The University of Portland Dorothy Day Social Work Program Social Work Program Student Handbook 2021-2022
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The University of Portland
Dorothy Day Social Work Program
_______________________________________
Social Work Program Student Handbook
2021-2022
Artwork: Rini Templeton
Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that
promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the
empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human
rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social
work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities
and indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and structures to
address life challenges and enhance wellbeing.
Source: International Federation of Social WorkTABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
Introduction 3
Social Work Faculty and Staff 3
University of Portland Dorothy Day Social Work Program 4
I. Social Work Program Mission 4
II. Social Work Program Goals 4
III. Learning Outcomes for Social Work Majors 4
IV. Competencies and Behaviors for Social Work Majors 5
V. Entrance to and Continuation in the Major 9
VI. Degree Requirements for the Social Work Major 12
VII. Advising 15
VIII. Social Work Program Activities and Opportunities 16
IX. Graduate School and Licensure Information 18
Appendices 19
Rubric for Assessing Professional Behaviors 20
Phi Alpha Honor Society Application 21
Social Work BA Worksheet 23
UP Academic Calendar 24
NASW Code of Ethics 27
2INTRODUCTION
Most of what you need to know about the Social Work Major can be found in this
handbook. We encourage you to read it and to use it as a reference guide.
Please note that the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers has been
included. Every professional social worker needs to be familiar with this document. Also,
one of the requirements for continuance in the major is professional and ethical behavior
that is consistent with the Code.
If you have any questions, please visit with your advisor and/or visit the Social Work
Program web site: (https://college.up.edu/socialwork/index.html) You may direct any
questions to Dr. Gates (gatesa@up.edu).
SOCIAL WORK FACULTY AND STAFF
Alice B. Gates, MSW, PhD (she/her) Anita Gooding, MSW, PhD (she/her)
Program Director & Associate Professor Assistant Professor of Social Work
Phone: (503) 943-7104 Phone: (503) 943-7170
4903 N. Willamette Blvd 4903 N. Willamette Blvd
Office 102 Office 101
gatesa@up.edu gooding@up.edu
Kevin Jones, MSW, PhD (he/him) Lizz Schallert, MSW, LCSW (they/them)
Assistant Professor of Social Work Practicum Director & Instructor
Phone: (503) 943-8709 Phone: (503) 943-7152
4903 N. Willamette Blvd 4903 N. Willamette Blvd
Office 201 Office 202
jonesk@up.edu schaller@up.edu
Abby Van Vleet (she/her)
Office Manager
Phone (503) 943-7223
Fax (503) 943-7802
Buckley Center 135
vanvleet@up.edu
"What we would like to do is change the world—make it a little simpler for people to feed, clothe,
and shelter themselves . . . to a certain extent, by fighting for better conditions, by crying out
unceasingly for the rights of the workers, of the poor, of the destitute . . . We can to a certain
extent change the world; we can work for the oasis, the little cell of joy and peace in a harried
world."
DOROTHY DAY (1897-1980)
3UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND
DOROTHY DAY SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM
I. SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM MISSION
In keeping with the missions of the University of Portland and of the College of Arts and
Sciences, the Dorothy Day Social Work Program offers an academically rigorous program
enriched by intensive, educationally-directed field experiences and is committed to
service, leadership, and social justice. Based upon Catholic social teachings, the social
work program is dedicated to work with vulnerable and marginalized populations using
person-in-environment lenses that promote integrity of human relationships, dignity and
worth of people, and human and community well-being. It affirms the values of human
diversity, self-determination, and community and global solidarity and sustainability. To
achieve its goals, the social work program integrates a liberal arts foundation with social
work values, skills, and knowledge to prepare students for service that is reflective,
responsible, informed by scholarly knowledge, and responsive to the communities they
serve.
II. SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM GOALS
Program Goal I: To provide a generalist social work curriculum based on a foundation of
social, economic, and environmental justice.
Program Goal II: To promote educational and experiential contexts that emphasize
ethical, value-based, and culturally responsive social work practice.
Program Goal III: To offer curricular and field opportunities that facilitate and support
advanced graduate study and service leadership roles in diverse settings and communities.
III. LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR SOCIAL WORK MAJORS
Social Work graduates of the University of Portland should be able to:
[1] Articulate social work values that form the foundation of practice such as advocacy for
human rights and social and economic justice.
1. Demonstrate professional behaviors congruent with social work's mission and
values.
2. Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
[2] Utilize critical thinking and ethical conceptualization skills when addressing social
problems and approaches to working with those problems.
1. Apply ethical principles in practice.
42. Apply critical thinking in practice.
[3] Competently apply social work skills that are informed by theory, research, and best
practices and that consider the cultural and other contexts in which practice occurs.
1. Incorporate diversity and difference in practice.
2. Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being.
3. Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups,
organizations, and communities utilizing evidence-based methods and knowledge
of human behavior in the social environment.
IV. COMPETENCIES AND BEHAVIORS FOR SOCIAL WORK MAJORS
The Dorothy Day Social Work Program is accredited by a national body, the Council on
Social Work Education (CSWE). As a CSWE accredited program, the social work program
has the following competencies and observable behaviors for social work majors that flow
from the program’s mission and learning objectives:
Social work students and graduates of the University of Portland should be able to:
Competency One: Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
Social workers understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards, as
well as relevant laws and regulations that may impact practice at the micro, mezzo, and
macro levels. Social workers understand frameworks of ethical decision-making and how
to apply principles of critical thinking to those frameworks in practice, research, and
policy arenas. Social workers recognize personal values and the distinction between
personal and professional values. They also understand how their personal experiences
and affective reactions influence their professional judgment and behavior. Social workers
understand the profession’s history, its mission, and the roles and responsibilities of the
profession. Social Workers also understand the role of other professions when engaged in
inter-professional teams. Social workers recognize the importance of life-long learning and
are committed to continually updating their skills to ensure they are relevant and effective.
