Grievances
Students have the right to submit a formal grievance regarding courses, instructors, staff, or another aspect of the PhD program at any time. The steps for filing a formal grievance follow the guidelines set forth in the NASW Code of Ethics (Standards 2.01-2.11) and are as follows:
Level 1 - If the grievance involves an individual faculty/staff member/student, if at all possible, the student with the grievance should attempt to resolve this issue directly with the faculty/staff member /student involved. If the student with the grievance is concerned that addressing the issue directly with the individual involved will cause additional harm and/or retaliation, they can go directly to Level 2.
Level 2 - If the issue is not resolved the student is unable to raise the issue directly with the faculty/staff member/student involved, or if the issue is related to another aspect of the program, the student should send a written notice detailing the grievance to the PhD program director. The PhD program director will contact the student, review the information, and determine what corrective action is necessary.
Level 3 - If the problem persists, and the student is dissatisfied with the results of the current plan, he/she can file a written grievance with the director of the school of social work, who will review the information and determine a corrective action plan.
Level 4 - If the problem persists after consulting with the director of the school of social work, or the student is dissatisfied with the corrective action plan, he/she can file a grievance with the Dean of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, who will determine the need for further action.
FERPA
Students at West Virginia University and its divisional campuses (“WVU” or “University”) benefit from the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. This Act, with which West Virginia University intends to comply fully, was designed to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. A more detailed explanation of rights afforded to students by FERPA can be found at FERPA Explanation of Rights.
Use of Electronics and Technology
As the field of technology continues to grow and innovate, social workers are increasingly faced with challenges regarding the ethical use of social media and specific technologies. While the School of Social Work recognizes that, increasingly, students and practitioners utilize various aspects of technology in their schoolwork, social work practice, and daily lives, it is crucial that all students adhere to the ethical principles outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics. As such, the SSW has developed the following guidelines regarding the use of technology in the classroom and in field (those pertaining to clients may not apply directly to PhD students, but should be reinforced with BSW and MSW students for PhD students serving as GTAs):
Students should avoid utilizing technologies (such as email, social media and networking, and text messaging) to communicate with clients for personal or non-work-related matters. Students should be aware that posting personal information on social networking or social media sites can create dual relationships with clients and/or confuse boundaries.
Students should avoid connecting with clients on social media or social networking sites. Students should avoid posting client information on social media and/or social networking sites.
Students should be aware that personal affiliations may increase the likelihood that clients may discover the social worker’s presence on Web sites, social media, or other forms of technology. Electronic communication with groups based on race, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, or other personal affiliations may impact the student’s ability to work effectively with specific groups.
Students should follow all ethical guidelines set forth in the code of ethics regarding peer-to- peer contact via social media and other technology.
All students should obtain informed consent from clients before utilizing technology-based interventions in practice with them and should be adequately trained in the use of these technologies before utilizing them with clients.
Audio and video recording of classroom discussions are not permitted unless specified as an accommodation for a documented disability through Accessibility Services.
Any use of technology that violates the WVU Policy of Academic Integrity is strictly prohibited.
On-Campus students should avoid utilizing technologies (computers, cellphones, Smartphones, tablets, or other technological devices) for non-class related activities, as this is disruptive to other students as well as instructors. Individual instructors may limit (at their discretion) the use of specific types of electronic devices in the classroom, including (but not limited to) cellphones/smartphones, laptops, and other digital/analog audio and video players or recording devices. Please visit the WVU Acceptable Use of Data and Technology Resources Policy for more information about WVU’s policies regarding technology.
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can create and develop academic content are not allowed unless permission is given by an instructor. Students must receive instructor permission prior to utilizing AI tools. Unauthorized use of AI tools may result in academic dishonesty charges.
Other Academic Policies
Academic policies and statements can be found at the WVU Teaching and Learning Commons. It is the student responsibility to review and understand these policies. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your instructor. Policies include but are not limited to the following:
- Inclusivity Statement
- Academic Integrity
- Adverse Weather
- Incomplete Grades
- Sexual Misconduct
- University Attendance
- Academic Standards Policy