or better.

· Submit a Social Work Application

· Submit two reference letters. The reference form letter can be found in this document by clicking here and can be printed. Hard copies of the form can be found in room 217 of the BA Building.

· Be accepted by the Admissions and Academic Standards committee after completing required documentation. For the Fall Semester applications must be submitted by December 1 for a decision in Spring, and for the Spring Semester applications must be submitted by April 1 for a decision in the Fall. One of the three following decisions will be made

1. Admission approved unconditionally

2. Admission recommended with provisions. The provisions will be noted and a time table.

3. Admission not recommended with reasons. The student can appeal this decision through the SWK Student Appeal Process.

PROBATION, SUSPENSION AND DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM

In order to be retained in the Program, students must comply with academic and non-academic standards.

Academic Standards

Students can be placed on academic probation, suspension or dismissal from the social work program for the following:

a. GPA below 2.0

b. Violation of the UNC-P Student Honor Code

c. Violation of the National Association of Social Workers' Code of Ethics

d. Violation of the Campus Association of Social Workers' Code of Ethics

e. Violation of course pre or co-requisite requirements.

f. Violation of Policies for Repeating Courses

g. Earning a grade less than 2.0 in the following classes: SWK 200, 245, 380, 385, 450,480, 490, 491 As of Fall 2007 a “C” or better is required in all social work classes.

Attendance and class participation are critical to the learning and integration of materials. Therefore, the Social Work Department has implemented the following policy. There are no excused absences. A student will fail the class upon the seventh for day classes (MW, TR) and the fourth absence for evening class (for three hours courses). Students are therefore encouraged to be mindful of absences and make every effort to be in attendance. Students are expected to have read assigned material prior to the class. Students are also expected to participate in class discussion, exercises, “minute” papers, and any Blackboard discussions that may be announced.

Students are considered in attendance only if present for the entire class. Arriving late or leaving early is disruptive will be dealt with by the instructor. Attendance will be used as a criterion in determining the final grade.

One can clearly understand that attending class is considered extremely important. UNCP requires that each faculty member have a clearly written attendance policy statement on every syllabus. The Activity Absence Application is used if a student will miss class because of a required campus activity.

Cheating is a violation of the CASW Code of Ethics, UNC-P Student Honor Code and the National Association of Social Workers' Code of Ethics. When the UNC-P Honor Code Committee has adjudicated a student guilty of cheating, the individual automatically loses his/her right to plea before the Social Work Program Appeals Committee. Otherwise, students who are accused of cheating are permitted to appear before the Social Work Program Appeals Committee. The Social Work Program will not retain a student who has been adjudicated guilty of cheating.

Two particular aspects of cheating are confusing to some students. The first is the process of "giving and taking help." The second is "plagiarism." Clarification is offered here.

Giving and Taking Help: The practice of social work includes two important concepts: "process" and "outcome." Outcome is the degree of success in achieving a goal. Process includes the hard work and self-discipline a social worker employs in achieving the desired outcome. The social work faculty feel that the "process" is as significant as the "outcome." When one student assists another by sharing projects, term papers, book reports, reactions papers and other assignments, the benefits of the "process" are usurped. The student who recycles the assignment is denied the opportunity to enhance his/her self-discipline and work habits. Simply stated, Do not share your work with other students. The social work faculty considers such behavior [giving or receiving] as cheating, a violation of the NASW Code of Ethics and a violation of the Student Honor Code.

Plagiarism: Two types of student plagiarize: 1) Students who do not know the meaning of plagiarism; 2) Students who cheat.

The Social Work Program does not permit plagiarism All students enrolled in SWK courses are required to use the APA citation style, anyone caught plagiarizing automatically receive an F. You will loose points on assignments if you do not use APA citation style. APA manuals can be purchased in the bookstore. There is a copy on closed reserve in the library. Also refer to the Library resource for APA .

You may also get help from University Writing Center hours during the spring semester are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday. For an appointment, stop by the Writing Center, Dial 131, call 910.521.6168, or email writing@uncp.edu.

