Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program Application Students who meet the minimum prerequisite requirements are not guaranteed admission into the social work major. The application process is competitive and admission to the major is dependent upon available space. Complete applications are reviewed annually at the end of the Spring term. Applications submitted at other times of the year may be reviewed depending upon available space. The following items are required to be submitted at the same time and in one packet: Checklist: BSW Application Cover Page Background Information & Statement of Understanding Self-Assessment of Social Work Professional Standards Narrative Statement Resume (include details of your work experience in the human services and other settings) 2 Recommendation Forms with accompanying letters of reference Complete Applications are Due May 9, 2018 by 5pm This packet should be hand-delivered or mailed directly to: ATTN: BSW Program Committee University of South Alabama Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work 5991 USA Drive North, HUMB 34 Mobile, AL 36688 Note: Please ask your reference writers to staple their accompanying letter of recommendation to the back of the recommendation form To ensure that the social work program receives the required 2 recommendation forms & letters, please have the forms mailed to you in a sealed envelope with the reference writer s signature across the seal and include with your other admissions materials. Email Dr. Stephen M. Young (smyoung@southalabama.edu) with any questions or concerns in regards to completing the requested application materials.
2 BSW Application Cover Page Contact Information: Name: Address: JAG #: Email: Phone: Overall GPA in courses taken at USA: Prerequisite Requirements Completed the following SW courses with a grade of C or better: 1. SW 200 Grade earned 2. SW 214 Grade earned 3. SW 220 Grade earned Completed the following core courses with a grade of C or better: 1. BLY 101 or 121 BLY 101 or 121 lab AND 2a. BLY 102 or 122 BLY 102 or 122 lab OR 2b. Second Laboratory Science Lab for same laboratory science 3. EH 101 Grade earned 4. EH 102 Grade earned Completed the Math requirement: YES NO (Includes Math and Statistics 210) Completed a minimum of 56 hours: YES NO Note: Students who complete the prerequisite requirements over the summer will be considered for provisional acceptance into the social work major. For those students, please note which courses you are taking this summer. COMPLIANCE WITH NASW CODE OF ETHICS & BSW PROGRAM POLICIES I understand as a social work student I am bound by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, and I agree to abide by USA s BSW Program Policies and Procedures. Signature of Student Date
3 Background Information & Statement of Understanding 1. Have you ever been tried of a crime other than a routine traffic offense? Yes No (A DUI is not considered a routine offense and must be reported. However, a DUI does not automatically preclude admission to the major.) Please list conviction(s) and year(s) received: 2. Have you ever been under investigation for alleged child abuse and/or neglect? Yes No Please list the allegations and whether they were substantiated or unsubstantiated and year(s) received: If you answered Yes to either questions 1 or 2, please type the explanation of the circumstance(s) on a separate piece of paper. An affirmative answer does not disqualify you from admission into the social work major. Your answer will be reviewed in relation to your entire application, but you may be asked for an interview to discern the potential impact on your social work career. POTENTIAL IMPACT OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION Initial each statement below that you are in agreement with. If you have concerns or do not agree, leave the statement blank. 3. I understand that most field placements and employment settings will require that I give consent to a criminal and/or financial background check. I understand I may not be able to secure a practicum placement because of any past criminal convictions. 4. I understand that social work licensure applications will ask me to indicate any felony convictions. I understand that it may be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for me to become a licensed social worker if I have a felony conviction. 5. I understand that the BSW Committee may use online resources to confirm my identity and the accuracy of my application materials. If I choose to do so, I can include an additional statement in my packet to provide context for information or inaccuracies that may be found online. Signature of Student Date
4 Self-Assessment of Social Work Professional Standards Developed by the BSW Program Committee Professional Characteristics 1 Unacceptable 2 Needs Improvement 3 Acceptable 4 Exemplary 1. Attendance: I have missed 20% or I have missed class for I attend all of my I attend all my classes. Attend classes more of total class time reasons that are not classes except in rare or and meetings. in one or more of my necessarily rare or unusual circumstances. classes. unusual but rather for my own convenience. 2. Punctuality: I have been late to class I have occasionally been I am on time and stay I am always on time Be punctual and or left early from class late to class or left early until the end for all of and stay until all of my engaged. three or more times in from class but no more my classes except in classes end. any given semester. than twice per semester. rare or unusual circumstances. 