Social workers also understand emerging forms of technology and the ethical use of
technology in social work practice. Behaviors associated with this competency are:
a.) Make ethical decisions by applying social work codes of ethics, laws and
regulations, and ethical models.
b.) Use self-reflection and regulation to manage personal values, maintain
professionalism, and plan for professional development in practice.
c.) Demonstrate professional demeanor including appearance and oral, written,
and electronic communication.
d.) Use supervision and consultation to guide and inform professional judgment
and behavior.
e.) Demonstrate ability to recognize signs of and effectively respond to stress,
conflict, burnout, and vicarious trauma, and to plan for self care.
5Competency Two: Engage diversity and difference in practice.
Social workers understand how diversity and difference characterize and shape the human
experience and are critical to the formation of identity. The dimensions of diversity are
understood as the intersectionality of multiple factors including but not limited to age,
class, color, culture, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and
expression, immigration status, marital status, political ideology, race, religion/spirituality,
sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign status. Social workers understand that, as a
consequence of difference, a person’s life experiences may include oppression, poverty,
marginalization, and alienation as well as privilege, power, and acclaim. Social workers
also understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and
recognize the extent to which a culture’s structures and values, including social,
economic, political, and cultural exclusions, may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create
privilege and power. Behaviors associated with this competency are:
a.) Apply and communicate understanding of the importance of diversity and
difference in shaping life experiences in practice at micro, mezzo, and macro
levels.
b.) Apply principles of cultural humility and present selves as learners and engage
clients and constituents as experts of their own experiences.
c.) Engage with others around identity and difference, and apply self-awareness
and regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and values in
working with diverse clients and constituents.
d.) Apply knowledge of the historical and contemporary dynamics of privilege and
oppression in society.
Competency Three: Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental
justice.
Social workers understand that every person regardless of position in society has
fundamental human rights such as freedom, safety, privacy, an adequate standard of
living, health care, and education. Social workers understand the global interconnections
of oppression and human rights violations, and are knowledgeable about theories of
human need and social justice and strategies to promote social and economic justice and
human rights. Social workers understand strategies designed to eliminate oppressive
structural barriers to ensure that social goods, rights, and responsibilities are distributed
equitably and that civil, political, environmental, economic, social, and cultural human
rights are protected. Behaviors associated with this competency are:
a.) Apply understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to
advocate for human rights at the individual and systems levels.
b.) Understand dynamics of power, privilege, and oppression, and engage in
practices that advance social, economic, and environmental justice.
Competency Four: Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
Social workers understand quantitative and qualitative research methods and their
respective roles in advancing a science of social work and in evaluating their practice.
6Social workers know the principles of logic, scientific inquiry, and culturally informed and
ethical approaches to building knowledge. Social workers understand that evidence that
informs practice derives from multi-disciplinary sources and multiple ways of knowing.
They also understand the processes for translating research findings into effective practice.
Behaviors associated with this competency are:
a.) Use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research
and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and
service delivery.
b.) Apply critical thinking to analyze quantitative and qualitative research methods
and research findings.
Competency Five: Engage in policy practice.
Social workers understand that human rights and social justice, as well as social welfare
and services, are mediated by policy and its implementation at the federal, state, and local
levels. Social workers understand the history and current structures of social policies and
services, the role of policy in service delivery, and the role of practice in policy
development. Social workers understand their role in policy development and
implementation within their practice settings at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels and
they actively engage in policy practice to effect change within those settings. Social
workers recognize and understand the historical, social, cultural, economic,
organizational, environmental, and global influences that affect social policy. They are
also knowledgeable about policy formulation, analysis, implementation, and evaluation.
Behaviors associated with this competency are:
a.) Identify social policy at the local, state, federal, and global levels that impacts
well-being, service delivery, and access to social services.
b.) Assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and
access to social services.
c.) Apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that
advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice in local
and global contexts.
Competency Six: Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and
communities.
Social workers understand that engagement is an ongoing component of the dynamic and
interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals,
families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers value the importance of
human relationships. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the
social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge to facilitate
engagement with clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups,
organizations, and communities. Social workers understand strategies to engage diverse
clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. Social workers understand
how their personal experiences and affective reactions may impact their ability to
effectively engage with diverse clients and constituencies. Social workers value principles
of relationship-building and inter-professional collaboration to facilitate engagement with
7clients, constituencies, and other professionals as appropriate. Behaviors associated with
this competency are:
a.) Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-
environment, and other multidisciplinary and critical theoretical frameworks to
engage with clients and communities.
b.) Use empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage diverse
clients and communities.
Competency Seven: Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Social workers understand that assessment is an ongoing component of the dynamic and
interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals,
families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand theories of
human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this
knowledge in the assessment of diverse clients and constituencies, including individuals,
families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand methods of
assessment with diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness.
Social workers recognize the implications of the larger practice context in the assessment
process and value the importance of inter-professional collaboration in this process. Social
workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may affect
their assessment and decision-making. Behaviors associated with this competency are:
a.) Collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information
from clients and communities.
b.) Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-
environment, and other multidisciplinary and critical theoretical frameworks in
the analysis of assessment data from clients and communities.
c.) Develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives based on the
critical assessment of strengths, needs, and challenges within clients and
communities.
d.) Select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research
knowledge, and values and preferences of clients and communities.
Competency Eight: Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and
communities.