Prerequisite Waivers: The Social Work Program presents its curriculum on the basis of logically connected learning steps. These learning steps are translated into course prerequisites. The faculty agree that these prerequisites are imperative for effective learning of social work theory and skills. When Council on Social Work Education conducts audits of students' transcripts and discovers that some students are out of compliance with prerequisites, the Program's accreditation faces jeopardy. Thus, the Admissions and Academic Committee has the authority to place students on program probation, suspension or be dismissed for violating prerequisites outlined in The UNCP Catalog and The Student Social Work Handbook [see Academic Standards for the policy statement]. If a student feels that she/he faces an urgent issue that should entitle her/him to special consideration, the student is encouraged to complete and submit the Waiver Request Form . The completed Waiver Request Form is reviewed by the entire social work faculty and a final decision is made by them.

Non-Academic Standards

Non Academic standards are presented in the Professional Performance Standards. This document outlines behavior to be expected from students as they prepare for a professional career in Social Work. This document also references the following codes of conduct which should be followed by all students participating in classes and activities in the Department:

· CASW Code of Ethics. The CASW Code was established by a committee of students and ratified by the Campus Association of Social Workers in 1999

· UNC-P Student Honor Code

· National Association of Social Workers' Code of Ethics

Appeals for Academic and Nonacademic Probation, Suspension and Dismissal

The Process of Probation, Suspension or Removal from the Social Work Program: When a student receives notification of probation, suspension or removal from the Program Director, the student is given an opportunity to appeal the decision. Five categories for removal exist:

a) Classroom and program policies including but not limited to failure to maintain the: minimum GPA, prerequisiste requirements, attendance requirements, repeating courses requirements

b) violations of the Professional Performance Standards;

c) violations of The NASW Code of Ethics [http://www.ssc.msu.edu/~sw/ethics/nasweth.html]

d) violations of the UNCP Student Honor Code http://www.uncp.edu/sw/student_code.html]

e) violations of the CASW Code of Ethics

Students are entitled to appeal the Admissions and Academic Committee decision regarding dismissal suspension, or probation. A special committee of the Program Advisory Board has been established to address these issues. For students who are seeking an appeal, two (2)important documents should be read. They are:

1. Guidelines for Appeals Committee of The Social Work Program Advisory Board University of North Carolina at Pembroke

2. SWK Student Appeal Process

Professional Performance Standards

The Program recognizes that preparation for professional practice requires more than scholastic achievement. The Program expects students to exhibit behavior that is consistent with professional performance. Such behavior is expected not only in the classroom but throughout the University and larger community.

Professional performance encompasses a commitment to social work mission and values as found in the NASW Code of Ethics. Signs of such professional performance include: productive work with others; acceptance of supervision and criticism; respect for colleagues, supervisors, instructors and clients; advocacy for oneself in a responsible and respectful manner; and behaviors in accordance with Program and University policies and the laws of society.

Elements of Professional Performance

Specifically, professional performance includes the following elements:

1. Communication skills, both in writing and speaking

2. Interpersonal Skills

3. Cognitive Skills

4. Self Awareness and Judgment of Abilities and Limitations

5. Stress Management

6. Skills in Safeguarding Mental and Emotional Functioning

7. Ethical Behavior

1.0 Communication Skills

Students shall demonstrate sufficient skills in writing and speaking the English language to understand content presented in the program and complete assignments.

a. Students shall produce written documents that communicate clearly, demonstrate correct grammar and spelling, and adhere to the American Psychological Association (APA) style.

b. Students shall communicate orally in such manner as to clearly express their ideas and feelings to others.

c. This expectation shall allow on a case-by-case basis for any reasonable accommodations approved for a student by the University Disability Support Services.

2.0 Interpersonal Skills

Students shall demonstrate the interpersonal skills necessary to relate effectively to other students, faculty, staff, clients, and professionals.