3. Manage I don't usually contact I contact the classroom I contact the instructor I always contact my communications the instructor to inform instructor or Field prior to the beginning instructor prior to the and contacts. her/him of my tardiness Instructor to inform of class to inform beginning of class (or to or absence from class her/him of my him/her of tardiness or Field) to inform and therefore, provide tardiness/absence, but I absence except in her/him of anticipated no rationale. do it after my presence emergencies and then I tardiness, illness, etc. was expected. contact the instructor immediately thereafter. 4. Demonstrate I am frequently I am occasionally I am usually respectful I am always respectful respect and disrespectful to and non- disrespectful to and non- and supportive to and supportive to support in supportive of supportive of classmates, classmates, staff, classmates, staff, relationships. classmates, staff, faculty staff, faculty or clients. faculty, and clients. faculty and clients. or clients. 5. Demonstrate I rarely show self- I only occasionally show I almost always I always maintain a self-awareness. awareness about the impact of my verbal and non-verbal communications. self-awareness about the impact of my verbal and non-verbal communications. maintain a high level of self-awareness about the impact of my verbal and non-verbal communications. high level of selfawareness about the impact of my verbal and non-verbal communications. 6. Demonstrate My classroom My classroom My classroom My classroom awareness and interactions rarely interactions only interactions almost interactions always responsiveness to reflect respect and occasionally reflect always reflect respect reflect and appreciation diversity. appreciation of diverse opinions, experiences, and/or people. respect and appreciation of diverse opinions, experiences, and/or people. and appreciation of diverse opinions, experiences, and/or people. of diverse opinions, experiences, and/or people. 7. Demonstrate I have not demonstrated I am reluctant to I almost always work I always work collegiality and collaborative skills in collaborate with others collaboratively with all collaboratively with all collaborative my work with others, and struggle with team members while team members, while interactions. and my relationships with my classmates have been affected by this. maintaining positive relationships. relating easily and positively with others. relating easily and positively with others. 8. Strive for a I consistently get My professional oral I am usually articulate I am always articulate high level of Oral feedback from expression is challenging and professional in my and professional in my Expression. instructors that my oral expression is unprofessional. oral expression. oral expression. for others to understand. It may contain grammatical errors or slang words or it may be poorly organized. Rate Yourself
5 Professional Characteristics 1 Unacceptable 2 Needs Improvement 3 Acceptable 4 Exemplary 9. Strive for a I consistently get My written work lacks I almost always express I always express high level of feedback from clarity and has some ideas/concepts clearly ideas/concepts clearly Written instructors that my errors. When asked to with very few errors with an absence of Expression. written expression is use APA guidelines, I do and use APA errors, and I use APA needs considerable this incorrectly. guidelines when referencing accurately. work. required. 10. Demonstrate I rarely take initiative to I only occasionally take I almost always take I always take initiative Self-Initiative, plan my work and initiative to plan my work initiative to plan my to plan my work and Reliability and complete it in a timely and complete it in a work and complete it in complete it in a timely Dependability. manner. I rarely get the timely manner, resulting a timely manner. manner. reading done or leave in coming to class without enough time to turn in having done the reading my best work. or not allowing enough time to complete and print written assignments. 11. Demonstrate I have not demonstrated I am usually receptive to I am almost always I am always receptive evidence of that I am receptive to suggestions and feedback receptive to to suggestions and motivation to suggestions and but I don t adjust my suggestions and feedback from others, improve one s feedback from others, performance accordingly. feedback and adjust my and I adjust my self. Responds to and, therefore, make no performance performance suggestions and effort to adjust my accordingly. accordingly. feedback. performance 12. Be knowledgeable about the Professional Conduct Policy in the BSW Program Manual. accordingly. I was unaware that the BSW Program had a policy of this nature. I am aware that a Professional Conduct Policy exists within the BSW Program Manual, but I am unfamiliar with it and don't know where to find it. I am aware of and do follow the Professional Conduct Policy in the BSW Program Manual. I demonstrate exemplary knowledge of the Professional Conduct Policy in the BSW Program Manual, and I always conduct myself accordingly. 13. Show respect I am unaware of the My knowledge of the I respect the NASW I consistently and use the NASW Code of Ethics. NASW Code of Ethics is Code of Ethics which is demonstrate leadership NASW Code of not evident in my evident in both my with my colleagues in Ethics (especially thinking or my behavior. thinking and behavior. discussions of ethical confidentiality). 