Table of Contents
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We have prepared this handbook to help you understand how we work. The handbook contains information on the policies and procedures of the School of Social Work and refers you to the applicable policies of the College and University. It is intended to complement the Syracuse University 2019-2020 Student Handbook. Our policies and procedures are built upon the general rules and regulations of the University. These are presented in the document Academic Rules and Regulations, included at the front of the Undergraduate Course Catalog. Please review them as you begin your degree program.
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Achieve proficiency in writing by taking WRT 105, WRT 205, and course that is approved as writing intensive.
- Achieve proficiency in the use of quantitative methods to understand and solve problems by successfully taking MAT 121 and MAT 122 or MAT 221 and MAT 222 (6-8 credits)
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To satisfy the Divisional Perspective Requirement for Humanities, students are required to take four (4) courses in the Humanities Division (12 credits)
Natural Science (7 credits)
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Academic advising is a shared responsibility between the student and the advisor. Although students are expected to take responsibility in managing their academic paths, the social work academic advisor provides the consultation and guidance necessary to foster students’ professional development. The advisement program of the School of Social Work uses faculty, professional staff, and student peer advisors. They can provide important information and assistance to you throughout your undergraduate study.
First-Year Advising by Falk Student Services
Incoming BSSW students are registered and advised by Patricia Sweeney in Falk Student Services, Suite 300, MacNaughton Hall.
Social Work Academic Advisors
Each BSSW student is assigned an advisor from among social work faculty and professional staff. Social work advisors will help you formulate your academic and career interests, connect you with University and community resources to develop those interests, and help clarify the direction of your study. Advising centers on your involvement with the BSSW degree program. Advisors will help you evaluate your progress and provide information regarding careers. As you prepare for graduation and consider employment or graduate study, your social work faculty advisor will help you explore alternatives and can support applications for employment and graduate study with appropriate letters of reference.
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Students may make changes to their registration after the semester begins, by adding, dropping, or withdrawing from classes in accordance with published deadlines.
See SU Academic Rules - Registration for all rules concerning registration.
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The David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics College Office of Student Services will monitor the progress of students on College Probation, and students will be notified by the Director of the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics Student Services office of any special requirements, restrictions, or other action that may be imposed.
Classroom Visitors (Appendix G)
The School of Social Work has a formal policy about bringing visitors with you to class. This is because client cases are sometimes discussed in class or students may disclose sensitive information about themselves. The text of the policy is located in Appendix C of this handbook.
Summer School
Any social work student may take Summer Sessions courses, however, it is recommended that a student talk with his or her social work faculty/staff academic advisor during the spring semester prior to a summer enrollment to be certain the course(s) the student wishes to take will apply toward degree requirements. If a student wishes to take courses at another college or university, the courses must be approved by the Director of the Social Work Undergraduate Program and the Associate Dean of Student Services, prior to taking them. (This is to ensure that a course will successfully transfer back to fulfill a program requirement here.)
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If, for some reason it becomes necessary for you to withdraw from school during a semester or take a leave of absence, you must submit a "Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Form." Leave of Absences are completed online in the Falk College Office of Student Services, 300 McNaughton Hall, or the university’s Office of Student Affairs, 306 Steele Hall. Conditions governing such a leave are outlined on the official form.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid decisions are made when you enter the University as a first-year or transfer student and are re-evaluated with you regularly during your study. About 70% of entering first-year and transfer students receive financial aid. Each student receiving financial aid has a designated financial aid counselor from the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid whose responsibility it is to work with the student concerning financial aid. You should discuss any questions with your financial aid counselor or a representative of the Financial Aid Office.
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Other graduation honors include University Marshall, Class Marshall, and University Scholar. Selection is based on academic standing, campus involvement, and community service, and each has a specific nomination/selection process.
Graduate School Inquiries
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The Student SUccess Initiative (SSUI) offers a unique opportunity for selected undergraduate students to immerse themselves in an intensive academic climate during the summer sessions that lead to better grades, increased self-satisfaction, and renewed academic focus. Enrollment in SSUI is limited, and eligibility is determined by SSUI and the Falk College Student Services Office in the Spring semester. For more information, contact your advisor, the Director of the Undergraduate Program, Falk Student Services, or the SSUI office at 111 Waverly Avenue.
