The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley

Social Work Department

B.S.W. Program __________________________________________________________

Student Handbook

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS

RIO GRANDE VALLEY

UTRGV.EDU

2015-2016

Revised: 10/30/15

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Table of Contents

Introduction 4

Social Work Administrative and Clerical Staff 4

Social Work Faculty 4

Department of Social Work Mission Statement 5

BSW Program History 7

BSW Curriculum 8

Required Liberal Arts Courses 8

General Elective Courses 8

Required Social Work Core Courses 8

Courses that Support Social Work Curriculum 10

Additional General Education courses required by Department 10

Student Schedule (4 yr. Example) 11

Program Admission Policies/Procedures 12

Process for Admission and Notification 12

Student Responsibilities 12

Dismissal Policies and Procedures 13

Academic Dismissal 13

Class Attendance 13

Professional Social Work Misconduct 13

Initiation of Proceedings 13

Mandatory Advising Meeting 14

Faculty Review Committee 14

Appeal of Program Director’s Determination to Dept. Chair 14

Implementation of Remediation Plan or Pursuant Appeals 14

Student Complaints and Appeals 15

Academic Advising 16

Faculty Advisor Responsibilities 16

Student Responsibilities 17

BSW Curriculum Policies 18

Curriculum Policies Related to Specific Courses 18

Advanced Hours 19

Transfer Credit 19

Course Substitutions to the Degree Plan 20

Credit for Life Experience 21

Distance Education 21

Social Work Student Association 21

Phi Alpha Mu Honor Society 22

Student Participation on Department Committees 22

Appendix A 23

CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards

(EPAS) for BSW Programs

Appendix B 24

BSW Degree Plan

Appendix C 25

BSW Program Application

Appendix D 26-27

NASW Code of Ethics

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Appendix E 28

Approved Substitutions to Satisfy Graduation Requirements

(Department of Social Work Form)

Appendix F 29

Approved Substitutions to Satisfy Graduation Requirements

(43 Hr. General Education Substitution Form)

Appendix G 30

H.O.P – 5.2.2: Academic Probation and Suspension

Appendix H 31

Class Attendance Notification of Absence Form

Appendix I 32

H.O.P – 5.5.1: Student Conduct

Appendix J 33

H.O.P – 5.5.2: Student Conduct Code

Appendix K 34

H.O.P – 5.5.3: Student Disciplinary Hearing and Appeals Procedures

Appendix L 35

H.O.P – 5.2.1: Student Academic Responsibilities and Appeals

Appendix M 36

H.O.P – 5.8.1: Student Complaint Procedures

Appendix N 37-39

Social Work Student Association By-Laws

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Introduction

The faculty and staff welcome you as a social work major. You have embarked on an

academic path that will prepare you for generalist practice at the baccalaureate level. During the next

couple of years, you will acquire knowledge, skill, and values that are essential for beginning

professional practice. We urge you to use the program resources that are available to you, mainly,

your academic advisor, the BSW Program Director, the social work faculty, and the student social

work organization.

This guide, along with the university’s Undergraduate Catalog, should assist you in

successfully progressing through your course of study.

Social Work Administrative and Clerical Staff

Sudershan Pasupuleti, Ph.D., Chair SWOT 1.222

Sonja Arredondo, LMSW Program Director SWOT 1.217

Nelda Rodriguez, LMSW, Field Education Director SWOT 1.218

Estela Rojas, Administrative Assistant II Social Work Department SWOT 1.221

Cynthia Cisneros, Office Assistant II SWOT 1.221

BSW Program 665-3578

MSSW Program 665-3575

Social Work Faculty

Sonja Arredondo, LMSW, Lecturer 665-2421

Enedina Enriquez, LCSW, Lecturer 665-2972

Catherine Faver, Ph.D., LMSW, Professor 665-2628

Janis B. Feldman, Ph.D., Associate Professor 665-7369

Celina Garza, LMSW, Lecturer 665-2972

John González, Ph.D., LMSW, Assistant Professor 665-2895

Denise Longoria, Ph.D., LCSW, Assistant Professor 286-8385

Nelda Rodriguez, LMSW, Field Education Director 665-3190

Hector X. Palacios, LCSW, Lecturer 665-3820

Noe Ramirez, Ph.D., LCSW, Associate Professor 665-3577

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Department of Social Work

Mission Statement

The Department of Social Work is committed to preparing entry level generalist and advanced

professional social workers to meet the needs of an international community along the Texas-Mexico

border. The educational emphasis is on cultural and professional competence, ethical practice,

knowledge building, and leadership in promoting social and economic justice in a bi-national

environment.

Program Goals and Objectives:

1. Provide an educational program based on a liberal arts foundation and generalist social work core

content

Objective A: Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work to participate with systems

of all sizes functioning within the practice structure of organizations and service delivery systems

using supervision and consultation.

Objective B: Apply knowledge of bio-psycho-social variables that affect individual development

and behavior and theoretical frameworks to understand the interactions among individuals and

between individuals and social systems (i.e. families, groups, organizations, and communities).

