In the student's file, there is an official degree outline that is accessible to faculty. Since electives may be chosen either within or outside of the program, advisors will assist students in ensuring that electives are compatible with and appropriate to the student's concentration. Advisors also serve as a resource on such topics as professional social work fields of practice, and opportunities for professional growth and development. The advisor does not serve as a counselor, but is available to refer students for counseling and to other resources if they are needed. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisers at least once each semester throughout their matriculation.
More frequent contact is advisable and encouraged.
A number of these advising functions are facilitated by Departmental structure, policies, and traditions. The MSW program has inherited from the BSW program a clear commitment to intensive, high quality advising. Finally, at SWT responsibility for designing and implementing concentration-related field experiences rests with the chairs of the two concentration committees. All faculty advisers are members of one or the other of these concentration committees. Consequently, advisers are positioned to remain informed as to the nature of field possibilities and can therefore provide accurate and timely advise to students as they prepare to enter their advanced field experiences.