Our undergraduate Social Work program has a long tradition of preparing students for beginning generalist practice in a unique and culturally diverse learning environment. The program has been fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1975 and has graduated over 700 students serving in child welfare, mental health,veterans services, substance abuse, aging, healthcare, youth services, corrections, disabilities, schools and social justice settings. Many of our graduates have gone on to pursue advanced degrees at other universities throughout the country.
 

If you enjoy working with people and are looking for a profession that is interesting and fulfilling, you should consider Social Work as your career choice.

At right, you will also find a link to the Healthy Grandfamilies program, which is bringing much-needed education, resources and support to West Virginia's growing population of grandparents raising grandchildren. The program is a collaboration between the Department of Social Work and WVSU Extension Service, funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

We appreciate your visiting our website and encourage you to contact us for additional information.

The undergraduate Social Work Program at West Virginia State University (WVSU) has a long tradition of preparing students for beginning generalist practice in a unique and culturally diverse learning environment. The “Generalist Model of Social Work” provides assurance that professional social work skills, values, and knowledge can be applied in working in a wide range of settings with individuals,families, groups, organizations, and communities.
 

Social work is one of the oldest human service professions. It uses the social and behavioral sciences to understand and help individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities realize their full potential. Students in the social work program learn professional values, master a broad range of knowledge about individuals, social systems, human diversity, social policy, and generalist practice theory; and develop skills related to analysis and problem solving, communication, research and generalist practice. The program helps students to integrate theoretical material from the classroom with the practical supervised field experience of working directly with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
 

Social Work Program Goals
 

The primary goals of the program are to:
 

1. Prepare the undergraduate student with the knowledge and skills necessary for baccalaureate level generalist social work practice in a wide range of settings with diverse populations. 
2. Instill in students high standards of social work values and ethics throughout the curriculum. 
3. Provide students with a broad understanding of the nature of human needs through a liberal arts foundation, which enriches student growth and provides an understanding useful for thinking critically about society, people and their problems, the expressions of culture, and a perspective on the ways social welfare programs address human needs. 
4. Contribute to the University’s commitment to fostering cultural, social, and ethical growth in its students by a special emphasis on relationships between diverse peoples and their social environment and by instilling in students recognition and respect for the dignity and worth of client systems in reference to gender, race, religion, national origin, disabilities, and sexual preference. 
5. Instill in students the habits and discipline conducive to lifelong learning and the ongoing enhancement of the skills necessary for successful professional growth and development in social work practice and provide them with a comprehensive foundation for graduate professional education in social work.

Program Accreditation

An important fact for you to know is that our program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the national accrediting body for Social Work educational programs. This means potential employers anywhere in the country will recognize our program as having met the standards for quality and excellence set by CSWE. It also means our graduates are eligible for licensure as social workers in West Virginia and other states, depending on individual state laws. The Social Work program at West Virginia State University has been continually accredited by CSWE since 1975.


Affirmative Action Statement


West Virginia State University is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION institution and does not discriminate against any person because of race, sex, age, color, religion, disability, national or ethnic origin.
 

The Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Admission and Program Requirements

 

The student is formally admitted into the program upon meeting the following requirements:
 

· Upon completion of 45 hours of college credit, submit a completed application packet* to the Program Director.

· Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and values of the social work profession by earning a grade of “C or better in SW 131: Introduction to Social Work.

· Demonstrate appropriate interpersonal qualities, aptitude, and temperament by earning a satisfactory rating in the field experience component of the Introduction to Social Work course..

· Demonstrate general academic proficiency by earning a GPA of 2.3 or better, computed overall.

· Demonstrate an aptitude for social work knowledge by earning a grade of “C” or better in all Social Work courses undertaken.

· Demonstrate proficiency in effective writing skills with a grade of “C” or better in English 101 and 102.

*(Students may obtain the application packet from their Social Work faculty advisor or from the Departmental Office, Room 917, Wallace Hall.)

The Curriculum

 

Our course* of study includes the following requirements:

· 48 hours of required and electives social work courses

· 15-16 hours of courses serving as foundation to social work studies.

