Welcome to the West Virginia University Division of Social Work and the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program! While working toward your degree, I invite you to link with the professional community of surrounding agencies, which offer many wonderful opportunities for your involvement as a social work student. I urge you to become involved in your social work student organization and to participate fully in the Social Work Division?s activities.
As you begin your professional education for a career in Social Work, you may have questions or concerns. We hope this handbook will address many of them by providing general information about the WVU Social Work Division and about your degree program. You will find this handbook helpful, but it will not include everything you need to know about life on the WVU campus. Sometimes the handbook will refer you to other sources for more information or to resources both on and off campus.
You have been carefully selected for admission to the WVU Division of Social Work, and your success in the program is important to me and to the faculty and staff. It is our task to instruct and guide you while you are a student. It is your task to be the very best student that you can be. I wish you success in your academic studies while you are with us and hope that you will participate in the life of the Division of Social Work long after you receive your degree.
Sincerely,
Virginia Majewski, MSW, Ph.D.
Division of Social Work
Revised Fall 2004
A. Academic Advising and Counseling 6
B. Degree Plans 6
C. Registration 7
D. Academic Standards 7
E. Financial Aid 8
F. Field Instruction 9
G. Student Affairs and Services 12
H. Student Organizations 13
I. Graduation 14
I. Disability Services and Assistive Technology 19
A. National Association of Social Workers 20
B. West Virginia Social Work Licensure 20
Appendix 1 MSW Degree Plans
Appendix 2 West Virginia University Division of Social Work Faculty
Appendix 3 Procedures for Implementing Academic Performance Review
Appendix 4 CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards
Appendix 5 NASW Code of Ethics
Appendix 6 Campus Map
PART 1: THE DIVISION OF SOCIAL WORK
The Division of Social Work has been a part of West Virginia University since the 1930s. Both the Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degree programs are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). In addition to the BSW and MSW programs on campus in Morgantown, we offer our MSW program at off-campus sites in Charleston, Beckley, Wheeling and Martinsburg, WV.
The Division of Social Work is committed to preparing students to assume professional social work positions in a variety of social welfare settings, especially in rural areas and small towns. We provide students with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for the planning, management, and delivery of human services to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
The MSW program offers advanced training for social work practice. We admit both full and part-time students who wish to prepare for:
The MSW program offers you the opportunity to focus on one of the above practice tracks (Direct Practice or COSA) as well as a field of social work practice (Aging and Health Care, Behavioral Health, and Children and Families).
MSW Program Goals and Objectives
The goals and objectives for the MSW program are consistent with our mission and the purposes of social work education. Each objective below also demonstrates a link to a corresponding foundation objective of our accrediting body, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Appendix 4, pp. 33-34 contains the list of CSWE objectives.
Goal 1: Prepare graduates to apply advanced practice knowledge, skills, and professional values and ethics in a variety of social welfare settings, in particular rural areas and small towns.
Objectives. MSW graduates will be able to:
1.1 Demonstrate knowledge of the generalist foundation that supports social work practice. (CSWE 3.0.M6)
1.2 Demonstrate knowledge of and skill in the use of advanced social work practice theory and techniques in either direct practice settings or community organization and social administration contexts. (CSWE 5.0)
1.3 Develop and apply critical thinking skills for conscious selection of appropriate interventions. (CSWE 3.0.1)
1.4 Understand human behavior in social environments, including bio-psycho-social variables and the patterns of relationships within and among various components of the environment. (CSWE 3.0.7)
1.5 Demonstrate the professional use of self and commitment to practice within the values and ethics of the social work profession. (CSWE 3.0.2)
Goal 2: Prepare graduates to appreciate the strengths of human diversity in working toward the ends of social and economic justice and full participation in a democratic society.
