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Student Handbook

Edmonton MSW

2017-2019

Faculty of Social Work

Central & Northern

Alberta Region

3-250, 10230 Jasper

Avenue

Edmonton, AB

T5J 4P6

Phone: 780-492-3888

Fax: 780-492-5774

Monday to Friday

8:30 – 12:15 & 1:15 – 4:30

fsw.ucalgary.ca/central-and-northern-alberta

http://www.fsw.ucalgary.ca/central-and-northern-alberta

Questions about your program?

Check this Handbook and our website at

http://fsw.ucalgary.ca/central-and-northern-alberta first!

We regularly maintain the website so that it is a helpful, well-organized resource. Along with your Handbook, please use the site as a primary

source of information when you have questions about your program.

(Revised April 5, 2017)

http://fsw.ucalgary.ca/central-and-northern-alberta

2017-2019 MSW Student Handbook

Faculty of Social Work, Central and Northern Alberta Region Page 1

CONTENTS

WELCOME TO THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL WORK! ................................................................................. 2

Messages from the Student Advisors, Dean and Associate Dean

THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL WORK ....................................................................................................... 3

The Faculty’s Vision and Mission and The Central and Northern Alberta Region of the Faculty,

Organization of the FSW and CNAR

CNAR ‘CAMPUS’ DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 5

Building Access, Faculty, Staff, and Research Assistant Office Spaces, Classrooms, Cultural Room, Computer Lab, Group Work Room, Student Lounge, Lockers, Photocopying

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT ENTERPRISE SQUARE .............................................................. 7

Public Transit, Bike Racks, Parking, Postings, Safewalk, Emergency Phone System

MSW PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................................... 8

Foundation Program, Clinical Specialization Program

FIELD EDUCATION INFORMATION FOR MSW STUDENTS ................................................................ 10

Supervision and Instruction in Field Placements, Learning and Assessment in Field Placements,

Practicum in the Place of Employment, Foundation Practicum, Clinical Specialization Practicum

PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................... 12

Course-Based Students: Course and Final Integrative Project Requirements, Thesis Students:

Course and Research Requirements

ESSENTIAL ONLINE TOOLS AND SERVICES .................................................................................... 13

UofC IT Account, eID Account and myUofC Portal, Student Centre, Desire2Learn (D2L), Adobe Connect,

Student Email Listservs, UofC Library Access, AirUC Wireless (Secure)

STUDENT SERVICES – UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY ........................................................................... 15

Graduate Student Advisors, Career Services, Student Accessibility Services, Student Loans and

Financial Aid, Financial Accounts – Student Recievables Office

MSW TUITION AND FEES – FALL 2017 & WINTER 2018 ................................................................. 16

Tuition and Fees for Course-Based Students, Tuition and Fees for Thesis-Based Students,

Grad Bursary Donation, Health and Dental Insurance,

Transferring between Course- and Thesis-based Programs: Fee Implications

KEY PROCESSES IN THE MSW PROGRAM ........................................................................................ 18

Paying Tuition and Fees, Options for Fee Payment, Annual Registration, Enrollment and Course

Registration, Completing Course Evaluations, Applying to Graduate

STUDENT AWARDS ......................................................................................................................... 21

Faculty of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Social Work, Program Recommended Graduate Awards,

Faculty of Social Work Recognition of Excellence Awards, Faculty of Social Work Research Awards

STUDENT LOANS ............................................................................................................................ 23

WHO’S WHO? FACULTY AND STAFF IN EDMONTON (CNAR) ............................................................ 24

Support Staff, Graduate and Undergraduate Advisors, Faculty Members, Professors Emeriti/ae,

Adjunct Professor(s)

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY IN THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL WORK ............................................................ 27

Writing Expectations, Research Ethics, Academic Appeals

PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT .............................................................................................................. 28

ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS ....................................................................................... 29

IMPORTANT DATES ........................................................................................................................ 30



WELCOME TO THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL WORK, Central & Northern Alberta Region

From the Graduate and Undergraduate Student Advisors – Kristen Raimundo & Nicole Dubé

Hello and welcome to the Faculty of Social Work! As a student you can expect many rewarding and challenging academic experiences that will enrich your future career. Our job is to help you through the administrative aspects of your program such as discussing degree requirements, course registration, student awards, liaising with the UofC main campus, and providing information about student services.

We hope that this program both challenges and rewards you and that we can help to make your transition to the UofC Faculty of Social Work, Central and Northern Alberta Region, a smooth one!

Kristen Raimundo, BSc and Nicole Dubé, BA (email: [email protected])

From the Dean – Jackie Sieppert

Students in the MSW in our Edmonton-based Central and Northern Alberta Region - welcome to the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary! As Dean, I am very pleased that you have chosen

to begin or continue your social work education with us. You've chosen a most rewarding profession, one that will create positive impact in your own life and in the lives of the individuals and communities we are privileged to serve. Together, we will help achieve our Faculty's vision of "creating social well-being and just societies" in Alberta, Canada and the world. You’ve also chosen to study at a university rated among the “Top 10” of the world’s young universities, and in a Faculty that is a social work leader nationally, and we are proud to say we graduate many of the country’s most insightful and skilled social workers.

While I hope that your time at the Faculty will be academically challenging and personally rewarding, I would also like to encourage you engage at a broader level. Get involved in your Social Work Student Association (SWSA), which includes BSW and MSW students. This student body is a vital source of social activism, networking, and fun! Also take the time to engage in the Faculty’s events and extra-

curricular activities, as they will serve to both educate and connect you to a vibrant professional

community. Finally, explore options to become student leaders – both in the Faculty and in our community. You can make a difference now and we challenge you to do so! Again, welcome to our Faculty. I wish you every success in your studies!

Jackie Sieppert, PhD, RSW

From the Associate Dean – Rick Enns

Welcome to the MSW Program! Whether you’re entering the Foundation or Clinical Specialization

Program, our intent is to recognize and build on the considerable knowledge and skills you bring. There is no doubt that our MSW programs are challenging. In addition to the academic intensity of graduate studies, attending courses in block weeks and on weekends will be a change from previous experience for many of you. Most of our graduate students work at least part-time, many have children, and other family commitments, and some commute from outside of Edmonton. We have

faculty and staff committed to supporting you by providing excellent academic and program services. I hope you’ll make use of our website and this handbook as you make your way through the program.

In addition to the administrative (Karen and Shari) and student services (Kristen and Nicole) staff, you will be assigned a faculty advisor to help you address questions and concerns. I wish you all the best with your graduate student experience. Please feel free to be in touch with me by email, phone, or in person if you think I can be helpful during your program.

Rick Enns, PhD, RSW

mailto:[email protected]



THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL WORK

The University of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work, has been an innovator in social work education in

Alberta for over 50 years. With more than 40 faculty members, and over 750 students at the

undergraduate and graduate levels, the faculty is one of the largest nationally. Collectively, the

academic faculty has an impressive range of expertise in clinical practice, family violence, community

development, health, child welfare, practice in cultural contexts, management in social services, social

policy, international social work and settlement, Indigenous social work, research methods, and other

issues of interest and concern to social workers.

The Faculty’s Vision and Mission:

Our vision is “creating social well-being and just societies.” Our approach to achieving this vision is to

keep the learner at the centre of our efforts, contribute to excellence in professional social work,

emphasize research in our curriculum, and work in cooperation with social service agencies and our

partners in the communities where we teach. This approach is reflected in our Mission Statement; we

are:

Dedicated to promoting societies that respect human dignity and worth, meet basic human

needs, are anti-oppressive, inclusive, and based on principles of social justice.

Committed to learners by providing and building a knowledge base and set of skills in

environments designed to stimulate and support a spirit of critical inquiry.

Focused on serving as a catalyst for positive community impact through the creation and

dissemination of knowledge and innovation.

The Central and Northern Alberta Region (CNAR) of the FSW:

The first class of the Edmonton Division of the UofC’s Faculty of Social Work was held in 1974. The

Division moved from its original downtown location to offices on the U of A campus and in 1996 to the

Garneau Professional building on Whyte Avenue and 111th Street. In 2016, we moved downtown to

the historic Bay building – the University of Alberta’s Enterprise Square at 10230 Jasper Avenue.