Objective C: Demonstrate knowledge of the historical antecedents of social welfare, as well as

current issues in social work.

Objective D: Analyze the impact of social welfare policies on client systems, workers, and

agencies and use analysis to formulate and influence such policies.

Objective E: Evaluate research studies and apply such findings to practice, and under supervision,

to evaluate their own practice interventions and those of other relevant systems.

2. Prepare culturally competent entry-level generalist social work practitioners who can apply critical

thinking skills in the delivery of social work services to diverse populations and populations-at-

risk.

Objective A: Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice.

Objective B: Use communication skills differentially with diverse client populations and

professional colleagues.

Objective C: Practice with understanding and respect for the positive value of diversity among

client populations.

3. Prepare generalist practitioners who are guided by values and ethics of the profession.

Objective A: Understand and apply the professional use of self in practice guided by social work

values and ethical standards and principles.

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4. To provide leadership in effecting social and economic justice through all levels of intervention.

Objective A: Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and use

advocacy and social change strategies that advance social and economic justice.

Objective B: Seek necessary social change in organizations, community, and society in general.

5. To promote lifelong learning and knowledge development through formal and informal continuing

education and research.

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Program History

Baccalaureate social work education has been offered at this institution since January 1970. The

program was originally conceptualized as being a liberal arts based, broad-field major designed to

prepare students to enter the social work profession. The Manpower Development Project of the

Texas Department of Welfare provided initial funding to the University for the Program’s Creation.

This action was in response to specific, urgent socioeconomic problems and social service personnel

needs of the South Texas region. Initially, it was known as the Bachelor of Arts in Community

Services in an attempt to create a term that was understood and accepted by the public.

The Community Services Program was administered in the School of Humanities and Social

Studies and housed in the Departments of History and Political Science. In 1973, under a university

wide divisional restructuring, the degree program came under Behavioral Sciences and the Department

of Sociology. On April 22, 1977, the Coordinating Board of the Texas College and University System

authorized a degree name change from a Bachelor or Arts (BA) in Community Services to the

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degree. The name change was officially made retroactive to the fall

of 1976. The social work program achieved initial accreditation by the Council on Social Work

Education in 1976 and departmental status in the early 1990s. The program’s accredited status was

reaffirmed in 1985, 1992, 2001 and 2008. The program is currently accredited through 2015.

Currently the Department of Social Work is administratively under the College of Health

Affairs, and the faculty are housed in the SWOT Building; phone 956-665-3575.

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BSW Curriculum

The primary objective of the undergraduate program in Social Work is the preparation of

students for effective professional social work practice, under supervision, in beginning level

positions. There are five basic components of the BSW Program:

1. Required Liberal Arts Courses

2. General Elective Courses

3. Required Social Work Core Courses

4. Courses that Support Social Work Curriculum

5. Additional General Education Courses that are required by the Department

Required Liberal Arts Courses

Effective September 2008, students entering University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley must

complete a 43-hour core general education curriculum – see Appendix B. Essentially, students must

complete: 6 hours in English, 3 hours in mathematics (1314 or higher), 6 hours in history and 6 hours

in political science, 6 hours in a laboratory science (social work reccomends anatomy and

physiology), 2 hours in computer literacy 3 hours in visual and performing arts, 3 hours in social

sciences, and 3 hours in philosophy.

General Elective Courses

Students entering University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley in September 2008 and thereafter,

who major in social work, must complete 6 hours of general electives. Students may select electives

from any courses that are offered at UTRGV. An elective can be any class for which you can receive

College or University credits.

Required Social Work Core Courses

Social work majors must complete 39 hours of core course work related to social work

knowledge, skills, and values – see Appendix C. The Council on Social Work Education, which is the

accrediting body for BSW and MSSW Programs, delineates critical educational components for BSW

programs in its Curriculum Policy Statement on Baccalaureate Degree Programs in Social Work

Education. According to CSWE, social work students must acquire knowledge and skill related to:

Social work values and their ethical implications;

Ethical problem-solving;

Human diversity, i.e., curriculum content about differences and similarities in the experiences,

needs, and beliefs of people;

Differential assessment and intervention skills related to groups who can be distinguished by

race, ethnicity, culture, class, gender, sexual-orientation, religion, physical or mental ability,

age, and national origin;

The dynamics and consequences of social and economic injustice, including all forms of

human oppression and discrimination;

Social change and interventions that advance the achievement of individual and collective

social and economic justice;

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People of color, women, and gay and lesbian person, and the impact of discrimination,

economic deprivation, and oppression upon these groups;

Theories of human bio-psycho-social development, including theories about the range of social

systems in which individuals live (families, groups, organization, institutions, and

communities);

Social welfare policy and services, including the history, mission, and philosophy of the social

work profession;

The role of social policy in helping or deterring people in maintaining or achieving optimal

health and well-being, and the effect of policy on social work practice;

Generalist social work practice, including the phases of problem-solving( assessment,

planning, intervention, and evaluation) and the skills for practice with clients from differing

social, cultural, racial, religious, spiritual, and class backgrounds, and systems of all sizes;

The scientific, analytic approach to building knowledge for practice and for evaluating service

delivery in all the areas of social work practice; and

Educational contracting, supervision, and agency practice.