Social workers understand that intervention is an ongoing component of the dynamic and
interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals,
families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers are knowledgeable
about evidence-informed interventions to achieve the goals of clients and constituencies,
including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers
understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate
and apply this knowledge to effectively intervene with clients and constituencies. Social
workers understand methods of identifying, analyzing and implementing evidence-
informed interventions to achieve client and constituency goals. Social workers value the
importance of interprofessional teamwork and communication in interventions,
8recognizing that beneficial outcomes may require interdisciplinary, interprofessional, and
inter-organizational collaboration. Behaviors associated with this competency are:
a.) Critically choose and implement interventions to achieve practice goals and
enhance capacities of clients and communities.
b.) Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-
environment, and other multidisciplinary and critical theoretical frameworks in
interventions with clients and communities.
c.) Use inter-professional collaboration as appropriate to achieve beneficial
practice outcomes.
d.) Negotiate, mediate, and advocate with and on behalf of diverse clients and
communities.
e.) Facilitate effective transitions and endings that advance mutually agreed-on
goals.
Competency Nine: Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and
communities.
Social workers understand that evaluation is an ongoing component of the dynamic and
interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals,
families, groups, organizations and communities. Social workers recognize the importance
of evaluating processes and outcomes to advance practice, policy, and service delivery
effectiveness. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social
environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in evaluating outcomes.
Social workers understand qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating outcomes
and practice effectiveness. Behaviors associated with this competency are:
a.) Apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro,
mezzo, and macro levels and select and use appropriate methods for evaluation
outcomes.
b.) Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-
environment, and other multidisciplinary and critical theoretical frameworks in
the evaluation of outcomes.
c.) Critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes
and outcomes.
V. ENTRANCE TO AND CONTINUATION IN THE MAJOR
To declare Social Work as a major, students must complete the “add major” form
found in PilotsUP, on the Registrar’s page under Curriculum Change Request. The CAS
Dean’s Office will process the form, ensure applicants meet the GPA requirements
detailed below, and send an email to the Social Work Program Director and the
applicant notifying them of the student's acceptance or nonacceptance to the
major. Beginning first year students may declare social work as a major upon admittance
to the University, but they must meet the standards for continuance in the major
articulated below. Once accepted, students must read the Social Work Program Student
Handbook (found on the Student Resource page on the SWP website) and meet the
standards below for continuance in the major and entrance to the practicum. If denied
9acceptance to the major, students may reapply after taking additional courses to raise their
GPA or otherwise meet the standards for continuance in the major.
The criteria and procedures used for continuation in the major are based on the
academic and professional requirements established by the University, the National
Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, and the Council on Social Work Education,
the national accrediting body.
Social work is a diverse profession. As such, the Social Work Program (SWP)
encourages majors from diverse populations and backgrounds. We honor and affirm
diversity of characteristics such as sex, age, gender, ability, ethnic background, sexual
orientation, national origin, immigration status. Students should begin the program no
later than the fall semester of their junior year and are encouraged to begin by their
sophomore year.
To continue in the major and be eligible to apply for the practicum, students must meet
academic standards (described in the section below) and consistently demonstrate
standards of professional behavior that are assessed regularly by the social work faculty
(the rubric faculty members use for assessing professional behavior in selected required
courses for the major can be found in the appendix).
Eligibility for Practicum: The Practicum program is designed for students in their *fourth
year of study (senior year). To be eligible for the Practicum, students must have achieved
senior status and completed the required courses for the social work major (up to the
practicum and Theory and Methods courses). Students must have met academic and
professional standards set forth in program policy (see student handbook or major
website).
*Exceptions to this policy are rare. Students wishing to request an exception must
complete a written appeal with rationale and workplan, directed to the Social Work
program director and Director of Field Education. Requests will be evaluated on an
individual basis.
A statement on expectations around professional behavior can be found in social work
course syllabi and in the section below and include the following:
1. Consistent, punctual attendance and participation in classes;
2. Respectful, supportive interactions with others;
3. Collegiality and collaboration;
4. Self-awareness and responsiveness to feedback;
5. Initiative and reliability;
6. Compliance with professional requirements, including the Code of Ethics;
7. As much as possible, participation in social work and social justice organizations.
Students who have difficulties meeting these standards will receive a letter from the
Program Director outlining specific issues that need to be addressed. This process is
explained in the next section.
10Standards for Entering into the Senior Practicum &
Continuation in the Program*
To be admitted into the senior year practicum and to remain in good standing with the
SWP, students must meet the criteria outlined below. Students who do not meet the
criteria must meet with their advisors to develop a plan to ensure successful advancement
into the senior year and continuance in the program. In addition, students must develop a
behavioral contract with the Practicum Director upon applying to the practicum. Should a
student fail to meet performance criteria, he or she may not be allowed to apply for the
senior year practicum or may be dismissed from the SWP.
1. The college policies and procedures for warning, probation, and severance
(described in the University Bulletin) will be used for the following continuance
requirement: A minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.
2. A minimum GPA of 2.5 in all courses required for the major must be maintained.
3. Compliance with the criteria set forth under the section “Termination for Cause”.
APPEAL
Students have the right to appeal any SWP academic restriction by writing to the Program
Director. The Director, in consultation with students’ advisors and the faculty, will review
all appeals. The Program's decisions may be appealed in writing to the Chair of the
Department of Sociology and Social Work. The decision of the Chair of the Department
may be appealed in writing to the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office.
