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MSW HANDBOOK2020-2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK CONTACT INFORMATION...............................................5OVERVIEW OF MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY...............................................................6

BRIEF HISTORY OF MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY......................................................................6MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT..................................................................7MCQUEARY COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES MISSION STATEMENT.....................7INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITATION.................................................................................................8

OVERVIEW OF THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK............................................................9HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK...............................................................................9SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK’S MISSION........................................................................................9MSW PROGRAM’S MISSION.........................................................................................................9MSW PROGRAM’S GENERALIST GOALS......................................................................................9MSW PROGRAM’S ADVANCED GENERALIST GOALS................................................................10SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK ACCREDITATION.............................................................................10

INTERESTED IN AN ONLINE MSW DEGREE....................................................................11PROGRAM DESCRIPTION.............................................................................................................11MSW INFORMATIONAL MEETING..............................................................................................11TRANSFER STUDENTS.................................................................................................................11

MSW ADMISSION.....................................................................................................................13MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK ADMISSION OBJECTIVES................................................................13ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ONLINE REGULAR STANDING MSW PROGRAM.............13ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ONLINE ADVANCED STANDING PROGRAM....................14APPLICATION DEADLINES..........................................................................................................15EARLY ADMISSION FOR REGULAR AND ADVANCED STANDING STUDENTS..............................15

MSW REGULAR STANDING PROGRAM CURRICULUM...............................................16DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR REGULAR STANDING MSW PROGRAM......................................16REQUIRED COURSES FOR THE REGULAR STANDING MSW PROGRAM......................................16ACADEMIC STANDARDS FOR REGULAR STANDING STUDENTS..................................................16

MSW ADVANCED STANDING PROGRAM CURRICULUM............................................18DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ADVANCED STANDING MSW PROGRAM............................18REQUIRED COURSES FOR THE ADVANCED STANDING MSW PROGRAM...................................18ACADEMIC STANDARDS FOR ADVANCED STANDING STUDENTS...............................................18

FIELD EDUCATION OVERVIEW..........................................................................................19MSW PROGRAM COURSE OFFERINGS.............................................................................20

REQUIRED COURSES IN THE GENERALIST CURRICULUM...........................................................20REQUIRED COURSES IN THE ADVANCED GENERALIST CURRICULUM.......................................21MSW ELECTIVES OFFERED IN THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK................................................22

MSW CAPSTONE REQUIREMENTS FOR DEGREE COMPLETION.............................24COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION................................................................................................24ADVANCED GENERALIST FIELD EDUCATION PRACTICUM.........................................................24

MSW ADVISEMENT.................................................................................................................25ADVISEMENT OVERVIEW...........................................................................................................25ADVISOR RELEASE TO REGISTER...............................................................................................25ACCOUNT HOLDS.......................................................................................................................26ADDING & DROPPING CLASSES.................................................................................................26

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COURSE SUBSTITUTION POLICY FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS......................................................26CHANGING PROGRAM STATUS...................................................................................................26PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE.........................................................................................................27GRADUATION.............................................................................................................................27

MSW STUDENT POLICIES.....................................................................................................28MSW NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION..........................................................................................28MSW PROGRAM’S ACADEMIC STANDARDS POLICY.................................................................28SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK GRADING SYSTEM..........................................................................28EMAIL POLICY............................................................................................................................28STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES..................................................................................29CLASS DISRUPTION POLICY.......................................................................................................29STUDENT CONCERN POLICY......................................................................................................29COURSE GRADE APPEALS..........................................................................................................29INCOMPLETE GRADES................................................................................................................29GREEN DOT SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK PLEDGE......................................................................30STUDENT EVALUATION OF EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE...........................................................31STUDENT EDUCATION FILES......................................................................................................31LEAVE OF ABSENCE POLICY......................................................................................................31REQUESTING A LEAVE OF ABSENCE..........................................................................................31RETURNING FROM A LEAVE OF ABSENCE..................................................................................32APPEALING A DENIED LEAVE OF ABSENCE...............................................................................33RETENTION, REMEDIATION, AND DISMISSAL POLICY RELATED TO ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL CONCERNS.........................................................................................................34MISSING FIELD ORIENTATION AND/OR PROGRAM ORIENTATION..............................................34ALL OTHER ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL CONCERNS..........................................................34

PROGRAM COST, FEES, AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES..................36PROGRAM COSTS........................................................................................................................36UNIVERSITY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OFFICE...........................................................................36GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP (GA)..............................................................................................36LILIANA SANCHEZ MEMORIAL MINORITY SOCIAL WORK SCHOLARSHIP.................................36COLUMBIA HOSPITAL SOUTH AUXILIARY SOCIAL WORK SCHOLARSHIP.................................37

SOCIAL WORK STUDENT INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES....................................38SOCIAL WORK CLUB..................................................................................................................38MSW PROGRAM COMMUNITY PAGE.........................................................................................38TOWN HALL MEETINGS.............................................................................................................38SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK ADVISORY BOARD STUDENT MEMBER..........................................39GRADUATE STUDENT SENATE...................................................................................................39SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK FACEBOOK PAGE............................................................................39NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS........................................................................40

POSTGRADUATE PLANNING................................................................................................41CAREER INFORMATION AND PLACEMENT..................................................................................41SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE.........................................................................................................41SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK PROFESSIONAL READINESS WORKSHOP SERIES.............................41

APPENDIX A...............................................................................................................................42

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Welcome to the Master of Social Work Program at Missouri State University! You have chosen a degree that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2016 and 2026 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019). The MSW degree provides students the knowledge, values, and skills to empower people who are working to overcome challenges that may include, but are not limited to: poverty, discrimination, abuse, oppression, addiction, mental and physical health concerns, and/or marginalization. Concurrently, the Program trains students on how to practice as clinicians, administrators, lobbyists, and policymakers on the local, state, federal, and international levels.

The faculty at Missouri State University are committed to preparing students to become ethical social workers in a global society with a commitment to social justice and a respect for the diversity of others. Upon graduation from the MSW Program, you will have acquired the skills to be an advanced generalist practitioner in the micro, mezzo, and macro fields of social work practice. Your decision to start an MSW degree indicates that you have carefully considered this Program’s mission and the strengths that you will bring to the social work profession.

During your time in the MSW Program, you will find that our faculty is passionate about helping you achieve your “Missouri STATEment” in the social work profession. You will see this exhibited through classroom expectations. We do expect you to work diligently in your knowledge, theory, practice, and field instruction courses. Additionally, we expect all students to demonstrate acceptable levels of maturity, integrity, behaviors, and attitudes as defined by the National Association of Social Work (NASW) Code of Ethics. Please take the time to review the material in this handbook to make sure you fully understand the MSW Program’s expectations.

I join the whole faculty in welcoming you to the Master of Social Work Program at Missouri State University. The faculty look forward to working with you during your time as a student in the School of Social Work. It is our expectation you will become an example of an exceptional addition to the field of social work practice.

Sincerely,

Dr. Amanda Keys, Ph.D., LCSWMSW Coordinator

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School of Social Work Contact Information

School of Social Work Office Location

Pummill Hall 105901 S. National Ave.Springfield, MO 65897Office: (417) 836-6953Fax: (417) 836-7688www.missouristate.edu/swk

Master of Social Work Administrators

Dr. Michele Day, Ph.D., LCSWDirector of the School of Social WorkPummill Hall 105Office: (417) 836-6953MicheleDay@ MissouriState.edu

Dr. Tiffany Havlin, Ph.D., LCSWField Education CoordinatorPummill Hall 105Office: (417) 836-6314THavlin@MissouriState.edu

Dr. Amanda Keys, Ph.D., LCSWMSW CoordinatorPummill Hall 105Office: (417) 836-4213AmandaKeys@MissouriState.edu

School of Social Work Faculty MembersName Email Address Phone #Ms. Michele Brown Michele516@MissouriState.edu 417-836-5442Dr. Qiang Chen QChen@MissouriState.edu 417-836-7670Ms. Natalie Curry NatalieCurry@MissouriState.edu 417-836-6126Ms. Dennette Derezotes DennetteDerezotes@MissouriState.edu 417-836-5069Dr. Susan Dollar SusanDollar@MissouriState.edu 417-836-6080Ms. Lisa Langston LisaLangston@MissouriState.edu 417-836-4529Ms. Regina Russell RRussell@missouristate.edu 417-836-6322School of Social Work Office AdministratorName Email Address Phone #Ms. Linda Steinshouer LSteinshouer@MissouriState.edu 417-836-6967

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Overview of Missouri State University

Brief History of Missouri State University

Missouri State University was founded in Springfield in 1905 as the Fourth District Normal School. The institution's primary purpose during its early years was the preparation of teachers for the public-school systems in the southwest region of Missouri. The first name change came in 1919 when the school became Southwest Missouri State Teachers College, reflecting its regional mission. By the mid-1940s, the University had expanded its instructional Program beyond teacher education to include the liberal arts and sciences; and as a consequence in 1945, the Missouri legislature authorized an official change in the institution's name to Southwest Missouri State College.

