Student Handbook (2006 � 2007)

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The University of Texas – Pan American
Social Work Department

M.S.S.W. Program
_____________________________
Student Handbook

2008-2009
(revised: November 4, 2007)
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Social Work Department 3
Administrative and Clerical Staff 3
Social Work Faculty 3

Overview of Program
Mission and Goals 4
History 6

Curriculum 7
Foundation 7
Concentration 12
Course Schedules 14

Ethics
Introduction 15
Student Responsibilities 15

Dismissal Policies and Procedures 16
Academic Dismissal 16
Non-Academic Dismissal 16

Academic Advising 18
Faculty Advisor Responsibilities 18
Student Responsibilities 19
Request for exceptions 19

Appendix A 20
CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards 21

Appendix B 29
60-hour Degree Plan 30
33-hour Degree Plan 31

Appendix C 32
NASW Code of Ethics 33

Apendix D 35
Termination and Professional Misconduct Form 36

1
Introduction
The faculty and staff welcome you to the Master of Science in Social Work
Program. You have embarked on an academic path that will prepare you for social work
practice at an advanced level. During your course of study, you will acquire knowledge,
skills, and values that are essential for independent professional practice. We urge you to
use the program resources that are available to you, including your academic advisor, the
MSSW Program Director, the social work faculty, and the Graduate Association of
Student Social Workers.

This handbook, along with the University’s Graduate Catalog, should assist you
in successfully progressing through your course of study.

Social Work Administrative and Clerical Staff

Hector Diaz, Chair HSHE East 2.128
Alonzo Cavazos, MSSW Program Director HSHE East 2.120
Raul H. Solis, BSW Program Director HSHE East 2.122
Estela Soza-Garza, Director of Field Education HSHE East 2.123
Irasema Bautista, Program Secretary HSHE East 2.121
Estela Rojas, Secretary, Program Secretary HSHE East 2.128

Social Work Faculty

Lydia Arizmendi, MSW, JD, Associate Professor 381-2571
Sonja Arredondo, LMSW, Lecturer 381-2124
*Alonzo Cavazos, Ed.D., LCSW, Associate Professor 381-2487
Hector Diaz, Ph.D., Professor 381-2413
*Catherine Faver, Ph.D. LMSW, Professor 381-2628
*Janis Feldman, Ph.D., Assistant Professor 292-7369
Estela Soza-Garza, LCSW, Clinical Specialist 381-2555
*Sharon Pittman, Ph.D., Professor 381-3576
*Noe Ramirez, Ph.D., LCSW, Associate Professor 381-3577
*Shirley Rombough, Ph.D., MSW, Associate Professor 381-2179
Raul H. Solis, MSW, LMSW-AP, Assistant Professor 381-2366

*primary assisgnment in the MSSW Program

2
Mission Statement, Goals and Objectives
MISSION STATEMENT

The Department of Social Work is committed to preparing entry-level generalists and
advanced professional social workers to meet the needs of a bi-national and multicultural
community. The educational emphasis is on social work practice with Latino families
considering multicultural awareness, professional competence, ethical practice,
knowledge building, and social services that promote social and economic justice in a bi-
national environment.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

Goals and objectives

1. To prepare graduates to practice with diverse, vulnerable, and at-risk populations
to promote human well-being and social and economic justice especially in the
Texas-Mexico border region.

Foundation Objective 1: Apply critical thinking skills in social work practice.
Foundation Objective 2: Understand and practice according to the value base of
the profession and its ethical standards and principles.
Foundation Objective 3: Practice without discrimination and with respect,
knowledge, and skills related to clients' age, class, color, culture, disability,
ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion,
sex, and sexual orientation.
Foundation Objective 4: Understand and interpret the history of the social work
profession and its contemporary structures and issues.
Foundation Objective 5: (BSW) Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist
social work practice with systems of all sizes. (MSSW) Apply the knowledge and
skills of a generalist social work perspective with systems of all sizes.
Foundation Objective 6: Apply theoretical concepts and research findings to
assessments at all system levels, including individual, family, group, organization,
and community.
Foundation Objective 7: Use communication skills appropriately with clients,
colleagues, and community members.
Foundation Objective 8: Use supervision and consultation approprate to social
work practice.
Concentration Objective 1: Demonstrate advanced family focused intervention
knowledge and skills appropriate for Latino indviduals and families.
Concentration Objective 2: Use communication skills appropriately with clients,
colleagues, and community members.
Concentration Objective 3: Use clinical supervision and consultation to enhance
clinical practice skills for work with Latinos.
Concentration Objective 4: Identify and prepare action plans for addressing
ethical issues and dilemmas associated with the delivery of clinical services and

