Pre-MSW & MSW STUDENT HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 University of Manitoba FACULTY OF SOCIAL WORK Pre-MSW & MSW STUDENT HANDBOOK Revised October 2016 Document can be found on University of Manitoba Home page

2 FACULTY OF SOCIAL WORK MISSION STATEMENT To pursue knowledge and provide accessible and inclusive educational programs that will advance the fields of social work practice and social policy at all levels and that will contribute to the development of societies in promoting respect for human rights and dignity, individual worth and well being, diversity, social inclusion, and the principles of social justice. To prepare students for ethical, competent, critically reflective, innovative, anti-oppressive, accountable, and effective social work practice at all levels. To create and maintain a learning environment that promotes and supports respect for difference, risk-taking, democratic participation, a spirit of inquiry, equity, innovation, originality, and collaboration. To acknowledge, support, and promote different traditions of knowledge and different methods of knowledge gathering. VISION STATEMENT The vision of the Faculty of Social Work is to help create and contribute to a world where there are no great inequalities of wealth or income, where economic and political power is more evenly distributed, where human need is the central value of distribution of society s resources, where diversity of culture is celebrated, where people have greater control over their own lives, and where all persons are afforded maximum opportunity to enrich their physical, spiritual, psychological, and intellectual well-being. Being the only university-based social work program in Manitoba and the largest program in Canada, this vision also includes the Faculty playing a leading role in the socio-economic-cultural development of the Province in particular, but also to Canada and beyond, which is consistent with the University s own vision statement. To these ends, it is necessary that the Faculty become one of the outstanding social work programs in Canada with respect to research, quality education, community service, and the accomplishments of its graduates. PREFACE The regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies are outlined in the University Graduate Calendar. In addition to these, the Faculty of Social Work has supplementary regulations pertaining to the Pre-MSW and MSW programs. These regulations, along with related procedures and additional information are included in this Handbook. 2

3 Role of Faculty Advisor: Role of Student Services: -Withdrawal from courses -Admissions -Leaves of Absence -Registration Exceptional -Awards Applications (medical, compassionate) -Financial Aid Parental Regular leave -Updating Faculty Student Records -Program Extension - -Scholastic Progress (failing grades) -address/phone -Annual Progress Reports -change of name -Graduation Submitting names to FGS Thesis deadlines -Grade Appeals -Change of Advisor -Transfer of Credits -Program Advising Core courses Selection of electives Thesis or Advanced Field Practice

4 GRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK Supplement to University of Manitoba Calendar (and General University Correspondence) TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION 3 Page 1.1 Application Deadline Admission Criteria Registration 3 2. GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR THE PRE-MSW PROGRAM Course Requirements Pre-MSW Advisor Challenge for Credit Policy Equivalence Policy Waiver of Field Practice Requirement Pre-MSW Program 6 3. GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR THE MSW PROGRAM Advisors Course Selection Thesis or Course Based Specialization Option Completing a Thesis The Specialization Course-Based Option Graduate Specialization in Aging Scholastic Progress Graduation Requirements LEAVE OF ABSENCE Regular Leave Exceptional Leave Parental Leave Eligibility for Awards while on Parental Leave of Absence PROCEDURES PERTAINING TO ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE GRADE APPEAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES PROFESSIONAL UNSUITABILITY BY-LAW Jurisdiction Professional Unsuitability Review Committee Procedure Notice to Student Hearing Procedures Appeals 34 1

5 7.7 Disposition of the Matter Amendments GRADING POLICY FOR THE GRADUATE PROGRAM POLICY ON DISCLOSURE AND SECURITY OF STUDENT ACADEMIC RECORDS The Record Disclosure to Student Disclosure to Faculty and Other Employees of the University Alumni Association Other Individuals and Organizations CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY AND GUIDELINES SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY AND GUIDELINES STUDENT RESOURCES Student Notices/Bulletin Board Computer Accounts Scholarships, Awards, Bursaries, Loans, Grants Teaching Assistantship /Grader Markers Library Facilities Student Services and Admissions / Advising Office Graduate Student Association Graduate Student Participation on Faculty Committees Educational Equity Initiative International Centre for Students Appendices 46 Appendix 1 Suggested Thesis Proposal Outline 47 Appendix 2 Request for Part-Time Status 48 Appendix 3 Change of Advisor Form 49 Appendix 4 Standings Form 50 Appendix 5 Leave of Absence Regulations and Application Form 53 Appendix 6 Request for an Extension of Time to Complete Program of Study 54 Appendix 7 Recommendation for Advance Credit (Transfer of Courses) 55 2