As additional Programs were implemented at the undergraduate level and with the development of graduate education, the University became an educationally diverse institution by 1972. Recognition of this further growth and development again resulted in an official change in name to Southwest Missouri State University. In 1995, Senate Bill 340 was signed into law, giving Missouri State University a statewide mission in public affairs. On the 100th anniversary of the founding of the University, in 2005, the name changed to Missouri State University. This name change identified the institution as a multipurpose, metropolitan university providing diverse instructional, research, and service Programs.

Missouri State University-West Plains was established in 1963 as the West Plains Residence Center and has been a semiautonomous, two-year campus within the Missouri State University system since 1971. Consistent with the Missouri State-West Plains is a teaching and learning institution of higher education offering two-year associate degrees, certificates and a variety of continuing education courses as needed by the employers and citizens of the area.

The Missouri State University Mountain Grove Research Campus, originally established as the Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station by a legislative act in 1899, is the oldest identifiable segment of Missouri State University. Until 1974, it operated as a state agency under a board of trustees appointed by the Governor. As a result of the Omnibus State Reorganization Act of 1974, administrative responsibility of the Station was given to the Board of Governors of the University. In 2006, the Station was integrated into the Department of Agriculture in the College of Natural and Applied Sciences as part of a reorganization of the University.

Missouri State Branch Campus, located at Liaoning Normal University in the People’s Republic of China, offers a two-year Associate of Arts degree through the West Plains campus and a Bachelor of Science in General Business degree through the College of Business on the Springfield campus. The Branch Campus Programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Today, the University functions as a multi-campus system that is integrated to address the needs of its constituents.

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Missouri State University Mission Statement

Mission

Missouri State University is a comprehensive institution offering undergraduate and graduate Programs, including the professional doctorate. The university educates students to be global citizen scholars committed to public affairs.

Vision

Missouri State University will be the university of choice to develop successful students who excel academically and in ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement.

Values

A student-centered learning environment and excellent teaching that promote and support academic success and personal development.

The generation, discovery, dissemination and preservation of knowledge developed through research and creative activity.

Personal and academic integrity in all our endeavors. Inclusiveness, fairness, equity and social justice; the recognition that each person

possesses not just one, but multiple identities; and the celebration of the similarities, as well as the differences, of our diverse campus.

Our people and their ability to foster an environment of respect for all individuals within a climate of civility, trust and collaboration.

Continuous improvement in our Programs, policies and procedures. Innovation and promotion of the entrepreneurial spirit in all aspects of university life. Collaboration, both internally and externally, to promote meaningful partnerships that

further the university’s goals. Pride in, and celebration of, the achievements of the university and campus community,

past and present. Responsible and transparent stewardship of the university’s and community’s resources

for a sustainable future.

McQueary College of Health and Human Services Mission Statement

The School of Social Work is housed in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) at Missouri State University. MCHHS has adopted the below vision, mission, values, and goals.

Vision

To promote and enhance lifelong learning, health and well-being.

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Mission

The McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) focuses on improving the health and well-being of people in Missouri, the nation, and the global community through education, research, and service. MCHHS values multidisciplinary approaches, instills the public affairs mission, and encourages students and faculty to develop lifelong learning skills.

Values

Honesty, Integrity, Respect, Compassion, Excellence, Cultural Sensitivity, Responsibility

Goals

1. Recruit, develop, and retain faculty and staff who support quality instruction, research, and service in accordance with the public affairs mission and University goals

2. Recruit, retain and support quality students who will become engaged citizens committed to using their education to fulfill the MCHHS mission and University goals

3. Develop, assess and maintain quality educational Programs consistent with the MCHHS mission and University goals

4. Develop relationships with internal and external constituencies to support academic Programs and to fulfill our public affairs mission

5. Nurture--among students, faculty, and staff--an inclusive educational environment enriched by respect for diverse capabilities, backgrounds, thoughts, and values

6. Create and foster an environment that encourages and supports scholarship of discovery, and application and dissemination of new knowledge

Institutional Accreditation

Missouri State University’s regional accrediting body is the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC). Missouri State University has successfully maintained continuous regional accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC) since 1915. Missouri State University-West Plains has been a separately accredited campus with continuous accreditation since 1994.

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Overview of the School of Social Work

History of the School of Social Work

The School of Social Work grew out of the Sociology Department in 1970 and was added as an area of study under the leadership of Dr. Clarence Ketch. However, social work courses were listed in the course bulletin as early as 1950. In the spring of 1972, the Department of Sociology learned that the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) would begin accrediting undergraduate social work programs (Southwest Missouri State University, 2003). The first social work course was taught in the spring of 1972. In 1977, the social work undergraduate baccalaureate program was fully accredited by CSWE. In 1995, the School entered candidacy status for the MSW Program for the Springfield campus. The first class of two-year students was admitted in the fall of 1996. By summer, 1997, the first class of advanced standing students were admitted. The first MSW class graduated in May 1998.

School of Social Work’s Mission

The MSU School of Social Work focuses on improving the health and well-being of people in Missouri, the nation, and the global community through education, research, and service. MSU SSW values diversity, promotes interprofessional approaches, instills the public affairs mission, and encourages the development of lifelong learning skills.

MSW Program’s Mission

The Master of Social Work Program's mission is to develop advanced generalist practitioners who are committed to promoting Missouri State University's public affairs mission. These self-reflective leaders will improve communities at the local, national, and global levels through ethical advocacy to ultimately eradicate social, economic, and environmental injustices. MSW graduates will demonstrate this through the utilization of culturally informed frameworks, multidimensional problem-solving approaches, research-informed practice methods, and evidence-based theories.

MSW Program’s Generalist Goals

The following are the Program objectives for the MSW generalist curriculum:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the history, mission, and philosophy of the social work profession and how it relates to the formulation of a professional identity.

2. Recognize values and ethical dilemmas in practice within the parameters of the NASW Code of Ethics.

3. Demonstrate professional demeanor and self-awareness regarding personal values that could impact professional judgment.

4. Understand, apply, and communicate the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences on all system levels.

5. Address the needs of populations-at-risk with an understanding of discrimination and oppression on all system levels.

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6. Understand, identify, and advocate against local and global social, economic, and environmental injustices in practice settings.

7. Recognize and value the role of research for practice improvement.8. Identify and assess the impact of social policy at the local, national, and global levels and

demonstrate knowledge of pathways to change policies to advance human rights.9. Demonstrate critical thinking skills, including the ability to apply person-in-environment

and multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks, to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate generalist social work practice on all system levels.

MSW Program’s Advanced Generalist Goals

The following are the Program objectives for the MSW advanced generalist curriculum:

1. Demonstrate ethical leadership and professional decision making through the application of the NASW Code of Ethics on all system levels.

2. Demonstrate culturally informed advanced generalist practice approaches on all system levels.

3. Analyze the multidimensional factors that form and shape the human experience and integrate research-informed practice theories that support the unique diversity factors of families and systems during the helping process.

4. Engage in social work value-based strategies designed to eliminate oppressive structural barriers and advance social, economic, and environmental justice at the local, national, and global advanced generalist practice levels.

5. Collect, analyze, evaluate, and apply evidence-based research to inform and improve policy and service delivery; specifically, in the areas of children and families, physical health, behavioral health, and community health.

6. Critically evaluate and advocate for ethical social work practices that lead to the development of local, national, and global policies that promote human and environmental rights.

7. Demonstrate wellness-oriented and other theoretical frameworks that maximize the physical, mental, emotional, social, economic, cultural, and spiritual health on all advanced generalist practice levels.

8. Exhibit critical thinking skills to appropriately apply evidence-based practice theories when engaging, assessing, intervening, and evaluating all system levels.

9. Display an advanced generalist social work knowledge base during interprofessional collaboration.

School of Social Work Accreditation

The MSW Program at Missouri State University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE is a national association of social work education programs that is designed to enhance the quality of social work education. Its members include over 800 accredited master’s degree social work programs. For more information about CSWE, please visit www.cswe.org.