Minors
Undergraduate social work students can choose to combine their major with minor areas of study. Popular minors among social work students include Psychology, Child and Family Studies, Health and Wellness, Public Health, African American Studies, Gerontology, and Policy Studies. A complete listing of minors can be found on the University website:
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NOTE: Since the pass/fail policy has been adopted for SWK 435/445, the Dean's List eligibility requirements for seniors only has been amended such that a senior registering for Field Instruction is considered eligible for Dean's List if he/she carries at least 10 credits (graded A-F) plus Field Instruction and earns a 3.4 GPA and a "P" in Field for the semester.
Phi Alpha Honor Society
The Phi Alpha Honor Society is a national social work honors organization, fully accredited by the Association of College Honors Societies (ACHS). Please see Appendix B to learn more about the Zeta Gamma chapter of Phi Alpha here at Syracuse University.
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University 100 (U100) is a group of Syracuse University student ambassadors who represent our diverse community and share their love of Orange through campus tours and networking events. University 100 is named to recognize its role and honorary stature within the University. And as the name suggests, there are approximately 100 students in the organization annually who reflect the diversity of the University. U100 members represent each college and many geographic and ethnic backgrounds. Applications are available online in the Spring semester or from the Office of Admissions, Crouse Hinds Hall.
Remembrance Scholarship
The Remembrance Scholarship annually recognizes 35 outstanding seniors in memory of the 35 Syracuse University students who died in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Candidates for the Scholarship must apply during the Spring of their junior year and demonstrate academic excellence, campus involvement, and commitment to the larger community. Personal essays regarding the terrorist attack are required for consideration along with an application that is available from the Office of Admissions, Crouse Hinds Hall.
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The Phi Alpha Honor Society is a national social work honors organization, fully accredited by the Association of College Honors Societies (ACHS). Please see Appendix B to learn more about the Zeta Gamma chapter of Phi Alpha here at Syracuse University.
Social Workers United
Social Workers United (SWU) is the social work student organization developed by and for our undergraduate and graduate students to encourage broader acquaintances among social work students, to discuss academic and career interests, and as a channel for student participation within the School.
In previous years, the student organization has conducted fund-raising activities to support special service projects needed in the community. The organization has also sponsored distinguished guest speakers and career seminars. The extent to which SWU can accomplish its goals depends upon the level of interest and participation of the students themselves. Currently, all members are graduate students, and we are looking forward to reinvigorating the undergraduate component of the organization. Faculty sponsors include: Ken Marfilius, Teaching Professor, Jennifer Genovese, MSW Program Director, and Kristin Esposito, Field Placement Coordinator.
Falk College Peer Advising Program
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Opportunities for involvement in the School of Social Work exist for undergraduate students through participation in the School's self-governance committees. Students are represented on the BSSW Program Committee, the Faculty Recruitment Committee, and the Promotion and Tenure Committee. Student representatives are also present on the College Diversity Committee. More information is available from the Director of the Undergraduate Social Work Program and the Director of the School of Social Work.
Volunteering
Groups and Activities
Join a fraternity or sorority, connect with your culture, get out into nature, write for a student-run publication, or fight to protect human or animal rights. With over 300 student organizations, you'll find something that will pique an interest (or 20!). Not sure where to start? The Office of Student Activities is your gateway to social activities, programs, and events that not only fill up your calendar, but also enhance your education.
Shaw Center for Public and Community Service
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The Office of Engagement Programs assists student organizations, fraternities and sororities, and other student groups with connecting with local nonprofit agencies for one-time volunteer service projects. For more information or to organize a volunteer project for your group, contact engagesu@syr.edu.
Campus Resources
Numerous campus resources are outlined in the Syracuse University 2019-2020 Student Handbook. The following is only a brief list of available services and resources. Refer to the Student Handbook for information on additional services.
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The David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics offers career services specifically targeted to students in social work and the other majors within the college. The Placement Coordinators within the School of Social Work can also assist you with résumés and career information. To schedule an appointment, see Falk Career Services Contact Us
Commuter and Off-Campus Resources
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The Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS) provides academic support services, including one-on-one tutoring, small-group tutoring and workshops, as well as academic integrity education and training. The Center is located in Room 014 Bird Library (basement level). For more information or to book a tutoring appointment, call 443-2005.