6 1. ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION 1.1 Application Deadline Applications for the following year are normally available after July 1 st of the preceding year. The deadline for applications for international students is December 1 st for the admission in the following year. The deadline for Canadian applicants is January 15 th of the year of intended admission. Admissions requirements are identified in the Graduate Calendar under the section assigned to Social Work. 1.2 Admission Criteria a) MSW Admissions Eligibility Criteria Possession of a BSW degree (by June 30 of the application year) from an accredited university, which is recognized by the University of Manitoba, or completion of the Pre-MSW requirements at the University of Manitoba. A minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0 (B) is required in the last 60 credit hours of university study. If courses have been taken subsequent to the degree as a Special Student and/or Occasional Student and/or in a subsequent degree or Pre-Master s program, they will be calculated into the Grade Point Average as part of the last 60 credit hours. Applicants who self-identify as members of one or more of the Educational Equity priority groups and who posses a Grade Point Average between 2.50 and 2.99 will be reviewed for special consideration. Applicants with adjusted grade point averages below 2.50 will not be considered. For more information on the Education Equity Initiative please refer to section b) Pre-MSW Admissions Eligibility Criteria Possession of, or eligible for the granting of, a year degree other than Social Work at point of application from an accredited university which is recognized by the University of Manitoba. Persons who plan to graduate in May of the year of application are not eligible for admission. One year (1680 hours) of relevant social work experience, paid or volunteer (see application package for details). A minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0 (B) is required in the last 60 credit hours of university study. If courses have been taken subsequent to the degree as a Special Student and/or Occasional Student and/or in a subsequent degree or Pre-Master program, they will be calculated into the Grade Point Average as part of the last 60 credit hours. Applicants who self-identify as members of one or more of the Educational Equity priority groups and who posses a Grade Point Average between 2.50 and 2.99 will be reviewed for special consideration. Applicants with Grade Point Averages below 2.05 will not be considered. For more information on the Education Equity Initiative please refer to section Registration All NEWLY ADMITTED and RETURNING graduate Social Work students are required to register using Aurora Student on the University of Manitoba web-site. In-person registration is not permitted for Social Work graduate students eligible to register on Aurora. Mail-in registrations and/or in person registrations are not accepted unless the student is overseas at the point of registration. Newly admitted students must submit a Pre-MSW Program Approval form or MSW Program Planning form, signed by their Faculty Advisor, Criminal Record Statement (CRC), and Child Abuse Registry Check (CARC) (if applicable) prior to the initial registration after admission has been formalized. Holds will be placed on students who have not submitted all 3 documents by the time fall/winter registration begins in mid-july. 3

7 Steps to Register: a) Contact your Pre-MSW Faculty Advisor or your MSW program Faculty Advisor to discuss and/or review your program of studies. b) Consult the Faculty of Social Work section of the Graduate Calendar available on the university website regarding the course requirements for your program of studies. c) Obtain written approval of your program of studies from your Advisor. Any changes to your program must be approved by your Advisor. It is advisable to determine your program well in advance of registration. For returning students, ensure that you and your Faculty Advisor have filled out and signed the Faculty of Graduate Studies Progress Report Form. Students who have not completed these forms will be blocked from registering for the following year by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. For Pre-MSW students, if you have completed your Pre-MSW program and are intending to make application to the MSW program, you may do so provided you have (i) met all program requirements, (ii) maintained a cumulative grade point average of B (3.0), (iii) completed an online application form and paid application fee, (iv) completed a transfer survey form which is sent by the Student Services and Admissions/Advising Office. The application and application fee are to be submitted on-line directly to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and the transfer survey is to be submitted directly to the Graduate Programs Student Advisor by January 15 of the year you intend to transfer to the MSW program. Once you are notified of your admission to the MSW Program and have accepted the offer of admission you will be able to register for MSW courses. d) Once having met with your Faculty Advisor to select and approve the courses you require, read the registration instructions and program information in the Graduate Calendar in order to familiarize yourself with Aurora Student web registration prior to your scheduled initial registration access date. Please refer to the Aurora website to determine your initial access time to register. e) Register by using the University of Manitoba web-site: (click on Aurora Student ). f) Identify fee assessment and fee payment deadlines. g) Pay fees or arrange to pay fees before the deadline. REGISTRATION IS COMPLETE ONLY IF FEES ARE PAID IN FULL. PLEASE NOTE: If you have only your thesis or course based specialization (SWRK 7180/SWRK 7190) to complete, you still must register. If you are not intending to complete any course work or thesis, but wish to retain your status in the Faculty, you still must re-register. Students who fail to re-register will be discontinued from the graduate program. You will not retain your graduate student status and will be required to re-apply for admission, should you wish to continue in the program. A student admitted to two different graduate programs must seek permission from the Faculty of Social Work Graduate Program Committee to enroll concurrently in two different graduate programs. The request must be approved by the Faculty of Graduate Studies prior to the student s registration. 2. GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR THE PRE-MSW PROGRAM 4