Objectives. MSW graduates will be able to:
2.1 Demonstrate knowledge and respect for the positive contributions of diversity and diverse cultures. (CSWE 3.0.3)
2.2 Demonstrate the differential use of communication skills with diverse individuals, groups and communities. (CSWE 3.0.10)
2.3 Recognize the dynamics of oppression and discrimination in its many forms and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice. (CSWE 3.0.4)
Goal 3: Prepare graduates to actively participate in programs and activities directed toward the improvement of the political, economic, and social environment of communities in which they practice.
Objectives. MSW graduates will be able to:
3.1 Demonstrate knowledge of social welfare history and social policy processes as they relate to analyzing, influencing, and seeking appropriate change consistent with social justice and human empowerment. (CSWE 3.0.5 and 3.0.8)
3.2. Identify and implement ways to create a more just society in both social and economic terms. (CSWE 3.0.4)
3.3 Understand and interpret the appropriate use of professional knowledge, values and skills for effective practice in small town and rural contexts. (WVU)
Goal 4: Prepare graduates to assume leadership roles within the human services arena, whether through direct practice, community organization, or social administration.
Objectives. MSW graduates will be able to:
4.1 Demonstrate knowledge of organization theory and its application in shaping social work practice, including the professional?s role in influencing organizational change. (CSWE 3.0.12)
4.2 Demonstrate knowledge of the role and use of professional supervision and consultation in supporting social work practice. (CSWE 3.0.11)
Goal 5: Prepare graduates to contribute to the knowledge base of the profession through research roles, including the exercise of effective evidenced-based practice.
Objectives. MSW graduates will be able to:
5.1 Apply knowledge of the research process and research methods to evaluate social work practice. (CSWE 3.0.9)
5.2 Demonstrate commitment and ability to engage in professional knowledge validation and dissemination. (CSWE 3.0.9)
Goal 6: Prepare graduates to commit to continuing professional growth and development in their own specific careers.
Objectives. MSW graduates will be able to:
6.1 Understand licensing requirements and continual need to update knowledge and skills through attendance at continuing education activities. (WVU)
6.2 Participate in continuing education activities as presenter, convener, or organizer. (WVU)
A. ACADEMIC ADVISING AND COUNSELING
Your assigned faculty academic advisor will assist you in preparing your schedule and registering for courses. This includes completing registration forms, add/drop course adjustment forms, and permission forms to take a course credit overload. A current listing of assigned advisors is posted in the student lounge.
You will work with your faculty advisor to initiate and complete your degree plan. Your academic advisor must approve and sign your degree plan as well as any changes you make to it. You also will sign the degree plan indicating that you approve and understand the courses you will be required to complete for the Master of Social Work Degree. Your advisor will keep you informed on your progress in the program and will be available to assist you with academic and career decisions. We feel it is important that you discuss your career objectives with your advisor to enable them to help you make appropriate curricular choices.
Faculty advisors post their office hours or other contact information regarding when they are available for consultation. You are responsible for making your appointment and being on time for the appointment with your advisor. If you enroll in a joint degree program, you will be assigned two advisors. (One advisor with the Division of Social Work and one advisor with the Division of Public Administration). You must work with both advisors to complete your degree plans.
When you are ready to enter a field placement, the Field Instruction Coordinator and your assigned academic advisor can provide additional academic counseling related to your career choice. Both the Field Instruction Coordinator and your advisor must approve your field instruction preference forms.
B. DEGREE PLANS
As a student, you work with an academic advisor to formulate a plan of study consistent with the policies of the Division, the University, and the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). You will complete your degree plan during the first week of your first semester. You may revise your plan, but only in consultation with your advisor. You must consult with your advisor in order to change your practice track, field of practice, or substitute courses.
Your degree plan will become a part of your permanent academic file. The contents of your file are confidential. However, the file is available for you to view at any time upon request.
If you have a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited BSW program, you may be admitted as an advanced standing student. In addition to the regular admissions criteria, admission to advanced standing requires a minimum overall 3.0 GPA in undergraduate social work courses plus a letter of recommendation from the director of the BSW program. Your status will determine degree requirements.