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Interested in an Online MSW Degree

Program Description

The MSW program prepares students for advanced generalist social work practice. It is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

The School of Social Work offers the MSW program in two options:  Advanced Standing and Regular Standing. The Advanced Standing program option is designed for students who have a baccalaureate degree in social work (BSW) from a CSWE accredited program and who meet the Advanced Standing program admission requirements. Those who have substantial work experience in the social work field and/or have completed course work in social work (even a minor) but have not graduated with a BSW, are not eligible for Advanced Standing. The Advanced Standing program involves 34 credit hours and can be completed in full-time status (three semesters) or part-time status (six semesters). Advanced Standing students begin their studies during the summer semester of the admission year.

The Regular Standing MSW program option is designed for students who do not have a baccalaureate degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program, or who do not meet the other admission requirements for the Advanced Standing program. The Regular Standing program requires 62 credit hours to earn the MSW degree. The Regular Standing student can complete the program in full-time status (two calendar years) or part-time status (four calendar years). Students accepted for admission into the Regular Standing MSW program option begin their studies in the fall.

MSW Informational Meeting

If you are a student who is considering an MSW degree, we would love for you to attend an informational meeting. This meeting is held annually in the fall before applications are due. Please refer to the School of Social Work website for the date. Additionally, please feel free to contact the MSW Program Coordinator directly to set-up a one-on-one meeting.

Transfer Students

The MSW Program will consider transfer credits for core courses only from accredited graduate social work programs. No credit will be given for life or work experience. A maximum of 12 graduate hours from such programs may be accepted if taken at the generalist level. No transfer course work will be accepted for classes taken at the advanced generalist level. Elective credit may be transferred from other social work programs or from programs related to social work (i.e., psychology, counseling, public health, etc.). Elective courses must have been taken within 5 years of entering the MSW Program in order to count toward the degree requirements.

After a prospective student has been accepted for admission, the MSW Coordinator will determine the amount of acceptable transfer credit (up to the maximum credit allowed) following a review of official transcripts, catalog descriptions, and course syllabi. Primary emphasis is on assessing whether the objectives and content of transfer courses matches those of required

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Missouri State University courses. No transfer credits for core courses or electives will be accepted if the student earned less than a "B" or took the class more than 5 years prior to enrolling in the MSW Program.

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MSW Admission

Master of Social Work Admission Objectives

Admission to the Master of Social Work program is competitive and selective. All applicants from the Heart of the Midwest (i.e., Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas) are encouraged to apply to MSU’s online MSW program. All applicants applying on time and meeting the minimum standards will be considered for admission. However, merely meeting these standards does not guarantee admission. Only those students showing significant promise for a career in social work will be admitted to the program. The MSW program is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to all students regardless of their economic or social status, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, political orientation, disability, age, veterans’ status, or marital or parental status.

Admission Requirements for the Online Regular Standing MSW Program

Regular Standing MSW program applicants will apply using the centralized application service for social work known as SocialWorkCAS. To begin this process, the applicant will create an account through the SocialWorkCAS website (socialworkcas.liaisoncas.org). SocialWorkCAS will verify the application for accuracy, calculate the GPA, and send materials to all specified Master of Social Work programs.

All documents required for the Missouri State University MSW application will all be submitted through SocialWorkCAS. The GRE exam is not required for admission.

Students are eligible to apply for admission into the Regular Standing MSW program when the following conditions are met:

1. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by a regional agency recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

2. Applicants must have earned an overall GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for all undergraduate course work taken. The GPA for upper-division course work (last 60 hours) in undergraduate classes

may be used if higher than the overall GPA and if this GPA is calculated by the Graduate College or a referring college office.

3. Applicants must also have taken at least 3 credits in research design and/or statistics with a grade of “C” or better, preferably in the social sciences, as evidenced in the departmental application and student transcript.

4. Prerequisites: Applicants must show evidence of a bachelor’s degree that encompasses a liberal arts perspective with at least 9 credits of social science, child, family or aging studies preferred. A liberal arts perspective is considered a program of study that involves classes

from the following areas: economics, history or geography; natural, applied or life science; humanities, philosophy or literature; writing or other communication studies; mathematics or statistics; and social or human sciences.

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Admission Requirements for the Online Advanced Standing Program

Advanced Standing MSW program applicants will apply using the centralized application service for social work known as SocialWorkCAS. To begin this process, the applicant will create an account through the SocialWorkCAS website (socialworkcas.liaisoncas.org). SocialWorkCAS will verify the application for accuracy, calculate the GPA, and send materials to all specified Master of Social Work programs.

All documents required for the Missouri State University MSW application will all be submitted through SocialWorkCAS. The GRE exam is not required for admission.

Students are eligible to apply for admission into the Advanced Standing MSW program when the following conditions are met:

1. Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from an undergraduate program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) no longer than seven years prior to admission to the MSW program. It is the responsibility of the applicant to verify their Bachelor of Social work

meets CSWE's accreditation standards before applying to the advanced standing program.

Verification is to be submitted with the application by a notation of CSWE accreditation on the official transcript, or a copy of accreditation status of BSW degree awarding university listed on CSWE Accreditation page.

2. Applicants must have no more than one grade of "C" and not grades below "C" in all social work prefixed courses.

3. Applicants must also have taken at least 3 credits in research design and/or statistics, preferably in the social sciences, with a grade of “C” or better in both, as evidenced in the departmental application and student transcript.

4. Applicants must have earned an overall GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for all undergraduate course work taken.

o The GPA for upper-division course work (last 60 hours) in undergraduate classes may be used if higher than the overall GPA and if this GPA is calculated by the Graduate College or a referring college office.

5. International students can apply for advanced standing program by completing the following procedures: CSWE's International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service

(ISWDRES) recognizes academic credentials in social work that are comparable to accredited baccalaureate and master's degrees in social work in the United States. Recognition is necessary to establish qualifications for employment, graduate school admission, membership in the National Association of Social Workers, state licensing, and/or certification.

An International applicant is required to complete the ISWDRES screening form through Council on Social Work Education to determine if a social work degree has been obtained before applying to advanced standing program.

Verification is to be submitted with the application through notation of CSWE accredited program on the official transcript or other forms of official CSWE document.

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Application Deadlines

The application deadline is January 31st. The deadline will be strictly enforced so applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applicants must have all application materials submitted by the application deadline for consideration. It is recommended that all transcripts be received by SocialWorkCAS no later than two weeks before the due date in order to meet the admission deadline.

Admission to the MSW program involves the “whole person” concept. As such, the admission process considers a person’s character and personal fitness to the social work profession, academic preparedness for graduate study, and a student’s potential to conduct applied social work. Evidence of this includes previous employment or significant volunteer experience in human services, the student’s statement of purpose, letters of reference, and other information relevant to the admission decision.

Early Admission for Regular and Advanced Standing Students

Early admission will only be available to students from academic programs with whom MSU has a Memorandum of Understanding. Students are eligible for early admission after completing 60 credit hours. Early admission students will be required to complete the same application through SocialWorkCAS. The application deadline will remain the same as Advanced Standing and Regular Standing MSW program students. The admission requirements are the same. The only difference will be that students’ transcripts will not show undergraduate course completion. Upon undergraduate graduation, accepted early admission students will be required to send final transcripts to the MSW program. The MSW program will review students’ transcripts to verify that they still meet all the minimal requirements for MSW admission. If students no longer meet these requirements, they will not be able to start the MSW program. Student admission is contingent upon successfully completing all admission requirements.

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MSW Regular Standing Program Curriculum

Degree Requirements for Regular Standing MSW Program

The Regular Standing MSW Program requires a minimum of 62 hours of graduate credit plus any prerequisite courses. The required courses by curriculum level are listed as follows for both full-time and part-time options. The first phase in the Program is the generalist level and involves courses taken in the first year (if full-time status) or first and second years (if part-time). These courses must be completed before enrolling in the second level of classes. The second phase of course work is the advanced generalist level and involves courses taken in the second year (if full-time status) or third and fourth year (if part-time). Please see Appendix A for copies of the Degree Plans.