Students are expected to initiate and sustain working relationships with others, both one-to-one and in groups. In doing so, students shall:

a. Demonstrate empathy for others. This skill includes the ability to detect and interpret non verbal cues.

b. Communicate thoughts, feelings and intentions clearly, respectfully, and with congruence of verbal and non-verbal behaviors.

c. Listen to and understand the thoughts, feelings and intentions of others.

d. Work effectively with others regardless of their level of authority.

e. Advocate for themselves in an appropriate and responsible manner and use proper channels to resolve conflicts.

f. Accept feedback in a constructive manner and in a way that furthers professional performance.

g. Accept responsibility for their behavior and be aware of the effect of his or her behavior upon others.

3.0 Cognitive Skills

Students are expected to conceptualize and integrate knowledge. At minimum students shall demonstrate the ability to process information and apply information appropriately. In the course of their studies and training, students are expected to accumulate relevant knowledge from the social, behavioral and biological sciences and apply that knowledge to professional practice.

4.0 Self Awareness and Judgment of Abilities and Limitations

Students are expected to exhibit knowledge of how their values, beliefs, behavior and experiences affect their academic and professional performance. Students shall assess how they are perceived by others and be willing to modify their behavior when such behavior interferes in working with clients and other professionals. In addition, students shall demonstrate an ability to accurately assess their strengths and limitations in engaging in specific efforts of professional practice. Students are further expected to seek and accept supervision and advice when necessary for their academic and professional performance.

5.0 Stress Management Skills

Students shall demonstrate an ability to cope with life stressors so as not to impede scholastic achievement and professional performance. Such ability includes use of the following skills:

a. Awareness of one’s stress and how it might affect interpersonal relations and professional judgment.

b. Constructive management and alleviation of stress. This includes the use of collegiate or supervisory relationships when necessary to support such efforts.

6.0 Skills in Safeguarding Emotional and Mental Functioning

Students are expected to sustain mental and emotional functioning necessary for scholastic achievement and professional performance. Students shall seek help and support if psychosocial distress, substance abuse, or mental health issues affect such achievement or performance, or compromise the best interests of those to whom students have a professional or collegiate responsibility.

7.0 Ethical behavior

Students are expected to exhibit a strong commitment to the goals and values of social work and to the ethical standards of the profession. Students shall be familiar with ethical values and behaviors appropriate for professional performance as set forth in the following:

a. The NASW Code of Ethics

b. The UNCP Student Honor Code

c. The Campus Association of Social Workers' Code of Ethics

In addition, students are expected to present or demonstrate:

a. A history free of convictions for offenses contrary to professional practice.

b. An ability to systematically evaluate clients and their situations in an unbiased, factual way and suspend personal biases during interactions with others. This shall include a comprehension of another’s values and beliefs.

c. Appreciation of the value of diversity. This includes an effective and nonjudgmental relationship with others. Students in the course of their professional training shall strive to deliver appropriate service to all clients regardless of the client’s age, religious beliefs, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or value system. The student shall not impose personal, religious, or cultural values on others, including clients, colleagues and other professionals.

d. Respect for the rights of others. Students shall demonstrate commitment to clients’ rights of freedom of choice, self-determination and other rights as set forth in the NASW Code of Ethics.

e. Maintenance of confidentiality as it relates to human service, classroom activities, and field placement.

f. Honesty and integrity. Students shall be truthful about background, experiences, and qualifications; doing one’s own work; giving credit for the ideas of others; and providing proper citation of source materials in all assignments.

g. Clear, appropriate and culturally sensitive boundaries. Students shall not sexually harass others; make verbal or physical threats; become involved in sexual relationships with clients, supervisors, or faculty; abuse others in physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual ways; or participate in dual relationships where conflicts of interest may exist. In this regard students shall adhere to the Campus Association of Social Workers' Code of Ethics. and the NASW Code of Ethics.

Transfer Credit Policy

Two aspects of transfer credit are important to understand: 1) Liberal Arts and 2) Social Work Professional Courses.

