Admissions

Introduction: All students wishing to major in social work are required to participate in the initial admission process and periodic review of their performance. This normally happens when students are enrolled in or have completed SOWK 2110 and / or 2120.

Individuals interested in the social work major should contact Dr. Cheryl A. Byers before proceeding with the Admissions process. 218-755-2836 

cbyers@bemidjistate.edu

Goals:

1. To provide an opportunity for students to assess their knowledge, attitudes and skills.
2. To provide a screening process that will generate information concerning the fit and preparedness of students to enter the Social Work profession.

Requirements for admission into the Social Work major:

1. Completion of or enrollment in SOWK 2110: Intercultural Communication and 2120: Introduction to Social Welfare with a 2.5 GPA or better.
2. Volunteer experience: Evidence that the student has extended themselves in their community in some way.
3. Provision of evidence of psychological, behavioral, or physical well being if requested by the Social Work program.
4. Complete the take home writing assignment.
5. Complete the application for social work admission and submit along with:
• Statement of interest
• Transcript
• Evidence of volunteer work and/or extending oneself in the community
• References: one should be from your volunteer work or from someone who can talk about how and in what ways you have extended and/or you do extend yourself in the community.
6. Schedule an interview with the Social Work faculty faculty.

Admission to the social work program and interviews normally occurs twice a year (fall and spring semesters)

During the admission process students will demonstrate:

1. Beginning level understanding of, and a commitment to the values and ethics of the Social Work profession.
   • NASW Code of Ethics
   • Mn. Board of Social Work Code of Ethics
   • General professional standards of conduct
2. Beginning level knowledge and understanding of:
   • Generalist social work practice
   • Ecosystems perspective
   • Strengths approach
   • Cultural sensitivity and responsiveness
   • Social work roles and functions
   • Intrapersonal adjustment to the degree that personal issues will not interfere with establishing and maintaining a professional helping relationship.
   • Interpersonal relationship skills and knowledge and appropriate application of those skills.
   • Writing skills reflecting clarity of thought and thought process; proper grammar; and organization of ideas and sentence structure.

Formal Admission Process Includes:

Student Responsibilities:

1. Students enrolled in or have completed SOWK 2110 and 2120 will submit a completed application with accompanying statement, transcript, and a 2.5 GPA in social work courses.
2. Submission of two references.
3. Completion of the writing assignment reflecting beginning understanding and application of:
   • Generalist social work practice
   • Ecosystems perspective
   • Ecomap
   • Cultural sensitivity and responsiveness
   • Social work values and ethics
   • Strengths approach
   • Social work roles and functions
4. Participation in an interview with a Social Work faculty member. Students should meet periodically with their advisor to discuss recommendations made during the admission process and subsequent action taken as a result. This may include:
   • Provision of evidence of psychological, behavioral, and / or physical well-being if requested by the Social Work program
   • Consultation with the BSU Writing Center.

Social Work Faculty Responsibilities:

1. Social Work faculty will evaluate the writing assignment and will schedule an interview with the student to give feedback.
2. A copy of the application packet, writing assignment, and Interviewer(s) feedback will be kept in the student’s file.
3. If there are concerns regarding the student meeting intrapersonal or interpersonal requirements:
   1. The student will be required to provide evidence of psychological, behavioral, and / or physical well-being.
   2. A follow-up interview with the Interviewer(s) will be scheduled.
4. The Interviewer(s) will provide in writing a clear statement of recommendations to the student concerning acceptance, conditional acceptance, or non-acceptance into the Social Work major.
5. The student’s Social Work advisor will meet with the student to discuss the Interviewer(s) recommendations.

Hearing and Appeals Process: Students can appeal decisions concerning conditional acceptance or non-acceptance into the Social Work major, along with decisions concerning retention and completion of the major. The following procedure should be used:

• Written statement concerning appeal is submitted to the Social Work program Coordinator.
• A meeting is established with the student and the Appeals Committee, an ad hoc committee established as needed to address student concerns. The Ad Hoc Appeals Committee functions similarly to the Department of Social Relations and Services Grievance Committee procedure. The Committee when convened will be made up of representatives from the Department of Social Relations and Services, Social Work program, and appropriate other University departments and programs.

Behavior Expectations: Students are expected to conduct themselves in a civil, respectful, and safe manner with regard to themselves and others. The following behaviors are expected of Social Work students:

• Student behaviors reflect respectful interaction with: peers, faculty, community, professionals, and all others.
• Student behaviors reflect an understanding of responsible leadership and followership.
• Student behaviors reflect an understanding of professional use of self in the helping relationship.
• Student behaviors are consistent with a readiness to focus in a healthy way on the helping relationship.
• Student behaviors reflect readiness to address challenging personal issues.