· 35-37 hours of general education studies.

· 20 field hours completed in SWK 131 (Intro.)

· 480 field hours completed over 2 semesters in SWK 404 and 406

A total of 120 hours is required for graduation with an overall GPA of not less than 2.3.

(* For more information refer to the West Virginia State University College Catalog or contact the Social Work department office.)

Admission Criteria

Application

Social Work Career Information
 

What is a Social Worker?
 

Social workers are professionals who help individuals, families, groups, organizations or communities enhance or restore their ability to function in a complex society. The social worker is an essential link between individuals and/or families and the resources available to them. They help people obtain services, provide counseling, and help communities to provide or improve social and health services. In other words, they help people help themselves.
 

Social work is a profession with a wide range of career options. For example:

 

• Social workers in hospitals help patients and their families consider alternatives in living arrangements for patients after discharge.
• Social workers in industry counsel and/or refer employees to appropriate services, such as treatment for substance abuse.
• Social workers help find foster homes and adoptive homes for children whose parents are unable to care for them.
• Social workers identify community needs and help plan how to meet those needs.
• Social workers meet with groups of patients dealing with emotional problems to help them function successfully in the community.
• Social workers work with children who have been abused or neglected and their families to assure the protection of children.
• Social workers in domestic violence programs help family members make decisions, coordinate services, and advocate for victims’ rights.
• Social workers in homeless shelters help individuals and families gain self-sufficiency.
• Social workers in schools help children and their families with problems that interfere with academic success.
• Social workers offer support and comfort to people experiencing crises in the family, losses, and other threats to stability of the family.
• Social workers coordinate services to help families stay together or help the elderly stay in their own homes as long as possible.
• Social workers play many roles in the work they do: care managers, facilitators, planners, enabler, teachers, caregivers, mediators, advocates, social activists.
• Social workers help veterans deal with reintergration issues such as PTSD, financial needs, and family resources.

Can anyone do social work?
 

Social work is a profession, and as such requires professional education and preparation. A social worker must be a principled person who adheres to the values of the profession and has broad knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, of social policy and services, of research and its significance, of human diversity, of social and economic justice, and of appropriate practice methods. Social work students, as part of their educational experience, intern in a social service agency under the direction of a skilled practitioner. This experience allows them to work with clients while receiving intense personal supervision.
 

In West Virginia, social workers must be licensed by the state. The BSW degree makes one immediately eligible to apply for the Social Work License in West Virginia.
 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SOCIAL WORK

131 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK (3 credit hours)
A study of the profession of social work: its history and role in the institution of social welfare. Examines the wide variety of problems social workers confront, the divers clients they serve, the places the work, the knowledge and skills they use, the social programs they carry out, and the philosophy and values the hold. Career opportunities in the profession are explored. Course entails volunteer experience in a social service agency. Open to non-majors.

200 THEORIES OF POVERTY (3 credit hours)
A study of factors and theories associated with poverty in America. Presents an historical survey of responses to poverty issues and problems, including the institution of public welfare. Examines preconceived beliefs about poverty and presents alternative ways of considering poverty and designing interventions. Open to non-majors.

202 CULTURAL ASPECTS (3 credit hours)
A study of the impact of cultural and ethnic diversity on human development and functioning in society. Presents models and theoretical frameworks useful for engaging, assessing, and providing social services to members of varied cultures in a multi cultural environment. Open to non-majors.

205 COMMUNITY SERVICES (3 credit hours)
A study of public and private community agencies: their functions, policies, eligibility requirements, and services. Students will learn about community resources and the rules and regulations that govern the provision of services, with an emphasis on the referral process and care management. Open to non- majors.

210 CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES (3 credit hours)
A study of the historical, theoretical, political, and practical issues involved in the provision of services to children and their families. Course focuses on services and methods used to promote the positive development of children, as well as confront problems experienced by families. Assessment of child abuse, foster care placement, and parenting are explored. Open to non-majors.
 