The Edmonton Division of the faculty offered the Bachelor of Social Work degree in Edmonton from its

inception and, in 2000, the faculty initiated the Community-based Learning Circles program (then

called the Access program) to provide BSW education to students in rural, northern, First Nations and

Métis communities. Since 2004, Learning Circles programs, from Red Deer north, have been

administered through Edmonton. Shortly after, the Edmonton Division and these Learning Circles sites

became the Central and Northern Alberta Region. We began offering the MSW program in 2007. With

approximately 25 students admitted to the Foundation program (students with baccalaureates in

disciplines other than social work) and about 50 students in the Clinical Specialization program

(students with BSWs), close to 75 students pursue their Master’s degrees through the Central and

Northern Alberta Region. In collaboration with what was then Blue Quills First Nations College, we

provided a culturally-referenced MSW to a group of students who completed the program in 2010. In

2012 we opened the MSW program tailored for practice in northern Alberta. This program was offered

to a cohort of students out of Grande Prairie Regional College and students graduated from this

program in June, 2014; and the region played a central role in the delivery of a Master of Social Work

with a Child Welfare focus from 2015 to 2017. This program was offered in conjunction with what was

then the Child and Family Services Division of the Ministry of Human Services to senior employees in

the ministry. Across all programs, faculty members and support staff in the Central and Northern

Alberta Region of the Faculty of Social Work serve close to 300 social work students.



Organization of the FSW & CNAR

The faculty encourages student involvement in the ongoing development of our programs and

curricula. This brief description of the faculty’s and region’s governance structures is intended to help students understand who is responsible for what aspects of our programs.

Faculty Level: Faculty of Social Work (FSW)

Dean: Overall responsibility for all aspects of the Faculty of Social Work.

Faculty Council: All academic policy must be approved by Faculty Council. Membership includes FSW faculty and staff, as well as representatives from other UofC faculties and the community. Students have membership through the Social Work Student Association (SWSA) and the Graduate Student Association (GSA).

MSW Policy Committee: This committee considers the graduate curriculum for all FSW MSW programs, as well as MSW student issues. Membership includes faculty and student representatives.

Student Level: Social Work Student Association (SWSA)

SWSA is a group of students interested in actively engaging their classmates in social work related activities. Any student can join at any time throughout the year. SWSA also represents students on faculty committees and can give voice to student concerns throughout the academic year.

Regional Level: Central & Northern Alberta Region (CNAR)

CNAR faculty and staff members participate on all governance committees of the FSW. We have regional meetings once per month. Sessional instructors meet with the Associate Director, Academic twice per term. Faculty and staff members who have administrative responsibilities at CNAR are as follows:

Associate Dean (Rick Enns): Responsible for the administration of the Central and Northern Alberta Region and liaising with provincial FSW.

Associate Director, Academic (Anne Marie McLaughlin): Responsible for implementing the BSW and MSW programs in Edmonton. Janki Shankar will be covering for Anne Marie while she is on

Research and Study leave from January 1 to June 30, 2017.

Associate Director, Learning Circles (Gail Zuk): Responsible for implementing the Community-

based Learning Circles BSW programs in Red Deer and Grande Prairie.

Coordinator, Field Education (Leeann Hilsen): Responsible for implementing field placement components of the BSW and MSW programs.

Coordinator, Student Affairs (TBD): Acts as the main liaison between the faculty and SWSA; supports activities that enhance students’ experience and ability to have input into program development.

Coordinator, Research (Avery Calhoun): Develops faculty research programs and capacity; acts

as liaison between FSW and community partners.

Manager, Administrative Services (Karen Marshall): Oversees administrative operations in the Regional office.

Graduate and Undergraduate Student Advisors (Kristen Raimundo and Nicole Dubé): Responsible for BSW and MSW advising including assisting students with registration, student awards, requesting letters of permission, and referrals to other UofC departments and services.

Front Office Coordinator, Field Administrator (Shari Conley): Provides reception services,

general and technology support, and specific administrative and field education support in the Edmonton office. Shari also supports faculty communications with the general public and registered social workers across the CNAR.



CNAR ‘CAMPUS’ DESCRIPTION

Building Access

Enterprise Square is open to the public 7 days a week and 52 weeks of the year from 6:00 a.m. to

11:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 7:00 am to 9:00 pm weekends and holidays, with the exception of

certain statutory holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s Day. A security station is located on the

main floor and is staffed at all times. Access to the third floor is by elevator only, and is controlled

before 7:00 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m. by card access. All students will be issued swipe cards that will

allow third floor access by the elevator after 4:30 p.m., as well as access to washrooms and the

classroom area on the 3rd floor (3-282 to 3-295). Students may access these spaces as they wish but

must ensure that no doors are propped open or left ajar so as to allow unauthorized access into the

classroom loop. In addition, the main door providing access to the classroom area will be unlocked

between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. when classes are scheduled.

The use of Enterprise Square and faculty space on the 3rd floor is provided to you as a student in the

Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary. Students are responsible for the use of the swipe cards

providing access to the building as outlined above, and may not loan or give their cards to anyone else

for any purpose. Cards should be returned to the front office once students have completed their

degree requirements, or if taking a leave from their studies. The loss of your card should be reported

to Shari Conley, Front Office Coordinator, or to 780-492-3888, as soon as possible. A replacement fee

may be charged for lost/unreturned cards. All faculty space and access is for student purposes only,

unless permission for other purposes is provided by the Associate Dean, or designate. Failure to

adhere to the expectations outlined here may constitute Student Non-Academic Misconduct

(see www.ucalgary.ca/conduct/policy for more information).

Faculty, Staff, and Research Assistant Office Spaces

Faculty offices are located in 3-170 to (3-199). Assigned offices and work spaces for Research

Assistants employed by faculty members are also located in this section. Administrative and Student

Services staff and faculty members serving in administrative roles (i.e., Associate Dean, Associate

Directors) have offices in 3-250 (to 3-266).

Classrooms

We have four classrooms, all located on the 3rd floor: these are numbered as 3-282, 3-276, 3-275,

and 3-295. Classroom 3-282 is also equipped to allow for smudging and other ceremonial functions.

All classrooms are equipped with audio-visual equipment. Please ensure that you are familiar with the

equipment prior to using it for a class presentation. The computers in classrooms are PCs and cables

to connect PC laptops are available. Unfortunately, Mac users need to ensure PC compatibility or

provide adapters necessary to connect their laptops to the projectors.

Cultural Room

In addition to 3-282, room 3-278 has been designed to allow for smudging and other ceremonial

functions. This space has been set up for individual use, or for small groups, and is available to all

students for smudging, daily prayers, and other related functions.

Computer Lab

The computer lab is located in 3-289. There are 6 fixed work stations with desktop computers

provided, and two tables to accommodate individual or small group work. For security purposes, all

files stored on the fixed computers are automatically deleted overnight; students are responsible to

http://www.ucalgary.ca/conduct/policy



ensure that they have saved all work on personal devices. A copy of the current APA Style Manual is

kept in the computer lab.

Group Work Room

The Group Work room is located in 3-288, adjacent to the Student Lounge and Computer Lab. This

area is open for use at all times, and students are also welcome to meet in classroom space when

classes are not in session, and if no other functions have been booked.

Student Lounge

The Student Lounge is located in 3-290. The Lounge is equipped with seating, charging stations, and

monitors that serve as electronic bulletin boards. A small kitchen with fridge, microwave and

dishwasher is also provided and students are responsible for keeping this area clean.

Lockers

In the Student Lounge, there are 18 lockers intended for daily use by students. Please ensure that all

personal items are removed from the locker prior to leaving the campus at the end of the day.

To lock the door:

1. Press the button with the letter ‘C’ at the bottom left-hand side of the keypad.

2. Enter any 4-digit combination.

3. Press the button with the picture of a lock on the bottom right-hand side of the keypad.

Follow the same sequence to unlock the door. Once unlocked, the combination selected above is

erased and the locker is ready to be used by another student.

Photocopying

Printing and photocopying is available to students; the photocopier is located in the Student Lounge,

room 3-290. Please see Shari Conley in the reception area (3-250) to set up an account for this

service. The minimum amount you can place on your photocopying account is $10.00, which must be

paid by cash. Any balance will be carried forward from one term to the next. Unfortunately, there are

no refunds on balances remaining at the end of students’ final terms.



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT ENTERPRISE SQUARE

Public Transit

Enterprise Square is located in the heart of downtown at Jasper Avenue, between 102nd and 103rd

Streets with some of the best public transit service in the city. Bus stops are located along Jasper

Avenue in close proximity to the building, and Edmonton’s LRT train stops under the building at the

Bay Enterprise Square Station – with direct access to the building from the station. You can access

transit information at www.takeets.com.

Bike Racks

Currently, Enterprise Square does not accommodate bicycle parking. Bike racks have been installed

along 102 Street. Manulife offers free bicycle parking in their publicly accessible parkade (access from

102 Street). Additional underground bicycle parking is available at the YMCA (Standard Life Parking).

To access either parkade, you must use the parkade entrance ramp. Parkade attendants are on-site

and can guide you to the bicycle racks.

Parking

There is no public parking available at Enterprise Square, but there are a number of paid, public

parking lots in close proximity. You can view a map of these lots at www.enterprisesquare.ualberta.ca.