14. Professional Attire: Demonstrate respect for the professional environment through style of dress. I don t see the connection between my style of dress and the professional impression I communicate. I rarely come to class and to community assignments wearing attire that reflects the seriousness with which I take my professional social work identity. I am unclear about the connection between my style of dress and the professional impression I communicate. I occasionally come to class and to community assignments wearing attire that reflects the seriousness with which I take my professional social work identity. I understand the connection between my style of dress and the professional impression I communicate. I usually come to class and to community assignments wearing attire that reflects the seriousness with which I take my professional social work identity. issues. I understand and can explain the connection between my style of dress and the professional impression I communicate. I always come to class and to community assignments wearing attire that reflects the seriousness with which I take my professional social work identity. 15. Use I never check my I rarely check my I consistently check my I consistently Departmental university e-mail university e-mail account university e-mail demonstrate leadership communications. account (the one the program has on record), and therefore I am unresponsive to the contents of these communications. (the one the program has on record), and my response to the contents of these communications is therefore delayed or non-existent. account (the one the program has on record), and I consistently respond in a timely manner. with my colleagues with regard to e-mail and other methods of communication. Rate Yourself
6 Personal Narrative The personal narrative is a critical part of your application. Consider this your opportunity to communicate with the BSW admissions committee about yourself. Review your statement carefully to be certain it will give the committee members a clear picture of your interest and suitability for professional social work. Prepare a personal narrative, not to exceed eight (8) pages (including title, abstract, and reference pages). Please use APA style to format the paper and cite sources, particularly in discussing your selected current issue. For APA guidelines, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/. In some detail and in your own style, respond to the items listed below: 1. Significant Events. Discuss and analyze two (2) significant events and/or learning experiences that lead to your interest in Social Work. The Committee is most interested in what you learned from these events and how these lessons brought you to social work. 2. Core Values. 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 relationship Integrity Competence After reviewing the NASW Code of Ethics select one (1) of the above-mentioned values, explain the value, and discuss the significance this value holds for you. 3. Diversity. How has your personal and academic experience prepared you to work with a diverse population of clients? What ideology and skill set do you have to support your success in working with clients who may be very different from yourself? 4. Current Issues. There are many social issues that impact social work practitioners and the populations we work with. Though many issues could be appropriate, select one (1) issue from the list below, then describe and analyze the current state of the issue and include examples that have been in the news in the past 12 months. a. Access and affordability of health and/or mental health services b. Child welfare c. Veterans services d. Immigration e. Inequality (e.g., gender, race, sexual orientation, faith, health, income disparities, etc.) f. Criminal justice system Please, include any additional information that you think is relevant to your application to the BSW Program.
7 Recommendation #1 For Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program TO BE COMPLETED BY THE APPLICANT Applicant Name: JAG #: Under the provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, you may decide whether letters of reference written at your request are to be held confidential or whether they are to be available for your personal inspection. Check one of the following statements and place your signature in the space provided so that the reference writer will be advised of your choice. Confidential file. I grant permission for this letter of recommendation to be held confidential by the University of South Alabama. Open File. I retain the choice of having letters of reference available to me. Signature of Applicant TO BE COMPLETED BY REFERENCE WRITER You have been selected by the person named above as someone who can be helpful in evaluating his or her readiness for undergraduate study in professional social work practice. Please note that while the applicant may have waived his/her right of access under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, in some circumstances this letter may be subject to disclosure under the provisions of the Alabama Public Records Law. Please staple an accompanying letter of recommendation to the back of this form and place in a sealed envelope with your signature across the seal, and return it to the applicant. We have asked applicants to send only completed application packages to the social work program. Under unusual circumstances it is acceptable to mail the recommendation directly to the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work. 1. Knowledge of the Applicant: How long and in what capacity have you known this applicant? How well do you feel you know the applicant? Casually Well Very well 2. In your opinion, list the applicant s two (2) primary strengths? 3. In your opinion, list the applicant s two (2) primary weaknesses?