8 The Pre-MSW program is designed to prepare students who do not have a BSW degree from an accredited university or its equivalent for entry to the MSW program. It is intended to build on the existing background and experience of students by providing them with an opportunity for focused study on Canadian social welfare policy, generalist social work practice, the philosophy and values of the profession of social work, including content on diversity and anti-oppression and supervised practice in the field of social work. The Pre-MSW program is offered on a full time or part-time basis. Students have a maximum of three years to complete the program. Thirty three credit hours of course work are required for the Pre-MSW program. 2.1 Course Requirements SWRK 3100 Systematic Inquiry in Social Work (3) SWRK 6020 Social Work Practice Seminar (6) SWRK 6030 Canadian Social Welfare Policy Analysis (6) SWRK 6040 Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice (3) SWRK 6050 Field Practice (6) SWRK 6060 Social Work and Aboriginal People (3) SWRK 4200 Field/Focus Seminar (6) (One section) Please note that not all courses may be offered annually. 2.2 One Pre-MSW Faculty Advisor is appointed to advise students in the Pre-MSW program. This advisor approves a program of study for each student and can be consulted on an as needed basis by the student during their studies in the Pre-MSW program. 2.3 Challenge for Credit Policy The Faculty of Social Work accommodates those students who are qualified and who can demonstrate an acceptable level of knowledge and skill, by allowing them to challenge certain social work courses. In this regard, evaluation methods have been devised to assure that challenge students possess the values, knowledge, and skill expected at the exit level of the course as it is commonly taught and to assist qualified students to undertake an academic program which is responsive to their individual circumstances Course Available for Challenge for Credit for Pre-MSW students. a) SWRK 3100 Systematic Inquiry in Social Work (3 credit hours) No course which appears on a student s transcript as a previously failed attempt may be challenged. Challenge for credit is only available to students registered in the Pre-MSW program of the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Manitoba. Procedures a) A student must inform the Pre-MSW Ph.D. Advisor of their intent to challenge. The advisor will arrange for the student to consult with an instructor teaching the course to determine course content and general expectations of a challenge for credit. In this regard, the instructor shall provide the student with a course outline, and the date, time and place for the Challenge Credit Examination. Where an examination is not the basis for any or part of the evaluation, the instructor shall provide the student in writing with the required assignments(s), due date(s) and weighting of each assignment where applicable. b) If a student is confident in proceeding with the Challenge for Credit the student will secure written permission from the instructor and submit it to the Student Advisor who will complete the registration 5

9 for the student. Registration deadlines and examination periods are listed in the Academic Schedule of the current University of Manitoba General Calendar. An instructor may not refuse a student Challenge for Credit. c) The minimum passing grade for a challenge for credit is C+ (2.5). d) Once the examination or assessment has been administered, the result will be entered on the student s academic record as a final grade. The student may not choose whether or not the result will be recorded. 2.4 Equivalence Policy Guidelines for the Granting of Equivalence Credit a) Pre-MSW students may request for equivalency for SWRK Systematic Inquiry in Social Work. As well, students who have completed, prior to admission, SWRK Introduction to Social Welfare Policy Analysis, SWRK Emergence of the Canadian Welfare State and SWRK Contemporary Canadian Social Welfare may request equivalency for SWRK Canadian Social Welfare Policy Analysis. To request consideration of equivalency transfer, the student must contact the Student Services and Admissions/Advising Office. b) Only courses taken in the last nine years with a minimum grade of C+ (2.5) will be considered for equivalency transfer. Requests for equivalency transfer will normally be considered only in the first six months after the student has been admitted into the Faculty. c) Students will be advised to provide the Faculty with descriptive and evaluative information related to courses they have completed. Information should include: i. Course outlines, assignments and bibliographies ii. Evaluative feedback Students who are refused social work equivalency may initiate a challenge for credit (applicable to SWRK 3100 only). 2.5 Waiver of Field Practice Requirement Pre-MSW Program Criteria to Judge Requests for Waivers of Field Practice Requirement in the Pre-MSW Program Background Students must complete Field Practice (SWRK 6050) as part of their program. This course may be waived if the student has had sufficient experience to build knowledge equivalent to that expected from this course The Criteria a) The student will have completed at least 3 years in paid employment carrying a full professional social work role including all the assessment, planning, implement and evaluative functions required of the role. AND b) Such credited time will have included supervision, by, or consultation with, a professional social worker, of such a nature as to permit reflection on the student's practice, and allow for growth in skill and knowledge grounded in that practice. AND 6