Postings

The building has three common area bulletin boards that can be used by staff and students. Postings

may be brought to Shari at the front office. All postings will be date stamped and removed after a

period of two weeks. There is also a bulletin board in the Student Lounge which can be used by

students and does not require approval.

Safewalk

Safewalk provides a safe and reliable alternative to walking alone at night around and on the UofA

campus. Located at 0-22 SUB, phone 780-492-5563 or 4-WALK-ME. In addition to the UofA’s Safewalk

program, security personnel at Enterprise Square will provide an escort from the main lobby between

6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., any day that the building is open. Arrangements to be accompanied can be

made at the security desk opposite the elevators on the main floor at the time the escort is required –

reservations ahead of time are not possible. Security will escort you within a two-block radius of

Enterprise Square.

Emergency Phone (Blue phone) System

A Blue phone system is installed at Enterprise Square in various locations. Simply press the call button

and the system will connect you to the security officer on duty. You will be able to communicate with

the security officer and the system will also identify your location in the event that you cannot speak.

Security and Life Safety is on-duty 24 hours and can be reached at 780-428-1541.

http://www.takeets.com/

http://www.enterprisesquare.ualberta.ca/



MSW EDMONTON - PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

With a clinical specialization, the Edmonton MSW program is designed to help students develop advanced competence in social work with families, individuals, and groups. Historical and contextual factors affecting the clients we work with are recognized and emphasized and students apply critical analysis to the interactions among personal, social, and structural factors in the problems clients bring to the attention of professional helpers. In addition to core courses, students have opportunities to

extend their learning into areas of individual interest. Field education – a fundamental component of the MSW curriculum – allows students to integrate theory and practice under the supervision of experienced social work clinicians.

Students enter the Foundation and Specialization routes in the Central and Northern Alberta Region in cohort groups. Because we use the cohort model, students should be reminded that missing courses can result in a significant delay (up to 2 years) of program completion.

The MSW is a program of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Calgary. As such, the policies and procedures of the Faculty of Graduate Studies pertain to students in the Foundation and

Clinical Specialization programs. Information regarding the Faculty of Graduate Studies is available at

www.grad.ucalgary.ca.

Foundation Program

Students with a four-year baccalaureate in a discipline other than social work complete 19 courses

(including 2 practica equivalent to 3 courses) for the degree. The first 9 courses, including a practica (426 hours) equivalent to 1 course, comprise the Foundation component of the MSW program. These courses and how they are likely to be scheduled from Fall 2017 to Spring/Summer 2019 are shown below. Students must complete the 9 Foundation courses (including 426 hours practicum) prior to proceeding to the Specialization.

Term/Year SOWK Course Format/Dates

Fall 2017

621: History & Foundations of the

Profession Sept. block week (Sept. 5 to 9 inclusive)

637: Human Behaviour &

Environments*

Fall session, 4 weekends during term (Sept.

22/23, Oct. 13/14, Oct. 27/28, & Nov.

17/18)

Winter 2018

629: Communication &

Interviewing January block week (Jan. 2 to 6 inclusive)

625: Individuals, Families & Groups

Winter session, 4 weekends during term

(Jan. 26/27, Feb. 16/17, Mar. 9/10, & Mar.

23/24)

Sp/Su 2018 632: Social Policy & Social Justice Spring session, online (TBA)

Fall 2018

627: Organizations & Communities Sept. block week (Sept. 4 to 8 inclusive)

645: Research & Evaluation Fall session, 4 weekends during term (Sept.

21/22, Oct. 12/13, Oct. 26/27, Nov. 16/17)

Winter 2019

641: Models of Practice


(Jan. 18/19, Feb. 8/9, Mar. 1/2 & Mar.

22/23)

633: Foundational Field Practicum

(426 hours; may extend into

Spring/Summer)

Winter session: Orientation, January 12;

Seminar, Jan. 18, Feb. 8, Mar. 1 & Mar.

22**

*Weekend delivery typically includes Friday evenings (6 – 9) and Saturdays (9 – noon, 1 – 4).

**Approximately 26 hours of integrated seminar are provided as part of SOWK 633. Twelve hours

are indicated here, the remainder will be scheduled following discussions with assigned instructors.

http://www.grad.ucalgary.ca/



Clinical Specialization Program

The Clinical Specialization program is designed to prepare students for advanced professional practice. Its purpose is to develop advanced competence in social work with families, individuals, and groups. In specialization courses, students are encouraged to critically analyze the interactions among

personal and social factors in the problems clients bring to our attention. In addition to the focus on practice methods, students have the opportunity to extend their knowledge of the fields of service within which those methods are applied.

Students entering (or advancing from the Foundation to) the Clinical Specialization program choose either a course-based or thesis-based route. Students in the course-based route are required to complete 10 courses, including 525 hours of field practicum (equivalent to 2 courses). The course-based route to the MSW includes an integrative project completed in the final semester of course work. Students in the thesis route conduct original research and prepare a document that is defended

orally before an examination committee. Students who hold a BSW and select the thesis-based MSW are required to complete 9 courses, including 525 hours of field practicum. Courses for Clinical

Specialization students are as follows:

Term/Year SOWK Course Format (Dates)

Fall 2017

697: Diversity, Oppression &

Social Justice Sept. block week (Sept. 5 to 9 inclusive).

653: Comparative Approaches to

Change

Fall session, 4 weekends during term (Sept.

29/30, Oct. 20/21, Nov. 3/4, & Nov. 24/25)

Winter 2018

679: Advanced Clinical Practice in

Mental Health (2 sections)

One section offered in the January block

week (Jan. 2 to 6 inclusive), the other

section offered online throughout term.

659: Evidence & Clinical Practice


(Jan. 19/20, Feb. 9/10, Mar. 2/3, & Mar.

16/17)

Sp/Su 2018

696: Advanced Practicum (525

hours; can continue through Fall

2018 semester)

Spring session: Orientation, April 27;

seminar, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., May 18, June

1 & 15, July 6 & 20, Aug. 3**

6xx: Option (TBA) Spring session, format TBA

Fall 2018

651: Policy as Context for Clinical

Work Sept. block week (Sept. 4 to 8 inclusive)

699: Special Topics: Advanced

Clinical Practice with Families (2

sections)

Both sections will be offered 4 weekends

during the term Fall term (Sept. 28/29,

Oct. 19/20, Nov. 2/3, Nov. 23/24)

Winter 2019 657: Clinical Social Work

Applications Dates and format TBA

*Weekend delivery typically includes Friday evenings (6 – 9) and Saturdays (9 – 12, 1 – 4).

** Approximately 26 hours of integrated seminar are provided as part of SOWK 696. Eighteen

hours are indicated here, the remainder will be scheduled following discussions with assigned

instructors.



FIELD EDUCATION INFORMATION FOR MSW STUDENTS

Students describe the practicum as one of the most important components of their social work

education. Through their involvement in field education programs, field instructors and others in host

agencies make significant and meaningful contributions to students’ skill and knowledge development.

The MSW Field Education Manual describes graduate field placement and details the policies and

procedures related to students in practicum. Students are strongly encouraged to familiarize

themselves with the Field Education Manual, which is available through the CNAR website

(fsw.ucalgary.ca/central-and-northern-alberta) and should note that field placements require

advanced planning to ensure that students are available for full-time or close to full-time field

placements as scheduled. The following paragraphs are intended to highlight only a few of the key

aspects of field education in the MSW Program.

Supervision and Instruction in Field Placements

Edmonton MSW students work with the Office of Field Education, to arrange all practica. Once in field

placements, the student is supervised by an experienced, agency-based registered social worker who

functions as the field instructor. In addition to ongoing guidance and feedback, the instructor(s)

provides the student a minimum of one hour of supervision for every 15 placement hours. Students

are also linked with a university-based faculty member who acts as the faculty liaison. The faculty

liaison, who is the instructor-of-record for the practicum course, facilitates the integrative seminar (in

class and/or online) that forms part of the course, makes scheduled visits (on-site or electronic) to

placement agencies, and participates in the formal evaluations of the student’s achievement.

Learning and Assessment in Field Placements

MSW placements are structured by the objectives that students are intended to achieve in the

practicum course. These objectives are detailed in the Field Education Manual. Each student develops

a personal Learning Agreement in consultation with the field instructor and faculty liaison. Designing

the Agreement helps the field instructor and student clarify respective responsibilities and

expectations. The student and instructor negotiate activities that provide the student with

opportunities to learn and demonstrate competence in each of the objectives of the practicum.

Assessment of students in practica is an ongoing process intended to highlight students’ strengths and

learning needs. The assessment of the students’ educational needs and progress in practicum are

formally articulated at the beginning, middle, and end of the placement. Assessment is based on the

extent to which the objectives and activities specified in the students Learning Agreement have been

accomplished. Students in practicum courses are graded on a pass/fail basis.