Required Courses for the Regular Standing MSW Program

Generalist Level Courses:Course Code Course Title Credit HoursSWK 705 Human Behavior in the Social Environment 3 SWK 710 Foundations in Social Work Practice with Individuals 3 SWK 715 Social Welfare Policy and Services 3 SWK 725 Foundations in Social Work Practice with Families and Groups 3SWK 726 Foundations in Social Work Practice with Comm. and Org. 3 SWK 730 Perspectives in Human Diversity and Societal Systems 3 SWK 740 Social Work Field Practicum & Seminar I (450 hours) 10   Total Hours for Generalist Level 28

Advanced Generalist Level Courses:Course Code Course Title Credit HoursSWK 746 Advanced Generalist Social Work Research 3 SWK 750 Social Work Practice I 3 SWK 754 Advanced Clinical Social Work Assessment 3 SWK 755 Social Work Practice II 3 SWK 756 Social Work Practice III 3 SWK 757 Social Work Practice IV 3SWK 760 Advanced Policy Practice 3 SWK 780 Social Work Field Practicum & Seminar II (525 hours) 10   Social Work Elective 3   Total Hours for Advanced Generalist Level 34  Total Hours for MSW Regular Standing Program Option 62

Academic Standards for Regular Standing Students

Students are expected to meet graduate school requirements for good academic standing of a 3.0 GPA for all graduate course work transferred in or earned at Missouri State University. Students will be dismissed from the Program for any of the following academic reasons:

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1. Two grades of “C” in any graduate coursework.2. A grade of “no pass” or “C” in any field practicum (i.e., SWK 740 and SWK 780).3. A grade below “C” in any graduate coursework.

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MSW Advanced Standing Program Curriculum

Degree Requirements for the Advanced Standing MSW Program

The Advanced Standing MSW Program requires a minimum of 34 hours of graduate courses. The required courses are listed below for both full-time and part-time options. The full-time option can be completed in three semesters and the part-time option can be completed in six semesters. Please see Appendix A for copies of the Degree Plans.

Required Courses for the Advanced Standing MSW Program

Advanced Generalist Level Courses:Course Code Course Title Credit HoursSWK 746 Advanced Generalist Social Work Research 3 SWK 750 Social Work Practice I 3SWK 754 Advanced Clinical Social Work Assessment 3 SWK 755 Social Work Practice II 3 SWK 756 Social Work Practice III 3 SWK 757 Social Work Practice IV 3SWK 760 Advanced Policy Practice 3 SWK 780 Social Work Field Practicum & Seminar II (525 hours) 10   Social Work Elective 3   Total Hours for the MSW Advanced Standing Program Option 34

Academic Standards for Advanced Standing Students

Students are expected to meet graduate school requirements for good academic standing of a 3.0 GPA for all graduate course work transferred in or earned at Missouri State University. Students will be dismissed from the Program for any of the following academic reasons:

1. Two grades of “C” in any graduate coursework.2. A grade of “no pass” or “C” in any field practicum (i.e., SWK 780).3. A grade below “C” in any graduate coursework.

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Field Education Overview

Field education is the “signature pedagogy” of CSWE accredited social work programs. The purpose of field education is to integrate the theory, skills, ethical standards, and concepts learned in the classroom with the practice setting. The semester(s) spent in an agency setting is referred to as a “practicum” or “internship.”

Field Instruction is an integral component of the School of Social Work curriculum. In supervised learning activities, students have practical experiences applying social work skills, knowledge, values, and cognitive and affective processes. Our mission is to research, evaluate, document, and provide appropriate field practicum experiences in accordance with the evaluation standards set forth by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).

MSW students who are in their generalist year practicum will enroll in SWK 740. This includes a seminar course and 450 completed practice hours in an agency. MSW students who are in their specialization year practicum will enroll for SWK 780. This includes a seminar course and 525 completed practice hours in an agency. Seminar courses will be facilitated online. This includes discussions and assignments aimed at strengthening social work skills.

Process of field education:

Attend pre-field orientationSchedule pre-field advising with field coordinatorInterview at approved agenciesConfirmation of field placementAttend field orientationBegin field education in agency

Field Preparation

We recommend that you start planning for field when you apply to the program. Field presents a hurdle that other courses do not. Although you create a degree plan for all of your courses, your field placement demands a different time commitment. Advisors in the MSW Program in the School of Social Work will work closely with you to develop a degree plan that includes the requirements you must complete before you are eligible for field placement.

Field Contact Information

Tiffany Havlin, Ph.D., LCSW417-836-6314THavlin@MissouriState.edu

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MSW Program Course Offerings

Required Courses in the Generalist Curriculum

SWK 705 Human Behavior and the Social Environment 3 credit hours Prerequisite: admission to MSW program.Content on life span development and the influence of various systems on the individual.

SWK 710 Foundations in Social Work Practice with Individuals 3 credit hours Prerequisite: admission to MSW program.Within a generalist framework, course provides an ethically-based, theory-driven, culturally competent approach to delivering professional social work services to individuals with varied issues and practice settings.

SWK 715 Social Welfare Policy and Services 3 credit hours Prerequisite: admission to MSW program or permission.Covers the historical development, philosophical orientation, and analysis of social welfare policy and services in the United States. Examines social welfare policy in multiple areas.

SWK 725 Foundations in Social Work Practice with Families and Groups 3 credit hoursPrerequisite: admission to MSW program.Within a generalist framework, this course focuses on basic skills and concepts related to social work practice with groups and families. Topics include group facilitation process and tasks, contrast between non-kin groups and family sessions, and strategies for working with families.

SWK 726 Foundations in Social Work Practice with Communities and Organizations 3 credit hours Prerequisite: admission to MSW program.Uses social work methods to focus on the dynamics associated with organizational and community generalist practice. This course provides a knowledge base (i.e., theory, research, and practice wisdom), values, and practice skills for the generalist social work profession. Concentration will be on social work practice occurring with organizations and communities

SWK 730 Perspectives in Human Diversity and Societal Systems 3 credit hours Prerequisite: admission to the MSW program or permission of department.Using a social work strengths perspective and the ecological system theory, the course explores multiple dimensions and intersectionality of diversity, and social, economic, and environmental justice in a pluralistic and increasingly globalized society.

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SWK 740 Social Work Field Practicum I 10 credit hours Prerequisite: admission to MSW program; and completion of, or concurrent enrollment with, all other foundation courses.Students integrate generalist level social work competencies with supervised experiences at a community agency. Seminar class with field supervision enhances the student's application of all previous foundation coursework with seminar assignments and activities of the field experience. Students must complete 450 hours in placement; required practicum liability insurance is included in the supplemental course fee.

Required Courses in the Advanced Generalist Curriculum

SWK 746 Advanced Generalist Social Work Research 3 credit hours Prerequisite: admission to the MSW Program. This advanced generalist course teaches advanced knowledge and skills in key social work research methods. By the end of the course, students will apply ethical research principles to research methodology, design, and analysis to make evidence-based recommendations that inform their advanced generalist social work practice.

SWK 750 Social Work Practice I: Advanced Generalist Practice with Individuals 3 credit hours Prerequisite: admission to the MSW Program. This advanced practice course provides students with theories and skills for working with individuals from an advanced generalist perspective. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate ethically based, culturally informed practice with individuals.

SWK 754 Advanced Clinical Social Work Assessment 3 credit hoursPrerequisite: SWK 750; and admission to MSW program.Examines advanced topics related to individual and family-based assessment. Students deepen critical thinking as advanced generalist practitioners, learn when to use various clinical assessment tools (e.g., DSM), and develop skills in data collection, organization, and interpretation.

SWK 755 Social Work Practice II: Advanced Generalist Practice with Families 3 credit hoursPrerequisite: admission to the MSW Program. This advanced practice course provides students with theories and skills for working with families from an advanced generalist perspective. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate ethically based, culturally informed practice with families

SWK 756 Social Work Practice III: Advanced Generalist Practice with Groups 3 credit hoursPrerequisite: admission to the MSW Program. This advanced practice course provides students with theories and skills for working with groups from an advanced generalist perspective. By the

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end of the course, students will demonstrate ethically based, culturally informed practice with groups.

SWK 757 Social Work Practice IV: Advanced Generalist Practice with Communities and Organizations 3 credit hoursPrerequisite: admission to the MSW Program. This advanced practice course provides students with theories and skills for working with communities and organizations from an advanced generalist perspective. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate ethically based, culturally informed practice with communities and organizations.

SWK 760 Advanced Policy Practice3 credit hoursPrerequisite: SWK 750; and admission to MSW program.Students examine policies that affect client systems, and how these policies translate into programs and delivery systems in the United States and other countries. The course expands knowledge of the interrelatedness of diversity, policy, human rights and social justice.

SWK 780 Social Work Field Practicum and Seminar II 10 credit hoursPrerequisite: admission to MSW program; and field coordinator approval; and completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, all other specialist courses.Students integrate advanced generalist level competencies with supervised experiences at a community agency. Seminar class with field supervision enhances the student's application of all previous specialist coursework with seminar assignments and activities of the field experience. Students must complete 525 hours in placement; required practicum liability insurance is included in the supplemental course fee.