Knowledge related to social work values and ethics, social and economic justice, diversity, and

populations-at-risk, permeates the entire curriculum. In addition the curriculum is designed such that

knowledge areas cited above are taught principally in specific courses. The knowledge areas and the

corresponding courses are outlined below:

Content Area Course Number & Title

Social Work History SOCW 2361 Introduction to Social Work Profession

(C min)

Human Behavior and Social

Environment SOCW 3321 Human Behavior I

SOCW 3322 Human Behavior II

Generalist Social Work SOCW 3323 Social Work Practice I (C min)

Practice SOCW 4301 Social Work Practice II

SOCW 4302 Social Work Practice III

Research SOCW 2375 Statistical Methods for Human Services

SOCW 4311 Research for the Social Services

Policy SOCW 2362 Welfare Institution

SOCW 3314 Social Welfare Policy & Programs

Field Education SOCW 4353 Integrative Seminar

SOCW 4619 Block Field Education or

SOCW 4354 Field Education I

SOCW 4355 Field Education II

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The first three courses in the social work curriculum SOCW 2361 Introduction to the Social Work

Profession, SOCW 2362 Welfare Institutions and SOCW 2375 Stats, may be taken by pre-social work

majors and are generally completed prior to admission into the program. The remaining core courses

are open only to majors, and the courses must be taken sequentially as shown below:

1st Semester in the Program

SOCW 3321 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I

SOCW 3314 Welfare Policy and Programs

2nd Semester in the Program

SOCW 3322 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II

SOCW 3323 Social Work Practice I (C min)

SOCW 4311 Research for Social Services

3rd Semester in the Program

SOCW 4301 Social Work Practice II (C min)

SOCW 4302 Social Work Practice III (C min)

4th Semester in the Program

SOCW 4619 Block Field (480-hour Agency Internship) (Grade of P)

SOCW 4353 Integrative Seminar (C min)

Courses that Support Social Work Curriculum

While students are completing the above core social work courses, they will also be completing

courses in the five areas that support the social work curriculum. Students must complete 24 hours of

support course work as shown below.

12 hours required from the following:

3 hours: (Choose one from the following)

PSY 4313 or SOCI4314

3 hours: (Choose one from the following)

PSY 3337, PSY 3332 or PSY 3333

3 hours: (Choose one from the following)

SOCI 4313 or SOCI 4323

3 hours: (Required)

SOCI 4352

12 Hours of Upper Division Electives: (Upper level Courses are 3000-4999)

CRIJ, REHS, SOCW, PSY, SOCI, SOC, POLS or ANTH)

Additional General Education Courses that are required by the Department

In addition to the 43 hours of general education course work that are required by the university,

social work majors must also take eight hours:

6 hours in Spanish in addition to the 2 General Education hours.

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STUDENT SCHEDULE (4-YEAR EXAMPLE)

Freshman Year Sophomore Year Junior Year Senior Year

Semester One Semester One Semester One Semester One

English Literature SOCW 3321 SOCW 4301

Math SOCW 2361 SOCW 3314 SOCW 4302

Science Spanish Support Course SOCW 4311

History Philosophy Support Course Support Course

Computer Literacy Government Support Course Support Course

Freshman Year Sophomore Year Junior Year Senior Year

Semester Two Semester Two Semester Two Semester Two

English SOCW 2362 SOCW 3322 SOCW 4353

Science SOCW 2375 SOCW 3323 SOCW 4619

History Government Support Course Elective (advanced or

Intro. To Psychology Spanish Support Course non-advanced)

Elective (non-advanced) Elective (non-advanced) Support Course

STUDENT SCHEDULE

Freshman Year Sophomore Year Junior Year Senior Year

Semester One Semester One Semester One Semester One

Freshman Year Sophomore Year Junior Year Senior Year

Semester Two Semester Two Semester Two Semester Two

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Program Admission Policies/Procedures ________________________________________________________________________

Pre-social work majors may request admission into the BSW Program after:

1) Successfully completing the University College Requirement, i.e., completing a minimum

of 30 hours, including six hours (6) of freshman English and the mathematics requirement

(college algebra or higher math) with a “C” grade or better;

2) Passing SOCW 2361 Introduction to the Social Work Profession with a “C” grade or

better;

3) Achieving sophomore, junior, or senior standing;

4) possessing a 2.7 cumulative grade point average (GPA) at time of application;

5) Write a 300-500 word essay on your interest in Social Work as a career choice

6) Submitting a completed application for admission into BSW Degree Program – see

Appendix D; and

7) Demonstrating that he/she does not have any incomplete grades.

The application packet is available at the Social Work office or you may find it online. Completed

application forms should be turned in to the BSW Program Director or Social Work office.