Practicum in the Place of Employment

The Faculty of Social Work appreciates that students often face multiple demands, and may need to

juggle school with family and employment responsibilities. Recognizing this, the Office of Field

Education is prepared to support students’ abilities to develop practica in their places of employment,

providing certain criteria are met. Any student considering a practicum in their workplace should

consult the Field Education Policy Manual posted on the CNAR website. The policy manual contains

detailed expectations, policies, and processes regarding the requisite written student proposal and

letter of support from the agency involved.




Foundation Practicum

Foundation students typically complete their first practicum (SOWK 633) in the winter semester of

their second year. Of the 426 hours of field education, about 26 are completed within seminar-style

meetings with other students and the faculty liaison. Students must arrange their schedules to ensure

that they are available for their practicum placements and seminar hours as arranged.

Students in the Foundation program are strongly encouraged to get an early start on planning their

schedules to accommodate their placement starting in January of the second year and extending to

mid-April, May or June. The end date for the Foundation Practicum depends on the number of

hours/week in placement. For example, students able to complete 35 – 40 hours per week would

complete the Foundation Practicum within the winter semester while students who complete 20 hours

per week would finish in about 20 weeks – about two months after the end of the Winter semester

(approximately mid-June).

Students with extensive experience in social services, including 2 full years under the supervision of a

registered social worker, may be eligible to receive credit by special assessment for the Foundation

Practicum. Policies and procedures related to credit by special assessment are detailed in the Field

Education Policy Manual available through the CNAR website.

Specialization Practicum

Students in the Clinical Specialization program complete the Advanced Practicum (SOWK 696) in the

spring/summer between their first and second years. Of the 525 hours of field education, about 25 are

completed within seminar-style meetings with other students and the faculty liaison. The purpose of

the Advanced Practicum course is to develop students’ existing social work knowledge and skills to a

specialized level. The practicum promotes integration of the theory and skills students learn in the

classroom with their professional practice and social work identity.

As soon as possible, after beginning the Specialization program, students should ensure that their

schedules can be arranged to allow them to be available for field placement and seminars during the

spring/summer semester between their first and second years in the program. By early in the first

winter semester, Specialization students begin working with a Field Education Coordinator in the

faculty to explore and arrange practicum possibilities. For the Advanced Practicum, students are

encouraged to have an intense experience achieved through placements of 3 – 5 days/week.

Placements of 3 days/week will take just over 20 weeks to complete while those of 5 days/week will

take about 14 weeks.



PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

Students are referred to the University’s Graduate Calendar for details regarding the policies that provide the administrative framework for the MSW program at www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/grad/current/index.html. Note that a student in poor academic

standing will be required to withdraw from the program unless the program recommends otherwise and the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies supports the program recommendation. Poor academic standing includes either a C+ or lower grade in any course or failure to maintain an annual GPA of 3.0. Thesis-based students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 for the 12 months prior to the annual May review period. The Academic Calendar is the final authority on all academic matters so please check the Faculty of Graduate Studies Academic Calendar for full details.

Course-Based Students: Course & Final Integrative Project Requirements

Students admitted to the MSW program with a baccalaureate in a discipline other than social work complete the Foundation’s 9 courses (including 426 hours practicum) prior to proceeding to the

Specialization. The Foundation component includes no option courses.

The course-based MSW Specialization program requires that students complete 5 core courses, 3 option courses and the (2 course equivalent) Advanced Practicum. In the Edmonton Specialization program, 2 of the 3 option courses are “strongly recommended” on the basis of faculty consensus regarding key components of clinical social work programs: Advanced Practice in Mental Health (offered in the winter term of the first year) and Advanced Practice with Families (offered in the fall

term of the second year). For the third option, a range of courses is offered depending on student interest and faculty resources and this course is usually taken in the spring session between the first and second year. Students who would prefer not to take a “strongly recommended” option should speak to the Associate Director, Academic for the Central and Northern Alberta Region.

For Specialization students admitted in Fall 2017, the final project will be done during the Winter 2019 semester. These projects are completed as part of students’ last course, Clinical Social Work Applications. The course provides students with time and support during the preparation of the

project, which includes both written and oral components. Each student is assigned a faculty member who acts as a consultant during the preparation of the final project. The written component is a paper, about 35-40 pages, which is usually a ‘case study’ of a clinical situation the student encountered in the

Advanced Practicum. The oral component is a presentation given in conference format to audiences that include faculty and student peers. Projects are graded by 2 instructors who evaluate the extent to which the paper and presentation demonstrate knowledge of a substantive topic area, relevant theory and practice approaches, ability to apply theory to practice, and literary and oral competence.

Specialization students admitted in Fall 2017 will be provided with details about the final integrative project during Fall 2018 or earlier if requested. Meetings with faculty consultants will begin early in the Winter 2019 semester.

Thesis Students: Course & Research Requirements

Thesis students complete the same requirements as course-based students with one exception: they complete 2 rather than 3 option courses. This difference from course-based program requirements reflects recognition of the time required to conduct independent research. To date, thesis students have received a small stipend (~$2,500) from the Faculty of Graduate Studies at specified steps in their thesis research.

Thesis students are assigned an interim advisor upon admission to the MSW program. The student identifies a permanent supervisor before the end of the first year, after discussion and mutual

agreement. The student works with the supervisor to design and implement the thesis research. Students submit the completed thesis to an examination committee composed of the supervisor and at least two other examiners. The two-hour oral examination of the thesis involves questions of the student by each committee member. For a full description of thesis requirements and the oral examination process, see http://grad.ucalgary.ca/current/thesis.

http://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/grad/current/index.html

http://grad.ucalgary.ca/current/thesis



ESSENTIAL ONLINE TOOLS AND SERVICES

The Information Technologies department (IT) at the University of Calgary provides students with a

variety of tools, resources and supports. Students are encouraged to use the IT website

(www.ucalgary.ca/it/) as a resource for computer/internet questions or concerns.

IT tools which MSW students will likely use during their programs are described briefly below.

UofC IT Account

An Information Technologies (IT) account is required to access key UofC online services. In particular,

MSW students in Edmonton use IT accounts to access the library, Desire2Learn (D2L) and AirUC

Wireless Internet (described below).

Go to https://itregport.ucalgary.ca for directions on how to register for an IT account. You will need

your UCID to register. Once you register, you will have an IT account username and password.

For information about UofC IT accounts including explanations of usernames and passwords,

recovering forgotten passwords, changing passwords, and managing IT accounts, visit

www.ucalgary.ca/it/services/it-account.

eID Account and myUofC Portal

eID accounts are required to access key UofC online services through the myUofC portal, including

your Student Centre, Office 365 (for your @ucalgary.ca e-mail access), and the online library

databases.

Logging on to your myUofC portal requires your eID username and password. Once logged into the

myUofC portal, online UofC services can be accessed without re-entering usernames and passwords.

Link to myUofC via UofC and CNAR home websites; the link is consistently at the top of each site’s

headline banner.

If you have forgotten your eID username or password please contact IT Support at 1-888-342-3802

and they will be able to assist you.

Student Center

Access to your Student Centre is possible only through the myUofC portal. Online services available

via the Student Centre include course registration (add, drop, swap, edit), fee payment, view class

schedule, viewing grades, printing enrollment verification letters and tax receipts, changing your

address, applying to graduate, and downloading forms you may need for your program.

Desire2Learn (D2L)

D2L is an online course management system used to support face-to-face classes, the integrative

seminar, and to deliver the distance courses offered in this program.

D2L courses are accessible via your myUofC portal or at http://d2l.ucalgary.ca. For help with D2L,

visit http://elearn.ucalgary.ca/category/d2l.

Adobe Connect

Adobe Connect is the online classroom program that is used for synchronous online sessions. These

sessions are normally accessed through your D2L courses. A quick start guide and more information

can be found at http://elearn.ucalgary.ca/category/connect.

http://www.ucalgary.ca/it/

https://itregport.ucalgary.ca/

http://www.ucalgary.ca/it/services/it-account

http://d2l.ucalgary.ca/

http://elearn.ucalgary.ca/category/d2l

http://elearn.ucalgary.ca/category/connect



Student Email Listservs

All students are automatically added to the program listserv and are required to use their ucalgary.ca

email accounts for all correspondence to and from the faculty.

We appreciate that attending to emails is sometimes difficult and promise to limit what we send to

you. We use a system whereby emails we really need you to read have “URGENT” in the header.

Emails with important but not critical messages have “IMPORTANT” in the header and those with

information we think you might be interested in are labeled “FYI.” We count on students reading all

emails sent under the URGENT tag.

UofC Library Access

The library home website is www.library.ucalgary.ca. Online services to the UofC library are

accessed using your ID number and barcode information on your campus card or your IT account

username and password. Students have access to the research database including e-journals;

these can be found at: https://library.ucalgary.ca/about/policies/connection.