TERMINATION FOR CAUSE
The SWP may terminate students from the SWP for reasons other than unsatisfactory
academic performance. Non-academic cause for removal of students may be for
unprofessional conduct, unethical behavior, incompetence, or similar behavior exhibited
by students. Reasons for removal from the program include but aren’t limited to the
following:
a.) Failure to abide by the NASW Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, relevant
agency policies or procedures, and/or UP policies or procedures;
b.) Violation of any of the principles or standards outlined in the NASW Code of
Ethics;
c.) Attempt to harm oneself, others, or clients;
d.) Repeated tardiness and/or unexcused absences without notification to the
instructors and/or noncompliance with any professional behavior standards;
e.) Lack of progress in correcting identified deficiencies and concerns as outlined
in the Program Director’s documentation and faculty member assessment of
professional behavior;
f.) Impairment for any reason to the degree that it interferes with student’s ability to
satisfy learning goals and objectives.
g.) Specific termination policies for the practicum program are outlined in the
practicum manual (available in the department office BC 135 and online)
* The policies described above are subject to change and/or revision.
11VI. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SOCIAL WORK MAJOR
Course Credits
SW 101/205 Social Welfare and Social Justice 3
SW 214 Social Work Research Methods 3
SW 313 Social Welfare Policy 3
SW 325 Power, Oppression, and Critical Consciousness** 3
SW 343 Human Behavior in the Social Environment 3
SW 386 Interviewing and Counseling 3
SW 480 Theory & Methods of Social Work Practice I 3
SW 481 Theory & Methods of Social Work Practice II 3
SW 482 Social Work Practicum I 6
SW 483 Social Work Practicum II 6
Highlighted courses are completed during the senior year. All 300-level required courses must be
completed prior to beginning the senior year.
**Previously named Cultural Diversity & Cultural Competence
Social Work Program Prerequisites
Social Work Course Prerequisites
SW 214 Social Work Research Methods SW 101/205 and MTH 161
SW 313 Social Welfare Policy and Services SW 101/205 or Instructor permission
SW 325 Power, Oppression, & Critical Consciousness SW 101/205 or SOC 101
SW 343 Human Behavior and the Social Environment SW 101/205 or Instructor permission
SW 386 Interviewing and Counseling SW 101/205 or Instructor permission
SW 480, 481Theory& Methods of SW Practice I & II All other required SW courses (except 482-483)
SW 482, 483 Social Work Practicum I & II All other required SW courses (except 482-483)
Suggestions for Selecting Double Majors and Minors
Many majors complement the Social Work Major and can be completed in four years
with careful planning. Consequently, many students choose to double major. Common
double majors include Social Work and Spanish, Nursing, Psychology, Sociology, and
many others. Please contact the Social Work Program Director for guidance on planning
your double major.
Similarly, most minors offered through CAS and the professional schools fit very well
with Social Work. Examples of minors that complement the Social Work Major include
Spanish, Psychology, Sociology, Gender, Women, & Sexuality Studies, Education,
Economics, Communication, Entrepreneurship, Fine Arts, Social Justice, and Political
Science.
For additional information on schedules and planning 4-year programs of study,
including double-majors and minors, please contact Program Director Dr. Alice Gates.
12Transfer Students/Transfer Credit
Transfer students applying for admission to the University of Portland and students
applying for transfer credit for individual courses taken at other institutions follow a two-
tiered assessment process.
1. The Admissions Office makes decisions regarding admission to the University. The
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean’s Office determines both acceptance of
transfer credits and whether transfer credits are applicable to the general core
courses and elective courses. College policy regarding transfer of these credits can
be found in the University Bulletin. The CAS Office sends a list of accepted transfer
courses to the SWP Director.
2. The SWP Director makes decisions regarding acceptance and continuance in the
major.
A.) A number of non-social work courses are required for the liberal arts
foundation for the major. Courses that are accepted for transfer credit, as core or
elective courses, will generally be granted credit for the SWP. However, the
Program Director reviews the initial decision made by the College of Arts and
Sciences regarding these courses on an individual basis. In some cases, additional
information (such as course description, syllabi, texts, etc.) may be required by the
Director to further assess the course and grant equivalency credit.
B.) All social work courses with a grade of C+ or better from Social Work Programs
accredited by the Council on Social Work Education may be applied to the major.
To receive transfer credit for a social work course taken at a non-accredited Social
Work Program, the course must a) be completed with a grade of C+ or better; and
b) be reviewed and approved by the Program Director. Based upon an assessment
of the syllabus of the course or courses in question, the successful completion of a
waiver exam may be required.
C.) Transfer credit is not granted for the Social Work Practicum (SW482/483) or
the Social Work Practice courses (SW480/481); the requirements of the practicum
experience must be completed at the University of Portland.
D.) Academic credit for life experience and previous work experience will not be
given, in whole or in part, in lieu of the field practicum or any of the courses
required for the major.
VII. ADVISING
All students in the College of Arts and Sciences will meet with an advisor in the
Dean’s office to schedule courses during students’ first year. Students are also invited to
meet individually with Dr. Gates to discuss major requirements and academic and
professional goals including professional licensure and postgraduate employment,
13volunteering, and graduate school opportunities. During sophomore and junior years,
students will be advised by social work faculty to support students in their class schedules,
monitor progress in the major, and discuss questions about academic and professional
goals. During the senior year, Dr. Gates and other faculty will meet with students to
discuss postgraduate planning. Any advising needs beyond course scheduling can be done
at any time during the year with an appointment.
VIII. SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM ACTIVITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The Social Work Program strives to offer students the following opportunities:
1. The opportunity to study in an academic environment free of
discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and
expression, national or ethnic origin (ancestry), immigration or citizenship status,
disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, military status, social or economic
class.
2. The opportunity to advocate, individually and collectively, for their own
interests and concerns.
