BSW students participate in their first field experience in the spring of their Junior year. (Transfer students with an Associate degree in Human Services who have completed field work may be exempt from this requirement.) During the senior year all BSW students complete a required block field placement in the Spring or summer of their senior year at Roberts Wesleyan College. As required by the Council on Social Work Education, the accrediting organization for the Roberts Wesleyan College Social Work Program, students must complete a minimum of 400 field practicum hours. (no exceptions) In the spring of the senior year this is achieved by a field placement 4 days a week (9-5), attending classes on Fridays only. In the summer students typically work 40 hours per week for 10 weeks, with a seminar meeting one evening.
Senior field placements are determined in the Spring of the junior year under the direction of the BSW Field Education Director. The BSW Field Education Director works collaboratively with each student to select a placement where the student can achieve optimal learning opportunities and grow professionally.
ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE THEIR OWN TRANSPORTATION FOR FIELD EXPERIENCE. Car pooling is an extremely remote possibility as few agencies accept two students simultaneously. Field placement cannot be arranged on the basis of car pooling needs. Neither the College or Social Work Department will arrange any type of transportation. Students have the sole responsibility to arrange field experience transportation and must begin planning for this provision early in their program.