AirUC Wireless Internet (Secure)

AirUC-Secure is the wireless network at the University of Calgary (including FSW CNAR offices) that

uses encryption to ensure that authentication and all traffic on the Wi-Fi network is secure.

To enable AirUC Secure, please go to www.ucalgary.ca/it/services/airuc-secure and click on “User

Guides” where you will choose the applicable operating system. Follow the directions to enable your

login to AirUC Secure.

If you have any difficulties, please contact IT at 1-888-342-3802. IT staff can access your computer

remotely to assist you.

http://www.library.ucalgary.ca/

https://library.ucalgary.ca/about/policies/connection

http://www.ucalgary.ca/it/services/airuc-secure



STUDENT SERVICES – UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

Graduate Student Advisors

Kristen Raimundo and Nicole Dubé, the Graduate Advisors for students in the CNAR MSW program,

work with the FSW Student Services team to provide all CNAR students with support and guidance.

Specifically, Kristen provides support to students in the Foundation program, while Nicole provides

support to students admitted, and moving in to, the Clinical Specialization program; however, both

advisors are knowledgeable and would be happy to assist you, regardless of your program. The

Manager of Student Services, Maria Soos-Gonczol, is based in Calgary. The Student Services team

encourages students to use the website (fsw.ucalgary.ca/central-and-northern-alberta) and MSW

Handbook as first resources to answer program-related questions. If more individualized help is

needed, contact Kristen or Nicole via email at [email protected]. Regular office hours are Monday –

Friday, 8:30 am – 12:15 pm and 1:15 pm – 4:30 pm.

Career Services

For personal help with career planning, job search, resume tune-up and interview skills, contact our

faculty specific advisor: Kelly Gallant (Phone: 403-220-2193; Email: [email protected]; Web:

www.ucalgary.ca/careers; or visit: https://careerlink.ucalgary.ca/home.htm to log in and book an

appointment. Be sure to indicate that you are off-campus and require a virtual appointment.

Student Accessibility Services

Student Accessibility Services works with students, faculty and staff to facilitate an accessible learning

environment for students requiring academic accommodation. If you are a student requiring any form

of academic accommodation, it is your responsibility to register with Student Accessibility Services as

soon as possible and discuss your needs with your instructor no later than fourteen (14) days after the

start of the course. (Phone: 403-220-8237; Email: [email protected]; Web:

www.ucalgary.ca/access/)

Student Loans and Financial Aid

Students can get information about student loans and awards from the University of Calgary, Student

Awards and Financial Aid office. Visit the website at: www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/finances.

Financial Accounts – Student Receivables Office

The Student Receivables Office (Phone: 403-220-3545; Fax: 403-282-9349; Email:

[email protected]) manages certain aspects of a student’s financial account with the

University. This Calgary-based office assists University of Calgary students, staff and faculty by

offering the following services:

Issuing student account refunds,

Invoicing sponsors on behalf of students,

Processing payments for University student accounts including online banking payments, third

party payments and tuition support programs for staff and faculty,

Compiling education and tuition tax credit information (T2202A forms), and

Collecting on overdue accounts.




http://www.ucalgary.ca/careers

https://careerlink.ucalgary.ca/home.htm


http://www.ucalgary.ca/access/

http://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/finances




MSW TUITION AND FEES – FALL 2017 & WINTER 2018

MSW students in Edmonton pay tuition and fees to the University of Calgary. As an Edmonton-based student, you are not able to access some of the University of Calgary services. As such, you are automatically exempt from some fees, as indicated in the following table. Unless you opt out by a

certain date, you will automatically be required to pay fees for dental and health insurance, also indicated in the table below. Details of your financial status with the University of Calgary are posted in your Account Summary, which is in the Student Centre accessible through the myUofC portal.

All graduate students are registered for 12 months and general fees are assessed in the Fall, Winter

and Spring terms of the 12 month registration year regardless of whether you are taking a course in that term or not. Most of a graduate student’s general fees are assessed on a “term by term” or pay as you go basis. The exceptions are the Graduate Student Association, and Graduate Student Health and Dental Plan fees which are assessed in September for the year.

Tuition and Fees for Course-Based Students

Mandatory: Fees for the following are mandatory and will appear in your student record. Please ensure that you are aware of the

payment deadlines for all terms.

Payment

Due Term Covered Item

Domestic

Student

$ Amount

FOUNDATION

Domestic

Student

$ Amount

CLINICAL

International

Student

$ Amount

FOUNDATION

International

Student

$ Amount

CLINICAL

Spring 2017 Spring 2017 (only for

continuing students) Student Services Fee 150.00* 150.00* 150.00* 150.00*

Fall 2017 Fall 17 & Winter 18 Grad Group Insurance 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00

Fall 2017 Fall 17 & Winter 18 Graduate Students'

Association 170.65 170.65 170.65 170.65

Fall 2017 Fall 2017 Tuition Fees (Cost per HCE:

714.78/1,622.64) 1,429.56 1,429.56 3,245.28 3,245.28

Fall 2017 Fall 2017 Student Services Fee 150.00 150.00 150.00 150.00

Winter 2018 Winter 2018 Tuition Fees (Cost per HCE:

714.78/1,622.64) 1,429.56 1,429.56 3,245.28 3,245.28

Winter 2018 Winter 2018 Student Services Fee 150.00 150.00 150.00 150.00

* not included in total TOTAL 3,340.77 3,340.77 6,972.21 6,972.21

Automatically waived: Fees for the following appear in your student record but will be automatically waived by the Faculty of Graduate

Studies.

Spring 2017 Spring 2017 (only for

continuing students) Grad U-PASS 140.00 140.00 140.00 140.00

Fall 2017 Fall 2017 Grad Athletics 49.29 49.29 49.29 49.29

Fall 2017 Fall 2017 Grad U-PASS 140.00 140.00 140.00 140.00

Fall 2017 Fall 2017 Grad Campus Recreation 35.90 35.90 35.90 35.90

Winter 2018 Winter 2018 Grad Athletics 49.29 49.29 49.29 49.29

Winter 2018 Winter 2018 Grad U-PASS 140.00 140.00 140.00 140.00

Winter 2018 Winter 2018 Grad Campus Recreation 35.90 35.90 35.90 35.90

Can opt out: You will be charged for the following fees unless you manually opt out by the fall fee payment deadline.

Fall 2017 Fall 17 & Winter 18 Grad Dental Insurance 254.80 254.80 254.80 254.80

Fall 2017 Fall 17 & Winter 18 Grad Health Insurance 311.87 311.87 311.87 311.87

Fall 2017 Fall 17 & Winter 18 Grad Bursary Donation 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00



Tuition and Fees for Thesis-based students

Information above related to general (non-tuition) fees also applies to thesis-based students.

However, instead of paying tuition on a per-course basis, thesis-based students pay program tuition

fees in year 1, and continuing tuition fees in all years following, assessed over 4 terms as indicated

below:

Domestic Students International Students

Term Program Fees Continuing Fees Program Fees Continuing Fees

Spring $932.25 $271.23 $2,115.98 $615.58

Summer $932.25 $271.23 $2,115.98 $615.58

Fall $1,864.50 $542.46 $4,231.96 $1,231.16

Winter $1,864.50 $542.46 $4,231.96 $1,231.16

Grad Bursary Donation

This fee supports bursaries for students in financial need. All students are automatically charged a

donation to the GSA Bursary Fund. If you do not wish to contribute to this bursary, you must opt out.

There are two ways that you can opt out from your Student Centre in the Finances section: 1) select

“Donation Opt Out” from the “other financial” drop-down menu; 2) select “Account Inquiry” and click

on the “Donation Opt Out” link at the bottom of the table. This self-service opt out feature opens 30

days prior to the start of the term, and must be completed by the term fee payment deadline. All

students are eligible to apply for Bursary assistance, which is given to students in proven financial

need, with grade point average used as secondary criteria.

Health and Dental Insurance

The Graduate Students Association provides Health and Dental insurance that is compulsory for all

full-time students and their dependents. Fees are automatically assessed in the fall for the full year. If

you already have health and dental insurance coverage and wish to opt out of the plan, you must fill

out the form at: www.ihaveaplan.ca/CalgaryGSA prior to the fee payment deadline (no

exceptions). Information regarding the plans is also available through the GSA web site. Students

must opt out annually.

Transferring between Course- and Thesis-based Programs: Fee Implications

Transfers between the course- and thesis-based programs must be supported by a designated faculty

member and approved by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Fees for any student transferring from the

thesis-based route to the course-based route within a program will be assessed according to the

tuition policy for course-based programs from the first term of registration in the course-based

program.

A student who has completed five or fewer half-courses or equivalent in a course-based route will be

assessed program fees for one year from the date of transfer to a thesis route within the program.