242 Introduction to Social Welfare Policy (3 credit hours)
A discussion of theoretical perspectives on policy development, an overview and history of social welfare policy in the US, and an investigation of the effects of social welfare policy on the social contract, with a particular focus upon marginalized groups.


245 HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT (3 credit hours)
A study of the social, cultural, ethnic, biological, and emotional aspects of adult growth and development. Family life cycles, group influences, gender issues and lifestyles are examined. Prerequisites: Psych 151, AND Educ 201 or Psych 304; OR Permission of Instructor.
 

298 CURRENT ISSUES IN HUMAN SERVICES (3 credit hours)
A study of current issues affecting the social work profession and the delivery of social services. The interests of students determine issues. Open to non-majors.


310 Professional Practice in a Global Society (3 credit hours)
This course discusses the ways that families, communities, societies, and international organizations enhance wellbeing in the evolving global era. It draws on a variety of theoretical perspectives that inform social welfare thinking in and discusses the policies and practices that have evolved in different countries over the years to promote people’s wellbeing. This course is open to all students.


316 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE I (3 credit hours)
A study of the knowledge and skills needed for the development of effective helping relationships. Students will examine their own values as they learn interviewing and other intervention techniques used in social work practice. Prerequisites: Admission to social work program, SW 202, 245, or permission of the instructor.

330 SOCIAL WORK VALUES AND ETHICS (3 credit hours)
A study of the values and ethics of the social work profession. The course uses the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers in studying ethical dilemmas faced by social work practitioners. Prerequisite: SW 131.

342 SOCIAL POLICY AND LEGISLATION (3 credit hours)
A study of the historical, philosophical, judicial, and practical issues involved in the development and enactment of social welfare policies. Introduces analytical methods for evaluating social welfare policies. The course explores the role of the legislative process in the enactment of social policies. Open to non-majors. Prerequisites: S WK 242

350 AGING: PROCESS AND SERVICES (3 credit hours)
A study of the physiological, psychological, and sociological changes that occur as people age. The course explores common myths and stereotypes surrounding aging and highlights national and local services to the elderly. Open to non-majors.

399 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SOCIAL WORK (1-3 credit hours)
A study of topics of interest to social work majors and non-majors as determined
by need and availability of faculty. Open to non-majors.

400 METHODS OF SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH (3 credit hours)
A study of the research principles an methodologies used in social work. Students learn to evaluate research studies useful for social work practice and to evaluate the effectiveness of their own practice interventions. Prerequisites: CJ 314 or Psych 200, AND Eng 206, AND Senior Standing.

403 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE II (3 credit hours)
A study of the principles of practice which guide the social worker in identifying problems, assessing situations, contracting with clients, planning interventions, evaluating outcomes, and terminating services. The course helps students develop the analytical and interactional skills needed in working with individual, families, and groups, be taken concurrently with SW 404, Field Instruction. Prerequisite: SW 316.

404 FIELD INSTRUCTION (6 credit hours)
This course integrated classroom theory and practice by placing students for 240 hours in an approved social service agency where they provide direct social work services under the supervision of a qualified field instructor to individuals, families, and groups. Participation in a weekly seminar and concurrent enrollment in SW 403 is required. Prerequisite: SW 316

405 SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE III (3 credit hours)
A study of the impact of the organization and community on social work practice both as the context and focus of change. The knowledge and skills needed by the generalist practitioner in working with and within organizations and communities are explored. To prepare for beginning practice, the student will also explore issues facing the new practitioner. To be taken concurrently with SW 406. Prerequisite: SW 403

406 ADVANCED FIELD INSTRUCTION (6 credit hours)
Students enrolled in this course are placed in an approved social service agency (240 hours) under the supervision of a qualified field instructor. The student will have increased responsibility for providing services. Emphasis will be upon service activities such as policy-making, program development, networking, public relations, research, and other indirect service provision. Participation in a weekly seminar and concurrent enrollment in SW 405 are required. Prerequisite: SW 404.