3
programs to Latinos.
Concentration Objective 5: Apply theoretical concepts and research findings to
family focused practice with Latino individuals and families.
Concentration Objective 6: Practice without discrimination and with respect,
knowledge, and skills related to clients' age, class, color, culture, disability,
ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national orgigin, race, religion,
sex, and sexual orientation.

2. To prepare graduates for leadership in developing and implementing policies and
services for at-risk populations with an emphasis on the Texas-Mexico border
region.

Foundation Objective 9: Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression
and discrimination and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that
advance social and economic justice.
Foundation Objective 10: Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies.
Foundation Objective 11: Function within the structure of organizations and
service delivery systems and seek necessary organizational change.
Concentration Objective 7: Demonstrate advanced skills in social work policy
practice, including research, analysis, formulation, influence, and advocacy for
family programs and services consistent with social work values.
Concentration Objective 8: Function within the structure of the placement agency
and, as appropriate, seek necessary change.

3. To develop the knowledge base of the social work profession, particularly as it
relates to addressing the needs of at-risk populations with an emphasis on the
Texas-Mexico border region.

Foundation Objective 12: Critically analyze and apply research findings to
practice and evaluate his/her own practice intervention.
Concentration Objective 9: Evaluate the effectiveness of family focused practice
with diverse client systems.

The Council on Social Work Education delineates critical components in its
Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) in Social Work Education
(Appendix A). Congruent with these practice expectations, UTPA social work graduates
are taught the following knowledge and skills:

 Social work values and their ethical implications;
 Ethical problem-solving;
 Human diversity, i.e., curriculum content about differences and similarities in the
experiences, needs, and beliefs of people;

4
 Differential assessment and intervention skills related to groups who can be
distinguished by race, ethnicity, culture, class, gender, sexual-orientation, religion,
physical or mental ability, age, and national origin;
 The dynamics and consequences of social and economic injustice, including all forms
of human oppression and discrimination;
 Social change and interventions that advance the achievement of individual and
collective social and economic justice;
 People of color, women, and gay and lesbians, and the impact of discrimination,
economic deprivation, and oppression upon these groups;
 Theories of human bio-psycho-social development, including theories about the range
of social systems in which individuals live (families, groups, organization,
institutions, and communities);
 Social welfare policy and services, including the history, mission, and philosophy of
the social work profession;
 The role of social policy in helping or deterring people in maintaining or achieving
optimal health and well-being, and the effect of policy on social work practice;
 Advanced social work practice, including the skills for practice with clients from
differing social, cultural, racial, religious, spiritual, and class backgrounds, and
systems of all sizes;
 The scientific, analytic approach to building knowledge for independent practice and
for evaluating service delivery in all the areas of social work practice and educational
contracting, supervision, and agency practice.

5
Program History
The Master of Science in Social Work was granted Candidacy Status by CSWE in
1999 and received initial accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education in
2003. Graduates of the MSSW Program are eligible to take the LMSW examination. The
master’s degree was initiated to meet the growing demand for increased social work
practice at the supervisory and independent level in the Rio Grande Valley. With the
closest master’s program available in San Antonio the commute discouraged
baccalaureate level social workers from obtaining further education at the rate needed to
fulfill the social service needs of the Rio Grande Valley.

Community agencies and social service citizens have been a strong support
mechanism in providing the needed support that a master’s degree program requires in
being successful. The sense of community support will be realized when you the student
experience the Practicum component.

The Department of Social Work is administratively under the College of
Health Sciences and Human Services, and the faculty is housed in HSHE Building
(East).