Continuing fees will be assessed for subsequent years. A student who has completed six or more half-

courses or equivalent in a course-based route will be assessed continuing fees from the date of

transfer into a thesis-based route within the program.

Students considering transferring from one route to another are strongly encouraged to first consult

with a Student Advisor regarding fee implications and the Associate Director, Academic, for the

Central and Northern Alberta Region regarding academic implications.

http://www.ihaveaplan.ca/CalgaryGSA



KEY PROCESSES IN THE MSW PROGRAM

Paying Tuition and Fees

Please note we do not accept fee payments at the Edmonton office.

The UofC provides students with 2 options for tuition and fee payment, described below.

Option 1: Online banking

Online banking is the fastest and preferred payment method for anyone with a Canadian bank

account. Payments are processed through your financial institution’s own banking service.

Log on to your bank’s online system.

Add the “University of Calgary – Tuition Fees” as a payee on your bill payment profile (name

will vary from bank to bank).

Your account number will be your 8-digit UofC student ID number, plus the first five (or fewer)

characters of your last name (e.g. 00293847MCCAL).

It may take up to 5 business days for online payments to be processed. Payments initiated on

or before the term fee deadline will not be subject to late interest.

Additional detailed information for online banking can be found at

www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/finances/tuition-fees/pay-your-fees.

Option 2: Cheque sent to Calgary

Make your cheque payable to University of Calgary, write your full name and include your

Calgary Student ID number in the memo section of the cheque.

Cheques take 3 business days to process, plus mailing time.

Address for cheque: University of Calgary, Enrolment Services, 117 MacKimmie Library Block,

2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Fee payment deadlines refer to when payment must be received at the UofC rather than the

date by which you need to send payment.

Note: Cash and Credit cards are not accepted for payment of tuition and fees.

Annual Registration

Each year of the program, no later than the deadline for the annual registration month (September for

all graduate students in the Edmonton MSW program), each graduate student must register using the

Student Centre via myUofC. Completion of the annual registration is called Registration Initialization.

Graduate students must initialize their registration every September. Students who do not initialize

their registration by the appropriate deadline date will be withdrawn from the program.

The academic year for students in the Edmonton MSW program is September 1 to August 31.

The academic load for students in the Edmonton MSW program is full-time.

See the Registration Initialization Guide online at

http://kb.ucalgary.ca/files/itkb/gs_registration_initialization_jun14j.pdf.

http://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/finances/tuition-fees/pay-your-fees

http://kb.ucalgary.ca/files/itkb/gs_registration_initialization_jun14j.pdf



Enrollment and Course Registration

If you are a new student, you must have received a formal letter of admission or tentative admission

and accepted that offer through your Student Centre in order to be eligible to register. Each student is

given an enrollment appointment date and time (see screen shot below). Check your Student Centre

for updates. You can begin registering on the date and time listed in your Student Centre under

“Enrollment Dates”.

Before you register, we recommend that you watch the Course Registration Tutorial online at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnRhCFZi7FQ.

Course Registration

Follow these steps to register for your classes:

1. Log onto your University of Calgary Student Centre at https://my.ucalgary.ca.

2. Under the Academic Section, click on “Enroll”.

3. Select the academic term and click “Continue”.

4. Click on “Class Search” (or use the “Enter Class Nbr” box, the five digit class numbers are listed

on the timetable that is posted to the FSW CNAR website).

5. Use the drop down menu to find the course subject (SOWK = social work), enter the number if

you know it (e.g. 201) and click on “Search”.

6. When you find the class you are looking for, make sure that it is offered at your location.

7. Click on the green “Select Class”.

8. After ensuring you selected the correct course and section, click on “Next”, then “Proceed to

Step 2 of 3”, then “Finish Enrolling”.

9. You can double check your status by clicking on “My Class Schedule”.

Note: Watch for the purple star! Courses with a purple star have restrictions. Restrictions tell you who

can register for the course during which dates. When you see a purple star, click into the course detail link to read the course restrictions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnRhCFZi7FQ

https://my.ucalgary.ca/



Completing Course Evaluations

The results of students’ course evaluations are important! In addition to supporting ongoing course

development, these evaluations (particularly the USRI, described below) provide some of the data on

which decisions about instructors’ merit increases and promotions are based.

At the University of Calgary, formal course evaluations are done online through Universal Student

Ratings of Instruction (USRI). Toward the end of each semester you will receive email prompts to

complete USRI evaluations of your current courses. These evaluations are confidential and your

instructors will never have access to your specific ratings and/or comments. Instructors receive the

results of USRIs only after courses are complete and grades are posted, and they receive only collated

data. Further, the University will not release the results to the instructor unless the student response

rate is high enough to support the use of descriptive statistics. Additional information about USRIs is

at www.ucalgary.ca/usri/.

By Faculty of Social Work policy, instructors should implement an evaluation at about the mid-point of

all courses. The form of the evaluation is left to the discretion of the instructor. Types of mid-term

evaluations could include class discussion, confidential surveys, and/or confidential written responses

to open-ended questions. Based on the desire to enhance their teaching effectiveness and the impact

of the course, instructors may ask for feedback in addition to the required mid- and end-term

evaluations.

Applying to Graduate

Students apply to graduate in the last semester of their programs. If you are convocating in the spring

the deadline to apply, via your Student Centre, is March 31st and if you are convocating in the fall, the

deadline is September 15th. Students are responsible for verifying that they have completed all

required courses for their degree when they apply to graduate, or that they will complete all courses

before the stated and applicable deadlines. A Request for Confirmation of Degree Completion can be

submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies once all course work has been completed and grades

have been submitted and approved.

http://www.ucalgary.ca/usri/

http://grad.ucalgary.ca/grad/files/grad/request-for-completion-of-degree-confirmation-nov-20.pdf



STUDENT AWARDS

Faculty of Graduate Studies

A number of awards administered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies are available to MSW students.

FGS maintains the Graduate Award Database, which includes detailed descriptions of many awards in

addition to those that are specifically for social work. The database is accessible through the FGS

home page at http://grad.ucalgary.ca/.

Faculty of Social Work, Program Recommended Graduate Awards

The following awards are specific to social work students. Each requires the student to write a one

page statement explaining how they meet the requirements, why the award is suitable to their area of

study and what the funding will be used for. Applications for these awards are due in early November.

The Faculty’s recommendation is subject to final approval of the Graduate Scholarship Committee.

Speak to a Student Advisor or your Faculty Advisor for additional details.

Albert Comanor Memorial Graduate Social Work Scholarship

Candidates must be registered full-time in the course-based MSW program in Social Work at the

University of Calgary.

Iain Cullen Ramsay Graduate Scholarship in Social Work

Open to full-time Master’s students registered in the Faculty of Social Work in the Clinical Social Work

Practice or Leadership in Human Services specializations (course-based or thesis-based). Applicants

must have a demonstrated interest, work or experience in child or adolescent well-being and health.

Preference will be given to applicants working with people who have special needs.

Jocelyn Monsma Selby Graduate Scholarship in Social Work

Open to students enrolled in a MSW program in the Faculty of Social Work (course or thesis-based).

Candidates must show an interest in and commitment to the area of addictions in clinical practice.

M. Lilian Dick Graduate Scholarship in Social Work

Open to students in a course-based or thesis-based Master’s degree program in the Clinical Social

Work Practice specialization. Selection will be based on the student’s admission statement of interest

in pursuing clinical practice, academic merit and the one page statement supporting this application.

Mavis Marteinson Graduate Scholarship in Social Work

Open to students registered in a course or thesis-based Master’s degree program in the Faculty of

Social Work. Applicants must have experience in the workforce, including two years in a leadership

position. Preference will be given to single parents who have primary custodial responsibility for their

child/children.

RBC Graduate Scholarship in Social Work

Open to students registered full-time in the Faculty of Social Work who are currently in their first year

of a Master of Social Work (course or thesis-based). The award will be made on the basis of academic

excellence and a stated interest in the field of families with special needs.

Ruth Hilland Graduate Scholarship in Social Work

Open to students registered in the MSW program, Clinical Social Work Practice specialization (course-

based or thesis-based), in the Faculty of Social Work. Preference is given to applicants with an interest

in the study of spirituality as it relates to clinical practice.

http://grad.ucalgary.ca/



Faculty of Social Work, Recognition of Excellence Awards

Every year the Faculty of Social Work recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of students in

its undergraduate and graduate programs through its Recognition of Excellence awards. Students may

be nominated by their peers or by faculty and staff and the awards highlight excellence in a variety of

areas including commitment to social justice and civic engagement, personal and academic

achievement, leadership, and contributions in the field.

Recognition of Excellence in Student Leadership

Awarded annually to a maximum of five students whose activities have contributed to significantly

enhancing the educational experiences of students in the Faculty of Social Work. Recipients’ leadership

may be formal (e.g., through involvement with student governance) or informal (e.g., through

organizing social action or educational activities).