Process for Admission and Notification

After verifying that the student is eligible for admission into the BSW Program, the BSW

Program Director presents the student’s application to the social work faculty committee for review.

Following approval by the BSW Program Committee, the BSW Program Director notifies the

student in writing that he/she has been admitted into the BSW Program. Additionally, the director

prepares a degree plan for the student and assigns an academic advisor, who must be a full-time

faculty member in the Social Work Department. Typically, the student receives notification within 2 –

3 weeks of admission into the program.

Student Responsibilities

Implicit in process of being admitted into the program is the expectation the student’s behavior

will be guided by National Association of Social Worker’s Code of Ethics - see Appendix E. The

code of ethics addresses six areas, as outlined below:

1) The Social Worker’s Conduct and Comportment as a Social Worker.

2) The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to Clients.

3) The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to Colleagues.

4) The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to Employers and Employing

Organizations.

5) The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to the Social Work Profession.

6) The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to Society.

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Dismissal Policies and Procedures

Academic Dismissal

Policies and procedures from the university and its academic programs are explained in the

University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley Undergraduate Catalog and the UTRGV Student Guide.

Copies of the catalog are available at the Office of Admissions and Records and copies of the Student

Guide are available through the Office of the Dean of Students,

Students are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or above to remain in

good standing (1.70 in case of freshman and 1.80 in case of Sophomore). Persistent substandard

academic performance may result in probation, followed by academic suspension. Note that an

academic suspension may be appealed if the student feels that the circumstances warrant review or

special consideration. The policy for determining scholastic probation or suspension is found in

Section 5.2.1 of the UTPA Handbook of Operating Procedures (H.O.P.)

Class Attendance

Please refer to the course syllabus for the class attendance requirements in each course that you

are taking.

Student Social Work Misconduct

The profession of social work embraces a set of core values that provide the basis for its standards of professional conduct. These values include service, social justice, the dignity and worth of individuals, the importance of human relationships, integrity and competence. The National Association of Social Work (NASW) has established a code of ethics to guide the professional conduct of members of the profession. Students enrolled in the MSSW or BSW in the UTRGV Department of Social Work are expected to demonstrate conduct consistent with those values and ethics. Students who are found to consistently disregard the values and ethics of the profession may be subject to termination from the BSW Program. The NASW Code of Ethics will be the guiding framework and source for identifying professional misconduct.

The procedures outlined below will be used to address professional misconduct concerns.

Initiation of Proceedings

Any full-time faculty member may initiate departmental proceeding for addressing professional

misconduct of a student by completing the Termination and Professional Misconduct Form. The

faculty member should describe in detail the specific behaviors or acts which indicated ethical

violations or which reveal a failure to understand and uphold the values of the profession. The form

will be submitted to the MSSW or BSW Program Director with a copy to the student’s Academic

Advisor.

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Mandatory Advising Meeting

Within seven (7) academic days of receipt of the Termination and Professional Misconduct Form, the

student’s Academic Advisor will hold a mandatory meeting with the student to review and discuss the

professional misconduct concern.

A student’s refusal to attend the meeting or to cooperate with any part of the process will result in

referral to the Office of the Dean of Students for the initiation of disciplinary action for misconduct

pursuant to the hearing and appeals procedures outlined in Section 5.5.3 of the UTRGV Handbook of

Operating Procedures (H.O.P.).

Before meeting with the student, the Advisor may seek clarification of the misconduct concern from

the faculty member initiating the action. At the meeting, the student will be apprised of the concern

and will be asked to submit a written response within seven (7) days to the MSSW or BSW Program

Director with a copy to the Advisor.

Within seven (7) days of receipt of the student’s response, the Advisor will issue his/her written

opinion regarding the alleged misconduct, recommending one of the following actions: 1) develop a

remediation plan; 2) refer to a Faculty Review Committee; 3) initiate the termination process; or 4) no

action to be taken. The Advisor’s recommendation will be submitted to the MSSW or BSW Program

Director.

Faculty Review Committee

If the Advisor recommends referral to the Faculty Review Committee, the Committee will hold a

hearing within seven (7) academic days. The student, the faculty member initiating the proceedings

and the Advisor may appear in person before the Committee. The hearing will be closed to the public

and no persons other than the student, the faculty member initiating the proceedings and the Advisor

may attend the hearing. Within three (3) days, the Committee will submit a written opinion to the

Program Director, proposing termination or a remediation plan.

Within seven (7) days of receipt of the Committee’s decision, the Program Director will issue his/her

determination. In the case of a remediation plan, the Program Director will have the authority to

amend the plan proposed by the Committee.

Appeal of Program Director’s Determination to Department Chair

Within seven (7) days of receipt of the Program Director’s determination, the student may appeal to

the Department Chair, who will review all of the documents and testimony presented at every stage of

the proceedings. The Chair will issue his/her determination within seven (7) days.