6
MSSW Curriculum
The primary objective of the graduate program in Social Work is the preparation
of students for effective independent professional social work practice and supervision
at the advanced level of the profession. MSSW Program admission requirements
include:

1. Statistics (3 credit hours) within five (5) years of admission into the
MSSW Degree Program.

2. 3.2 Grade Point Average (GPA) in core undergraduate social work
courses.
3. 2.75 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA).
4. A personal statement (-see department webpage for instructions related
to the content of the narrative: www.panam.edu/depart/socialwork/
5. Copies of all academic transcripts
6. Signature attesting that student will adhere to the National Association
Code of Ethics (NASW)
7. Admission into the UTPA graduate school

The Council on Social Work Education, which is the accrediting body for
BSW and MSSW Programs, delineates critical educational content areas for BSW &
MSSW programs in its Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards – see
Appendix A. According to CSWE, social work students must acquire knowledge and
skills in the below areas:

Values and Ethics
Diversity
Populations-at-Risk and Social and Economic Justice
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Social Welfare Policy and Services
Social Work Practice
Research
Field Education

Foundation Curriculum (33 hours)
The foundation curriculum consists of 10 courses, including a 400-hour internship which
can be completed in 1 semester (SOCW 6670) or 2 semesters (SOCW 6370 & 6371).
The courses are listed below:

SOCW 6311 Social Work as a Profession
SOCW 6300 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
SOCW 6301 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
SOCW 6302 Social Welfare Policy

7
SOCW 6315 Social Work with Diverse Populations
SOCW 6321 Generalist Social Work Practice I
SOCW 6322 Generalist Social Work Practice II
SOCW 6323 Generalist Social Work Practice III
SOCW 6381 Research Designs and Applications
SOCW 6670 Field Practicum I
or SOCW 6370 Field Practicum
SOCW 6371 Field Practicum

The foundation course titles and descriptions are lsited on the next page.

8
Course Number and Name Course Description
SOCW 6311 This course traces the philosophy and historical
Social Work as a development of social work and presests a general
Profession overview of the social work profession. The basic
knowledge, values, ethics, necessary for generalist social
work practice, along with the many and varied roles and
competencies in which social workers function across
different fields of practice, will be presented. Students are
introduced to social work’s commitment to understand
and appreciate human diversity; to understand and combat
the dynamics and consequences of social and economic
injustice; to achieve individual and collective social and
economic justice for populations-at-risk. Prerequisites:
Graduate standing with admission to the MSSW Program
with admission to the MSSW Program.
SOCW 6300 This course is the first in a sequence of two that provides
Human Behavior and the understanding of human behanvior and social environment
Social Environment I from an ecosystemic and value-based perspective, and as
applicable in social work practice. Content includes
theories and knowledge of human bio-psycho-social
development, and that of the range of social systems
(families, groups, organizations, institutions and
communities) in which individuals live. The focus is on
understanding human behanvior and social environment of
persons from infancy, through adolescence to young
adulthood. Graduate standing with admission to the
MSSW Program.
SOCW 6301 This is the second in a sequence of two that provides
Human Behavior and the understanding of human behavior and social environment
Social Environment II from an ecosystemic and value-based perspective, and as
applicable in social work practice. Content includes
theories and knowledge of human bio-psycho-social
development, and that of the range of social systems
(families, groups, organizations, institutions and
communities) in which individuals live. The focus is on
understanding human behanvior and social environment of
persons from young adulthood to old age and death.
Graduate standing with admission to the MSSW Program
and SOCW 6300.
SOCW 6302 Examination of the dimensions of social welfare policy,
Social Welfare Policy including conceptual frameworks for understanding policy
formulation and the analysis of social policies. Special
emphasis on policy issues that affect service delivery to
families.