MSW Electives Offered in the School of Social Work

SWK 602 Rural Health 3 credit hoursThis course offers a study of health care delivery in rural communities. It includes theoretical foundations, cultural considerations and specific characteristics of rural environments and people. Local and international perspectives will be explored. This course has a community experience component. Identical with NUR 502. Cannot receive credit for both SWK 502 and NUR 502. May be taught concurrently with SWK 502. Cannot receive credit for both SWK 502 and SWK 602.

SWK 643 Non-Profit Management in the Health and Human Services3 credit hoursThe purpose of this course is to lay a leadership and management foundation for those in social work and the human services professions from the nonprofit/social or public sectors. The history and scope of the U.S. nonprofit sector, as well as contemporary theories of nonprofit enterprise, governance and leadership, ethics, marketing, advocacy techniques, decision-making models and

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current ideas about possible futures for the sector will be presented. Students will leave the course with a solid understanding of nonprofit /social sector organization and develop an understanding of his or her management style and philosophy. May be taught concurrently with SWK 543. Cannot receive credit for both SWK 643 and SWK 543.

SWK 644 Grant Writing in the Health and Human Services 3 credit hoursPrerequisite: permission of instructor.This online course offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding grant writing and how human service professionals can collaborate for successful proposal writing. Grant writing in the Health and Human Services will focus on practical skills needed to develop proposals, budgets, and evaluation plans. Attention will be given to preparing a competitive grant proposal. Grant writing is related to human services that stress access to and availability of resources. The needs of culturally diverse groups or communities will be discussed in this course, along with the particulars of proposals that may be most effective in meeting such needs. May be taught concurrently with SWK 595. Cannot receive credit for both SWK 595 and SWK 644.

SWK 696 Health Literacy in the Human Services3 credit hoursPrerequisite: permission of instructor.This online course offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding functional health literacy and how the public's literacy skills affect interactions with health and human services professionals. Includes an examination of the data for national and international literacy levels and populations at risk for low literacy; research on health literacy; assessment tools; and practical techniques for addressing literacy issues in spoken and written communications at the practitioner and organizational levels. May be taught concurrently with SWK 696. Cannot receive credit for both SWK 696 and SWK 599.

SWK 742 Substance Use and Social Work Practice 3 credit hoursThis course provides an opportunity for the students to understand the problems of alcohol and drug use and dependence, and the impact on individuals, families, and the broader community.

SWK 699 Special Topics Selected topic of advanced content in social work, relevant to fields of practice or practice methodologies. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours as topics change. May be taught concurrently with SWK 597. Cannot receive credit for both SWK 597 and SWK 699.

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MSW Capstone Requirements for Degree Completion

There are two additional requirements that all MSW students must do to graduate. First, is completing a comprehensive examination. Second, is the successful completion of all field education hours. Field education hours are completed in-person in an agency approved by the School of Social Work. There are 450 hours in the field practicum at the generalist level and 525 hours at the advanced generalist level. Advanced Standing students are in the field only at the advanced generalist level. All capstone requirements must be finished before an MSW degree will be granted. Below is a detailed overview of each of the capstone requirements.

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive exam is taken in the last spring term before graduation by all MSW students. This includes students who have withdrawn from SWK 780 Social Work Field Practicum and Seminar II during their last semester in Program. The exam is designed for students to demonstrate their ability to integrate and apply their CSWE competency-based education to a case scenario. Students are required to virtually attend a Comprehensive Exam Orientation at the beginning of their last spring semester. The purpose of the Orientation is to explain the format of the exam, time frames for exam completion, and preparation recommended for successful exam completion.

The MSW Program anticipates that all students will pass their comprehensive examination the first time. However, if a student has not mastered the comprehensive exam by the spring deadline, they will not be eligible for spring graduation. The final attempt will be made in the summer semester to complete the comprehensive examination. The student will be required to meet with the MSW Coordinator to develop a remediation plan and enroll in a one-credit hour SWK 699 Special Topics summer course. If the student does not pass, they will not be permitted after the summer deadline date to continue and no degree will be conferred.

Advanced Generalist Field Education Practicum

Students will complete a 525-hour advanced generalist field practicum with an integrated seminar class (i.e. SWK 780). Students will develop and implement a CSWE competency-based learning plan that demonstrates their advanced generalist knowledge, skills, values, cognitive, and affective processes. To meet the requirements for graduation, students need to obtain a set minimal score on the learning plans and complete the seminar class with a grade of “B” or above.

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MSW Advisement

Advisement Overview

All MSW students are assigned a faculty advisor at the beginning of the MSW Program. The advisor serves as a consultant on course scheduling, support for any student issues that might impact learning, and helps provide general professional mentoring. Students are provided with their advisors’ names before coursework begins. Students are encouraged to get to know and stay in contact with their faculty advisors each semester throughout the MSW Program. Contacts may be face-to-face, through teleconferencing technology, on the phone, or via email. If a student has not been contacted by their advisor about an advisement meeting time, students are encouraged to contact them.

The objectives of MSW advisement are:

Explaining requirements for the social work degree. Discussing the MSW Program’s classes and how they are connected. Supporting a student who is requesting to drop a class, request a change of full-time or

part-time status, withdrawal from the MSW Program, and/or request a leave of absence. Informing advisees about extracurricular activities and supportive services available

through MSU. Providing role modeling in the areas of social work values and professionalism. Assisting students in assessing their aptitude and motivation for a career in social work. Providing regular reviews of a student’s educational performance in all facets of the

social work program. Being available to discuss professional and academic concerns of students and serving as

a broker to link students to needed services.

The faculty advisor will assist the student in meeting all University and departmental requirements, but the student is ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE for completing all requirements and knowing all steps required to graduate on-time. It is highly recommended students use the online graduate catalog to familiarize themselves with admissions requirements, social work courses and their prerequisites, and program requirements for graduation. Students who deviate from outlined course recommendations must recognize they may not graduate in a timely manner. Additionally, the role of a faculty advisor is not a therapeutic one. Faculty advisors do not provide personal counseling to social work students. Therefore, it is the MSW Program’s policy to refer students needing personal counseling to other resources either inside the University or in the community.

Advisor Release to Register

All graduate students at MSU are required to get an advisor release each semester. Once students have been released by their advisor, they can proceed to register for their intended classes. Students will independently add and drop classes through the My Missouri State system. Since a student’s course load and course sequencing can have a significant impact on the student’s

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completion of the MSW degree, a student should consult with his/her advisor for any deviations to the course the plan that has been provided in this manual.

Account Holds

There are common account holds that a student may be notified of when registering. Check with the Registrar’s Office first before contacting the MSW Coordinator or your advisor for assistance. The School of Social Work may not be the primary office to override certain types of holds. Please verify this first.

Adding & Dropping Classes

If a student does not have any holds that block registration, the student may add a class, drop a class, or make a section change online through the My Missouri State system. If permission is required as a course prerequisite, the student must obtain permission. Please email your advisor if this takes place. Students should not drop any courses without first discussing with their advisor the impact of dropping a course on their progress toward graduation. Students are responsible for knowing the academic deadlines for adding and dropping classes. This information can be found on the “Academic Calendar” found on the Missouri State website.

Course Substitution Policy for Transfer Students

The MSW Program will consider transfer credits for core courses only from accredited graduate social work programs. No credit will be given for life or work experience. A maximum of 12 graduate hours from such programs may be accepted if taken at the generalist level. No transfer course work will be accepted for classes taken at the advanced generalist level. Elective credit may be transferred from other social work programs or from programs related to social work (i.e., psychology, counseling, public health, etc.). Elective courses must have been taken within 5 years of entering the MSW Program in order to count toward the degree requirements.

After a prospective student has been accepted for admission, the MSW Coordinator will determine the amount of acceptable transfer credit (up to the maximum credit allowed) following a review of official transcripts, catalog descriptions, and course syllabi. Primary emphasis is on assessing whether the objectives and content of transfer courses matches those of required Missouri State University courses. No transfer credits for core courses or electives will be accepted if the student earned less than a "B" or took the class more than 5 years prior to enrolling in the MSW program.

Changing Program Status

Students may request to change their program status (full-time vs. part-time). However, this decision should first be discussed with the student’s advisor since status changes at certain times in the Program may cause difficulties with one’s financial aid arrangements. Changing Program status may not benefit the student’s ability to graduate in the timeline intended due to when courses are offered. A request for Program status change is not guaranteed. Students must obtain approval before changing their schedule.

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After the student has met with their advisor, the student should send a formal request to the MSW Program Coordinator via MSU email in a timely fashion before the change is intended to occur. The email needs to include the student’s M-number, the reason for the request, and the date that they met with their advisor. The student must be responsive to MSU email correspondence as this will be the official means of communication for this request.