10 c) Such credited time will have included continuing education or professional development hours in accordance with the current requirement for ongoing certification by MCSW (40 hours). AND d) If the student is intending to enter the Leadership, Management & Policy cluster or Direct Practice with Groups, Networks & Communities cluster, at least 2 of the 3 credited years should be related to policy, program planning or community development. If such is not the case, then a field placement in one of these areas is indicated. OR e) If the student is intending to enter the Direct Practice with Individuals & Families cluster, at least two of the 3 credited years should be in paid employment in a clinical role. If such is not the case then a clinical field placement is indicated. AND f) The student's existent or a revised statement of intent in regard to a thesis, should demonstrate specificity and feasibility and generally sufficient pre-existing knowledge of the area such that a preparatory field component to the Pre-MSW program is redundant Process a) The student shall be provided with a form (or briefing notes) and solicit comment from at least one supervisor or two colleagues providing corroboration that the criteria are met. b) The Pre-MSW Faculty Advisor shall receive the student's and the supporting documentation, and will make a recommendation to the Graduate Standings Committee. c) The Graduate Standing Committee makes the final approval of the student s request once it receives a recommendation from the Faculty Advisor. Please note: According to CASWE standards, students who have successfully had the field practice requirement waived in the Pre-MSW program must complete the course based option in the MSW program. 3. GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR THE MSW PROGRAM ADVISORS 3.1 Advisors Choosing Faculty Advisors This program has been designed to allow students to select a topic or area of special focus for study. Thus, students have an opportunity to select one or more electives and a thesis, or Advanced Field Practice option based on their professional interest. Faculty members who are members of the Faculty of Graduate Studies are eligible to advise MSW students. Faculty Advisors are matched with students during the admission process. The Faculty Advisor must approve the student's initial course plan and any changes that are made during the student s program of study. The student may take the initiative in selecting a Faculty Advisor. The Faculty Advisor should be a person who is willing and able to work with the student in her/his major personal academic and professional field of study. Students who have not reached an agreement with a Faculty Advisor by the time of formal admission to the MSW Program will be assigned an advisor by the Faculty. The student may find that s/he wants to change advisors after a contract has been made with the Faculty Advisor. This can be done after the student has found that another advisor is willing to work with her/him. The student should notify the first Faculty Advisor in writing when a new Faculty Advisor has consented to 7

11 enter into a contract. As well, the student must fill out a Change of Advisor form and submit it to the Student Services and Admissions Advising Office. These forms are available in the General Office of the Faculty of Social Work. The change in advisor must be approved by the appropriate cluster before it is finalized. If difficulties arise in advising, the Chair of the Graduate Program Committee may be consulted. If the Chair of the Graduate Program Committee is not able to provide the help needed, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Work should be consulted The Role of the Faculty Advisor Consistent with the objectives of the program, the specific role of the Faculty Advisor is to assist the student to develop a theoretical and methodological approach to her/his selected area of interest. In order to accomplish this, the following steps are to be taken: a) The student contracts with a faculty member regarding the area of study s/he wants to pursue. This contract includes a discussion of the student's overall program with particular reference to outside course work, which is intended to complement the student's area of specialization. b) The student designs, with the Faculty Advisor, a program of study that will lay the base for his/her theoretical and methodological approach to his/her area of enquiry. The program must be approved by the Faculty Advisor. c) The Faculty Advisor assists the student in selecting electives that best support and enrich his/her area of interest and expected expertise. Before a student can register for an elective course in or outside the Faculty, the Faculty Advisor must approve the student s selection. If a student wishes to receive advance credit for a course taken prior to entry in the MSW program, approval of the Faculty Advisor and the respective cluster are required (see section 3.2.4) d) A Progress Report Form must be completed by the student and the Faculty Advisor by June 1 st every year. This form is then forwarded to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Failure to complete the Progress Report by July may prevent students from registering. e) The Faculty Advisor acts as the Chair of the student's thesis committee. If the student chooses the specialized course-based option, the Faculty Advisor is the faculty coordinator for the Advanced Field Practice course and teaches the Integrating Theory and Research in Advanced Field Practice course as a tutorial. f) When a Faculty Advisor leaves the Faculty, or will be absent for a considerable period of time, s/he will be responsible for finding a suitable replacement or substitute, and will advise the Chair of the Graduate Program Committee of her/his absence. g) The Chair of the Graduate Program Committee is responsible for ensuring that the student has a Faculty Advisor. h) The Faculty Advisor may teach a tutorial through the "Selected Topics" course, but is not required to do so. i) The Faculty Advisor acts as a link to the Graduate Program Committee regarding situations in which the student is not maintaining sufficient grades. 3.2 Program Requirements Minimum program requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies are found in the Graduate Studies Regulations Section of this Calendar. 8

12 Students may take the M.S.W. program on a full-time or part-time basis. There is a four year time limit to complete the M.S.W. program on a full-time basis and is a six year time limit to complete the M.S.W. program on a part-time basis. There is no second language requirement. The program requires at least months of full-time study (students who choose the thesis option may require more time depending on the nature of their research). The credit hour requirement is 27 credit hours in the course-based option and 24 credit hours in the thesis option. All students must complete three core courses (9 credit hours). All students must complete courses within an area of specialization - "cluster" (minimum 9 credit hours). All students must complete 6 credit hours of electives (which may be taken within Social Work or other departments). Students choose either the course-based option, which includes the completion of SWRK 7180 (0 credit hours) and SWRK 7190 (3 credit hours), or the thesis option. Students completing a thesis must complete at least one course from the research cluster. Note: The M.S.W. program is NOT offered through Distance Delivery. Course Selection Core Course Requirements - effective September 2014 The M.S.W. program structure has a common core and four clusters, with different courses in each cluster, to ensure that the curriculum is current and in compliance with the standards of our accreditation body (The Canadian Association for Social Work Education - CASWE). This structure ensures that students have knowledge and skills required to meet accreditation standards while continuing to allow for specialization. The program offers students flexibility in designing a program that meets their learning objectives. Core Courses SWRK 7600 Critical Perspectives and Social Work (3) SWRK 7610 Social Work as a Profession (3) SWRK 7620 Paradigms, Methodologies, and Methods for Social Work Research (3) Clusters Direct Practice with Individuals and Families SWRK 7630 Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families (3) SWRK 7640 Application and Critique of Theory and Research in Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families (3) SWRK 7300 Clinical Evaluation of Social Work Interventions (3) Direct Practice with Groups, Networks, and Communities SWRK 7650 Advanced Social Work Practice with Groups (3) SWRK 7660 Social Work Perspectives on Practice with Networks, Neighbourhoods, and Communities (3) SWRK 7670 Community Mobilization: Application of Concepts in Social Work Practice with Groups, Networks, and Communities (3) Leadership, Management and Policy SWRK 7430 Evaluation Research in Social Work Practice (3) SWRK 7440 Policy Analysis in Social Work Practice (3) SWRK 7680 Management of Human Resources in Social Service Organizations (3) SWRK 7690 Leadership, Strategic Program Planning, and Financial Management in Social Service Organizations (3) 9