Recognition of Excellence in Field Practicum

Awarded annually to a maximum of five students whose activities and achievements in practicum have

been outstanding in a placement that has occurred during the current academic year. This Recognition

of Excellence acknowledges that while students are intended to be learners in their practica, they may

also contribute meaningfully to their clients’ (individuals, groups, families, communities, organizations)

lives.

Clarice Chodak Recognition of Excellence in Social Action

Awarded annually to a maximum of five students who demonstrate a commitment to social justice,

civic engagement, and volunteerism through actions against racism, anti-Semitism or other forms of

injustice.

Iain Cullen Ramsay Recognition of Excellence in Personal Achievement

Awarded annually to a maximum of five students whose commitment to education in social work has

been demonstrated by inspirational attitudes and behaviors in class, practica, and/or relationships

with other students. This award is intended to honor excellence that may not be indicated through

traditional means such as grade point average or participation in formal student governance activities.

Students may demonstrate outstanding personal achievement through, for example, coping with

significant personal or academic challenges while in the program or inspiring other students through

particularly compassionate or empowering activities.

Faculty of Social Work, Research Awards

MSW students completing research are eligible to apply for a number of competitive awards. The

following award is internal to the Faculty of Social Work.

FSW Student Publication Award

To foster student's excellence in research through supporting peer-reviewed publications through

mentorship. Awards are valued at $300 each with applications due in April and November. For more

information contact: Dr. Alyona Belikova at [email protected].




STUDENT LOANS

Student loans are available to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are studying full- or part-

time at an approved post-secondary institution.

Alberta residents who require financial assistance to pursue post-secondary education may obtain

student loans by applying online through Student Aid Alberta (www.studentaid.alberta.ca).

Applications for each academic year are made available in mid-June.

Students who reside in a province other than Alberta are eligible for government student loan funding

and can apply through their home province or territory of residence. For more information on how to

apply through a specific province or territory students may visit www.canada.ca (search “student

loans”).

Student loans may also be available to students who are studying on a part-time basis. Alberta

students may complete a paper part-time loan application which is available at

www.studentaid.alberta.ca. Students who reside in a province or territory other than Alberta may visit

www.canada.ca (search “student loans”) for more information regarding part-time student loans.

Once approved, all students are notified of loan disbursement amounts and dates from their lender in

writing. Student loan borrowers are encouraged to review this information carefully to ensure that any

approved loan amounts or disbursement dates conform to the University of Calgary’s published fee

deadlines. Students with a loan confirmed by the school prior to the published fee deadline receive an

automatic 30-day fee deferral. Any outstanding balance remaining after the fee deferral is subject to

late interest and terms in accordance with the University of Calgary fee policy.

Students will also receive Master Student Financial Assistance Agreements (MSFAAs) in the mail once

their loan is approved. These documents serve as the terms and conditions of the student loan

agreements. Students are encouraged to read these documents carefully to understand the terms and

conditions of their loans. Students must process their MSFAAs properly in order for their funding to be

released. Detailed instructions on how to process these documents are provided.

For more information regarding government-issued student loans, students may visit University of

Calgary’s website at www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/finances/student-loans or contact Enrolment Services

directly:

In person: MB 117

Phone: 403-210-ROCK(7625)

Toll Free (Canada and US): 1-855-246-7625

Email: [email protected]

Hours of Operation:

Monday - 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Tuesday - 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Wednesday - 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Thursday - 10:00 am - 4:30 pm

Friday - 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

http://www.studentaid.alberta.ca/

http://www.canada.ca/

http://www.studentaid.alberta.ca/

http://www.canada.ca/

http://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/finances/student-loans




WHO’S WHO: FACULTY AND STAFF IN EDMONTON

Support Staff

Shari Conley, Front Office Coordinator, Field Administrator

Phone: 780-492-3888; E-mail: [email protected]

Provides reception services and technology, field education, and general and specific administrative

support in the Edmonton office. She also supports faculty communications with the general public and

registered social workers across the Central and Northern Alberta Region.

Karen Marshall, Manager, Administrative Services


Karen oversees the administrative operations in the FSW Regional office.

Graduate and Undergraduate Student Advisors

Kristen Raimundo and Nicole Dubé

E-mail: [email protected]

Responsible for BSW and MSW advising including assisting students with registration, student awards,

requesting letters of permission, and referrals to other UofC departments and services.

Faculty Members

Ralph Bodor, Associate Professor


PhD (Calgary), MSW (Calgary), BSW (Calgary)

In addition to documenting the implementation of social work education in rural, remote, and

Aboriginal communities, Ralph focuses his research on dual/multiple relationships in rural practice.

Avery Calhoun, Associate Professor (Research Coordinator)


PhD (Hawaii), MSW (Hawaii), BSW (Victoria)

Avery’s interests include clinical social work, narrative practices in social work, and program

development and evaluation. Her recent research has focused on restorative justice and social justice

advocacy.

Julie Drolet, Associate Professor

PhD (McGill), MSW (McGill), BSW (Regina), BA (Toronto)


Julie’s interests include international social work and social development, climate change and

disasters, Canadian immigration, international migration, field education, and community

development.

Rick Enns, Associate Professor (Associate Dean)


PhD (Alberta), MSW (Manitoba), MA (Manitoba)

Rick’s interests include western Canadian history including federal Indian education policy, residential

schools, church missions and Indian treaties; social work research methods, critical perspectives in

mental health, immigration policy and practice.










Richard Feehan, Instructor

MSW (Wilfrid Laurier), BSW (Calgary), BA (Alberta)

On leave for political service effective June 2015 and proudly serving as the MLA for Edmonton

Rutherford.

Leeann Hilsen, Instructor (Field Education Coordinator)


MSW (Calgary), BSW (Calgary)

Leeann’s interests include social work field education, social work with indigenous families, social work

in health care settings, and narrative practices in social work.

Linda Kreitzer, Associate Professor (on Research and Study Leave from January 1 to June 30, 2017)


PhD (Calgary), MSW (Calgary), BSc Social Welfare (Metropolitan State College)

Linda’s teaching and research interests include social work in Africa, colonialism, community practice,

international indigenous issues, globalization and macro social work.

Jean Lafrance, Associate Professor (part-time) (on Research and Study Leave from January 1 to

June 30, 2018)


PhD (USC), MSW (Carleton), BA (Ottawa)

Jean’s teaching and research interests focus on child and family services and community processes

that contribute to strengths-based practices and build upon Aboriginal world views.

Anne Marie McLaughlin, Associate Professor (Associate Director, Academic) (on Research and Study

Leave from January 1 to June 30, 2017)


PhD (Calgary), MSW (Wilfrid Laurier), BA (Queens)

Anne Marie’s teaching and research interests focus on mental health, clinical social work, social justice

and rural and remote practice.

David Nicholas, Associate Professor (on Research and Study Leave from January 1 to June 30, 2017)


PhD (Toronto), MSW (Calgary), BSW (Calgary)

David’s teaching and research interests focus on health, particularly on children with complex health

conditions and their families.

Patricia Samson, Assistant Professor


PhD Candidate (Windsor), MSW (Windsor), BSW (Windsor)

Patricia’s teaching and research interests include social work education, community-based healthcare,

community development and organizational practice, social justice, social welfare, social policy, and

field education.

Janki Shankar, Associate Professor (Acting Associate Director, Academic from January 1 to June 30,

2017. Anne Marie McLaughlin will return in July 2017)


PhD (Sydney), MSW (Mumbai)

Janki’s teaching and research interests are in the areas of mental health and disability, diversity and










social justice, social policy and issues related to immigrant well-being.

Sherri Tanchak, Instructor (on Research and Study Leave from July 1 to December 31, 2017)

Phone: 780-492-4557; Email: [email protected]

PhD Candidate (Calgary), MSW (Calgary)

Sherri has a long background in social work practice, particularly in policy development, child welfare,

First Nations and multicultural practice.

Gail Zuk, Instructor: Grande Prairie (Associate Director, Community-based Learning Circles)

PhD (MUN), MSW (UBC), BSW (Calgary), BA (Alberta)

Phone: 780-539-2964; Email: [email protected]

Gail’s interests include women’s realities, northern/rural communities, child welfare and environmental

social action. Gail has primary responsibility for the BSW Community-based Learning Circles in the

FSW’s Central and Northern Alberta Region.

Professors Emeriti/ae

Margot Herbert, Associate Professor Emerita

Child welfare, advocacy, organizational impediments to best practice, social work in health

Ron Levin, Associate Professor Emeritus

Psychosocial dimensions of illness, social work management, independent social work practice

Butch Nutter, Professor Emeritus

Child welfare, mental health, addictions, community development, social policy, research, evaluation

Adjunct Professor(s)

Cecilia Bukutu, Adjunct Assistant Professor

PhD (Cambridge)

Managing Director, Training Research in Elder Care (TREC), Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta.