3. The opportunity to study free from reasonable fear of improper disclosure
of confidential information such as their academic records and illegal
limitations upon freedom of expression or due process of law.
4. The opportunity to study with the support of appropriate pedagogical
practices including those related to academic and field evaluations, class
cancellation and rescheduling, establishment of course objectives and
expectations, returning papers and exams in a timely fashion, and posting
and keeping office hours.
5. The opportunity to use University of Portland meeting facilities in accord
with the standing regulations for scheduling and purposes for such use.
6. The opportunity to receive appropriate recognition for their contributions through
participation in faculty or staff research projects or other scholarly works.
Graduate School and Career Workshops
In collaboration with other BSW programs in the area, students will be invited to a
workshop where representatives from local graduate social work schools provide
information about their respective school’s application process.
In partnership with the Career Center, the Social Work Program hosts a spring
workshop which representatives from local social service fields provide information about
their respective areas of practice and job entry strategies in those fields.
14Study Abroad and International Programs
The Social Work Program at University of Portland is committed to providing
students with powerful and authentic cross-cultural experiences that complement and
enhance the educational and professional development experiences that form the core
of the Social Work curriculum. To achieve this goal, Social Work students are offered
many different opportunities to complete coursework abroad, including semester-long
senior placements in Quito, Ecuador. More information on the various international
opportunities can be obtained in the Studies Abroad office or from the Program
Director.
Student Organizations
1. Phi Alpha Honor Society
A national honor society for social work students, the purposes of Phi Alpha
Society are to provide a closer bond among students of social work and to promote
humanitarian goals and ideals. 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. To join, please contact the SWP or
see the brochure in this handbook.
2. Student Research
Students are encouraged to engage in research with social work faculty or
independently. Students are hired regularly as research assistants with the SWP.
Students regularly present at local, national, and international conferences, and the
SWP has been successful in locating grant or institutional resources to support
these activities.
3. National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Students are strongly encouraged to join and participate in NASW. Two board
positions are reserved for student representation.
4. The Social Work Program (SWP) Community Advisory Board
The SWP Advisory Board was formed in 2002. Board membership includes field
instructors, local social work professionals, currently enrolled social work majors,
and program alumni/ae. A list of advisory board members can be found on the
SWP website. The purpose and structure of the committee are as follows:
A.) Purpose:
1. To develop and maintain ongoing ties between the social work practice
community and the program.
2. To provide opportunities for students, field supervisors, and social work
practitioners to contribute to the program’s educational policies and
curriculum content.
B.) Composition:
15Eight to ten members representing students (currently enrolled and alumni/ae);
field supervisors; social work practitioners from a range of fields of practice; the
SWP Director; and the SWP Practicum Director compose the Advisory Board.
C.) Structure:
Meetings held as needed, at least one time a year.
D.) Tasks:
Board members have the opportunity to offer feedback, suggestions, and
recommendations to address the areas listed below as well as others identified
by the committee:
1. To examine how well students are prepared to meet the needs that exist in
the community;
2. To examine the program's expectations for students in field education and
the ability of agencies to meet these expectations;
3. To react to proposed or anticipated changes in the curriculum and/or
structure of the program; and
4. To contribute to the maintenance and development of educational policies
regarding student recruitment, admission, advisement, retention, and
graduation.
Dorothy Day Social Work Program Nondiscrimination Policy
The SWP’s Nondiscrimination Policy reflects the Equal Opportunity and
Nondiscrimination Policy and Statement on Inclusion of the University of Portland. The
SWP’s Nondiscrimination Policy states:
The SWP is committed to providing a learning and working environment free from
discrimination and harassment and to fostering a nurturing and inclusive
community founded upon dignity and worth of all its members, including those
identifying with historically vulnerable, marginalized, and underrepresented
groups. The SWP does not discriminate in its admissions policies or educational
programs and events on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender
identity and expression, national or ethnic origin (ancestry), immigration and
citizenship status, disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, military status,
social or economic class, or any other social identity category.
16IX. GRADUATE SCHOOL, LICENSURE, AND LOAN FORGIVENESS
INFORMATION
Advanced Standing in MSW Programs
The accrediting body for social work is the Council on Social Work education (CSWE).
Accreditation by CSWE assures that the program at the University of Portland meets
national social work education standards. The Dorothy Day Social Work Program was
awarded full accreditation in 2006 and our accreditation was reaffirmed in 2018.
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree is a four-year undergraduate college
degree, and the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is a two-year graduate degree.
Students graduating from an accredited undergraduate social work program, such as the
Dorothy Day SWP, are eligible for advanced standing in most MSW programs (meaning
that students will advance to the second year of graduate school.) CSWE offers a directory
of accredited MSW programs:
https://www.cswe.org/Accreditation/Directory-of-Accredited-Programs.aspx
BSW from UP is equivalent to a first
year MSW Program in Graduate
Schools of Social Work
Generalist SW content in 1st year of
MSW Program that is also found in BSW
Program:
Leads to Second Year MSW Program
Social Policy
In most Graduate Schools of Social Work
Social Welfare History
Social Research
Course Content in 2nd year of MSW Program:
Social Work Practice
Senior or 1st Year Practicum
Advanced Practice
And 2nd Year Practicum
Dual Degree MSW Programs
Many MSW programs offered dual degrees that provide graduates with a specific skill
set through a unique combination of graduate degrees, equipping graduates to serve in a
particular field of social work. The most popular dual degree combines an MSW and a JD
degree, enabling the graduate to do social work in a legal setting. Other examples of dual
degrees include
MSW/MBA (Social Work and Business)
MSW/MPH (Social Work and Public Health)
MSW/MPA (Social Work and Public Administration)
MSW/M.Div (Social Work and Theology)
MSW/Urban Development/Architecture
17Licensure in Social Work
1. Educational Requirements
To be a social worker, one must have a degree in social work from a college or
university program accredited by CSWE. CSWE accredits BSW and MSW Programs.