The School of Applied Social Sciences also offers a joint MSW/MPA (Master of Public Administration) degree.
You will find MSW degree plans in Appendix 1.
C. REGISTRATION
The University announces pre-registration dates for graduate students. The priority date for pre-registration is approximately one week after the release of the upcoming semester class listings. This allows you time to consult with your advisor and complete the necessary forms. Class listing information can be picked up from Admissions & Records, the Mountainlair or in the Division. Class information is also conveniently located on the University?s website.
After classes for the semester start, you have a limited time frame to finalize your schedule. The last day to add a class is usually at the end of the first week of classes. The last day to withdraw from classes is usually shortly after mid-term. All such transactions require your advisor’s approval. It is your responsibility to register via the WEB at http://star.wvu.edu and to make changes in your schedule or drop any courses and to be sure that the Office of Admissions and Records receives any needed signed forms.
D. ACADEMIC STANDARDS
Grading
The Division of Social Work follows the grading system described in the West Virginia University graduate catalogue. For specific information about grades, grade points, and GPA calculation, consult a current University catalogue at www.ia.wvu.edu:8888.
Guidelines for Scholarly Work
The Division of Social Work is concerned about scholarly ethics and expects students to adhere to the following standards when submitting papers and class projects:
Academic Dishonesty
WVU defines academic dishonesty as plagiarism; cheating and dishonest practices in connection with examinations, papers and projects; forgery, misrepresentation, and fraud.
An instructor who believes a student has engaged in academic dishonesty must contact the student within 15 calendar days of discovering the offense. The student has 5 calendar days to respond to the notification. If the instructor determines the student is guilty, the maximum penalties are exclusion from the course, a lower grade, and/or an unforgivable F (the course cannot be repeated for a higher grade).
The instructor reports administration of any penalties, in writing, to the Dean and the WVU Office of Judicial Programs.
If the student denies guilt or believes the penalty is unjust, or if the instructor determines that the penalties described above are insufficient, the Dean will arrange for an appeal process at which the student, instructor, and witnesses can present evidence. The Dean then decides what penalty or action to apply.
Students have the right to appeal the Dean’s decision to the University Committee on Student Rights and Responsibilities. For details on this process, see The Mountie (WVU Student Handbook).
E. FINANCIAL AID
The WVU Financial Aid Office (P.O. Box 6004, Morgantown, WV 26506, 304/293-5242) has information and applications for University financial aid programs including Work-Study and Guaranteed Student Loans.
Each year in February, the Division of Social Work makes available information about internal scholarships and financial assistance for the next academic year. Some of these sources include:
Foundation Scholarships
The Division of Social Work has several endowed scholarships. Specific criteria for each scholarship are announced each year for awards that apply to the following academic year. Amounts range from $400 to $2000.
Board of Regents (Meritorious) Tuition Waivers
Awarded for academic achievement to students who demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to full-time in-state students with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. The waiver covers tuition only.
Graduate Assistantships
The Division of Social Work awards a limited number of graduate assistantships to full time students each year. Awards are generally on an academic year basis with the opportunity to reapply. They provide a stipend of approximately $980 a month, and usually cover tuition costs and health insurance but not special fees. Graduate assistants perform such roles as teaching undergraduate skill building labs, teaching an undergraduate service course and providing research, teaching and administrative assistance to faculty and/or professional staff.
Our Division?s MSW Committee bases stipend awards on criteria such as financial need, undergraduate academic record, applicants’ skills, and, for externally funded assistantships, the requirements of the granting agency. We post information about newly created assistantships in the Student Lounge on the first floor of Knapp Hall and announce them on the student listserve.
Grant Funded Tuition Stipends
State or Federal grants to the Division of Social Work often provide support for graduate students. The number and amount of such stipends vary from year to year. The Division awards stipends based on capacity to carry out the tasks associated with a particular grant. There may be additional requirements such as enrollment in a specific concentration or field placement in a specific setting. Project directors usually interview students for these awards. Some awards require students to fulfill post-graduate commitments. If you accept a federal or state grant funded stipend, you must meet all conditions and requirements specified in the contract. Failure to do so is a legal, as well as an ethical, breach of contract which could require repayment of money received and result in litigation and/or dismissal from the program. It is important that you explore all aspects of funding opportunities, and carefully consider the commitments involved before accepting such assistance.