13 Research SWRK 6010 Data Analysis for Social Work Research (3) SWRK 6070 Qualitative Research in Social Work (3) One of the evaluation courses: SWRK 7300 Clinical Evaluation of Social Work Interventions (3) OR SWRK 7430 Evaluation Research in Social Work Practice (3) At least one 3 credit hour elective course at the 7000 level. Please note that not all clusters/courses may be offered annually Core Course Requirements - applicable to students admitted prior to 2014 Students admitted to the MSW program concentrate their studies in one of two streams: Social Clinical Intervention Stream or Social Services Administration Stream. Students must complete 24 credit hours of courses in each stream plus a thesis or 27 credit hours in the course-based specialization option. Major course requirements for each stream are outlined below. Course descriptions are provided in the Graduate Calendar. a) Social Clinical Stream SWRK 6010 Data Analysis for Social Work Research (3) or SWRK 6070 Qualitative Research in Social Work (3) SWRK 7290 Family-Focused Social Work Practice (6) SWRK 7300 Clinical Evaluation (3) SWRK 7390 Advanced Social Work Practice Seminar (3) Elective (choose from one of three offered) Electives - (9) credit hours may be selected from the following: SWRK 7390 (Advanced Social Work Practice Seminar); SWRK 7230 (Problem Seminar); SWRK 7220 (Selected Topics in Social Work); SWRK 7280 (Readings in Social Work and Social Welfare Research); courses in the Social Services Administration Stream; or courses offered by another department. Thesis, or course-based option (SWRK 7180: Advanced Field Practice (0) and SWRK 7190: Integrating Theory and Research in Advanced Field Practice (3)). b) Social Services Administration Stream SWRK 6010 Data Analysis for Social Work Research (3) or SWRK 6070 Qualitative Research in Social Work (3) SWRK 7310 Social Services Administration Practice (6) SWRK 7400 Theoretical Foundations for Social Services Administration (3) SWRK 7420 Theoretical Foundations of Social Policy Analysis, Planning and Evaluation (3) SWRK 7430 Evaluation Research on Social Work Practice (3) SWRK 7440 Policy Analysis in Social Work Practice (3) Electives - (3) credit hours may be selected from the following: courses offered in the Social Clinical Stream; SWRK 7220 (Selected Topics in Social Work); SWRK 7280 (Readings in Social Work and Social Welfare Research) SWRK 7230 (Problem Seminar); or courses offered by another department. Part-time students enrolled in the Social Services Administration Stream are normally required to take SWRK 7400 and SWRK 7310 as co-requisites; as well SWRK 7420, SWRK 7430 and SWRK 7440 should be taken in the same academic year. SWRK 6010 is a pre/co-requisite to SWRK Thesis, or course-based option (SWRK 7180: Advanced Field Practice (0) and SWRK 7190: Integrating Theory and Research in Advanced Field Practice (3)). 10