Degree programs involve classroom study as well as practical field experience. The
BSW prepares graduates for generalist entry-level work, whereas the MSW is for
more advanced clinical practice such as providing mental health therapy. A Ph.D.
in Social Work or related field is useful for doing research or teaching at the
university level.
2. Oregon Licensure
Most states require practicing social workers to be licensed, certified, or registered,
although standards vary by state. In Oregon, under the Title Protection Act, anyone
using the title "Social Worker" is required to be registered with the Oregon Board of
Licensed Social Workers. The different degrees of licensing in Oregon are as
follows:
• LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (MSW-level)
• CSWA, Clinical Social Work Associate (for those working on the
LCSW)
• LMSW, Licensed Master Social Worker (MSW-level, non-clinical)
• RBSW, Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker(BSW-level)
Information on Oregon licensing requirements can be found at the Oregon Board
of Licensed Social Workers or the licensing board of the state in which students
anticipate practicing. A link to Oregon’s Board can be found on the SWP website
(http://college.up.edu/sbs/socialwork/).
Student Loan Forgiveness
Please see National Association of Social Work website for resources on loan
forgiveness for social workers: https://www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy/Policy-
Issues/Student-Loan-Forgiveness
18APPENDICES
Rubric for Assessing Professional Behaviors
Phi Alpha Honor Society Application
Social Work BA Worksheet
University of Portland Academic Calendar
NASW Code of Ethics
19University of Portland Social Work Program
Rubric for Assessing Professional Behaviors
Students must demonstrate the ability to maintain scores of 3 or 4 in each of the 16 professional behavior
areas listed below to be considered for a field placement, as these are the expected professional behaviors of
social work interns and professional social workers. Students will be assessed in selected 300-level required
courses, particularly SW 343 and SW 386, before being admitted into the practicum. A copy of this
completed form will be sent to the student and saved on the departmental shared drive for use by program
administrators/faculty.
Student name: __________________________________ Semester: ______________ Date: _________________
Instructor name: ________________________________ Course: ______________________________________
Students’ professional behaviors will be scored using the following rubric:
1 2 3 4
Unacceptable Needs Acceptable Outstanding
Improvement
Instructors are asked to provide specific comments for what needs to be addressed either in the table or on
the back of this page.
Attendance and Punctuality
Communication: both verbal and non-verbal
Awareness of power and oppression: interpersonally and institutionally
Skills in addressing conflict
Self-awareness: social location and one’s impact on others (cultural humility)
Skills in addressing racism and other forms of oppression
Ability to collaborate
Oral expression
Written expression
Initiative and reliability
Responsiveness to feedback
Compliance with NASW Code of Ethics
Responsiveness to communication
Professional appearance and professional presence
Academic performance*
*As stated in the Social Work Program Handbook, to remain in good standing, students must maintain an
overall GPA of 2.0 and a minimum GPA of 2.5 in all courses required for the major.
Additional comments may be provided here. Please include any information that will be helpful in
communicating what steps the student can take to better comply with these requirements. In addition, if the
instructor or student took steps during the semester to address any concerns, please describe:
Instructor: Please send a copy of this form to the student and copy program facult
20University of Portland
Dorothy Day Social Work Program
Phi Alpha Honor Society
Student Application
Constitution
The purpose of Phi Alpha honor society is to prepare students for professional
practice as social workers. Trained as generalists, graduates are competent and
competitive for case- management and similar positions in human service agencies. The
focus of the honor society is professional problem solving through value based social work
knowledge and skills. The path for training is further delineated by a focus on continued
education and academic achievement that will prepare graduates for leadership roles in
social change and social justice especially as they relate to disenfranchised groups such as
the poor, the elderly, the disabled, and minority communities.
Membership Requirements
1. Any undergraduates declared social work students at the University of Portland
who meets the qualifications set forth in the By-Laws and the National Phi Alpha
standards shall be eligible for active membership.
2. Sophomore status is required for membership eligibility.
3. An overall grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required for membership.
4. An achieved grade point average of 3.25 within the social work major (on a 4.0
scale) is required for membership.
5. Completed 9 semester hours of required courses for the major, which includes 3
credits from a SW course and 6 credits from any combination of Psych, Soc, or SW
courses, including the introductory courses.
6. Honorary membership may be granted to two students each year whose support of
social work education and practice merit such recognition by approval of the
chapter.
7. Faculty members having an official connection with the social work curriculum
may be granted membership upon invitation and approval of the chapter.
8. There is a $40.00 application fee for membership into Phi Alpha.
21Honor Society Application
Name: _______________________ Date:___________________
Local Address:_________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Local Phone Number:________________________
Overall GPA: _________________ GPA in Social Work Courses:________________
Status (circle one): Sophomore Junior Senior
Social Work Courses Completed:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
* Are you applying for honorary membership? Yes No
If so, please attach a short personal statement to this document (150 words or less please).
To be completed by the Department:
_______ Application Approved Date: ________
_______ Application Denied Date: ________
Reason: ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
* There are two honorary membership slots available in the Phi Alpha Honor Society. If a
student’s GPA does not meet the membership requirements, a student may apply for one
of these slots.
22Social Work Program BA Worksheet (prior to AY22)*
*Students entering in Fall 2021 and later will be provided with an updated worksheet
NAME: ID #: B.A. SOCIAL WORK
ADDRESS: Ent: 120 Sem Hrs (5/13)
CITY: SCDF: Advisor:
H.S.: G.P.A.: B.D.:
CEEB: Verbal: ACC:
Math: ACC Comments:
TOEFL:
Transfer:
The College REQUIRES 48 UPPER DIVISION hours for GRADUATION with at least 24 upper division credits in the major.