8 4. Evaluation rating form: To be the best of your ability, rate the applicant according to the following standards: MARK WITH AN X THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS FROM 1 (LOW) TO 10 (HIGH) (Please use 7 as the norm for a good but not exceptionally outstanding applicant) APPLICANT S CHARACTERISTICS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A Level of Maturity and Emotional Stability Ability to Respect and Work with Diverse Populations (Race, Class, Culture, Ethnicity, Religion, Sexual Orientation, etc.) Responsible Behavior (Attendance, Punctuality, Integrity, etc.) Awareness of Self: Capabilities and Limits Written Communication Skills Verbal Communication Skills Ability to Work with Others Willingness to Accept Constructive Feedback 5. Please attach a separate letter of reference commenting on the applicant s strengths and unique qualifications as a potential candidate for professional social work education as well as any challenges that may affect the applicant s ability. 6. Recommendation: Considering this applicant s academic record, work performance record, special abilities, and dedication to support vulnerable populations, how do you recommend the applicant? Recommend Strongly Recommend with Reservation Recommend Cannot Recommend Name of Reference Writer (Please Print): Date: Title & Organization: City, State, Zip Code: Phone Number: E-mail Address:
9 Recommendation #2 For Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program TO BE COMPLETED BY THE APPLICANT Applicant Name: JAG #: Under the provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, you may decide whether letters of reference written at your request are to be held confidential or whether they are to be available for your personal inspection. Check one of the following statements and place your signature in the space provided so that the reference writer will be advised of your choice. Confidential file. I grant permission for this letter of recommendation to be held confidential by the University of South Alabama. Open File. I retain the choice of having letters of reference available to me. Signature of Applicant TO BE COMPLETED BY REFERENCE WRITER You have been selected by the person named above as someone who can be helpful in evaluating his or her readiness for undergraduate study in professional social work practice. Please note that while the applicant may have waived his/her right of access under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, in some circumstances this letter may be subject to disclosure under the provisions of the Alabama Public Records Law. Please staple an accompanying letter of recommendation to the back of this form and place in a sealed envelope with your signature across the seal, and return it to the applicant. We have asked applicants to send only completed application packages to the social work program. Under unusual circumstances it is acceptable to mail the recommendation directly to the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work. 1. Knowledge of the Applicant: How long and in what capacity have you known this applicant? How well do you feel you know the applicant? Casually Well Very well 2. In your opinion, list the applicant s two (2) primary strengths? 3. In your opinion, list the applicant s two (2) primary weaknesses?
10 4. Evaluation rating form: To be the best of your ability, rate the applicant according to the following standards: MARK WITH AN X THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS FROM 1 (LOW) TO 10 (HIGH) (Please use 7 as the norm for a good but not exceptionally outstanding applicant) APPLICANT S CHARACTERISTICS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 N/A Level of Maturity and Emotional Stability Ability to Respect and Work with Diverse Populations (Race, Class, Culture, Ethnicity, Religion, Sexual Orientation, etc.) Responsible Behavior (Attendance, Punctuality, Integrity, etc.) Awareness of Self: Capabilities and Limits Written Communication Skills Verbal Communication Skills Ability to Work with Others Willingness to Accept Constructive Feedback 5. Please attach a separate letter of reference commenting on the applicant s strengths and unique qualifications as a potential candidate for professional social work education as well as any challenges that may affect the applicant s ability. 6. Recommendation: Considering this applicant s academic record, work performance record, special abilities, and dedication to support vulnerable populations, how do you recommend the applicant? Recommend Strongly Recommend with Reservation Recommend Cannot Recommend Name of Reference Writer (Please Print): Date: Title & Organization: City, State, Zip Code: Phone Number: E-mail Address: