In the first year of the MSW field placement, students are placed in human service agencies oriented toward a generalist social work practice. The focus is on social work with interrelated and interdependent human systems: individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The SW 789 Syllabus further defines the philosophical base and overall goals for this placement.
Field placement for first year master's students is delayed until the second quarter of the program, allowing one quarter for knowledge building and preparation for the practicum. Students are mailed a SW 789 Field Placement Questionnaire prior to the start of Autumn Quarter. This document asks for information on the kinds of learning experiences requested by the student, and thus assists the Field Education staff in matching students with appropriate field placement sites. Field Practicum Orientations are conducted for first year students prior to entry into field in order to provide comprehensive information about the practicum experience.
The second year MSW field placement provides learning experiences in the student's chosen concentration of practice, clinical or administration, and in fields of practice that reflect the student's professional interests. The second placement is designed to permit students to achieve greater autonomy and to maximize skill development in the integration of theory and practice. The SW 889 Syllabus further defines the philosophical base and overall goals of the second year MSW placement. During Winter Quarter of their first year, students are asked to fill out a SW 889 Field Placement Questionnaire documenting the kinds of learning experiences requested for the second year placement. Informational meetings are held by the Field Education Office to explain and clarify the field placement selection process. Social workers from various agencies are invited to these meetings to share the types of field experiences that are available to students placed at their site.
Once the Field Office arranges a placement, each student interviews with a contact person from his or her assigned agency in order to determine if the student and agency are compatible in regard to goals and expectations. Students must confirm placement with the Field Office following the pre-placement interview.
During the initial weeks of placement, students and their field instructors develop a learning contract that identifies the goals and objectives to be accomplished during the field practicum. Field instructors then submit quarterly performance evaluations of their students to the Field Office.
Requests for deviations in scheduling must be discussed with the field placement coordinators, approved by the Director of Field Education, and reflected in students' educational plans.
