Welcome, new and returning BSW students! We hope that this website offers information to help you become succesful in the BSW program. Along with the information below, we have created a Student Handbook to give you answers to a lot of your questions.
- Purchasing school clothing
Generally each class places an order for school clothing. Your executive will generally consult with the class regarding the style of items and then you would have the option to purchase clothing with the class. Please note however that you are responsible for 100% of the cost.
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- Getting involved with class events
Beyond the world of books and assignments lies the exciting world of the class/school social. Socials provide a great chance for you to get to know your classmates and students in the other classes. Social reps for each class have a hand in arranging social events for their respective classes. If you have any suggestions about a social event, you should bring it to your class social rep. Social events can range from on campus gatherings to organized events off campus events.
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- Graduation fees
Most social work classes agree to pay a grad fee each semester until graduation. This can be paid in several different ways. As a class, you will decide on the most appropriate amount and when it will be paid. The class treasurer will then collect the money from you and manage this money on your behalf. In the past, fees have approximately been $30 per semester or $180 over three years in smaller payments or in a lump sum.
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- Qualifing for the Dean's list
Nominations to the Dean's List shall be made in May of each year to acknowledge those students who have maintained a high standard of academic and professional excellence in the preceding year's studies. Students named to the Dean's List shall normally have satisfied the following conditions:
- They must be registered as full-time students in the School of Social Work;
- They shall have completed a minimum of nine courses applicable to the degree over two of the three semesters in the immediately preceding academic year;
- They shall have attained an overall average of at least 80 percent in all non-field courses and/or shall be nominated by the field administrator for excellence of performance in field internship;
- Other nominations may be made at the discretion of the director for performance of particular merit; and
- According to university regulations only the top 10 percent of nominees will be recommended.
A list of students named to the Dean's List will be displayed in a prominent place in the School of Social Work and all students on the list will receive a letter of recognition from the director.
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- Faculty advisers
Every social work student, upon admission to the BSW program, is assigned a faculty member as academic advisor. The name of your faculty advisor is included in the information package that you receive at orientation. If you have questions about your academic program, need help in deciding which courses to register for or are running into academic-related problems, you can make an appointment to see your advisor. It is recommended that you contact your faculty advisor each semester prior to registering for your courses. Do not hesitate to approach any faculty/staff member if you have questions about their particular course, the program in general or their particular area of study. Also, the student services co-coordinators are available to assist you.
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- Keeping on-track with the program
In your orientation package you received a sheet listing all required courses which you can refer to. Also, you can contact your faculty adviser. We recommend you get an academic audit or two done during the course of your program (the second one being at the beginning of year four of your program). Academic audit forms are available at the Office of the Registrar, A-2002.
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- Questions about academics
During the term there may be times during your program when you receive a grade and have questions about how it was decided. Perhaps you think you were graded unfairly or do not understand how the professor arrived at this grade; if this is the case, there are several channels you can follow (Note: this section only applies to grades you receive during a semester, not to final grades)
The Instructor
When there is a problem or miscommunication, it is best worked out by the people involved. Even if your mark does not change, speaking with your instructor may help you better understand their expectations, thereby giving you more direction for your next assignment. Instructors are often more than happy to offer feedback to students regarding individual and course expectations.
The Dean
If the above channel does not clarify the situation to your satisfaction, you can bring the matter to the attention of the dean of the School of Social Work.
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- Academic difficulty
You will be considered to be in academic difficulty if:
- You fail a social work course (get less than 65 percent)
- You fail a field internship
- Your overall semester average falls below 65 percent
- You do not complete all of the non-social work courses required to be promoted to the next semester of study.
In this case, the Academic Requirements & Promotion Regulations Committee will notify in writing that either you have not met academic requirements or have been placed on academic probation. At that time you should consult with your faculty adviser and consider appropriate action. Such action is addressed in the section on Social Work Degree Regulations (Section 5 - Academic Requirements & Promotion Requirements, MUN Calendar).
If you are unable to complete course requirements because of health or other personal difficulties, you may submit a letter from a physician or other health care practitioner to this effect. Special arrangements may be possible under these circumstances. You should contact your instructors immediately. If you require leave from the program, you will have to apply in writing to the Undergraduate Studies Committee. Your faculty advisor or student services coordinator can assist you in this process. Appeals to drop courses without academic penalty after the appropriate deadline must be submitted to the Registrar's Office, along with supporting documentation.
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