Implementation of Remediation Plan or Pursuant Appeals

If a remediation plan is developed and is accepted by the student, the student's Academic Advisor will

be responsible for monitoring the plan. Should the student fail to comply with the mandates of the

remediation plan, the Advisor will inform the Department Chair, who will meet with the student

within five (5) academic days to discuss the noncompliance. If there is no resolution, the Department

Chair may withdraw the remediation plan and initiate the termination process.

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Upon a decision to initiate the termination process, the student may appeal the decision under

the university's Student Disciplinary Hearing and Appeals Procedures, as outlined in Section 5.5.3 of

the H.O.P.

Students may also be dismissed for other misconduct outlined in University policies and

procedures found in Sections 5.5.1, 5.5.2 and 5.5.3 of the H.O.P.

Student Complaints and Appeals

The procedures for appealing grades and addressing misunderstandings related to academic

standards and expectations in individual courses are found in Section 5.2.1 of the H.O.P. Students are

encouraged to discuss these matters with the instructor of the individual class before resorting to the

formal appeals process.

Student complaint procedures for resolving complaints against faculty or staff related to

matters other than discrimination or grade appeals are found in Section 5.8.1 of the H.O.P. Students

are encouraged to resolve complaints informally, including discussing the complaint with the Chair of

the department.

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Academic Advising

BSW majors are assigned an academic advisor at the time of admission into the program. Prior

to admission students will be advised by the BSW Director. All full-time faculty members have

advising responsibilities as a part of their workload. The hours available to advisees are posted on the

faculty member’s office door for each semester. Advisors will have expanded office hours posted on

their doors; many advisors have sign up sheets. According to the University of Texas – Rio Grande

Valley Handbook of Operating Procedures, Section 6.5.4, faculty must be available for student

advising and must be available to meet with students on an appointment basis. In addition, Social

Work faculty expands their office hours during advising periods.

According to Macy et al. (1995), social work advising should be designed to promote the

following basic purposes:

Orientation and initial assessment of interests, aptitudes, values, and abilities for professional

social work practice.

Integration of liberal arts perspective with the professional foundation content contained in the

professional curriculum areas.

Systematic self-appraisal of professional values, knowledge, and competencies.

Development of a life-long orientation towards professional growth.

Integration of the cognitive, affective, and experiential learning components of the structured

curriculum.

Effective use of campus and community-based academic and personal improvement services to

facilitate professional development.

Selection of elective courses and fieldwork settings that meet professional development needs

and career interests.

Faculty Advisor Responsibilities

The advisor will:

1. assist the student in evaluating his/her aptitude and motivation for a career in social

work;

2. engage the student in a process that allows for early and periodic evaluation of his/her

performance in the total educational program;

3. assist the student in the selection of courses and program planning

4. refer student with academic or personal problems to appropriate resources within the

university and in the community, and

5. assess with student the field settings that best meet their education needs and career

goals.

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Student Responsibilities

The social work faculty is committed to the provision of quality academic advising; however,

the student has the major responsibility for the satisfactory completion of his/her degree program. The

specific responsibilities of the student include:

1. Meet with your faculty advisor each semester for academic planning and to obtain a

“release of registration hold”.

2. Plan your schedule each semester to ensure that there is reasonable progress toward

completion of the degree.

3. Satisfactorily complete all courses for which you have registered.

4. Review the Undergraduate Catalog and University Student Guide to be aware of the

academic policies and procedures related to admission, tuition, financial assistance,

registration, library services, graduation, student services, and the learning assistance and

guidance center.

5. Maintain a current email address, mailing address and phone number with the office of

admissions and records and the Department of Social Work.

6. Read and abide by the BSW student manual.

Macy, Harry J., et. Al. (1995). Directing the Baccalaureate Social Work Program: An Ecological

Perspective. Jefferson City, MI: Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Director.

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BSW Curriculum Policies

Curriculum Policies Related to Specific Courses

SOCW 2361 Introduction to the Social Work Profession

A student must make a minimum of a “C” grade in the introduction course in order to be

admitted to the Social Work Program.

SOCW 3323, 4301, & 4302 Social Work Practice I, II, & III

Only social work majors may enroll in the social work practice courses.

A social work major must successfully complete Practice I, II, & III with grades of “C” or

better in order to be admitted into Field Practicum.

SOCW 4301 & 4302 may be taken currently after successful completion of SOCW 3323

Social Work Practice I.

SOCW 4619 Block Field (480-hour field internship)*

The internship course (SOCW 4619 or SOCW 4354/4355) may not be waived.

Students are eligible to enter into Field (SOCW 4619 or SOCW 4354/4355) after completion

of the following requirements:

a. The student must be admitted to Social Work Program.

b. A degree plan must be on file with the Department of Social Work.

c. The student must have a 2.0 GPA in the General Education Curriculum and a 2.7 GPA

in social work.

d. The student must have successfully completed SOCW 2361, 2362, 2375, 3314, 3321,

3322, 3323, 4301, 4302, and 4311.

e. The student must have completed all general education curriculum (43 hrs.), complete

the additional 8 department requirement hours, complete all 24 hours of the social work

support courses, and the 6 hours of the general elective hours.

f. If requesting substitutions the student must have completed all substitution forms

before applying into the field education program.

g. The student must take SOCW 4353 Integrative Field Seminar concurrently with the

field internship course (SOCW 4619 or SOCW 4354).

h. The student must have applied for Graduation with the Office of Admissions and

Records.

i. The student must complete an application for admission into the field education

program.