410 SERVICES TO VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES (3 credit hours)
This course explores a wide range of issues affecting services to military personnel, veterans, and their families.  It provides students with a comprehensive overview of military culture and the military deployment cycle.  The course considers the needs of active duty service members and veterans at different developmental phases of the military life course.  The ways that these individuals cope with a range of physical health, mental health and psychosocial issues are examined with special attention given to stress reactions, including Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and co-occurring disorders such as depression, substance abuse, and intimate partner violence.  Additional topics include family resilience, grief and loss, child and adolescent adaptation, caregiving, and associated policy issues.  Psychological and social barriers to care are explored.  Students will learn about Department of Defense, Veterans Administration, University, and community-based programs and policies  The course is open to non-majors.
 

The suggested sequence for completing coursework is illustrated below.

Bachelor of Science in Social Work Degree (effective Fall 2020)
 
Freshman Year

First Semester	Credit Hours	Second Semester	Credit Hours
English 101 (GEN ED) or English 101E	3	English 102 (GEN ED)	3
International Perspective (GEN ED)	3	Arts (GEN ED)	3
GEN ED 101 – First Year Experience	3	Math 103, 111, or 120; or BA 312 (GEN ED) or Math 111E	3
Comm 100	3	Sociology 101 Soc 101/POSC 100/POSC 101	3
S WK 131	3	SWK Elective	3
Total Hours	15	Total Hours	15

 
Sophomore Year

Third Semester	Credit Hours	Fourth Semester	Credit Hours
History (GEN ED)	3	Education 201/Psyc 304	3
Natural Science (GEN ED)	4	Psychology 151	3
HHP 122 or 157 (GEN ED)	2	Scientific Reasoning (GEN ED)	3-4
S WK 242	3	Humanities	3
S WK 202	3	S WK Elective	3
Total Hours	15	Total Hours	15-16

 
Junior Year

Fifth Semester Courses	Credit Hours	Sixth Semester	Credit Hours
Psychology 200 or CJ 314	3-4	Free elective	3
S WK 245	3	S WK 316	3
S WK Elective	3	S WK 342	3
Free Elective	3	Free Elective	3
Free Elective	3	Free Elective	3
Total Hours	15-16	Total Hours	15

 
Senior Year

Seventh Semester Courses	Credit Hours	Eighth Semester		Credit Hours
S WK 403	3	S WK 400		3
S WK 404	6	S WK 405		3
English 206	3	S WK 406		6
Free Elective	3	Free Elective		1-3
Total Hours	15	Total Hours		13-15
			Total Degree Hours:	120

Social Work has long recognized the vital importance of students learning social work by “doing” social work first hand through supervised experiences with clients in a social work practice setting. Our program offers students a variety of field placements in community agencies. During your course of study in social work you can expect to spend:
 

• Either 20 hours in an agency OR several hours interviewing a social woker during the SW 131 – Introduction to Social Work course, dependent upon the assignment for that sememster. 
• 15 hours in educational setting during Education 201 – Human Growth and Development, alternativey you may take Psych 304 which does not inlude volunteer hours). 
• 240 hours of micro practice in a field setting under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. You will do this during the first semester of the senior year. As part of that experience you will participate in a seminar with other students in placement where you will share your experiences in the field and engage in discussions about those experiences.
• 240 hours of macro practice in a different field setting with a different supervisor and a different clientele. You will do this during the second semester of your senior year. Again you will attend a weekly seminar to discuss your experience and engage in problem-solving.

What are the requirements for the 240-hour field experience placements?

You must have completed approximately 90 credit hours (senior status)

• Have satisfactorily completed the Introduction to Social Work 131 field experience.
• Have been formally admitted to the Social Work Program.
• Have completed SW 316 – Social Work Practice I

You will need to contact the Social Work Program Field Coordinator during the semester prior to your senior year, or the semester prior to the semester in which you will enroll in field placement. The Field Coordinator will assist you through the field experience placement process.

The following agencies/organizations are currently approved by the WVSU Department of Social Work as possible field placement sites for students who are registered for SWK 404 Field Instruction or SWK 406 Advanced Field Instruction. The purpose of the information provided on this page is to give students preliminary information about the sites that are available for placement opportunities. Final selection of a placement site by a student must be approved by Professor Lena Lambert, WVSU Director of Field Instruction.
 