14 3.2.3 Elective Courses Electives must be chosen in consultation with, and approved by, your Faculty Advisor. Students must seek written approval of their electives prior to registration. Courses chosen as electives may be at the 3000 level or higher, although preference is 7000 level courses. The selection of electives outside the Faculty of Social Work may be a time-consuming procedure. Students may be required to obtain written permission from the faculty and/or instructor offering the course. It is advisable to attend to this well in advance of registration (e.g. May and June). When choosing your outside elective(s): (i) (ii) (iii) Consult the Undergraduate and Graduate Calendars as well as Aurora Student for course offerings and descriptions; Contact the appropriate faculty or department directly to determine when and if the course is being offered in the current year; and Find out if/how you will be able to register for the course (e.g. by written consent of instructor, written consent of department head, etc.). Students are normally permitted to take only one readings course as an elective Advance Credit Students who have previously attended another university or faculty may request advance credit if the course(s) in question have not been used towards a previous degree and have a grade of C+ or higher. Course must be at the 3000 level or higher. The course cannot be more than 7 years old at the time of transfer. In addition, it cannot be more than 7 years old by the end of the student s MSW program, otherwise the student may be required to replace it with another elective course. A decision on advance credit cannot be determined until official transcripts and complete course descriptions have been reviewed by the student s Faculty Advisor. If approval is recommended by the advisor, s/he advises the Graduate Programs Student Advisor in writing, who in turn presents a written recommendation to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Once approval has been granted, the appropriate transfer of credit should be recorded on the student s transcript. It is the student s responsibility to ensure that this information has been recorded on the transcript. 3.3 Thesis or Course Based Specialization Option Specialized study in an area of practice or a field of interest is accomplished through either a course-based option or the completion of a thesis. If the course-based option is selected the Faculty Advisor acts as the faculty coordinator for the Advanced Field Practice course and teaches the Integrating Theory and Research in Advanced Field Practice as a tutorial. An advisory committee consisting of one or two additional individuals (e.g. an agency-based supervisor) may be established but it is not required. If a thesis is selected, a thesis committee consisting of a minimum of two individuals, in addition to the Faculty Advisor, must be established. The selection of a thesis committee should be made jointly by the student and the advisor. 11

15 The Faculty Advisor is responsible for recommending a thesis committee for approval by Faculty of Graduate Studies, preferably not later than December 1st of the academic year in which the student undertakes to do her/his thesis. It is the role of the thesis committee to: a) Approve the student's thesis proposal; b) Monitor and evaluate the student's progress regarding his/her thesis; c) Examine the completed thesis report. d) Generally advise and assist the student in the process of completing the thesis and to clarify for the student in which way it will perform this function. 3.4 Completing a Thesis What is a Thesis? The Faculty of Graduate Studies has clearly defined general rules regarding thesis requirements in the Graduate Calendar and Academic Guide. In addition to these rules the following regulations apply: The Master's thesis should show that the student has mastery of a particular field and is fully conversant with the relevant literature. The thesis should be based on "independent study and scholarly research" which is "of a theoretical, empirical or historical focus". The purpose of the thesis endeavor should be to build or test theory through disciplined and focused independent study. In addition, the thesis represents a demonstration of the candidate's competence in completing a research project Thesis Committee Each student undertaking a thesis must work in conjunction with a thesis committee. This committee normally serves as the student s examining committee and is usually developed by the student s Faculty Advisor in consultation with the student. The Thesis Committee is comprised of a minimum of three (3) members: the advisor as chair, one faculty member of the Faculty of Social Work, a third member that the advisor and Dean or designate deem qualified, is external to the Faculty of Social Work, and is willing to serve. At least two examiners must be members of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. The advisory committee is formed as soon as possible, but no later than when the student begins work on his/her thesis proposal The Thesis Proposal Students must submit a "thesis proposal" to their thesis committee. This proposal should present the rationale underlying their proposed study, cite relevant literature to support their research intent, and provide a preliminary design for the thesis research. Students require approval from all members of their thesis committee before continuing (refer to Section of the Scholastic Progress Statement). Generally the thesis proposal should include the following: a) A clear statement of the research problem, the rationale for the study, and objectives of the study. b) A presentation of the relevant literature and theoretical framework to be used in directing the study. c) A description of the research design, and data gathering methods, including strengths and limitations of each. Also a description of the setting and research respondents should be included. d) The proposal should also outline the plan for data analysis. Students require approval from all members of their thesis committee before proceeding with the research. This approval is granted at a thesis proposal meeting attended by the student and his/her thesis committee. 12

16 The student is asked to present a summary of the proposed research and answer questions about the proposal. Following the presentation, questions, and discussion, thesis committee members meet in camera (in private) to decide if the proposal is accepted as written, accepted with required revisions, or failed. Should a proposal be failed, the student can revise and resubmit the proposal a second time Procedures for Protecting the Human Subjects Involved in Research The University of Manitoba is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of human subjects participating in research studies. All research projects involving human subjects conducted at, or under the auspices of the University of Manitoba, require prior ethics review and approval by a Research Ethics Board (REB). Although students' research must be sponsored by the faculty member who supervises their research, such sponsorship does not in any way diminish the obligation of students as members of the University of Manitoba community to comply with this policy, the TCPS, or other codes that govern the ethical conduct of research involving human subjects. Independent Student Research. All independent student research projects conducted with human subjects where the data are collected prior to writing an undergraduate research paper, Honours or Master's thesis, or doctoral dissertation must be reviewed and receive REB approval before the data are collected. Such projects shall be supervised by a faculty member who accepts responsibility for their ethical conduct. Most student thesis research must be submitted for REB approval; advanced field practice activities must be submitted for REB approval if the student plans to publish results of their advanced field practice activities. Human research refers to any project that involves the collection of specimens, data or information from persons, through intervention or otherwise. Included are procedures that have a low degree of invasiveness (e.g. surveys, interviews, naturalistic observations, exercise or psychometric testing, examination of patient records), as well as more invasive procedures (e.g. blood sampling, insertion of a cannula, administration of a substance). A subject in human research is a person, who by virtue of his/her involvement in a data-gathering situation or activity, is a source of primary data or information. A research ethics protocol is a document submitted by the applicant for consideration by the REB. This document contains a detailed description of the rationale/purpose of the study, procedures to be followed in soliciting participants for the research, obtaining their informed consent when possible, collecting their information or data, protecting their privacy or anonymity, and providing feedback regarding the study at its conclusion. Prior ethics review and approval is required when research data are derived from, but not exclusively restricted to: (a) information collected through intervention or interaction with a living individual(s); (b) identifiable private information about individuals; (c) human organs, tissues, and body fluids, and/or (d) written or recorded information derived from individually identifiable human subjects. In addition, ethics review is required for the following categories of research that may be overlooked or raise questions about the necessity for such a review: (a) Projects that involve the secondary use of data on human subjects gathered in earlier projects and (b) All graduate and undergraduate independent student research projects conducted in partial fulfillment of degree requirements. Research Ethics Boards (REBs). The REBs are responsible for the ethics review of all protocols involving the use of human subjects in research. It is the responsibility of the REBs to: (a) ensure that all protocols that propose the use of human subjects comply with this policy and all applicable ethics guidelines; (b) ensure that the potential benefits of these protocols are sufficient to warrant the use of human subjects; and (c) terminate any ongoing research project which is in contravention of this policy or of a previously approved protocol. 13