ACADEMIC INTEGRITY IN THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL WORK

Writing Expectations

It is expected that all work submitted in assignments should be the student’s own work, written expressly by the student for this particular course. Students are referred to the section on plagiarism in the University Calendar for additional information: (www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/k-5.html).

Plagiarism is the use of “any source whatsoever without clearly documenting it” and is a serious academic offense. Consequences include failure on the assignment, failure in the course and possibly

suspension or expulsion from the university. Students must document not only direct quotations but also paraphrases and ideas where they appear in your text. A reference list at the end is insufficient by itself. Readers must be able to tell exactly where your words and ideas end and other people's words and ideas begin. This includes assignments submitted in non-traditional formats such as web pages or visual media, and material taken from such sources.

Please consult your instructor or the Writing Centre (www.ucalgary.ca/ssc/writing_support/overview)

if you have any questions regarding how to document sources.

Research Ethics

Students interested in undertaking an assignment that will involve collecting information from

members of the public, should speak with the course instructor and consult Research Services before beginning the assignment: http://www.ucalgary.ca/research/students.

Academic Appeals

The following is from the University of Calgary’s Graduate Calendar at

www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/grad/current/gs-o.html. “The University recognizes that there are instances when a student may wish to challenge University decisions about grades or academic policy. When a dispute arises, every effort should be made to resolve the issues informally rather than resort to a formal appeal. If, however, a formal appeal is necessary, the student should follow the Appeals Procedures that are described below.”

The following general guidelines define the routes of appeal in different areas and are taken from the

Graduate Calendar. The Calendar is regarded as the final authority on all academic matters and should be consulted if considering an appeal. 1. Students should recognize that reappraisals of term and final grades occur at the

department/faculty level that originated those decisions. 2. Students should recognize that appeals of grade reappraisals and other academic decisions will be

handled at the level of appeal closest to the level at which the decision was made. 3. Students must begin the reappraisal/appeal process at the appropriate level and proceed through

successive levels of appeal in order, and with no omissions. 4. At every level, students should attempt, to the utmost of their ability, to present their arguments

as effectively and as fully as possible. Mere dissatisfaction with a decision is not sufficient grounds for the appeal of a grade or other academic decision.

5. The General Faculties Council's (GFC) Student Academic Appeals Committee will hear an appeal only if it can be demonstrated there is: (a) alleged bias, and/or (b) alleged unfair procedures at a lower level of appeal, and/or (c) substantial new evidence which could not have been presented at

an earlier stage.

6. Students may obtain help in understanding the appeals process and in writing appeal letters from the Student Ombuds Office. For more information, refer to their website: www.ucalgary.ca/provost/students/ombuds.

a. Students who wish to apply for a reappraisal of graded term work or final grades, or wish to appeal those reappraisals, and students who wish to appeal what they feel are

unfair academic decisions by their faculty should follow the guidelines” at www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/i.html.

http://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/k-5.html

http://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/k-5.html

http://www.ucalgary.ca/ssc/writing_support/overview

http://www.ucalgary.ca/research/students

http://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/grad/current/gs-o.html

http://www.ucalgary.ca/provost/students/ombuds

http://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/i.html



Principles of Conduct

The Faculty of Social Work complies with the University of Calgary’s statement on principles of

conduct, as follows:

1. The University of Calgary community has undertaken to be guided by the following statements of

purpose and values:

To promote free inquiry and debate

To act as a community of scholars

To lead and inspire societal development

To respect, appreciate, and encourage diversity

To display care and concern for community

2. The University seeks to create and maintain a positive and productive learning and working

environment, that is, an environment in which there is:

Respect for the dignity of all persons

Fair and equitable treatment of individuals in our diverse community

Personal integrity and trustworthiness

Respect for academic freedom

Respect for personal and University property

3. Those persons appointed by the University to positions of leadership and authority have particular

responsibility, not only for their own conduct, but also for ensuring, to the extent of their authority

and ability:

That a positive and productive learning and working environment is created and maintained

That conflicts and concerns are addressed in a positive, timely, reasonable, and effective

manner

That persons within their jurisdiction are informed of their rights and responsibilities with

respect to conduct

4. The University undertakes to ensure that its policies, systems, processes, and day-to-day

operations foster the goals in #1 and #2 above.

5. The University encourages and undertakes to support all members of the University community in

resolving conflicts and concerns in a positive, timely, reasonable, and effective manner.

6. The University undertakes to ensure that the protection afforded by the principles of natural justice

is extended to all members of the University community.

7. The University undertakes to provide resources through various offices to generate awareness

related to this Statement on Principles of Conduct throughout the University community and to

assist in resolving conflict in a positive way.

Note: The principles of natural justice reflect a concept that ensures fair play. The specific

requirements of natural justice will often vary depending on the circumstances but are generally

considered to ensure a full and fair consideration of the issue, including consideration in the absence

of bias.



ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS

The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) is the regulatory body for the profession of social work

in Alberta, as legislated under the Health Professions Act. ACSW ensures that Alberta’s social workers

meet the regulations of the Health Professions Act, which includes mandatory registration and

continuing competency activities.

Students can become members of ACSW for $75 per year. Student members receive information and

discounts on ACSW events, such as the Annual Conference. The ACSW website, at www.acsw.ab.ca,

includes full information about registration, dates, yearly practice permits, and annual credits through

conferences, education, and community service. You can also access the Social Work Code of Ethics

and the Standards of Practice through the website.

MSW students with BSW degrees will normally have previously been registered with ACSW. For

Foundation students, once your MSW degree is complete, you will be eligible to be provisionally

registered. Your MSW practicum hours (providing you have been supervised by a Registered Social

Worker) count toward the hours required for registration. Full RSW status will require additional

practice hours under RSW supervision. Further information may be found on their web site.

http://www.acsw.ab.ca/



IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

FALL TERM 2017

The dates for the 2017-2018 Academic Year are tentative and subject to review

and change.

SEPTEMBER 2017

Monday 4 • Labour Day – University Closed

Tuesday 5 • Fall Term Begins

Tuesday to Saturday

5 – 9 • Block Week

Saturday 9 • Last day to withdraw with permission from the Fall Block Week courses

Monday 11 • FALL TERM LECTURES BEGIN (except Block Week courses)

Friday 15 • Last day to submit Application for Degree for Fall Convocation

Friday 22 • Last day to drop full courses and Fall term half courses • No refunds for full courses (Multi-term) or Fall term half courses after this date

Monday 25 • Last day to add or swap full courses and Fall term half courses • Last day for change of registration from audit to credit

or credit to audit

Friday 29 • Fee payment deadline for Fall term full and half courses

OCTOBER 2017

Monday 9 • Thanksgiving Day – University Closed. No classes

NOVEMBER 2017

Friday 10 • Fall Convocation

Friday to Monday 10 – 13 • Mid-Term Break. No classes

Saturday 11 • Remembrance Day – University Closed November 13

DECEMBER 2017

Friday 8 • FALL TERM LECTURES END • Last day to withdraw with permission from Fall term half courses

Monday to Thursday

11 – 21 • Fall term Final Examination period

Friday 22 • Fall term ends

Monday to Sunday 25 – 31 • Holiday Observance. Term Break. University Closed



IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

WINTER TERM 2018

The dates for the 2017-2018 Academic Year are tentative and subject to review

and change.

JANUARY 2018

Monday 1 • New Year’s Day – University Closed

Tuesday 2 • Winter Term Begins

Tuesday - Saturday 2 – 6 • Block Week

Saturday 6 • Last day to withdraw with permission from

Winter Block Week courses

Monday 8 • WINTER TERM LECTURES BEGIN (except Block

Week courses)

Monday 15 • Last day to submit Application for Winter

Conferral of Degree

Friday 19 • Last day to drop Winter term half courses

• No fee refunds for Winter term half courses after this date

Monday 22 • Last day to add or swap Winter term half

courses • Last day of change of registration from audit to credit or credit to audit

Friday 26 • Fee payment deadline for Winter term half

courses

FEBRUARY 2018

Spring and Summer Term registration begins early February. Spring and Summer schedule of classes will be available mid-January.

Friday 16 • Winter Conferral of Degree

Sunday – Sunday 18 – 25 • Mid-Term Break. No classes

Monday 19 • Alberta Family Day – University closed

MARCH 2018

Friday 30 • Good Friday – University closed*

Saturday 31 • Last day to submit Application for Degree for Spring Convocation.

APRIL 2018

Friday 13 • WINTER TERM LECTURES END

• Last day to withdraw with permission from full courses and Winter term half courses

Monday to Thursday 16 – 26 • Winter term Final Examination Period

Friday 27 • Winter term ends

*Please note that Easter Monday, April 2, is not a holiday at the University of Calgary

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