Professional Guidance

Beyond curriculum issues, the faculty advisor has several other responsibilities. Students seek guidance and counsel regarding career opportunities and seek other types of professional guidance. Professional considerations are discussed in the social work curriculum. However, the advisor has the obligation to help the student think about options, discuss honestly and openly job opportunities, and carefully consider all other professional obligations.

Graduation

Graduation is the process of being awarded a degree after successfully completing credit hours, field education hours, and the comprehensive examination. Actual diplomas are not awarded at the commencement ceremony and participation in the ceremonies is not a guarantee of degree completion. To officially graduate from Missouri State, a student must apply for graduation. The application for graduation can be found in the student’s My Missouri State Portal. It is labeled “Apply for Graduation.” It is recommended that you submit your application to graduate once you have registered for your last semester of classes. Applying to graduate does the following things:

1. Informs the Office of the Registrar that you are ready to graduate and ready to have your record reviewed for graduation eligibility

2. Puts your name in the commencement program if you are applying before the deadline. (for deadlines, see the commencement website)

3. Ensures you will have a name card at commencement (even if you don’t walk)

After receipt of final grades (the week following commencement), the student's degree audit must show the student satisfied all degree requirements. A degree becomes official when it is posted to a student's transcript. It is just by a student’s participation in commencement exercises. A student does not have to be present at a commencement ceremony to receive his/her degree.

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MSW Student Policies

MSW New Student Orientation

The MSW New Student Orientation is designed to introduce students to Missouri State University and the MSW Program. This Orientation is mandatory for all students entering the MSW Program. Any unavoidable conflicts to this must be discussed directly with the MSW Program Coordinator. The dates and times of this orientation are sent in the acceptance letter. Any changes to the Orientation are sent via MSU email. If a student does not attend, they will be referred to the procedures found in the Retention, Remediation, and Dismissal Policy.

The Graduate College also holds a Graduate Student Orientation. The Graduate Student Orientation is different from the MSW New Student Orientation. While the Graduate Student Orientation is encouraged, it is not mandatory. Information on the Graduate Student Orientation is sent directly from the Graduate College. For more information on this orientation, please feel free to visit the Graduate College website.

MSW Program’s Academic Standards Policy

Students are expected to meet graduate school requirements for good academic standing of a 3.0 GPA for all graduate course work transferred in or earned at Missouri State University. Students will be dismissed from the program for any of the following academic reasons:

1. Two grades of “C” in any graduate coursework.2. A grade of “no pass” or “C” in any field practicum (i.e., SWK 740 and SWK 780).3. A grade below “C” in any graduate coursework.

School of Social Work Grading System

The School of Social Work doesn’t give out plus/minus on final grades. The following is the grading scale used in all classes:A = 90 – 100%B = 80 – 89%C = 70 – 79%D = 60 – 69%F = 59% or below

Email Policy

All students are expected to obtain a Missouri State University email account, even if they have another type of e-mail account they use regularly. Bearmail is the official mechanism for communication sent from the MSW Program or its faculty; therefore, notifications sent to this account are considered official notice. Lastly, sometimes students’ accounts are full and are blocked receiving new emails, thus preventing the receipt of key emails from the Program. To prevent this, students should keep their accounts trimmed and managed so that incoming emails can be received.

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Student Rights and Responsibilities

The School of Social Work adheres to the Code of Students Rights and Responsibilities found on the Missouri State University website under the Office of Student Conduct. In addition to the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the School of Social Work expects students to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics. Failure to adhere to the Codes, may result in the student being referred to the procedures found in the Retention, Remediation, and Dismissal Policy.

Course Conduct Policy

Social work students are expected to engage in respectful discourse, demonstrating tolerance and understanding of differing perspectives and opinions. The course instructor has original jurisdiction over the course and may deny a student who is unduly disruptive the right to participate in the course. Students are expected to master the course content in compliance with the syllabus of the course instructor. The student is expected to comply with all reasonable directives of the course instructor. The course instructor may have a student administratively withdrawn from a course upon showing of good cause and with the concurrence of the department head. The appeals process in case of such administrative withdrawal shall be as stated in the academic regulations under “Grade Appeals and Academic Grievances” http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/catalog/graderev.html.

Student Concern Policy

As a professional program, the Missouri State University School of Social Work operates through understandings developed from the NASW Code of Ethics. If you are experiencing any confusions, or concerns, regarding any dimension of a social work course, or advisement, please speak to the person directly involved in the issue (i.e. instructor or advisor) about the issue immediately. To initiate any formal grievance or appeal process, it is expected that you will speak first to the instructor, or advisor, about your concern. If your issue continues after the discussion, please then proceed to discuss your situation with the MSW Program Coordinator. The student has the right to continue her/his concerns to the Director of the School of Social Work or go directly to the Director of the School of Social Work if the concern is personnel related.

Course Grade Appeals

A student may request that an assigned grade be changed in accordance with the following procedures. The change must be requested prior to the end of the semester (excluding summer) following the term in which the grade was assigned. This process should not be used for students appealing a grade of F or XF assigned due to academic dishonesty. For more information on grade appeal procedures please refer to the Graduate Catalog.

Incomplete Grades

An incomplete (or "I" grade) indicates that due to unusual circumstances a small portion of a course, such as a term paper or final examination, has not been completed. If a student is unable

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to complete a significant part of a course, and the drop deadline has not passed, the student may drop the course and repeat it. Otherwise, a letter grade based on the work completed should be assigned per the course’s grading scale. Assigning a "W" grade is not an option available to the instructor.

In each instance where an "I" grade is assigned, the instructor of the course shall, at the end of the semester in which the "I" grade is given, indicate on the Assignment of Incomplete Grade form what the student must do to complete the course and how the completed work would affect the final grade. The original copy must be filed with the appropriate department office, one copy must be given to the student, and one copy must be retained by the instructor. Students should not re-register in the course to resolve the incomplete grade. If a student re-enrolls in a course for which they have an outstanding "I" grade, the "I" grade will be changed to an "F" grade after grading has been completed for the semester of the repeat attempt and the repeat policy will apply.

An "I" grade must be removed within one calendar year after it is received, or earlier as specified by the instructor, otherwise the "I" grade automatically becomes an "F" grade. An extension of the time limit to remove an "I" grade will be made only if a written request for such extension is submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the instructor. The student should make arrangements with the instructor or the department head for completion of the work. When the work is completed, the instructor will complete a Grade Change Authorization Form online or send a Form to the Office of the Registrar for processing. The grade may be changed from an "I" grade (or from an "F" grade if the automatic change has already occurred) to the appropriate grade earned.

Members of the military (undergraduate or graduate) who re-enroll within one year of being released from military assignment shall have one year from the date of resumption of coursework at Missouri State to remove any "I" grades pending at the time of mobilization or received as a result of mobilization. 

Graduating students who have incomplete grades in any course used to satisfy a graduation requirement must resolve those incomplete grades by the middle of the following semester (summer for spring graduates, fall for summer graduates, and spring for fall graduates) or they will not graduate that semester and must reapply for a future semester of graduation.

Green Dot School of Social Work Pledge

The School of Social Work at Missouri State University is committed to being a safe, violence-free zone for students. To make sure this happens, all social work students and faculty are strongly encouraged to play a role in combatting violence by being a positive and active bystander. If you, or someone you know, has experienced violence please know you will be supported and heard. Also, know that you are not alone. If you need immediate assistance, please call 911. In all other situations, please contact the following resources for assistance:  Harmony House’s 24-hour Crisis Hotline (417/864-SAFE 7233), Springfield Police Department (417/864-1810), MSU Safety & Transportation (417/836-5509), Title IX (417/836-8506), MSU Dean of

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Students (417/836-5527), MSU Counseling (417/836-5116), MSU Health & Wellness (417/836-4000), or the Victim’s Center (417/863-7273).

Student Evaluation of Educational Experience

Students have the right and the opportunity to participate in the evaluation of their educational experience. The School of Social Work operationalizes this opportunity through a variety of mechanisms. Each semester students will have a chance to provide feedback to the School on the instruction they receive in every course. In addition, evaluation forms are utilized to assess the quality of advising provided and the field liaison roles performed by faculty. Normally, all these opportunities occur at the end of the semester and within the classroom setting. To ensure greater candor, the results of student evaluations of faculty are not shared with faculty until after grades have been turned in for that semester. Further, all handwritten, narrative comments are transcribed by School of Social Work professional staff.