* Many agencies require a criminal history check. If this is an issue for you, please notify the

Field Education Director.

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Social work majors who, for circumstances in their placement, seek, and are accepted for

transfer by the office of field instruction to another agency during the semester, will receive credit for

the clock hours that were successfully completed at the original placement.

A social work major may receive an “IP” (In Progress) grade for the field internship course

under the following circumstances:

a. the student was not able to complete the number of clock hours necessary due to

circumstances of the social agency that were beyond the control of the student;

b. The student was not able to complete the number of clock hours necessary due to

unusual personal or health circumstances; or

c. The student was not able to complete the number of clock hours necessary due to an

unexpected withdrawal from the university.

All in progress (IP) grades in the field internship must be changed to a passing grade by the

designated faculty liaison. Unless the liaison submits a grade within the following regular semester,

an “I” automatically turns into an “F” grade. In any case, incomplete grades in the internship must be

removed before the major is certified for graduation.

Advanced Hours

Effective September 2008, all entering and/or transfer students must complete 51 advanced

hours. Advanced hours are earned in upper division courses, those numbered 3000 and above. This

university requirement is satisfied when the student completes the core social work curriculum and the

support course work. The social work curriculum contains 30 advanced hours, and students must

complete 24 advanced hours in support courses for a total of 54 hours.

Transfer Credit

The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley accepts transfer credit from accredited lower

division and upper division colleges and universities. UTRGV policies and procedures for transfer of

college credit are described in detail in the university catalog. As relates to the transfer of social work

courses, the department of social work routinely accepts transfer courses from Texas institutions of

higher education for the 1st two courses in the curriculum. As part of an articulation agreement that

was drawn up by the Texas Coordinating Board of State Colleges and Universities, the department

accepts the transfer of SOCW 2361 Introduction to Social Work and SOCW 2362 The Social Welfare

Institution. The department has had a longstanding relationship with the two junior colleges in the

region, Texas Southmost College and South Texas College. Both institutions offer a limited number of

social work courses and human services courses leading to associate degrees.

Transfer credit beyond the first two courses is evaluated on an individual basis, but credit is

accepted only from BSW programs that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The

BSW Program Director evaluates all requests for transfer credit, with the exceptions noted above. As

needed, the director may request that students supply copies of syllabi and or documentation, in order

to determine whether the transfer work meets departmental and CSWE standards. Since the

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university requires transfer students to complete a residence requirement, at least 24 of the last 31

semester hours must be in the major. Courses that may be accepted for transfer credit include:

SOCW 2361 Introduction to the Social Work Profession

SOCW 2362 Social Welfare Institutions

SOCW 2375 Statistical Methods

SOCW 3314 Social Welfare Policy and Programs

SOCW 3321 Human Behavior/Social Environment I

SOCW 3322 Human Behavior/Social Environment II

SOCW 3323 Social Work Practice I

SOCW 4311 Research for Social Services

Course Substitutions to the Degree Plan

According to university policy, approval of a substitution form that is initiated at the

department level is required for any course deviation from the degree plan and university

requirements. Students wishing to substitute a requirement for a specific course, whether in the

general education curriculum, social work core, or the social work support courses, must adhere to the

following process:

1. The social work major student must seek approval from his/her designated faculty

advisor.

2. If the advisor supports the student’s request, the advisor then completes and signs the

departmental substitution request form (see Appendix E) and forwards the document to

the BSW Program Director.

3. If the BSW Program Director supports the student’s request, he/she signs and forwards

the form to the department chair.

4. If the chair supports the student’s request, he/she signs and forwards the form to the

college dean.

5. If the dean supports the student’s request, he/she signs the form and provides the

provost with a copy, who then forwards the document to the registrar’s office.

Course substitutions in the general education curriculum are seldom possible. Students

wishing to substitute a general education requirement must adhere to the following processes.

1. The social work major student must seek approval from his/her designated faculty

advisor with a letter of appeal and a transcript.

2. If the advisor supports the student’s request, the advisor then completes and signs the

General Education substitution request form (see Appendix G1) and forwards the

document with a memorandum supporting the substitution to the BSW Program

Director.

3. If the BSW Program Director supports the student’s request, he/she initials and

forwards the form to the department chair.

4. If the chair supports the student’s request, he/she signs and forwards the form to the

college dean, who will then forward them to the college concerned with substitution

who will then forward it to the Vice President for Undergraduate studies.

If the Vice President for Undergraduate Studies supports the student’s request, he/she signs the form,

and then forwards the document to the registrar’s office.

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Credit for Life Experience

Under no circumstances are academic credits awarded in social work courses for life or work

experiences.