Liberal Arts Requirements

Students who transfer need to review the Undergraduate Admissions transfer student policy in the academic catalog. Students transferring from a North Carolina Community College can see the liberal arts transferable course by clicking here. Each student who applies to the Social Work Program as a transfer student must still meet the prerequisite guidelines for the Social Work Classes. In order to make sure that you meet these requirements you will need to have your transcripts reviewed by the Chair of the Social Work Department.

Social Work Professional Courses

The Social Work Department can only accept "professional courses" from institutions of higher education that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE does not accredit community or junior colleges. This means that "Human Service" courses cannot transfer to a university, but courses from the College Transfer Program can. We strongly recommend that community/junior college students enroll in their campus' "College Transfer Program" and complete the required courses.

Students who have completed courses from four-year institutions that are not accredited by CSWE must submit the following information in order for the courses to be considered for acceptance. No field experience can be transferred from a program not accredited by CSWE

· Syllabus

· The campus catalog from which the course was completed

· A minimum grade of C (2.0) for each course under consideration

· An official transcript

· Possible phone calls to the faculty

Academic Credit for Life and Work Experience

The field work experience is of central importance for the educational development of the social work major. However, life and work experience in and of itself, is not considered "field experience." The process by which the experience is gained is considered the hallmark of social work education. The key element of the field work experience is the integration of course work, qualified supervision, and freedom to address concerns in a nurturing but academic environment. As a result, the social work program will not accept academic credit for past life work experience.

STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM POLICY FORMATION

The Social Work Program has a long history of taking a proactive stance in gaining student input for policy development and implementation. Specifically, the Social Work Program includes the following strategies to assure student participation.

a. The Social Work Program has a very active Advisory Board. Two student representatives are part of the Board.

b. Meetings of the Campus Association of Social Workers [our student organization] have been held for formal input.

c. Students select a representative to be a part of the regular social work department meetings

d. We offer Majors' Meeting each semester in which we encourage students to express concerns in an open forum.

e. After students graduate, we survey our graduates to modify the Social Work Program.

f. Students are given an opportunity to review and comment on a proposed schedule of classes prior to the final draft. Schedules will be on the social work announcement boards and sent through the social work listserv.

g. We do not schedule classes at 10:00 AM on Wednesdays. We give students this time slot to organize and meet.

h. With approval of the Department Chair, students may select their academic advisor.

i. Social Work Majors have a listserv, which is sponsored by the Campus Association of Social Workers. To subscribe, send email to listserv@papa.uncp.edu. In the message type what is included in the quotation marks: "subscribe casw". This should be followed by the student's email address.

If social work majors have questions regarding the issue of participation in policy decisions, they are encouraged to seek out their academic advisor or the Director of the Social Work Program.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES POLICY STATEMENT

Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments is requested to speak directly to Disability Support Services and the instructor, as early in the semester (preferably within the first week) as possible. All discussions will remain confidential. Please contact Mary Helen Walker, Disability Support Services, DF Lowry Building, 910-521-6695.

If students have any concerns about accommodations, DSS should be contacted at 910-521-6695 or dss@uncp.edu

A STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is one of sixteen institutions of The University of North Carolina. The Pembroke campus and its Social Work Program are dedicated to equality of opportunity within its community. Accordingly, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and its Social Work Program does not practice or condone discrimination, in any form, against students, employees, or applicants on the grounds of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability. The University of North Carolina and the Social Work Program commits itself to positive action to secure equal opportunity.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Requirements for a Bachelor of Social Work Degree

	Sem. Hrs.
Freshman Seminar	1
General Education Requirements	44
Major Requirements SWK 200, 245, 345, 348, 371,380, 385, 391, 445, 448, 450, 480, 490, 491	43
Select 9 hours from: SWK 382, 383,370, 384, 388, 389, 387	9
(Students must also take BIO 103 or equivalent and ENC 100 or equivalent)
Electives (Recommended electives: SOC 303, SOC/SWK 360 or PSY 208, or MAT 210; SOC 313, 375, 377; SWK 350, 354, 403; CRJ 440)	23
Total:	120