Funded Field Placements
A limited number of graduate field placements include stipends. Agencies provide some stipends; others are grant-supported. The Field Instruction Coordinator informs students about opportunities for such stipends.
F. FIELD INSTRUCTION
Field instruction is an important part of your professional education. It offers opportunities to apply what you have learned in the classroom to actual situations in human service settings and allows you to experience the role of a social worker. Note: Academic credit is not given for life experience. Previous work experience cannot be used in lieu of field experience, or other course requirement.
MSW Field Instruction (Social Work 581/682)
Regular standing students complete a 3-credit generalist field experience (SOWK 581). Full-time students will be in the field for approximately 16 hours per week from mid-October of their first semester to the middle of their second semester. Generalist field experience includes 288 hours in an agency setting and 12 hours of integrative seminars. Part-time students fulfill the generalist field experience in their first summer after completing the four foundation courses (SOWK 513, 520, 540, and 531).
Advanced field instruction takes place during the second year of the program for full-time students. You will be enrolled for 8 credit hours during the Fall and Spring semesters earning a total of 16 credits, while spending 20 hours a week in your field placement setting. Full-time Advanced Standing students enter graduate school in January and begin placement in August. The MSW Field Instruction Manual contains detailed information about field placement. You may obtain a copy from the Field Instruction Coordinator.
The Field Instruction Coordinator posts all announcements about field instruction on the bulletin board in the Student Lounge of Knapp Hall and on the student electronic listserve. The Coordinator announces and conducts orientation meetings well before field placement decision deadlines. These meetings are mandatory and will help prepare you to make your field placement decision.
Before you can enter field placement you must:Required pre-placement activities include attending a mandatory basic field placement selection session and a mandatory pre-placement orientation session. You must interview and submit a preference form approved by your assigned advisor. Refer to the Field Instruction Manual for more detailed information about field placement procedures and a list of approved affiliated agencies. A copy of the Field Instruction Manual is located in Room 105 or can be viewed on our Website at: http://sw.as.wvu.edu.
The following general policies apply to field instruction:
Please consult with the Field Instruction Coordinator regarding options of field placement where you are employed. For maximum educational growth, it is important that you be exposed to a range and diversity of practice experiences to support the professionalization process. Given this general guide, proposals for placements in your place of employment will be considered when the agency and the student are able to create and support an educationally-based field learning experience as defined below.
The Field Instruction Coordinator can provide you with the specific criteria for such a placement. If you wish to explore this option, make an appointment with the Coordinator when you enter the MSW program for help in planning the field instruction component of your degree plan.
The MSW Field Learning Contract
Your learning contract will include your knowledge, skill, and attitudinal objectives and the process by which you propose to achieve them. Your field instructor will use your learning contract as the primary basis for evaluating you.
Field placement hours must be scheduled in a way that ensure regular access to your field instructor and/or task supervisor. Any plan including evenings and weekend hours must meet this requirement.
You will prepare your learning contract in consultation with your field instructor and faculty liaison during the first five weeks of field placement. Your learning contract will incorporate your learning goals, the learning activities the agency can provide, and the Social Work Division’s educational requirements. You should discuss the first draft with your field instructor and faculty liaison and make any suggested revisions before submitting it to the Field Instruction Coordinator. The learning contract and a guide to using it are included in the MSW Field Manual.
G. STUDENT AFFAIRS AND SERVICES
Student Lounge
The student lounge is located on the First floor of Knapp Hall. The student lounge provides opportunities for social exchange with fellow students. It is a place where you can relax, eat lunch, and find information that may be of interest to you. You will find special notices and bulletins describing graduate assistantships, internships, and field placement assignments. Inside are bulletin boards with news from social work organizations, educational and employment opportunities, and special seminar information.