University Core College Requirements Major Requirements Electives
Course Hrs Grade Semester Course Hrs Grade Semester Course Hrs Grade Semester Course Hrs Grade Semester
Effective Communication 42 hours required for major. 6 hours required:
The 105 3 (Choose one: Cst 107,332,Eng 107,311,)
The 205 3 3 SW 205 3
UD The 3
Phl 33~ 3 SW 313 3
Phl150 3 15 Upper Division hours SW 214 3
Phl 220 3 outside of primary major. SW 325 3
(9 hrs must come from at least SW 386 3
three different CAS Disciplines) SW 343 3
Social Science (6) 3 SW 480 3
(Choose from two different disciplines 3 SW 481 3
normally fulfilled by Soc 101, Psy 101, 3 SW 482 6
Sw 205,Ecn 120, Pol 200, 203, 205, Cst 225) 3 SW 483 6
Psy 101 3 3
Soc 101 3 UD Psy/Soc/SW Electives: 6 hrs.
Foreign Language (12) 3
Science (6) 3 3
3 3
3 3
3
Eng 112 3 TOTAL COLLEGE HRS 0.00
REMAINING COL. HRS 33.00
Mth 161 3 COLLEGE G.P.A. #DIV/0!
FA 207 3 MINOR
History (200 or 300 level) TOTAL MAJOR HRS 0.00
Hst 3 REMAINING MJR HRS 42.00 TOTAL ELECTIVE HRS 0.00
MAJOR G.P.A. #DIV/0!
TOTAL CORE HRS 0.00 TOTAL HOURS 0.00
REMAINING CORE HRS 39.00 REMAINING HRS 120.00
CORE G.P.A. #DIV/0! TOTAL MINOR HRS 0.00 G.P.A. #DIV/0!
This is an unofficial document. GPA may slightly differ from official transcript. AJA 2000
23University of Portland 2020-2021 Academic Calendar
Fall Semester
2021-22 Day(s) 2022-23 Fall Semester
Aug. 23 Mon. Aug. 29 Semester begins: Classes begin at 8:10 a.m.
Aug. 23 Mon. Aug. 29 Late registration begins
Aug. 27 Fri. Sept. 2 Last day to drop courses with full tuition refund
Aug. 27 Fri. Sept. 2 Last day to register or change registration (drop/add)
Sept. 6 Mon. Sept. 5 Labor Day (classes in session, offices closed)
Oct. 1 Varies Oct. 3 Last day to apply for degree in May
Oct. 8 Fri. Oct. 14 Mid-semester (academic warnings)
Oct. 11-15 Mon.-Fri. Oct. 17-21 Fall vacation, no classes
Online advanced registration for spring semester, seniors
Nov. 1-4 Mon.-Thurs. Nov. 7-10
and juniors
Online advanced registration for spring semester,
Nov. 7-10 Sun.-Wed. Nov. 13-16
sophomores and freshmen
Thanksgiving vacation - no classes (begins 4 p.m.
Nov. 25-26 Thurs.-Fri. Nov. 24-25
Wednesday)
Nov. 17 Wed. Nov. 23 Last day to change pass/no pass
Nov. 17 Wed. Nov. 23 Last day to withdraw from courses
Dec. 3 Fri. Dec. 9 Last day of classes
Dec. 6-9 Mon.-Thurs. Dec. 12-15 Semester examinations
Dec. 9 Thurs. Dec. 15 Meal service ends with evening meal
Dec. 10 Fri. Dec. 16 Christmas vacation begins, residence halls close
Dec. 14 Tue. Dec. 20 All grades due in registrar’s office, 9:00 a.m.
24Spring Semester
2021-22 Day(s) 2022-23 Spring Semester
Jan. 10 Mon. TBD Semester begins: Classes begin at 8:10 a.m.
Jan. 10 Mon. TBD Late registration begins
Jan. 14 Fri. Jan. 20 Last day to drop courses with full tuition refund
Jan. 14 Fri. Jan. 20 Last day to register or change registration (drop/add)
Jan. 17 Mon. Jan. 16 MLK Day (no classes, offices closed)
Feb. 1 Varies Feb. 1 Last day to apply for degree in August
Feb. 21 Mon. Feb. 27 Advanced registration for Summer Session begins
Feb. 25 Fri. Mar. 3 Mid-semester (academic warnings)
Mar. 7 Varies Mar. 1 Last day to apply for degree in December
Feb 28-
Mon.-Fri. Mar. 6-10 Spring vacation, no classes
Mar 4
Mar. 21- Mon.- Mar. 20-
Online advanced registration for fall semester, seniors and juniors
24 Thurs. 23
Mar. 27- Sun.- Mar. 26- Online advanced registration for fall semester, sophomores and
30 Wed. 29 freshmen
Apr. 6 Wed. Apr. 12 Last day to change pass/no pass
Apr. 6 Wed. Apr. 12 Last day to withdraw from courses
Apr. 12 Tue. Apr. 4 Founders' Day (special schedule)
Easter vacation – no classes (begins 4 p.m. Thursday, ends 4 p.m.
Apr. 15-
Fri.-Mon. Apr. 7-10 Monday. Monday classes with 4 p.m. or later start times are in
18
session.)
