2018-19 Undergraduate Academic Catalog

Social Work The social work major prepares students for future ministries/ careers in professional social work, professional church and church-related specializations, and informal assistance. The wide range of opportunities within the social work field provides graduates with numerous ways of investing in the lives of individuals, families, groups, and communities. The social work program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education. Social work graduates are eligible for licensure and for advanced standing in graduate schools of social work. Advanced standing allows students to earn a Master of Social Work degree in a little over one year. Goals The goal of the social work program is to prepare future professional social workers who are competent in the areas of: 1. Serving diverse people, groups, and communities by treating all with dignity and respect, valuing all relationships. 2. Addressing conditions that limit human rights, promoting social, economic and environmental justice worldwide, and working toward the elimination of poverty with the underpinning component of enhancing the quality of life for all people. 3. Practicing with competence and integrity using scientific inquiry and evidence-based interventions. 4. Applying the person and the environment construct to practice, understanding the impact poverty can have on social functioning. 5. Ethically integrating faith and social work practice. Faculty Michael E. Sherr , Chair; Professor of Social Work. Education: B.S.W., University of North Carolina, 1997; M.S.W., University of South Carolina, 1998; Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 2003. At Cedarville since 2018. Melissa Brown , Assistant Professor of Social Work. Education : B.S., Cedarville University, 2008; M.S.W., The Ohio State University, 2014. At Cedarville since 2014. George Huff , Professor of Social Work; Field Director. Education: B.A., Ashland University, 1973; M.S.S.A., Case Western Reserve University, 1977. Licensed Independent Social Worker-Supervisor. At Cedarville since 2000. Emeriti Nelson Henning , Senior Professor Emeritus of Social Work. Education: B.S.W., Southern Illinois University, 1976; M.S.W., University of Illinois, 1977; Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh, 1986. At Cedarville since 1994. International Field Experience The social work program offers an international field experience in India, Uganda, or Romania to junior or senior social work students. Students work in a variety of social service agencies in the host country, supervised by an on-site master’s level social worker and under the direction of the Department of Social Work’s international field coordinator. Courses at a local university expand the student’s understanding of the host country, and planned activities further enhance the cultural experience. Students receive academic credits for the coursework and for the internship, allowing them to complete their Cedarville degree within the normal four years. The international field coordinator supports the student throughout the entire process — pre-departure, during the international experience, and after the student’s return to campus. International field experience is available over the summer break or during the school year. Students interested in international field experience should meet with their advisor as early as possible to discuss the feasibility and scheduling needs. Students should then meet with the international field coordinator to initiate the application process. Application Requirements Early application is advised. Students should check with the international field coordinator for the application deadline for their choice of country and desired semester. Students must have gained admission into the social work program or be on track for successful completion of all program admission requirements prior to the international experience. Applicants are required to have a GPA of at least 2.75 within their core social work courses. Three reference letters from the following individuals are required for acceptance for an international field experience: • Advisor or faculty member • Pastor • Friend Pre-Departure Requirements The student will be required to meet with the international field coordinator for a minimum of four times during the semester prior to departure. Meetings will focus on the country’s culture, people, climate, and other pertinent topics. The student is to complete assigned readings and come prepared for discussion. Questions of concern or interest will also be discussed during the weekly sessions. The student must also fulfill all orientation obligations within the international programs department. Reentry Requirements It is recommended the student keep their return semester as light as possible. The student and the international field coordinator will meet for re-entry at a minimum five times during the return semester. The student will be required to read and discuss Re-Entry by Peter Jordan. The student must also fulfill all reentry obligations within the international programs department. Social Work Advisory Council The Social Work Advisory Council consists of social work professionals, agency administrators, clergy, and educators representing public, private, and church-related service agencies. Through semi-annual meetings, these experts advise the program and evaluate its plans for training skilled social work professionals with a commitment to core values and a biblical world and life view. Eric Blevins, Student Representative, Cedarville, Ohio Melissa D. Brown, Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio Robert Bruce, Choices, Inc. Rebecca DeLong, Butler County Probate Court, Hamilton, Ohio Wendy Doolittle, McKinley Hall, Springfield, Ohio Jane Eckels,Alzheimers Association, Dayton, Ohio Sharon Guenther, Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, Ohio George Huff, Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio Esther Lanham,Advisory Council Secretary, Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio Greg Meriweather,Wright State University Alisha Murray, Daybreak Inc. Michael E. Sherr,Advisory Council Chair, Cedarville University Denise Summerville, Greene County Board of MRDD, Xenia, Ohio Steve Throop, Legacy Village, Xenia, Ohio Barry Wideman, Dayton Veterans Administration Medical Center Grace Winner Vance, Dayton Veterans Administration Medical Center Page 212 2018–19 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 2018–19 Undergraduate Academic Catalog Page 213 Department of Social Work Faculty Department of Social Work Social Work