Advisement Policies

In order to graduate from the Social Work Program, students are required to successfully complete:

a. UNC-P's Liberal Arts Foundation;

b. Specific Liberal Arts Prerequisites;

c. The Professional Core of SWK courses and SWK electives (above)

d. UNC-P electives

All social work majors are required to have an academic advisor approved by the Director of the Social Work Program. Students may select an advisor from one of the social work faculty (all of which have an MSW degree). Otherwise the Director of the Social Work Program makes the appointment. Two documents will assist students in meeting academic course requirements. Immediately below, one will find the Model Curriculum Guide. This guide offers the student an outline of the best way to complete the major. The Advisement Guide for SWK Faculty and Students is housed in Room 217 of the BA Building and by all SWK academic advisors. It is attached to this document to enable the student to download it. Students are strongly encouraged to use this form to keep track of their academic progress. Academic advisors have the option of keeping a copy of this form or to use the computer database.

THE MODEL CURRICULUM GUIDE

Freshman Year

Fall	Spring
ENG 105	ENG 106
BIO 103	GGY 206 or ECN 100
MAT 105	HST 101, 102, 205, or 221
PSY 101	ENG 203, 205, or 206
Fine Arts	REL 130
FRS 100 (1 hr.)	PED (1 hr.)
Total hours: 16	Total hours: 16

Sophomore Year

Fall	Spring
SOC 102	PSPA 100 or 101
Elective
PHI 101	SWK 245
PHS 110	SWK 371
SWK 200	SWK Electives
PED (1 hr.)	Elective
Total hours: 16	Total hours: 15

Junior Year

Fall	Spring
SWK 380	SWK 385
SWK Elective	SWK 348
SWK 345	SWK 360
SWK Elective	SWK 445
Elective	SWK 391
Total hours: 17	Total hours: 15

Senior Year

Fall	Spring
Elective	SWK 490
SWK 450	SWK 491
SWK Elective	SWK 448
SWK 480
SWK Elective	Electives (3hrs.)
Total hours: 16	Total hours: 15

For community college transfer students, the following 2-year plan is recommended:

Junior Year

Fall	Spring
BIO 103	SWK 385
SWK 200	SWK 345
SWK 380	SWK 391
ECN 100	SWK 245
SWK 371	SWK 348
Total hours: 15	Total hours: 15

Senior Year

Fall	Spring
SWK 480	SWK 490
SWK 445	SWK 491
SWK 450	SWK 448
SWK Elective	SWK Elective
SWK Elective Elective
Total hours: 16	Total hours: 15

It is recommended that Social Work Majors declare a Minor. However, a declaration of a minor is not required.

USING COMPUTERS AS A SOCIAL WORK MAJOR

Effective entry level social work practice includes the competent use of many tools. One such tool is the computer. Because the utilization of computers is becoming main stream in contemporary generalist social work practice, every professional core course within the social work major includes at least one assignment that must be completed on a computer. Students who do not own a computer will find 21 computer labs on campus. The lab for social work majors can be found in room 211A of the BA Building. Three other computer labs are note worthy. 1) The 24-hour lab located in the Lowry Building (across the hall from the Campus Police Station); 2) The Sampson-Livermore Library computer lab opens and closes with library hours; 3) The lab in the Chavis University Center.

Social work majors are required to have an email account to submit and receive assignments. Students may apply for an account on Snappy (name of our computer) at no cost. Merely complete the "New User Account" form found at http://www.uncp.edu/ucis/accounts/. To use and check email, go to http://webmail.uncp.edu/.

Social Work Majors have a listserv which is sponsored by the Campus Association of Social Workers. To subscribe, send email to listserv@papa.uncp.edu. In the message type what is included in the quotation marks: "subscribe casw". This should be followed by the student's name. Students who do not subscribe miss out on many important opportunities.