Distance Education

Starting in the 2010 fall semester, the Department of Social Work is offering the BSW and

MSSW programs to students in Laredo through a combination of teleconference, Blackboard and face-

to-face courses. Eligible students who have completed general education and other lower division

courses in our BSW degree plan will be able to pursue our BSW on a part-time basis. Students with a

bachelor’s degree in social work or related disciplines will be able to complete the MSSW through this

distance learning program.

Social Work Student Association

Both pre-social work students and social work majors are encouraged to join the Social Work

Student Association (SWSA). The guiding principle of the SWSA is “Making a Difference in

People’s Lives”. Its purpose is to promote awareness about the profession of social work in the

community, as well as on campus, and to foster unity among social work students through mutual

support and advocacy. The organization offers students opportunities to enhance personal growth

through sharing and working together and to learn about organizational dynamics and leadership.

The student organization operates through a committee structure which offers social work

students many opportunities to participate in community service activities, fundraising, student

support, student recruitment, and community and university events. (See SWSA By-laws, Appendix

43). Its Executive Committee includes the Officers of the organization, as well as the Chairperson of

its six standing committees, ensuring broad-based decision-making and information sharing. Elections

are held each semester.

Students may join the organization at any time during the year by contacting SWSA’s

Recruitment Committee Chair or Treasurer. A small membership fee is required. The combination of

membership dues and special fundraising projects helps finance lunch meetings, as well as student

trips to NASW conferences or Social Work Legislative Day activities in Austin and/or other functions.

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Phi Alpha Mu Social Work Honor Society

Undergraduate and graduate students have an opportunity to apply for induction to the Phi Alpha Mu

Social Work Honor Society. To qualify for membership the student must meet the following eligibility

requirements:

Undergraduate level:

1. Acceptance in the BSW Program and completion of nine hours of pre-requisites.

2. Overall grade point average of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.

3. Grade point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale in required core social work courses.

Graduate Level:

1. A minimum of one semester of course work or a minimum of 9 credits in the MSSW

Program.

2. Grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

All eligible applicants must submit their application by an established and announced deadline.

Student Participation on Department Committees

BSW students elect representatives to serve on Social Work Department Committees that

review department policies, course offerings and course schedules, BSW degree plan requirements,

student handbooks and other program materials, and participate in searches for new social work

faculty. They serve alongside faculty on the BSW Program Committee, department committees

engaged in curriculum review and planning for the Practice, HBSE, Policy, Research and Field course

sequences, and Faculty Search Committees.

Student representatives are recruited from the membership of the Social Work Student

Association, although nonmembers who are strongly inclined to serve on these committees are not

excluded from participating. Besides providing practical input, representatives poll and inform

students regarding important programmatic decisions. The social work faculty regards student input

as essential to informed decision making in the department.

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Appendix A

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Educational Policy and

Accreditation Standards (EPAS) for BSW Programs

can be found at website

http://www.cswe.org/

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Appendix B

25

Appendix C

The Social Work Application

can be found at website

BSW Application

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Appendix D

NASW Code of Ethics _________________________________________________________________________________

Summary of Major Principles

I. The Social Worker’s Conduct and Comportment as a Social Worker

A. Propriety. The social worker should maintain high standards of personal conduct in the

capacity or identify as a social worker.

B. Competence and Professional Development. The social worker should strive to

become and remain proficient in professional practice and the performance of

professional functions.

C. Service. The social worker should regard as primary the service obligation of the social

work profession.

D. Integrity. The social worker should act in accordance with the highest standards of

professional integrity.

E. Scholarship and Research. The social worker engaged in study and research should be

guided by the conventions of scholarly inquiry.

II. The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to Clients

F. Primacy of Clients’ Interests. The social worker’s primary responsibility is to clients.

G. Rights and Prerogatives of clients. The social worker should make every effort to

foster maximum self-determination on the part of clients.

H. Confidentiality and Privacy. The social worker should respect the privacy of clients

and hold in confidence all information obtained in the course of professional service.

I. Fees. When setting fees, the social worker should ensure that they are fair, reasonable,

considerate, and commensurate with the service performed and with due regard for the

clients’ ability to pay.

III. The Social Workers Ethical Responsibility to Colleagues

J. Respect, Fairness, and Courtesy. The social worker should treat colleagues with

respect, courtesy, fairness, and good faith.

K. Dealing with Colleagues’ Clients. The social worker has the responsibility to relate to

the clients of colleagues with full professional consideration.

IV. The Social Worker’s Responsibility to Employers and Employing Organizations

L. Commitments to Employing Organizations. The social worker should adhere to

commitments made to the employing organizations

V. The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to the Social Work Profession

M. Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession. The social worker should uphold and

advance the values, ethics, knowledge, and mission of the profession.

N. Community Service. The social worker should assist the profession in making social

services available to the general public.

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O. Development of Knowledge. The social worker should take responsibility for

identifying, developing, and fully utilizing knowledge for professional practice.

VI. The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to Society

P. Promoting the General Welfare. The social worker should promote the general welfare

of society.

