Undergraduate Studies Catalog (1997-1999)
(716) 395-2324
Chairperson: Michael Stone; Associate Professors:
Kenneth J. Herrmann, Jr., Claude F. Wiegand; Assistant Professors:
Barbara Kasper, Stone; Visiting Assistant Professors:
Carmen I. Aponte, Diane Dwyer; Adjunct Assistant Professor:
Joseph S. Corsica, Jr.; Adjunct Instructors: Ruth Brooks,
Lucy A. Dechaine, Louise DeLaus, George Falcon, Mary Ann Kane-Worl,
Joseph Mabon, Maureen Murphy, George T. Patterson, Judith Kaplan
Polsky, Douglas J. Randall, K. Dean Santos, Michael K. Sullivan.
Social Work Program
The profession of social work is dedicated to solving and preventing
social problems, whether they involve individuals, families, small
groups, organizations, or communities. A broad range of employment
opportunities exists. Social workers are found in hospitals,
public schools, family agencies, industry, courts, probation departments,
government facilities, children's agencies, and in facilities
that serve persons with disability.
The primary purpose of the program is to prepare students for
beginning professional social work practice. In addition, students
are prepared for graduate education and responsible citizenship.
The undergraduate major in social work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Graduates who continue with their social work education may gain advanced standing in graduate programs due to the accredited status of the major.
Social Work Major
Social work majors must complete a minimum of 54 credits consisting
of 12 prerequisite credits plus classroom and field experience
in social work totalling 42 credits. Thirty-two credits in social
work are allocated to classroom and related learning to help students
understand the philosophy, knowledge, values and roles associated
with the profession. Ten credits are devoted to the field practicum,
which provides students with opportunities to apply and integrate
knowledge, skills and values into a beginning level of competence
in the practice of social work.
Admission to the Major
Students may indicate their desire to major in social work at
any time during the first two years of undergraduate study by
registering with the Department of Social Work as an Intent to
Major. Such students will be assigned a departmental advisor
to assist them with proper course planning and career orientation
as they pursue admission to the program. Students wishing to
enter the major in social work must submit an application form
to the Department of Social Work.
Criteria for Admission to the Major:*
Enrollment is limited. The deadline for applications is March
15 for fall semester entry, although some students may be admitted
prior to March 15. The program does not admit students for the
spring semester. Students seeking acceptance to the major must
meet the following criteria:
At time of application
- ** Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above.
- Demonstration of suitability and capacity to enter the profession
of social work.
- Completion of the following prerequisite courses:
SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology
PSH 110 Principles of Psychology
BIO 281 Elements of Human Biology
SOC 200 Social Statistics
or
PSH 202 Introductory Statistics - *** Completion of a minimum of 54 credits, or an AA, AS or
AAS degree.
* Transfer students must consult with the coordinator of social work admissions or the chairperson regarding equivalency of courses taken at other institutions.
** Grade point averages required of those accepted may be higher depending on the number of applicants.
*** Delta College students must complete 34 credits and meet
all other criteria. (The Delta College curriculum meets the program's
requirement of SOC 100.)
Requirements for the Major
Prerequisites
The following four courses are prerequisites for the social work major. All prerequisties must be completed before students enroll in required social work courses.
* Generally, students are enrolled in SWO 451-453; with permission of faculty advisor and field coordinator, students may select SWO 454 to complete the field instruction requirement as an alternative to SWO 451-453.
** Students enrolling in SWO 451-453 must enroll in SWO 455-457.
Students enrolling in SWO 454 must enroll in SWO 456. SWO 441
must be taken with SWO 454-456, or SWO 453-457.
Electives
The department offers electives in fields of practice and areas
of special interest. Course selection should be made in consultation
with the student's advisor. Electives are open to non-majors.
Evening Program
This program is designed to meet the educational needs of students
who work full-time during the day. Both day and evening matriculated
students are assigned department advisors.
Transfer Students
Transfer students meet the same standards for admission and continuance
in the social work program as other students. They must consult
with the coordinator of social work admissions or the chairperson
regarding equivalency of courses taken at another institution.
No Credit for Work Experience
The program does not give academic credit for life experience
or previous work experience or allow such experience to be substituted
for the field practicum or other courses required for the social
work major.
Course Sequencing
No student, full- or part-time, may take any 400-level course
required for the major until all 200- and 300-level required courses
are successfully completed.
Continuance in the Social Work Program
Continuance in the program after the fall semester of the junior year is contingent upon the following:
- Maintaining both a cumulative and major GPA of 2.5 or above;
- Maintaining a grade of "C" or better in every social
work course required for the major;
- Retaking any required social work course in which a grade below
"C" is received; and
- Continued demonstration of suitability and capacity to enter the profession of social work.
The above criteria must be met by all students when they enter
field instruction in the senior year and before they graduate
from the program.
Readmission to the Social Work Program
Requirements for readmission to the program are identical to those
for first-time applicants. Any student who postpones entry into
or continuance in the planned course of studies after admission
to the social work program must submit an application for re-entry.
Review and Appeal Procedures
The social work faculty, meeting as a committee, periodically
reviews the progress of each student. The complete formal process
for admission and continuance in the social work program, as well
as grievance/appeal procedures, may be found in the program guide
for the social work program. The program is administered without
discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, creed,
ethnic or national origin, handicap, political or sexual orientation,
marital status or status as a Vietnam Era veteran.
Program Information
Please consult the Social Work Program Guide and Program Brochure
for further and updated departmental policies and procedures.