THE LIBRARY AND OTHER FACILITIES

The Sampson-Livermore Library serves as the principal information resource center for UNCP Social Work students by assisting them with the necessary materials and knowledge to support their learning and research endeavors.

Resources enabling the Sampson-Livermore Library to fulfill its mission include over 300,000 print volumes, 1,500 print subscriptions to serials, access to more than 250 electronic databases, special collections that include the Charlie Rose Collection, government documents, and a staff of 29. Facilities available include a computer lab as well as multimedia and study rooms wired for network access, and an electronic reference center and classroom.

The Sampson-Livermore Library provides access to 100+ Web-based electronic databases, including both state and federal documents online. The Web-based databases are accessible from any networked campus computer and via remote access

If you need assistance accessing the library's electronic resources, ask the librarian at the Reference Desk, Ask a Librarian, or call the Reference Desk at 910.521.6656. Students with disabilities needing document conversion accommodations should submit a Document Conversion Request Form to the Circulation Desk.

School Social Work License in North Carolina

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) has established two prerequisites for a BSW school social work license:

a) The NCDPI specifies a series of instructional objectives or competencies. A student can partially achieve these requirements by successfully completing SWK 354 School Social Work.

b) The NCDPI requires that students complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of field experience under the supervision of a School Social Worker with a State License.

Students interested in this type of Certification are required to give notice in May of their Junior Year. For more information about what the State of North Carolina expects from School Social Workers click here.

GRADES

All Social Work faculty are required to utilize the same grading scale. This grading has been endorsed by both the SWK faculty and the Campus Association of Social Workers.

LETTER GRADE	QPA	EQUIVALENT PERCENTAGE
A	4.0	92 - 100
A-	3.7	90 - 91
B+	3.3	87 - 89
B	3.0	82 - 86
B-	2.7	80 - 81
C+	2.3	77 - 79
C	2.0	72 - 76
C-	1.7	70 - 71
D+	1.3	67 - 69
D	1.0	62 - 66
D-	0.7	60 - 61
F	0.0	0 - 59

If a student feels that he/she has been treated unfairly regarding a grade, an appeal procedure is available. Click here
for learning about the appeals process. Please note that students have only one semester to appeal a grade change.

ABOUT THE FACULTY

The Social Work Faculty are committed to the social work profession and have an earnest desire to permit only capable student into the profession. It is an honor to be accepted into the Social Work Program. The faculty are more than academic advisors; they have committed themselves to be professional role models for students. They act as role models, are the liaisons to the administration, give career advice and assist students after graduation. Students should feel free to call upon their academic advisors for assistance in a broad range of areas and needs.

The primary purpose of an academic advising program is to assist students in the development of meaningful educational plans which are compatible with their life goals. See advisement form for more details.

Academic advising should be viewed as a continuous process of clarification and evaluation. Therefore you should communicate with your advisor at least once a semester. The ultimate responsibility for making decisions about life goals and education plans rests with the individual student. The academic advisor assists by helping to identify and assess alternatives and the consequences of decisions.

ABOUT THE ADVISORY BOARDS

Students are encouraged to make an effort to meet members of the Program Advisory Board and the Field Advisory Board. The Advisory Board consists of:

A. ten (10) social work practitioners from the local area;

B. one student students; and

C. the Director of the Social Work Program (ex-officio).

This Board will help ensure that the social work program continues to move in a direction that compliments the programs’ mission and the mission of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. The Board will also identify ways to evaluate the effectiveness of the Social Work Program. The Board will:

· Review and evaluate curricular content, including both course work and field experience.

· Review and evaluate general program objectives, design and operation.

· Identify areas of curriculum and program, needing development and/or modification.

· Make recommendations to faculty and administration for changes which are in compliance with the standards and guidelines of the Council on Social Work Education.

· Promote and advocate for the Social Work program within the college and community.