Mailboxes
Student mailboxes are in the Student Lounge. There are assigned individual mailboxes. You will receive mail in the box that is labeled with your name. Student mailboxes are for Social Work business only. Personal mail is to be addressed to your local residence address. If you find that you have not been assigned a mailbox, please see our Academic Counselor and advise her that you need a mailbox.
Social Work faculty and staff use student mailboxes to distribute important notices, messages, and materials related to registration, financial aid opportunities, and field placement. Check your mailbox at least once a week!
Faculty mailboxes are located in 105 Knapp Hall. You may leave messages, assignments, or other items for faculty with the clerical staff for distribution.
Grievance Procedures
The University has procedures for appealing academic, financial aid, and other matters. For details on these procedures, see The Mountie. The Division of Social Work has developed the process for reviewing students’ performance in class and in the field. The process is detailed in Appendix 4.
Current Address
At the MSW orientation you processed a form indicating your local mailing address and local telephone number. It is your responsibility to keep the Division of Social Work and WVU informed of any change in your current address. Therefore, please advise the Social Work secretary and WVU Admissions and Records of these changes as they occur. If your address with us is not kept current, important information may not reach you in a timely fashion.
WVU Graduate Catalog and Course Syllabus Retention
We recommend that you retain the WVU Graduate Catalog and each course syllabus you are given throughout your tenure as a MSW student. Ideally, you should place these in a permanent file for future reference. We also recommend that an additional photocopy of each syllabus be kept in the same file in the event an original is lost. This advice is based on our experience in attempting to furnish graduates of the MSW program with syllabi for courses taken in the past. Having copies is extremely important if you plan to take additional courses from other universities in the future. The majority of schools require that you furnish copies of course syllabi when attempting to obtain transfer credit. Therefore, it would be to your advantage to have these copies available. It is very difficult to obtain copies of syllabi after you leave the University.
H. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
The Graduate Social Work Organization (GSWO)
The Graduate Social Work Organization (GSWO) provides students with opportunities to participate in the governance of the Social Work Division and to acquire skills that are useful in professional practice. The Graduate Student Organization is the vehicle which elects or appoints students to the various Social Work committees, as well as represents students’ interests to the Division of Social Work and its faculty.
First year MSW students are invited to join the Graduate Social Work Organization and select a faculty advisor early in the fall semester with the assistance of the second year class. The organization keeps a Student Suggestion Box in the Student Lounge and encourages feedback and suggestions.
Division of Social Work Committees
The Division of Social Work encourages students to participate on its various committees and decision-making structures. Each class may elect two members for each committee in accordance with committee membership rules. The GSWO will coordinate election and representation. Student committee members have full voting rights except in situations where University policy limits student-voting rights because of legal implications.
I. GRADUATION
Certification for Graduation Forms require final approval from your academic advisor. Students anticipating graduation must make formal application for their diploma through the Division of Social Work. The application deadline for each semester is announced on the student electronic listserve. Also, please note that students must complete their degree program within 8 years; no revalidation is permitted for out-dated course work.
PART 2: INFORMATION ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
A. RESIDENCY
When you are admitted to WVU, the Office of Admissions and Records will determine whether you classify as an in state or as an out-of-state resident. The Office of Admissions and Records bases the in-state resident decision on a number of factors, including length of residence in WV, property ownership, payment of WV state property and income taxes, motor vehicle registration, and voter registration. See the University catalog for more detailed information about residency.
The Academic Common Market allows out-of-state students from participating states to pay in-state tuition to pursue academic programs not available within their own states. You can request information on the Academic Common Market from the Southern Regional Education Board, 592 Tenth Street, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30318-5790.
B. WVU STUDENT HANDBOOK
The University publishes a student handbook called The Mountie, which contains A to Z listings with information on how things work at WVU and tells you where you can go if you have questions or need information. The Mountie can be viewed online at www.arc.wvu.edu/rights.html. You can also obtain a copy from the Office of Student Life at E. Moore Hall.
