The Department of Social Work views ongoing student advising as an essential component of a professional program. Therefore, all faculty members have advising responsibilities as part of their assignments. Students are assigned a social work faculty advisor by the Department as soon as they declare the social work major. In addition to helping students monitor their progress towards the fulfillment of University and Department graduation requirements, the role of the academic advisor is to assist students in evaluating their aptitude for the social work profession and to assist in their growth as competent, beginning generalist social workers. To facilitate effective advising, students admitted to the Social Work Program sign a statement of understanding which gives the advisor the responsibility of monitoring and informing them of their academic, personal, and professional progress, their compliance with department and professional standards, and their retention as a social work major.    

The responsibilities of faculty advisors are to:

1. engage students in a process of evaluating their aptitude and motivation for a career in social work;

2. engage students in a process of evaluating their performance in the total educational program;

3. assist students in selecting courses and developing an academic plan in relation to the aim of preparing them for beginning generalist practice;

4. refer students with academic or personal problems to appropriate resources within the University and community, e.g., tutorial, medical, psychological, financial, housing, child care, etc.

Prior to registration each semester, students must discuss their academic schedules with their advisor and secure their advisors’ approval for enrollment in courses. Following the advisement, the faculty advisor will give the student a registration pin number and the student can complete their registration using Self-Service. If students wish to drop or add a course after advisement, they must secure their advisors signature. This provides advisors an opportunity to assist students in fully evaluating the decision to drop or add a course. Students are responsible for utilizing advising time to their advantage by being prepared for all appointments, which includes bringing a Degree Audit.

Frequent contact is encouraged between advisors and students to receive maximum benefit for the advising process.  Students are strongly encouraged to see their advisors when they experience difficulties in adjusting to the University system or when they are confused about University or Department policies and procedures.

Printer-friendly

E-mail this page to a friend