Student Education Files

Missouri State University adheres to a policy of compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). 20 U.S.C. 1232g. Eligible students have four primary rights under FERPA including the right to:

1. inspect their education records,2. consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information except to the extent

that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent,3. seek correction of their records, to prevent inaccurate or misleading information, and4. file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they feel their rights are being violated.

Leave of Absence Policy

There are rare circumstances in which students must interrupt their social work studies and may request a leave of absence. A leave of absence is not approved automatically, nor does the School consider students who choose not to enroll as being on a formal leave from study. A leave of absence may be granted up to one year before returning to their coursework for students.

To be eligible for a leave of absence, students must be admitted to and in good standing with a social work program (e.g., maintaining the required minimum GPA, passing social work classes at the time of withdrawal, or passing practicum at the time of withdrawal). This policy does not apply to military students and dependents regarding class drops and refunds associated with active orders (see separate, applicable University policy for these circumstances).

Requesting a Leave of Absence

Students must complete the following process for requesting a leave of absence from MSU social work programs:

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1. Discuss with your academic advisor the impact of a leave of absence on the following issues:

Progress towards degree Catalog year and status following leave of absence Academic standing at the time of requested leave Transfer policies, incomplete grades, cohort requirements, and other academic

issues as applicable

2. Contact the Office of Financial Aid if you are receiving financial aid and/or scholarships to learn the impact a leave of absence may have on your financial aid status.

3. Write a letter to the MSW Program Coordinator formally requesting a leave of absence no later than 3 working days before the final day to drop/withdraw from course(s) currently enrolled set by MSU academic calendar. The letter is to state the social work program status (PT/FT and regular/advanced), campus attending, and the semester/year of expected return.

4. If you are currently enrolled in classes, contact the Office of the Registrar to formally drop/withdraw from your classes. Notifying the School of Social Work of your intent to leave study does not drop/withdraw you from classes. If you stop attending classes but do not follow proper procedure for dropping/withdrawing, you will receive a failing grade and will be financially obligated to pay for the classes. Students who withdraw once classes have started are subject to the withdrawal/grading policies of the University and academic standards of the social work programs in order to maintain good academic standing.

5. Contact other University offices as applicable: Bursar's Office Campus Dining Counseling & Testing Center Financial Aid International Student Services Residential Life Safety & Transportation (Parking) Taylor Health & Wellness Veteran Student Services

6. Students will receive written notification from the MSW Program Coordinator on the outcome of their request within seven (7) business days.

Returning from a Leave of Absence

When students return from a leave of absence, they are subject to the University’s readmissions policy. Students must reapply to the University if they have not attended classes for two semesters.

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Students must follow this process for returning from a leave of absence from MSU social work programs:

1. Student should be ready physically, mentally, and emotionally to resume studies.2. Student must be eligible to register upon return (e.g., no financial, academic, or

disciplinary holds). 3. The deadline for a student to notify the School of return from leave of absence is 30

business days prior to the first class date of the semester in which the student plans to re-enroll.

4. Notify in writing the MSW Coordinator of your intent to resume coursework.5. Reapply to Missouri State University, if applicable.6. Meet with your academic advisor to review course of study and obtain release to register

at least 14 business days prior to the first class date of the semester in which the student plans to re-enroll.

7. Resume coursework according to completion of pre-requisite classes in the correct cohort of the social work program.

8. For students returning to complete a social work practicum in the spring semester, they must contact the Coordinator of Field Education by August 15 in order to complete mandatory pre-practicum requirements. Failure to complete mandatory practicum preparation in the fall will prevent students from participating in practicum in the spring.

Appealing a Denied Leave of Absence

Students who have been denied a leave of absence have the right to appeal the decision.

Students can appeal a negative decision of the MSW Coordinator. The steps in the appeal process are as follows:

The first step is to send a letter to the School of Social Work Director within five (5) business days of the denial detailing the following information: name, BearPass Number, and information about requested leave including starting and ending dates, with a clear statement of the leave request and reasons which justify the request;

Then to the College Dean; Next to the Dean of the Graduate College, if the appeal is for an MSW student; Then to the Provost, who may refer the appeal to his/her designee for a hearing and

recommendation; Finally, to the President of the University.

At any step of the appeals process, any of the above individuals can authorize a leave of absence, and must notify the involved individuals of their action (i.e., the Director must notify the student and the MSW Coordinator of his/her decision; the College Dean must notify the Director, Coordinator, and student of his/her decision; the Graduate Dean, in the case of a graduate student, must notify the College Dean, Director, Coordinator, and student; the Provost or designee is responsible for notifying the College Dean, Director, Coordinator, and student of his/her decision. If the request for a leave of absence is appealed to the final step, the President will take action deemed appropriate and so inform the Provost, College Dean, Director, Coordinator, and student. It is solely the

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student’s responsibility to appeal in the order specified at each step of the process, and the student may halt the appeal at any step.

Retention, Remediation, and Dismissal Policy Related to Academic and Professional Concerns

The School of Social Work program faculty endeavor to admit qualified students and to foster their development, with the hope and encouragement that all admitted students will become high performing students and eventually ethical social workers. To accomplish this goal, the School requires students to meet all academic standards, as described in the Missouri State University Graduate Catalog, Missouri State Undergraduate Catalog, and the Missouri State Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Additionally, social work students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner that is consistent with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics (2008).

All students are expected to meet with their advisor each semester to discuss academic and professional development. Occasionally, students may demonstrate difficulties with academic and professional concerns that are not resolved in a timely fashion, and questions arise regarding the fitness of that student for the program and profession. If a student is struggling, the following procedures are intended to provide support for continued student development. Note: All grade-related appeals should follow the University policies found on the Missouri State website.

Missing Field Orientation and/or Program Orientation

If a student does not attend Field Orientation and/or the MSW Program Orientation, the student must participate in a professional readiness meeting. The meeting must take place before moving forward in the program. The meeting will be with the Professional Readiness Committee. The Committee is an ad hoc committee of 3-4 faculty members who have agreed to assist students with professional readiness.

The purpose of this meeting is to provide support, encouragement, and structure so that the student has an opportunity to address identified concerns and establish a Plan for Success. Also, meeting with the Professional Readiness Committee provides an opportunity for students to assess their personal readiness for the program and make alternative plans, if necessary. The professional readiness meetings will be scheduled before the student is allowed to move forward in the MSW Program or Field. The student will be notified of the date via email and asked to present information that will confirm professional readiness (e.g. time management, managing multiple roles, etc.). If the student is unwilling to attend the meeting, the Professional Readiness Committee will refer the student to the Director of the School of Social Work to discuss retention and/or dismissal from the program.

All Other Academic and Professional Concerns

If a faculty member(s), advisor(s), and/or MSW Committee Member(s) has (or have) academic and/or professional concerns about a student in the social work program, the following steps should be followed:

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1. The academic/professional concern(s) are discussed with the student by the faculty member, and/or advisor, and/or MSW Committee Member, and an attempt will be made to resolve the concern. The concern and any remediation efforts will be documented and a copy shared with the Program Coordinator.

2. If informal efforts by the faculty member, advisor, and/or MSW Committee Member are viewed as unsuccessful, the academic/professional concerns are expressed in writing to the MSW, or Field Education Coordinator by the faculty member(s)/advisor/MSW Committee Member, including specific concern(s), documentation of related event(s) and any attempts to resolve the concern with the student. The Coordinator will notify the student and the School Director of this concern via email and set a meeting to discuss the concern within 5 business days following receipt of the email.

3. The Program Coordinator will meet with the student. His/her academic advisor and/or instructor may attend, if relevant. The meeting should take place no later than 5 business days following the faculty member’s written complaint. The Program Coordinator and student will develop a Plan of Success to support the student’s academic and/or professional performance. Copies of the Plan will be maintained by the student and the Program Coordinator.

4. It the student has not shown significant improvement, as evidenced by the Plan of Success developed, the Program Coordinator will notify the School Director and the student via email.

5. Upon receipt of the email, the Director of the School of Social Work will set a meeting within 5 business days to assess the student’s academic, and/or professional performance. The Director will make a decision about student status (suspension, dismissal, or further remediation) within 5 business days of the meeting.