C. STUDENT IDENTIFICATION – Mountaineer Card
The Mountaineer Card serves as your Official University identification and is your passport to the PRT (personal rapid transport system between campus locations), library, athletic events, and, if applicable, the dining halls and your residence hall. It is important to carry your Mountaineer Card with you on campus at all times.
If you reside on campus, your Mountaineer Card is also used in the laundry machines. A dollar value can be attached to the magnetic stripe on the back of the card by using one of several convenient “Card Value Center” machines located throughout the residence halls. Any cash value that you place on the magnetic stripe is not refundable unless you withdraw from WVU and return your Mountaineer Card, along with proof of withdrawal, to one of the Mountaineer Card Offices.
Please secure your card at all times, as cash value that you add to the stripe will not be refunded if your Mountaineer Card is lost or stolen. If you do lose your Mountaineer Card, you will need to purchase a replacement ($20.00) at one of the Mountaineer Card Offices. A complete listing of card policies is available in these offices, or you may call 293 CARD for additional information.
D. CAMPUS TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING
The Personal Rapid Transport System (PRT)
The PRT provides transportation between campuses. There are PRT stations downtown on Walnut Street and Beechurst Avenue, and at the Health Sciences Center. The Engineering and Towers stations serve the Evansdale campus. The Beechurst Station serves the main campus.
A yellow light above each station flashes when the system is out of service and expected to be inoperative for at least 2 hours or more. If the system is out of service during regularly scheduled hours, an inter-campus motorbus travels between the Mountainlair and the Towers Dormitory. When you pay your special fee portion of your tuition, PRT access will be added to your Mountaineer Card, which entitles you to unlimited use of the system.
PRT Schedule:
(Fall and Spring semester)
Monday- Friday 6:30 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.
Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday and WVU holidays No service
(Summer semester)
Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday and WVU holidays No service
Buses
Monday through Friday, buses depart from the Coliseum Blue Gate for the Engineering PRT Station every 10 minutes from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and every 15 minutes from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. There is no bus service after 5 p.m. during the summer sessions between the Coliseum and the Engineering PRT station. Buses leave the Mountainlair for the Evansdale campus and the Health Sciences Center every half-hour, 10:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and until 2:00 a.m. on Fridays.
On Saturday nights, buses leave the Mountainlair for Evansdale and the Health Sciences Center every 45 minutes from 5:30 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. Sunday buses depart the Mountainlair for Evansdale and the Health Sciences Center every 45 minutes from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 a.m.
Parking
Parking at WVU is very limited. A valid parking permit displaying the appropriate parking area number is required from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you park in a designated “decal parking lot” without a decal, you will get a $10.00 violation ticket. The Area 29 WVU Decal Lot outside of Knapp Hall is a 24 -hour ticketed lot. If you have a night class and wish to park in Area 29, you can obtain an evening parking pass from WVU Parking Control for a small fee. Contact 293-5502 for more information.
The only free parking area on campus is in the Coliseum parking lot. You can park there and ride on the shuttle bus that runs between the Coliseum?s Blue Gate and the Engineering PRT Station. You can then use the PRT to get to your downtown classes.
A portion of the Mountainlair parking garage offers paid parking by the hour. These spaces are limited, and you must arrive early to get one. The Parking Garage is at North High and Prospect Streets. Downtown Morgantown provides both short-term and long-term parking opportunities, including two parking garages. To obtain information concerning Morgantown?s parking facilities, please call 284-7435.