Apr. 22 Fri. Apr. 28 Last day of classes
Apr. 25- Mon.-
May 1-4 Semester examinations
28 Thurs.
Apr. 28 Thurs. May 4 Meal service ends with evening meal
252021-22 Day(s) 2022-23 Spring Semester
May 1 Sun. May 7 Commencement
May 2 Mon. May 8 Residence halls close for graduating students
May 3 Tue. May 9 All grades due in registrar’s office, 9:00 a.m.
May 16 Mon. May 15 Continuous registration for Summer Session
Summer Session
2022 Day(s) 2023 Summer Session
May 16 Mon. May 15 Classes begin
Aug. 4 Thurs. Aug. 3 Summer Session ends
26NASW Code Of Ethics
Approved by the 1996 NASW Delegate Assembly and revised by the 2017 NASW Delegate Assembly
The NASW Code of Ethics is intended to serve as a guide to the everyday professional conduct of social workers. This
Code includes four sections:
The first Section, "Preamble," summarizes the social work profession's mission and core values.
The second section, "Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics," provides an overview of the Code's main functions and a
brief guide for dealing with ethical issues or dilemmas in social work practice.
The third section, "Ethical Principles," presents broad ethical principles, based on social work's core values, that inform
social work practice.
The final section, "Ethical Standards," includes specific ethical standards to guide social workers' conduct and to provide
a basis for adjudication.
PREAMBLE
The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human
needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed,
and living in poverty. A historic and defining feature of social work is the profession's focus on individual well-being in a
social context and the well-being of society. Fundamental to social work is attention to the environmental forces that
create, contribute to, and address problems in living.
Social workers promote social justice and social change with and on behalf of clients. "Clients" is used inclusively to
refer to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.Social workers are sensitive to cultural and ethnic
diversity and strive to end discrimination, oppression, poverty, and other forms of social injustice. These activities may
be in the form of direct practice, community organizing, supervision, consultation , administration, advocacy, social and
political action, policy development and implementation, education, and research and evaluation. Social workers seek
to enhance the capacity of people to address their own needs. Social workers also seek to promote the responsiveness of
organizations, communities, and other social institutions to individuals' needs and social problems.
The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core values. These core values, embraced by social
workers throughout the profession's history, are the foundation of social work's unique purpose and perspective:
service
social justice
dignity and worth of the person
importance of human relationships
integrity
competence.
This constellation of core values reflects what is unique to the social work profession. Core values, and the principles
that flow from them, must be balanced within the context and complexity of the human experience.
27PURPOSE OF THE NASW CODE OF ETHICS
Professional ethics are at the core of social work. The profession has an obligation to articulate its basic values, ethical
principles, and ethical standards. The NASW Code of Ethics sets forth these values, principles, and standards to guide
social workers' conduct. The Code is relevant to all social workers and social work students, regardless of their
professional functions, the settings in which they work, or the populations they serve.
The NASW Code of Ethics serves six purposes:
The Code identifies core values on which social work's mission is based.
The Code summarizes broad ethical principles that reflect the profession's core values and establishes a set of specific
ethical standards that should be used to guide social work practice.
The Code is designed to help social workers identify relevant considerations when professional obligations conflict or
ethical uncertainties arise.
The Code provides ethical standards to which the general public can hold the social work profession accountable.
The Code socializes practitioners new to the field to social work's mission, values, ethical principles, and ethical
standards.
The Code articulates standards that the social work profession itself can use to assess whether social workers have
engaged in unethical conduct. NASW has formal procedures to adjudicate ethics complaints filed against its members.*
In subscribing to this Code, social workers are required to cooperate in its implementation, participate in NASW
adjudication proceedings, and abide by any NASW disciplinary rulings or sanctions based on it.
*For information on NASW adjudication procedures, see NASW Procedures for the Adjudication of Grievances.
The Code offers a set of values, principles, and standards to guide decision making and conduct when ethical issues
arise. It does not provide a set of rules that prescribe how social workers should act in all situations.Specific applications
of the Code must take into account the context in which it is being considered and the possibility of conflicts among the
Code's values, principles, and standards. Ethical responsibilities flow from all human relationships, from the personal
and familial to the social and professional.
Further, the NASW Code of Ethics does not specify which values, principles, and standards are most important and
ought to outweigh others in instances when they conflict. Reasonable differences of opinion can and do exist among
social workers with respect to the ways in which values, ethical principles, and ethical standards should be rank ordered
when they conflict. Ethical decision making in a given situation must apply the informed judgment of the individual
social worker and should also consider how the issues would be judged in a peer review process where the ethical
standards of the profession would be applied.
Ethical decision making is a process. In situations when conflicting obligations arise, social workers may be faced with
complex ethical dilemmas that have no simple answers. Social workers should take into consideration all the values,
principles, and standards in this Code that are relevant to any situation in which ethical judgment is warranted. Social
workers' decisions and actions should be consistent with the spirit as well as the letter of this Code.
In addition to this Code, there are many other sources of information about ethical thinking that may be useful. Social
workers should consider ethical theory and principles generally, social work theory and research, laws, regulations,
agency policies, and other relevant codes of ethics, recognizing that among codes of ethics social workers should
consider the NASW Code of Ethics as their primary source. Social workers also should be aware of the impact on ethical
decision making of their clients' and their own personal values and cultural and religious beliefs and practices. They
should be aware of any conflicts between personal and professional values and deal with them responsibly. For
additional guidance social workers should consult the relevant literature on professional ethics and ethical decision
making and seek appropriate consultation when faced with ethical dilemmas. This may involve consultation with an
agency-based or social work organization's ethics committee, a regulatory body, knowledgeable colleagues, supervisors,
or legal counsel.
Instances may arise when social workers' ethical obligations conflict with agency policies or relevant laws or
regulations. When such conflicts occur, social workers must make a responsible effort to resolve the conflict in a manner
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