· Long Range Program Planning

Each member is asked to serve a term of one academic year. Vacancies will be filled by the Director of the Social Work Program, who will elicit suggestions for new members from the current members of the Board, Social Work Faculty and Social Work Students. The Director of the Social Work Program will act as a conveyor and facilitator of the meetings. He/she will call at least one meeting per academic year.

Field Education Advisory Board

The Social Work Program at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke initiated a Field Advisory Board in Fall 2004. The Field Education Advisory Board is composed of field agency representatives (to include program alumni), social work faculty, and student representatives. The Field Coordinator serves as the chair of the committee. The committee meets a minimum two times per year and as needed to review and recommend policies to the Social Work Department in accordance with the accreditation standards of the Council on Social Work Education.

It is hoped that the board will be instrumental in developing many aspects of the social work field program. Some of the areas in which their participation will be helpful are:

· Evaluation of the Learning Contract

· Review of the placement process

· The process of student evaluations

· Recruitment of new students

· Identifying potential field placement sites as well as supervisors

· Participation in planning for the yearly social work symposium

· Creative problem solving for the field program

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SOCIAL WORK MAJORS

The Social Work Program offers several scholarships to the majors. Applications for any of the scholarships can be found in the Appendix of this Handbook. If YOU are interested in acquiring a scholarship, complete the form NOW and submit it to the Director of the Social Work Program. Applications for scholarships are required to be completed and submitted prior to March 15 of each academic year. Presentations of the scholarships are made on UNC-P's Award Day, which is usually held in April of each academic year. Ask a SWK faculty member for more details. Following is a list of scholarships:

Social Work Majors Scholarships Description
Applications due March 15

The Maria O'Neil McMahon Endowed Achievement Award in Social Work
The award was established by Dr. Maria O. McMahon in recognition of her strong support for the efforts of the social work program at UNCP. The award is given each year to a graduating minority social work student (Native American, African American, Asian or Hispanic) who has demonstrated outstanding service to the UNCP Social Work Program and community. (Must be a graduating Senior)

Maurice Bodenstein-Holocaust Memorial Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is given annually to a social work major for the purchase of textbooks. The faculty in social work will recommend a junior student, based on merit; the department chairperson will confirm the award. This award honors the memory of Maurice Bodenstein, who survived the European death camps in World War II. After liberation, he became a social worker, assisting youngsters who survived the Holocaust. He helped them recover optimism and self-respect.

Margaret Kennerdell George Endowed Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was funded by A. Fred George in loving memory of his mother, Margaret Kennerdell George, who as a social worker gave unselfishly of her time and compassion to enhance the lives of and provide opportunities for less fortunate children in Akron, Ohio. Mrs. George was a true professional, respected by her peers and dearly loved by those lives she touched. This scholarship is awarded annually to a female student majoring in Social Work. No restrictions apply regarding race or geographical domain; however, the recipient must qualify for financial assistance and maintain a 3.0 or higher QPA. The scholarship is renewable as long as the recipient makes satisfactory progress in the program. It is awarded by a Social Work faculty committee in consultation with the Director of Financial Aid.

The Von S. Locklear Endowed Memorial Scholarship in Social Work
The Von S. Locklear Endowed Memorial Scholarship is offered to a Sophomore or Junior Social Work Major to be used for a year of study. Preference will be given to: a) Native American Students; b) those who demonstrate a commitment to profession; and c) those with good GPA's. This annual scholarship is given in memory of Von Locklear who died of Cancer in 1989 at the age of 36. During his short adult life, Von consistently demonstrated an unconditional commitment to the profession of social work.

The Jetter Bernard Locklear Memorial Endowed Scholarship (Must be Native American)
Established in 1988 by friends, family members, and Mrs. Francine Locklear in memory of her husband, this scholarship is awarded annually to an academically talented, economically disadvantaged Native American, who is pursuing a degree in the Human/Social Services. The recipient of the scholarship will have declared a major in Psychology, Sociology, or Social Work, and will be nominated by a Faculty Scholarship Committee representing these fields of study.

Social Work Faculty Scholarship
Cand