If the student and Field Instructor determine that the placement is not appropriate, the student contacts the Field Coordinator for a second assignment. The student schedules an interview with the Field Instructor of the second assignment to determine the appropriateness of the assignment. As a final step, the MSW reserves the right to determine the placement of a student, which is subject to the final approval by the agency's designated Field Instructor. All first year full time students apply for a field placement 12 weeks prior to the fall semester. Students sign an agreement when applying to the MSW program that they will accept their assigned field work assignment.
Students begin field placements in the fall semester.
Students concurrently enroll in the social work policy-practice classes while enrolled in field work. The field program confirms placements after determining the best educational fit between the student's needs and the agency's learning opportunities. To determine this fit, students complete an application for field placements which is used to determine interests, educational needs, and placement options. Students participate in selecting their placements by meeting with field instructors to determine the appropriateness of the placement. The Field Coordinator reviews all applications for placement and develops a placement plan based on the student's educational needs and experience.