17 Approval to conduct research on human subjects will be granted only after the research ethics protocol has been examined by members of a REB. The Psychology/Sociology REB (PSREB) will review protocols submitted from the Departments of Psychology, Sociology, Social Work and from the Counselling Services. Protocol Submission. Before a project involving the use of humans for research is initiated, an Ethics Protocol Submission Form describing the proposed procedures must be submitted to the Human Ethics Coordinator. The protocol should provide a clear statement of the proposed research (scientific rationale and details of the procedures to be used with the human subjects, including obtaining their informed consent). It should include all the information requested by the protocol submission form (available on the Office of Research Ethics and Compliance website). Time Frame for Decisions on Projects Requiring Full Review. Because the REBs normally meet monthly, it is extremely important for the researcher to allow ample time for the review process to take place in advance of their plan to conduct the research. It is also essential to be certain that the protocol submission is complete and answers all questions that might be anticipated. Submissions must be received no later than 10 working days prior to the REB's published meeting date in order to be considered at that month's meeting. Dates of the PSREB meeting schedule and submission deadlines can be found on the Office of Research Ethics and Compliance website. Beginning the Research. Human subjects may not be recruited and researchers may not begin collecting data until the research ethics protocol has been approved by a REB. Once approved, the researcher is obligated to follow the procedures contained in the protocol. For a complete explanation of the University policies on research ethics, go to the Office of Research Ethics and Compliance website The Thesis Defense (Oral Examination) Each student is required to make an open oral defense of her/his thesis following its distribution to the committee. Normally, the oral defense should occur within one month of its distribution to the committee. If the written thesis report is deemed unacceptable, the student shall be advised against making an oral defense. Notwithstanding this provision, the student has the right to examination of the thesis if s/he believes it is ready for examination. The defense is undertaken in the following manner: a) The thesis is presented to a meeting open to the faculty and graduate students of the Faculty of Social Work as well as members of the University and community. The oral examination is chaired by the student s thesis advisor. b) The first part of the oral examination shall consist of an oral presentation by the student that includes a summary of the salient points of the research within a time span of 25 to 30 minutes. This is followed by the questioning and examination of the student by the examination committee, which does not normally exceed one and one-half hours. The Chair may exercise discretion in inviting questions from guests following completion of the formal examination. c) The thesis committee meets after the open meeting in camera (in private) to review both the oral defence and the written thesis report and make a disposition. The judgment of the examiners shall be reported to the Faculty of Graduate Studies in the qualitative terms approved or not approved on the thesis/practicum final report form ( Each examiner must indicate his/her opinion by his/her signature. If two or more examiners do not approve the thesis, then the student is deemed to have failed the defense. d) The thesis committee then meets in camera with the student to discuss any changes that may be required before the thesis is finally accepted. The Faculty Advisor is normally responsible for ensuring that revisions are completed according to the instructions from the examining committee. 14