Office of Student Employment Services (HRSES)
The Office of Student Employment Services (HRSES) maintains information about all student jobs, including on- and off-campus, both work-study and non-work study positions. This information is also accessible on the campus-wide computer system, JOBNET. The Student Employment Office is located at 210 Steele Hall. Call 315-443-2268 or email hrses@syr.edu
Counseling Center
The Counseling Center supports and enhances student health and wellness by providing comprehensive and holistic mental health, substance abuse, and sexual assault and relationship violence-related services. Previously located at 200 Walnut Avenue, the Counseling Center is moving to the Barnes Center at the Arch in fall 2019. Call 315-443-4715 to schedule an appointment. There are no fees for full-time students.
Office of Disability Services
The mission of The Office of Disability Services (ODS) is to engage the University Community to empower students, enhance equity, and provide a platform for innovation and inclusion. Located at 804 University Avenue, Suite 303, this office provides assistance with physical, psychological and learning disabilities. Contact 315-443-4498 (Voice), 315-443-1371(TDD), or 315-443-1312 (Fax).
Appendices
Anchor AppendixA AppendixA
Appendix A: Essential Abilities for Social Work
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Beyond academic standards, there are cognitive, emotional and character requirements necessary to complete your course of study and participate fully in all aspects of social work practice. You will be guided in the process of acquiring and strengthening these abilities throughout the BSSW program, and you will continue this journey as a lifelong learner following your BSSW degree.
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- Liberal Skills Requirements - Transcripts of candidates are evaluated and credit is granted for courses equivalent to those identified as liberal skills requirements. Note: transfer credit cannot be accepted for any writing requirement.
- Divisional Perspectives Requirements - Transcripts of candidates are evaluated and credit is granted for courses equivalent to those identified as divisional perspectives requirements.
- Social Work Requirements - Transcripts of candidates are evaluated and course descriptions or syllabi may be reviewed and credit is granted for courses equivalent to social work requirements, subject to the following conditions:
- Social Welfare Policy Courses (SWK 314, SWK 315)
- Social Work Practice Courses (SWK 201, SWK 202, SWK 301, SWK 401, SWK 402) - A maximum of nine credit hours of equivalent credit is granted for courses SWK 201, SWK 202, SWK 301. SWK 401 and SWK 402 must be taken at Syracuse University; no equivalent credit is granted.
- Human Behavior and Social Environment Courses (SWK 326, SWK 328)
- Social Work Research Course (SWK 361) – A maximum of three credit hours of equivalent credit is granted.
- Field Practicum and Seminar (SWK 435, SWK 436, SWK 445, SWK 446) - No equivalent credit is granted; however, upon submission of field evaluations or other appropriate evidence attesting to the nature of previous field instruction, placements will be made so as to minimize duplication of previous field instruction.
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Intent to Major:
Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW)
Social workers share a fundamental commitment to creating social and economic justice in a diverse and rapidly changing world. Through practice that challenges oppression and increases the power and wellness of vulnerable people, we work to create a more just society. The School of Social Work embraces the profession’s commitment to the values of human diversity and the dignity and worth of all people, with particular attention to those who are oppressed, vulnerable, or living in poverty. We view social and personal problems as resulting from complex interactions between people and the structures of society itself, and we work to address those problems at the level of public policy, community organizations, families, groups, and individuals. The BSSW prepares graduates for generalist practice in a wide range of human service organizations. To complete the BSSW degree, students must complete required coursework as well as substantive field placements to develop the necessary skills for ethical and effective practice.
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The School of Social Work policy, with respect to professional conduct and competence, is viewed as part of the ethical responsibility of the faculty to protect potential clients of its graduates from harm. In the field placement, the importance of the student-client relationship supersedes that of classroom performance. Unethical, threatening or otherwise unprofessional conduct will be closely examined. The school retains the right to take academic disciplinary action in accordance with the procedures described in this statement when the student's behavior indicates an inability to effectively communicate, and to develop the type of interpersonal relationships that are required in social work practice, as described in the BSSW Field Instruction Manual.
Academic Hearing Board
The School of Social Work policy for academic progress and professional behavior addresses the professional behavior and ethical conduct of both graduate and undergraduate students. The Academic Hearing Board of the School of Social Work is responsible for hearings arising from the implementation of School of Social Work policy in this area.
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The trip supports student mastery of CSWE Competencies 1-3. It immerses students in both historic and practice settings that illustrate intersectionality among multiple dimensions of diversity and across multiple levels of social work practice (Competency 2). The agencies we visit illustrate the breadth of professional social work practice, and reveal stories of human rights and social, economic, environmental, and intergenerational justice (Competency 3). In representing Syracuse University, students demonstrate respectful and attentive professional demeanor (Competency 1). The experience concludes with a critical reflection essay.
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