Types of Field Placement Sites:    Adoption / Foster Care Services Adult Correctional Services Adult Protective Services Child Placement Agencies Child Protective Services Counseling Services Development Disability Services Domestic Violence Shelters Homeless Shelters Hospital / Hospice Services Juvenile Detention Centers Legislative / Politics Mental Health / Behavior Health Services NASW (National Association of Social Workers) Nursing Homes / Rehabilitation Centers Public School Systems Senior Citizens Services Social Work Licensure Board Substance Abuse Shelters TLC Services Veterans Affairs Services WV DHHR – Boone, Cabell, Clay, Jackson,    Kanawha, Putnam

Field Placement Sites: Cabin Creek Health Catholic Charities West Virginia Children’s Advocacy Center Children’s Home Society Good News Mountaineer Garage Healing House Healthy Grandfamilies Program Heart & Hand Hospice Care Kanawha County Schools Kanawha Valley Collective Liam’s Place Montgomery Rehab & Nursing PAAC Women’s Recovery House Thomas Hospital Union Mission Ministries Inc WV Board of Social Work WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence WV DHHR WV DHHR – Safe at Home WV State Police WVU Extension Service – Kanawha County YWCA Sojourner’s

 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
 

To graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from WVSU, you must meet the following criteria:
Successfully complete the social work curriculum and graduation requirements as outline in the WVSU Catalog in effect at the time of admission
Complete not less than 120 credit hours overall
Have a GPA of not less than 2.3 overall
Achieve at least a minimum grade of “C” in all Social Work courses
 

ADVISEMENT
 

Advisement is very important. We cannot stress this enough. The advisement process is critical in helping you develop your academic and career goals, identify your strengths and learning needs, progress toward graduation in an orderly fashion, find needed support services, prepare for graduate school, and evaluate your performance and aptitude for the field of Social Work.

In short, academic and professional advising policies and procedures are consistent with the Social Work Program’s goals and objectives and assures that you: 1) make the correct course selections; 2) maintain steady progress toward graduation; and 3) help establish that social work is the appropriate academic and career choice for you.
 

What is the procedure for advisement?
 

First time students to West Virginia State University will receive advising and register for classes during New Student Orientation. You should then make contact with the Department of Social Work during your first semester. You will be assigned a faculty member as an advisor.
 

You are required to meet with your advisor at least once each semester for help with course selection. During advisement appointments, you and your advisor discuss your career and curriculum plans, establish a tentative program leading to graduation, and review your progress.

Social Work Program Objectives
 

Graduates of the program will be able to:
 
1.  Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior;
2.  Engage in diversity and difference in practice;
3.  Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice;
4.  Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice;
5.  Engage in policy practice;
6.  Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities;
7. Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities;
8. Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities;
9. Evaluate practices with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities   
 

Although rare, a student may be terminated from the Social Work Program when academic performance, field instruction ratings, and/or ethical conduct fail to meet acceptable program standards. The decision to terminate a student from the Social Work Program is made by a consensus of the social work faculty. The student is notified in writing by the Program Chair. A student who disagrees with the decision can follow the following steps:

Within 14 days of receipt of the decision, the student may notify the Program Chair in writing of the wish to appeal.


The Program Chair will arrange an interview with the student. If the issue cannot be resolved during this interview, the student may take the next step.


The student may appeal in writing to the Dean of the College of Professional Studies, who may hear the case or refer the appeal to the WVSU Academic Appeals Committee.
 

The Academic Appeals Committee will notify the student of the Committee’s decision regarding admission to the Social Work Program after a formal hearing with the student.


If a satisfactory resolution to the issue is not reached through this stage, the student may appeal in writing to the President.


The President’s decision is final.