If the student disagrees with the Director of the School of Social Work’s decision, the student may present the appeal:

A. To the Dean of Health and Human ServicesB. Next to the Associate Provost for Undergraduate/Graduate EducationC. Then to the Provost, who may refer the appeal to his/her designee for hearing and

recommendationD. Finally, to the President of Missouri State University

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Program Cost, Fees, and Financial Support Opportunities

Program Costs

Students will be charged the online cost for graduate education. This cost is annually updated. To find a detailed overview of this cost please refer to the Office of the Registrar’s website under “Detailed Tuition and Fees.” Here is a direct link to the webpage: https://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/costs.htm

Program Fees

There are two types of program fees that students are assessed while in the MSW program. The first is an MSW program fee. MSW students will be charged this fee for each fall, spring, and summer semester they are enrolled in the MSW program. If a student registers for 1-5 hours in a term, the student will be charged $50.00. If a student is enrolled in 6 or more hours, the student will be charged $100.00. The primary purpose for this fee is to maintain accreditation. The second fee is a field education fee. Students will be charged $125.00 each semester they are in a field placement. The primary purpose for this fee is to maintain field education.

University Financial Assistance Office

Scholarships and loans are available through the Missouri State University Office of Student Financial Aid. For further information about scholarships and loans please contact the financial aid office directly at 417-836-5262.

Graduate Assistantship (GA)

Graduate assistantships are offered in both administrative and academic areas. As a GA, you'll gain work experience, enjoy networking with faculty and staff and receive a stipend and fee waiver. To be eligible for a graduate assistantship, you must:

Be admitted to a graduate program at Missouri State Hold a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0; an undergraduate GPA of at least

3.0 in your last 60 hours; or a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on 9 or more hours of your most recent graduate course work

Maintain a 3.0 GPA to continue eligibilityFor more information and application instructions, please visit the Graduate College website.

Liliana Sanchez Memorial Minority Social Work Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate student seeking a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree enrolled in at least 6 hours. Applicants must submit a one-page statement outlining their commitment to the field of social work and must submit an essay on their experience in community volunteerism. Preference is given to first generation college students and to MSW students from Joplin. Scholarship amounts vary depending on the availability of funding, but the award is usually $750.00. Students must complete the online MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1st.

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Columbia Hospital South Auxiliary Social Work Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded annually to a student enrolled in at least 6 hours that is seeking a master’s degree in Social Work. Applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need. Scholarship amounts vary depending on the availability of funding, but the award is usually for $600.00. A student must complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1st and have submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) preferably by February 1st.

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Social Work Student Involvement Opportunities

The MSW Program strongly encourages students to become involved in University sponsored or recommended organizations. To support this, the School of Social Work sponsors and encourages several student-orientated organizations. These include:

Social Work Club

The Social Work Club has existed from the very beginning of the Social Work Program at Missouri State University. Under the sponsorship of various faculty members and the leadership and contributions of many bright, energetic students, the Social Work Club has become a source of pride for Missouri State University. The club has received recognition at state and national levels for its contributions to the community and profession.

The Social Work Club is open to any social work major. Over the past several years, students have been very active in the club's organization and activities. Each year members of the social work staff and/or faculty are chosen or volunteer to serve as sponsors of the Social Work Club. Please check in the social work office to learn who the current sponsors are. Student officers are also elected each year. Both the officers and the sponsors are happy to talk with students about the Social Work Club. The Social Work Club advertises its scheduled meetings and publishes a brochure describing its purpose.

MSW Program Community Page

The new online MSW Program will have a Blackboard community page that is accessible to all MSW students. This page will be a virtual “meeting place” for students to organize in their own interests. An MSW graduate assistant will monitor the page. The faculty at MSU will not be a part of this community page. The sole purpose of this page is for students to organize in their own interests without Program involvement. The MSW graduate assistant will be responsible for determining the content of the Blackboard MSW Program Community Page with feedback from the Program. For example, the MSW faculty is recommending that the community page have a place that students would be able to post about events and activities in their home communities. The development of this page will occur by summer 2020.

Town Hall Meetings

During the fall and spring semester, the Director of the School of Social Work will send an email to invite all social work students to attend an informal meeting to discuss the social work program. The purpose of this meeting is to identify strengths and weaknesses of the program to help in continual evaluation and improvement. The information received from this meeting will be reported to the full faculty for discussion and changes. The student body will be notified of how their input from Town Hall meetings impacted the program, or policy, through MSU email. A copy of the meeting minutes and updates of implementation as they occur will be sent to all social work students. Announcements will also be placed on the School of Social Work Facebook page, as appropriate. Additionally, students are always able to follow up directly with the Director of the School of Social Work and/or their permanent advisor. 

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School of Social Work Advisory Board Student Member

The School of Social Work Advisory Board is a group of volunteers concerned with fostering the status of social work education in the regions served by BSW and MSW graduates of Missouri State University. The Board serves in three primary capacities: (1) providing input to curricular issues, from the perspective of needs in the profession (2) furthering relationships between “town and gown,” especially to improve field and job placement for students and graduates, and to foster research collaboration among students, faculty, and off campus constituents, and to assist the School in student recruitment and continuing education functions (3) identifying regional needs and resources and ways the school may contribute to community betterment. The Board meets formally two times each year.

As a student, we strongly encourage you to be an advisory board member. Each fall, the School of Social Work will send an email to all social work students inviting them to participate. The student must reply to the email, prior to the first meeting, to inform the School of his/her desire to participate. Once the student agrees to involvement, the student is expected to attend all advisory board meetings for the academic year.

Graduate Student Senate

School of Social Work also encourages graduate students to participate in Graduate Student Senate. The purpose of Graduate Student Senate as sited on their Missouri State University webpage is: (1) to represent and advocate the interests of the graduate students of Missouri State University to the Dean of the Graduate College, the Graduate Council, the faculty, any others within the University whose actions or positions may affect the interests of graduate students, and any others outside of the University making decisions or taking positions that affect graduate students in their role as graduate students; (2) to provide a channel of communication between graduate students and other members of the Missouri State University community and; (3) to encourage and facilitate interdisciplinary academic activities, graduate student organizations within each program, and inter-program social activities for graduate students. Information on how to become a member can be found at:

School of Social Work Facebook Page

The School of Social Work Facebook page is designed to benefit current, former and prospective students, as well as members of the social work community in the southwest Missouri area. We post information about SSW and MSU activities and events, as well as updates about the BSW and MSW programs. We regularly post job listings for all levels of social work positions, including on-campus jobs, part-time and weekend jobs, jobs for students still in school, and jobs for graduates. There are many trainings offered in this area that are beneficial to students and community members, so we post information about those as well. The School of Social Work Facebook page is public and can be viewed by anyone, even without having a Facebook account. Our Facebook page is also a place to view pictures of students and faculty participating in University activities like commencement. Since many students, faculty, and community members regularly utilize social media, make sure to "like" the Missouri State University School of Social Work Facebook page to see what's happening in our department!

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National Association of Social Workers

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the professional organization for practicing social workers in the United States. It provides leadership on social issues at the state and national levels, supports a wide variety of social legislation beneficial to social workers and their clients, publishes a monthly journal entitled Social Work, and is dedicated to encouraging high standards of social work practice. The Missouri Chapter of NASW has several divisions including one that covers the Springfield area. For more information on how to become involved please contact (573) 635-6965 or email chapter@nasw-mo.org.

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Postgraduate Planning

Career Information and Placement

Each semester the Missouri State University Career Center offers a variety of workshops to assist students in planning for employment. Topics include resume writing and effective interviewing. In addition, the center sponsors several job fairs. Students are encouraged to schedule free individual appointments with a Career Resource Specialists, prior to graduation. For more information contact 417-836-5636.

Social Work Licensure

In Missouri, graduating students should contact the Office of Professional Registration for to obtain the most current information on requirements and procedures for social work licensure:

Missouri Division of Professional RegistrationCommittee for Social Workers3605 Missouri BoulevardP.O. Box 1335Jefferson City, MO  65102-1335573.751.0885 Telephone1-800-735-2966 TTY1-800-735-2466 voice relaywww: lcsw@pr.mo.govhttp://pr.mo.gov/socialworkers.asp

Social work licensure requirements and procedures vary from state to state; therefore, graduating students living in other states should check the licensing boards for their intended state of licensure for the most current information for licensure.

School of Social Work Professional Readiness Workshop Series

Three professional readiness workshops are annually hosted by the School of Social Work. The first is a workshop for students to discuss professional readiness for practicum searches. Topics include creating a basic social work resume, practicum interviewing skills, and reviewing social media usage for professional social workers. Students can ask questions specific to their resume and practicum search, as well as receive helpful handouts with supplemental information. Admission application basics is the second fall workshop. Items covered include the steps in writing a great application, grammar tips, and how to make application reviewers happy. In the spring semester, another workshop is held for students to prepare for a social work job search, which is most beneficial to students’ graduating in the spring or summer. Topics in this session include updating students’ resumes to include practicum experience, writing effective cover letters, tips on where to look for social work jobs, job interviewing skills, and again reviewing social media usage for professional social workers.

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Appendix A

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