NASW membership applications are available at the information stand located outside the Department

of Social Work Main office (HSHE 2.128).

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Appendix N

SOCIAL WORK STUDENT ASSOCIATION BY-LAWS

Article I The name of the organization shall be the Social Work Student Association.

Article II The purpose of the Social Work Student Association is to promote and develop

awareness among the community about the profession of social work, while fostering

unity among social work students through student support and advocacy.

Article III Membership

Section 1. Membership shall be open to students of the University of Texas-Pan

American regardless of race, national origin, creed or political

affiliation, sex (in accordance with Title IX), religion, age, disability,

sexual orientation, or veteran’s status.

Section 2. Membership is limited to social work students of the University of

Texas-Pan American. Only Social Work Student Association members

have voting privileges. Only Pre-Social Work and Social Work majors

may hold office in the Social Work Student Association.

Section 3. The Advisor for the association must be a full-time faculty member of

the Social Work program at UTPA.

Article IV Officers

Section 1. The officers of the association shall consist of the President, Vice-

President, Secretary, Treasurer, two Historians and the Chairs of each of

the Standing Committees.

Section 2. The duties of the President shall be to preside at all meetings of the

Social Work Student Association and of the Executive Committee; to

call special meetings; to sign with the treasurer all checks on the account

of the Social Work Student Association; to submit at the annual election

meeting a written report of official work done during his or her term of

office; to require written reports of all Officers and Chairs of all

committees at each regular meeting. The President shall have the right

to be re-elected for a maximum of two (2) terms,

Section 3. The duties of the Vice-President shall be to perform all duties of the

President in his/her absence.

Section 4. The duties of the Secretary shall be to keep an accurate permanent

record of the membership roll of the organization, the minutes and

proceedings of the organization and of the Executive Committee, and to

be the custodian of all correspondence and records of the association.

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Section 5. The duties of the Treasurer shall be to keep an accurate account of all

money received and paid out, including from whom received and to

whom given; to collect all money due to the organization, including

dues; to pay out money only on checks signed by himself/herself and

countersigned by the President and/or Vice-President. The treasurer

must also render an account of the finances of the organization at every

regular meeting or whenever asked to do so by the President. He/she

shall submit the financial records of the association to a newly elected

Treasurer each year, at the time of installation of the officers.

Section 6. Officers will be elected for a 1-year term to begin in the Fall semester of

that year. Elections of officers shall be held in April during the spring

semester. Open balloting for the election of officers will be held for one

week. Ballots will be counted and the election results shall be

announced within the following week.

Section 7 Unexpected vacancies can be filled pursuant to a 2/3-majority vote of

the Executive Committee members.

Article V Executive Committee

Section 1. The Executive Committee shall consist of the officers and

standing committee Chairs of the Social Work Student

Association, all of whom shall be voting members.

Section 2. The President of the Social Work Student Association is an ex-officio

(non-voting) member of each and every standing committee.

Article VI Meetings

Section 1. General meetings of the association shall be held on the

date and time decided by a majority of the members present at the first

regular meeting of each semester. The first regular meeting of each

semester shall be set by the executive committee, no later than three (3)

weeks after each semester has started.

Section 2. Special meetings of the Executive Committee will be called by the

President and/or Vice-President, pursuant to a request for such meeting

by any member of the Executive Committee.

Article VII Dues

Section 1. Membership dues may be paid any time during the year.

Article VIII Committees

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Section 1. There shall be six standing committees: Fundraising Committee, Student

Support Committee, Events Committee, Community Service Committee,

Recruitment Committee and Publicity Committee. The President of the

Social Work Student Association will ask for volunteers to chair the

standing committees. If there are more than one volunteer for a standing

committee, the members of that committee shall elect the committee

chair.

Section 2. Standing Committee members and Chairs shall serve for same period of

time as the other elected officers.

Section 3. The Fundraising Committee will be in charge of organizing fundraising

events to raise money for the Social Work Student Association.

Section 4. The Events Committee will be in charge of organizing involvement of

association members in school and community events and activities held

off and on campus.

Section 5. The Student Support Committee will be in charge of providing social

work students with information about student support services on

campus, including tutoring, review session, mentoring, advocacy and

counseling.

Section 6. The Community Service Committee will be in charge of bringing

information to the membership about volunteer and community services

opportunities and coordinating such activities.

Section 7. The Publicity Committee will be in charge of publicity for the SWSA

including the development of informational flyers, newspaper articles

and radio announcements.

Section 8. The Recruitment Committee will be in charge of activities to recruit new

members to committees as needed.

Section 9. Special committees may be appointed by the Executive Committee from

time to time to address special needs of the organization.

Article IX Methods to amend the constitution

These By-laws shall be enforced by the membership to promote the purpose of this association. These

by-laws can be amended or repealed and new By-laws can be enacted by a two-thirds majority vote of

the members present at any regular meeting of the association. A two (2) week notice is required to

amend, change, repeal or enact the by-laws.