E. HEALTH SERVICES
University Health Service (www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/uhs)
Physicians, nurses, physician assistants, medical technologists and other health professionals staff the University Health Service. The Health Service treats illnesses and injuries, routine lab tests and diagnostic X-rays, medical advice and also provides educational programs in health promotion. In addition the following specialty services are offered: family planning for students, psychiatry, allergy injections, physical therapy consultation, Student assistance Program (SAP) for concerns about alcohol and other drugs, routine gynecology, and International travel counseling and immunizations. It is located at the Medical Center Campus on the Ground floor of the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center. The Health Service recommends that you make an appointment whenever possible. To use the Health Service, call 293-2311 for an appointment and bring your fee receipt or validated Mountaineer Card. When the University Health Service is not open and you seek health-related information, you can call the WVU HealthLine, 598-6100 or 1-800-982-8242, a service of the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center.
University Health Service hours:
Appointments – 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday
Care for urgent problems – 4:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
9:00 a.m. to noon Sunday
Summer hours – 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday
Students can purchase a low-cost comprehensive health insurance policy through the Student Health Service. This coverage is available to both full and part-time students. Contact Student Health for more information.
Medical Emergencies
WVU Hospital Emergency Department – 293-5341 or 293-5342
Monongalia County Emergency Medical Services for Ambulance/Paramedic Units 9-911 or 296-4494 (EMS)
F. BOOK STORES
There are WVU bookstores (Barnes & Nobles) at the Mountainlair, in the basement of the Towers Dormitory, and at the Health Sciences Center. Both the Towers and Mountainlair bookstores carry social work textbooks. Bookstore hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Mountainlair bookstore, which carries an extensive line of WVU souvenirs, is open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the days of home football games.
The Book Exchange (no affiliation with WVU), located at 152 Willey Street and on Patteson Drive next to Kroger’s, also carries social work textbooks.
G. LIBRARIES
The University has several libraries. The Charles Wise Library on the downtown campus is the main library. The Downtown Library houses social work materials. The library contains books, journals, and abstracts related to social work. You will find reserve readings for your classes here. The reference area offers access to social work databases. To reserve time to conduct a search, you must complete a search request at least two days in advance. Call the reference librarian at 293-4040 for more information about searches. You will also find some materials related to social work at the Evansdale Library, the Health Sciences Center Library, and the Law Library. The Audio-visual Library is located in Colson Hall on the downtown campus.
Graduate students who need books or journals not in the library’s collection may be able to secure them through inter-library loan. The Circulation and Reference Desks can provide the forms needed for these requests. This privilege is not available to undergraduate students.
You can make photocopies in the Library for ten cents a copy. (There is also a photocopy machine in the Student Lounge at Knapp Hall for student use). There are study rooms at the University libraries that you can reserve for up to three hours. YOU must reserve these rooms at least 24 hours in advance.
Regular session library hours:
Monday- Thursday 8:00 a.m. – midnight
Friday 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 11 p.m.
The library posts holiday, summer, and special hours.
Online access to the university?s library system can be found on the University?s website www.wvu.edu. We provide important information for using online social work resources during the MSW orientation. However, reference librarians are happy to help you learn how to access the online catalogue and databases.
H. IMPORTANT UNIVERSITY POLICIES
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY
West Virginia University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. The University policy, which applies to the Division of Social Work, does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color, or national origin in the administration of any of its educational programs, activities, or with respect to admission or employment. The University does not affiliate knowingly nor grant recognition to any individual, group, or organization whose policies discriminate on the basis of the criteria listed above. The University’s Affirmative Action Plan/Equal Opportunity Policy protects faculty, staff, students, and applicants from retaliation for filing complaints or assisting in investigations. For more information on the University’s non-discrimination policy, you can contact the President’s Office for Social Justice at 293-4160 or the Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Office at 293-5496.