PROFESSIONAL LINKS:
 

West Virginia Board of Social Work : www.wvsocialworkboard.org

National Association of Social Workers—West Virginia Chapter: www.naswwv.org
 

National Association of Social Workers: www.socialworkers.org
 

Council on Social Work Education: www.cswe.org

Concord University MSW link: https://www.concord.edu/sws/node/3

Onine Supervision with Motivo: https://wearemotivo.com/west-virginia-state/ 

WVU MSW Program link: http://sw.as.wvu.edu/academics/master/index.php

Marshall University MSW Program link: https://www.marshall.edu/social-work/master-of-social-work/
 

WVDHHR Employment link: http://www.state.wv.us/admin/personnel
 

Social Worker Code of Ethics: https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English

Social Work Jobs through Zip Recruiter: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Social-Worker
 

Social Worker Jobs in West Virginia: http://www.indeed.com

Social Work Licensing Guide: https://www.socialworkguide.org/licensure/
 

STUDENT RESOURCES:
 

Student Handbook HERE

Student Rights HERE
 

Student scholarhips specific for social work can be found: HERE and HERE

Thurgood Marshall College Fund scholarships (HBCU specific) can be found HERE. 

 

SOCIAL WORK STUDENT STIPENDS
 

Title IV-E Grant
 

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, through funding from a Title IV-E Grant, provides stipends and tuition awards for qualified Social Work majors interested in child welfare. The awards are contingent upon continued funding by DHHR under the Grant.
Student grants are based on the following criteria:
 

• Be formally admitted into the Social Work program with 60+ credit hours of completed studies
• Carry a minimum of 12 hours of coursework per semester with a GPA of 2.0 or better
• Submit an application with a current transcript and resume and names/addresses of two references.
• Be interviewed and accepted by a representative of the WV DHHR.
• Sign a binding contract with the WV DHHR agreeing to stipulated academic standing, course work, field placement in a child welfare social service agency, and a commitment upon graduation for employment with the WV Office of Social Services if such an offer is offered to you.

Students unable to meet the conditions of the Title IV-E contract must pay back, with interest, the stipend(s) received.
 

Please note that the awards may affect eligibility for other financial aid and applies only after all other free aid is used. In addition, it may also be to taxation.


See Title IV-E Grant section for additional informaiton.
 

WVSU Foundation Scholarships

 

Social work students are encouraged to explore the many scholarships awarded to students who are already enrolled through the University scholarship committee. Applications may be obtained in the Office of Academic Affairs. Application deadlines are May 1 for Fall Semester and October 1 for Spring Semester. Usually, scholarships are awarded in the spring for both semesters of the following academic year. A list of these scholarships and additional information can be found in WVSU Catalog.

The Department of Social Work takes student complaints and grievances very seriously and encourages students to pursue any concerns they might have related to their academic experience. A description of Student Rights can be found beginning on page 5 in the WVSU Student Handbook (The Buzz) HERE. 

The following avenues for addressing student grievances are available to students:
Final Grade Appeal
A student who believes that the final grade as posted for a particular class does not accurately reflect the student’s performance, as determined by the grading procedure outlined on the class syllabus, he/she may wish to appeal the final grade. The grade appeal procedures are located on page 46 of our University Catalog HERE. 
The form can be found HERE. 

Student Complaints
Student can find procedures for addressing student complaints through the WVSU Student Handbook (The Buzz, located HERE as follows:
Harassment/Discrimination Complaint Procedures, Page 30
Student Disability Accommodation Request Complaint Procedures, Page 33
Affirmative Action Student Complaint Procedure, Page 42

Students may also submit general complaints not covered by the above using the Student Complaint Form HERE. The process of submission is outline HERE. 

Title IX Sexual Harassment
Any student who has a complaint against a WVSU faculty or staff member for sexual harassment, sex discrimination, or sexual assault should contact:
Carolyn L. Stuart, Ph.D.
Title IX Coordinator, EEO Compliance Officer
(304) 204-4018
carolyn.stuart@wvstateu.edu
Additional information on West Virginia State University's Title IX program, preventions, and supports is found HERE. 