18 e) In the case of a failure of the thesis at the Master s level, a detailed written report will be prepared by the Chair of the examination committee and submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, who will make the report available to the student and advisor/co-advisor. A student will be required to withdraw when the thesis has been rejected twice at the stage where: o The examining committee reports on the merits of the written thesis; o The defence; or o A combination of both stages. The examining process should be completed within one month of distribution of the thesis Regulations Regarding Publication and Circulation of Thesis Reports The publication and circulation requirements are outlined in the University s Graduate Calendar. 3.5 The Specialization Course-Based Option On June 30, 2004 the Senate of the University of Manitoba approved a new course-based route to completion of the MSW program. Two courses were designed by the faculty to replace the practicum route to completion of the MSW program. Below are the course outlines of the two new courses SWRK 7180 Advanced Field Practice (0 credit hours) and SWRK 7190 Integrating Theory and Research in Advanced Field Practice (3 credit hours) and the supplemental guidelines for each course. The intention of these changes was to streamline the practicum but not replace: the number of hours a student spends in his/her placement, the specialized nature of that placement, the expectation of writing a proposal prior to placement and a final written document integrating theory with the advanced practice experience at the conclusion of the placement. This route is intended as an alternate route for a practicum placement only; for those students electing a thesis route the process remains the same. The courses SWRK 7180 and SWRK 7190 are not available as electives to meet the course requirements for the 24 credit hours required independent of the thesis or advanced field placement. They are not open to students electing the thesis option to completing the MSW. For those students taking the advanced placement route they are additional to the 24 credit hours required independent of the advanced field placement. Core courses for the student s program cluster (stream) must be completed prior to or concurrently with SWRK 7180 and SWRK Please note that all students, in order to be eligible to graduate from the Course-Based Option in the MSW Program, MUST COMPLETE 27 CREDIT HOURS WHILE IN THE MSW PROGRAM. Students who have had any courses waived MUST REPLACE those credit hours. This issue will affect students who: (a) completed SWRK 6010 Data Analysis for Social Work Research in their Pre-MSW Program and subsequently had it waived in their MSW Program, or (b) had SWRK 6010 or any other course waived (received equivalency for) in their MSW Program. If you are a student who has had a course in their MSW Program waived you should meet with your Faculty Advisor to develop a plan to ensure that you have met the 27 credit hour requirement for the Course-Based Option. Students who are currently in the Thesis Option should be aware that if you choose to switch from the Thesis to the Course-Based Option you will need to meet the 27 credit hour requirement. Please note that according to the supplemental guidelines for SWRK 7180 overall supervision of the advanced field placement of a minimum of 450 hours is the responsibility of the Faculty Advisor. However, 15

19 supervision of the student s day-to-day work may be done by a field/agency supervisor as negotiated during the proposal stage. This means that each student will have one and often two people involved in the proposal phase of the placement. The proposal serves as the learning contract between the student, Faculty Advisor and the agency/field setting. The advisor is responsible for grading the student on a pass/fail basis. Details for the proposal and procedures for evaluating the advanced field placement are specified in the supplemental guidelines for SWRK As stated in the supplementary guidelines for SWRK 7190, the Faculty Advisor will be the instructor for SWRK 7190 and will grade the final paper. Details for structuring the paper and criteria for grading are detailed in the supplementary guidelines. Please note that this is a graded course and the instructor will not review drafts of the final paper. It is a 3 credit course and the grade received will be included as part of the student s grade point average. Course SWRK 7190 (Integrating Theory and Research in Advanced Field Practice) may be taken concurrently with SWRK 7180 (Advanced Field Practice), although SWRK 7180 will normally be completed prior to SWRK It cannot be taken prior to SWRK The paper written for SWRK 7190 essentially replaces the practicum report, although the paper will not be bound and placed in the library Advanced Field Practice SWRK 7180 (0 - credit hours) The course requires 450 hours of advanced field practice experience where the focus is on the development of specialized skills and knowledge in social work. Along with the course SWRK 7190 Integrating Theory and Research in Advanced Field Practice, this course is a culminating activity in the MSW program for those students who choose the non-thesis route. The course is student directed in that the student defines, with assistance and direction from a Faculty Advisor, specialized learning goals and a field experience through which these learning goals can be achieved. Activities carried out during the implementation phase of the field experience occur under supervision provided or arranged by the Faculty Advisor. The field practice experience must include an examination of theory and research related to activities that are designed and carried out during the implementation phase, and it must include the application of evaluation research methods to assess results. Since the Faculty of Social Work is committed to social change and social justice, in completing the field practice, attention should be paid to experiences of systemic discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnic origin, skin colour, language, religious and spiritual beliefs, class, sexual orientation and sexual identity, disability, age, culture or any other characteristic. Corequisite: SWRK 7190 Integrating Theory and Research in Advanced Field Practice; Pre/Co-requisite: Core courses within the student s program cluster Course Objectives It is expected that the student will: a) demonstrate the ability to develop a clearly written proposal that outlines the learning goals of the advanced field practice experience, a rationale which supports the focus of service activities, a clear description of the activities to be implemented and a plan for evaluating both the results of implementation and the achievement of learning goals; b) develop specialized skills and knowledge through a critical review of relevant theory and research, and the application of advanced social work methods, which includes a critical analysis of the social construction of theory and practices that may reflect injustices. c) assist students to develop a professional commitment which upholds the dignity and potential of students, staff and community and provides education enabling professional action to remove obstacles to human and social development and challenges to oppression. In addition, the course will equip students with the knowledge and skills to analyze and eradicate oppressive social conditions and to promote equal access to resources, services, and opportunities for the accomplishment of life tasks, the alleviation of distress and the realization of aspirations and values. 16