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
Consistent with WVU policy, the Division of Social Work is dedicated to promoting social justice. It is committed to ensuring that all persons, including women; people of color; people with disabilities; gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered persons; veterans, and persons of different religions, ages, international, ethnic and economic backgrounds benefit from the opportunities it offers. In keeping with this responsibility, the Division expects faculty, staff, and students to demonstrate mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation for all persons.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
West Virginia University and the Division of Social Work are committed to providing faculty, staff, and students with an educational and work environment free from all forms of sexual harassment. Violators of this policy are subject to disciplinary action that may include sanctions as severe as discharge of an employee or expulsion of a student. The University will refer actions that violate criminal law to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
WVU has a network of social justice liaisons that have been specially trained in the institution’s sexual harassment policy and procedures. The Chair?s office can provide you with the name of Social Work?s social justice/sexual harassment liaison. You may also contact the University’s Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Office at 293-5496 for more information. All communications with the social justice/sexual harassment liaison are confidential.
Appeal for Any Discriminatory Behavior or Actions
Any student who feels aggrieved in Affirmative Action, Discrimination, or Sexual Harassment at the Division of Social Work or at West Virginia University is encouraged to file such grievance in accordance with that set forth in The Mountie (www.arc.wvu.edu/rights.html)
THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is a Federal law which requires the university to maintain the confidentiality of student education records.
The University will not disclose any information from your education records without your written consent except to WVU personnel and the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission; officials of other institutions to which you apply; persons or organizations who provide you with financial aid; accrediting agencies carrying out official functions; persons carrying out official judicial orders; organizations or their representatives who are conducting studies to develop, validate, or administer predictive tests, administer student aid programs, and improve instruction; to those who, in an emergency, must protect your health and safety or that of others.
The University cannot disclose information from your education records to your parents without your written consent unless you are their “dependent” for Federal income tax purposes.
For a complete explanation of the WVU policy on the Educational Rights and Privacy Act, see Appendix D in The Mountie (www.arc.wvu.edu/rights.html).
I. DISABILITY SERVICES AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in this class, please make appropriate arrangements with Disability Services (293-6700).
West Virginia University provides a range of assistive technology through the Office of Disability Services, which is a part of the President?s Office on Social Justice. Available software programs include:
Further information about these and other resources may be accessed through http://www.wvu.edu/socjust/disability/facmanual.htm. The web site for Disability Services is http://www.wvu.edu/socjust/disability/dsguide.htm and provides information about the full range of services.
PART 3: THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION
A. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest organization of professional social workers in the world. Its primary functions include creating professional standards for social work practice, advocating sound public social policies and programs, and providing services to its members. NASW also advocates to enhance the well being of individuals, families, and communities. Find out more about NASW at www.naswdc.org.
You will find NASW membership applications in the Student Lounge. NASW offers students reduced membership rates. By joining as a student, you will also enjoy reduced membership rates for a couple years after graduation.
The West Virginia Chapter of NASW holds an annual conference and hosts special events in which you may participate. The Division of Social Work often provides support for students who attend and volunteer at the events. For further information about the West Virginia Chapter of NASW, and for updates on coming events, contact WV NASW, 1608 Virginia St., East, Charleston, WV 25311 or go online at: www.NASWWV.org.
B. WEST VIRGINIA SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE
The State of West Virginia has a licensure law for social workers, as do most other states. Most social work positions require a social work license. The information below applies to licensure in West Virginia. If you are planning to practice in another state, you will need to obtain information about licensure in that state. For information about state licensing of social work, contact the American Association of State Social Work Boards at www.aswb.org.
The first step toward licensure is to obtain a Temporary Social Work Permit from the Board of Social Work Examiners. You may do this during the final semester of your degree program. Once your permit is issued, you must apply to take the social work examination before the next deadline date.
The WV Board of Social Work Examiners offers the American Association of State Social Work Board (AASSWB) State Social Work Examination several times a year. You must pass this examination to qualify for your regular social work license. To take the examination you must have a social work degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and hold a temporary permit.
The Division of Social Work posts the dates of the examinations on bulletin boards. All applications require an official school transcript (or a letter from the School stating that you will graduate at the end of the semester) and three professional references. For application forms and specific information on application fees and procedures contact the WV Board of Social Work Examiners, PO Box 5459, Charleston, WV 25361, (304) 558-8816 or Website at www.state.wv.us/socialworkboard.