Termination from the Social Work Program Appeal Process
Although rare, a student may be terminated from the Social Work Program when academic performance, field instruction ratings, and/or ethical conduct fail to meet acceptable program standards. The decision to terminate a student from the Social Work Program is made by a consensus of the social work faculty. The student is notified in writing by the Program Chair. A student who disagrees with the decision can follow the following steps:

1. Within 14 days of receipt of the decision, the student may notify the Program Chair in writing of the wish to appeal.
2. The Program Chair will arrange an interview with the student. If the issue cannot be resolved during this interview, the student may take the next step.
3. The student may appeal in writing to the Dean of the College of Professional Studies, who may hear the case or refer the appeal to the WVSU Academic Appeals Committee.
4. The Academic Appeals Committee will notify the student of the Committee’s decision regarding admission to the Social Work Program after a formal hearing with the student.
5. 5. If a satisfactory resolution to the issue is not reached through this stage, the student may appeal in writing to the President.
6. The President’s decision is final.

We encourage you to participate as fully as you can in the “life” of the Social Work Program. Student input to the program is vital to its effectiveness and vitality. Student representatives attend departmental meetings and serve on departmental advisory councils. Students also have input into the program by serving on the Field Instruction Advisory Council.
 

As social work students you are eligible for student membership in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the largest professional organization for social workers in the country. Talk to your advisor about NASW.

Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work

Phi Alpha, a national honor society for social work, is certified by the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS).  Phi Alpha recognizes outstanding scholastic record and demonstrated interest in social work.  To be eligible for membership in the West Virginia State University Chapter Epsilon Zeta Eta, you must:

• Complete 9- credit hours in Social Work
• Complete at least 37.5% of the required coursework toward the degree
• Be in the top 35% GPA of all Social Work students

 
The purpose of Phi Alpha Honor Society is to provide a closer bond among students of social work and promote humanitarian goals and ideas.  Phi Alpha fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work.  Members are invited to join in both fall and spring semesters. 

The Social Work Student Organization

The Social Work Student Organization (aka “the Club”) has been active since 1975 when the Social Work Program was first accredited at West Virginia State University. We cordially invite you to join the Club and participate in its activities. The Organization offers you opportunities to socialize and fraternize with like-minded students, to learn about employment openings, to provide services to our community, and to gain additional information about the social work field. In the past, some of the Club activities have included community speakers, voters’ registration, representation to the NASW state meetings, sponsorship of induction of honor students into honoraries, involvement in a needs assessment project, parties for children in low income housing, community awareness projects, mentoring services, fundraising for homeless programs, participation in the WVSU in Multicultural Festival, and field trips.

Vision Statement

     We are caring and competent servant leaders transforming lives within our college and its surrounding communities. 

Objectives
 

• To provide experience with working in a group setting.
• To serve school and community.
• To develop initiative and leadership.
• To encourage volunteerism and service to others.
• To provide opportunities.
• To put into practice what we are learning in the classroom.

Rules and Responsibilities of Members
 

• Participate in the organization as much as possible.
• Volunteer for 5 hours of service per semester.

A sample of our activities include:

• Community speakers
• Voter registration
• student representatives to NASW state meetings
• Sponsorship of honor student induction Into our honorary society
• Involvement in needs assessments
• Parties for children in low income housing
• Field trips

   

 

 

Title IV-E grants provide qualified Social Work majors stipends and tuition awards through funding from the WV Dept. of Health and Human Resources. (The awards may affect eligibility for other financial aid and applies only after all other free aid is used. In addition, it may also be subject to taxation.) Student grants are based on the following criteria:
 

• Be formally admitted into the Social Work program with 60+ hours of completed study
• Carry a minimum of 12 hours of coursework per semester with a GPA of 2.3 or better
• Submit an application with a current transcript and resume with names/addresses of two references
• Sign a BINDING contract with the WV-DHHR agreeing to stipulated academic standing, course work, field placement in a child welfare social service agency and a commitment upon graduation for employment with the WV Office of Social Services — if such an offer is presented to you
• Students unable to meet the conditions of the Title IV-E contract must pay back the stipend(s) received with interest.

For Title IV-E brochure click here.