2001-2002 Academic Catalog

194 Social Sciences and Social Work The social work major prepares students for future minis– tries/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 ofindividuals, families, groups, and communities. The social work program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education. Social work graduates are eligible for licensure. Mission Statement The mission of the social work program is to prepare and equip, from a biblical world and life view, social work students who are committed to the core values and purpose of social work, so that these students might obtain entry level social work positions as generalist practitioners, improving the holistic quality of life of diverse populations in a variety of work settings, pursuing graduate level education, and continu– ing involvement in social and political action. Throughout the course of their undergraduate education, social work students will be engaged in meeting the needs of diverse, local populations including the following: African Americans, Mennonites, military families, rnral/Appalachian communities, retired farmers and widows, inner city Dayton residents, middle-sized Xenia and Springfield communities, homeless families, and local church members. Goals The goal of the social work program is ultimately to enable students to integrate the knowledge, values, and skills of the social work profession into competent practice by: I. Providing content about social work practice with client systems of various sizes and types. 2. Preparing graduates to practice with diverse populations. 3. Providing content about the social contexts of social work practice, the changing nature of those contexts, the behavior of organizations, and the dynamics of change. 4. Infusing throughout the curriculum the values and ethics that guide professional social workers in their practice. 5. Preparing graduates who are aware of their responsibility to continue their professional growth and development. Objectives Graduates ofthe Cedarville University social work program will be able to: 1. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice. 2. Practice within the values and ethics of the social work profession and with an understanding of and respect for the positive value of diversity. 3. Demonstrate the professional use of self. 4. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and the strategies of change that advance social and economic justice. 5. Understand the histo1y of the social work profession and its current structures and issues. 6. Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work to practice with systems of all sizes. istory 7. Apply knowledge ofbio-psycho-social-spiritual variables that affect individual development and behavior, and use theoretical frameworks to understand the interactions among individuals and between individuals and social systems (i.e., families, groups, organizations, and communities). 8. Analyze the impact of social policies on client systems, workers, and agencies. 9. Evaluate research studies and apply findings to practice and, under supervision, to evaluate their own practice interventions and those of other relevant systems. 10. Use communication skills differentially with a variety of client populations, colleagues, and members of the community. 11. Use supervision appropriate to generalist practice. 12. Function within the strncture of organizations and service delivery systems and, under supervision, seek necessary organizational change. 13. Apply the knowledge, values, and skills of the profession to social work practice within the context of the local church. 14. Analyze and apply the knowledge, values, and skills of social work practice from a biblical world and life view. 15. Demonstrate an understanding, sensitivity, and commitment to issues related to poverty. Admission to the SocialWork Program Admission to the social work major occurs during the winter quarter of the sophomore year. Freshmen and sopho– mores interested in social work should declare their intent to major in social work and meet with an appropriate advisor to ensure that courses are taken in the proper sequence. Admissions Requirements and Procedures 1. Complete at least 50 quarter hours of the General Education Requirements, including the necessary social work course prerequisites. (Submit a Summmy ofPrerequisites.) 2. Complete SWK-233 Introduction to Social Work with a "C" or better by the fall quarter of sophomore year. 3. Complete and submit an Application for Admission to the social work program director, including an Autobiographical Statement detailing your interest in social work. 4. Submit Letters ofRecommendation from your pastor, an employer, and a teacher or adult friend. 5. Be interviewed by the social work faculty. 6. Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above. (Submit a copy of your current Unofficial Grade Transcript from the Academic Services Office.) 7. Complete the Total ImmersionExperience. 8. Document 40 hours ofvolunteer experience in a social service/community setting. The final decision as to whether all requirements are adequately met for admission to the social work program will be made by the social work faculty. The faculty also reserves the right to require the withdrawal from the major ofany student whose academic perf01mance or mental or physical health make it inadvisable to continue in the program.