9
SOCW 6315 This course prepares students for effective professional
Social Work with Diverse intervention in a diverse world, and provides an
Populations understanding of how discrimination and oppression
operate to limit the opportunities of members of minority,
vulnerable, at risk, and disenfrancised groups. A
conceptual framework for understanding diversity,
discrimination and oppression is presented and used to
understand discrimination based on factors such as race,
ethnicity, social class, gender, and sexual orientation.
Selected theoretical perspectives are used to critically
analyze the manifestations of discrimination and
oppression and their impact on affected populations.
Social work’s responses to discrimination and inequality,
including strategies for intervention, are also examined.
SOCW 6321 The course is an introductory course in generic direct
Generalist Social Work practice methods and skills of social work intervention
Practice I with individuals. Attention is given to the historic
development of social work practice, the nature and
application of social work values and ethical principles in
practice, the theoretical frameworks of helping methods
and the helping process of assessment, planning,
intervention, termination and evaluation. Emphasis is on
a generalist and ecosystems approach. Prerequisites:
Graduate standing with admission to the MSSW Program
and/or permission of the instructor.
SOCW 6322 The course is designed to provide a framework for
Generalist Social Work systematic study of components and issues involved in the
Practice II generalist practice of social work with groups in generic
practice settings. This course prepares the student to
become familiar with the processes involved in group
formation as well as ongoing processes of assessment,
intervention and evaluation. Prerequisites: Graduate
standing with admission to the MSSW Program and
SOCW 6321.
SOCW 6323 This course is designed to help students understand
Generalist Social Work communities and the knowledge bases of social work
Practice III generalist practice for interventions at this level. It
provides an opportunity to explore selected macro models
of practice and learn about human service organizations,
which often serve as an immediate context for community
practice. Prerequisites: Graduate standing with admission
to the MSSW Program and SOCW 6321.
SOCW 6381 This is the first of two courses in the research sequence.
Research Designs and This course focuses on research methods used to develop
Applications social work knowledge and evaluate practice. The course
emphasizes the role of research in social work, ethical

10
issues in research methods, the strengths and limitations of
quantitative and qualitative methods, and the use of
research to improve practice with individuals, families,
and communities. Attention is given to the stages of the
research process, including problem formulation, literature
review, generation of hypotheses, research design,
measurement, sampling, data collection, data analysis,
interpretation of results, and report writing.
SOCW 6370 This course, which is the first of 2 foundation internships,
Field Practicum requires completion of 200 clock hours in an approved
field setting which prepares students for generalist social
work practice. Prerequisites: Approval by the Office of
Field Education and completion of SOCW 6321, 6300, &
6311.
SOCW 6371 This course, which is a continuation of the first internship
Field Practicum experience (SOCW 6370), requires completion of 200
clock hours in an approved field setting which prepares
students for generalist social work practice. This course is
taken concurrently with SOCW 6323. Prerequisites:
Approval by the Office of Field Education and completion
of SOCW 6321, 6300, 6301, 6302, 6381, 6311, and 6322.
SOCW 6670 This foundation internship course requires completion of
Field Practicum 400 clock hours in an approved field setting which
prepares students for generalist social work practice.
Prerequisites: Approval by the Office of Field Education
and completion of SOCW 6321, 6300, 6301, 6302, 6381,
6311, and 6322. Any outstanding foundations courses,
along with SOCW 6323 must be taken concurrently with
this course (SOCW 6670).

11
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) educational objectives for the
foundation curriculum (the first 33 hours in the 63-hour program) are listed below:

1. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work
practice.
2. Understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and
principles, and practice accordingly.
3. Practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge, and skills
related to clients’ age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family
structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and
sexual orientation.
4. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination
and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and
economic justice.
5. Understand and interpret the history of the social work profession and its
contemporary structures and issues.
6. Apply the knowledge and skills of a generalist social work perspective to
practice with systems of all sizes.
7. Use theoretical frameworks supported by empirical evidence to understand
individual development and behavior across the life span and the
interactions among individuals and between individuals and families, groups,
organizations, and communities.
8. Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies

Concentration Curriculum – 33 hours (family focused
practice with Latino individuals and families)
The concentration curriculum consists of 9 courses, including a 500-hour internship
which can be completed in 1 (SOCW 6975 or SOCW 6376 & 6377) or 2 semesters
(SOCW 6375 & 6675 or SOCW 6376 & 6377). The courses are listed below:

SOCW 6395 Supervision, Consultation, and Administration
SOCW 6380 Practice and Program Evaluation
SOCW 6330 Advanced Family Practice I
SOCW 6331 Advanced Family Practice II
SOCW 6332 Social Work Practice with Latinos
SOCW 6335 Advanced Clinical Assessment
SOCW XXXX Graduate Elective (3 hours)
SOCW XXXX Graduate Elective (3 hours)
SOCW 6376 & 6377 Field Practicum

Note: In addition to the above concentration courses, students admitted into the 36-hour
Advanced Standing Program must take two additional courses: 1) SOCW 6338
Foundations of Social Work; and 2) SOCW 6315 Social Work with Diverse
Populations.

12
MSSW graduates are prepared as advanced practitioners who apply the knowledge and
skills of advanced family focused practice with Latino individuals and families. They
are expected to analyze, intervene, and evaluate in ways that are highly differentiated,
discriminating, and self-critical. Graduates synthesize and apply a broad range of
knowledge and skills with a high degree of autonomy and proficiency. They refine and
advance the quality of their practice and that of the larger social work profession.

With the exception of knowledge related to social work values and ethics, social and
economic justice, and populations-at-risk, which are integrated throughout the entire
curriculum, content areas are taught principally in specific courses. The knowledge areas
and the corresponding course are outlined below:

Content Area Course Number & Title
Social Work Foundation SOCW 6338 Foundations of Social Work
SOCW 6311 Social Work as a Profession
Human Behavior and the Social SOCW 6300 HBSE I
Environment SOCW 6301 HBSE II
Social Work Practice SOCW 6321 GENERALIST SW PRACTICE I
SOCW 6322 GENERALIST SW PRACTICE II
SOCW 6323 GENERALIST SW PRACTICE II
SOCW 6335 ADVANCED CLINICAL PRACTICE
SOCW 6395 SUPERVISION, CONSULTATION,
AND ADMINISTATION
Research SOCW 6380 Practice and Program Evaluation
SOCW 6381 Research Designs and Applications
Diversity SOCW 6315 Social Work with Diverse Populations
Welfare Policy and Services SOCW 6302 Social Welfare Policy
Latino Family Focus SOCW Advanced Family Practice I
SOCW Advanced Family Practice II
SOCW 6332 Social Work Practice with Latinos
Field Education SOCW 6670 Field Practicum I
SOCW 6975 Advanced Field Practicum II
Electives SOCW XXXX Graduate Electives (6 hours)

13
Course Schedules
For full-time students, courses in the 2-year program must be taken sequentially as shown
below:

Summer
SOCW 6311 Social Work as a Profession
SOCW 6315 Social Work with Diverse Populations

1st Year (Fall Semester in the Program)
SOCW 6321 Generalist Social Work Practice I
SOCW 6300 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
SOCW 6302 Social Welfare Policy
SOCW 6381 Research Designs and Applications

1st Year (Spring Semester in the Program
SOCW 6301 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
SOCW 6322 Generalist Social Work Practice II
SOCW 6323 Generalist Social Work Practice III
SOCW 6670 or 6370 & 6371 Field Practicum (400-hour Agency Internship)

2nd Year (Fall Semester in the Program)
SOCW 6330 Advanced Family Practice I
SOCW 6332 Social Work Practice with Latinos
SOCW 6395 Supervision, Consultation and Administration
SOCW 6380 Practice and Program Evaluation
SOCW 6335 Advanced Clinical Assessment

2nd Year (Spring Semester in the Program
SOCW 6331 Advanced Family Practice II
SOCW XXXX Electives (6 hours)
SOCW 6376 and 6377 Field Practicum (500-hour Agency Internship)

Similarly, full-time students in the Advanced Standing Program must be take courses
sequentially as shown below:

Summer
SOCW 6338 Foundations of Social Work
SOCW 6315 Social Work with Diverse Populations

1st Semester (Fall) in the Program
SOCW 6330 Advanced Family Practice I
SOCW 6332 Social Work Practice with Latinos
SOCW 6395 Supervision, Consultation and Administration
SOCW 6380 Practice and Program Evaluation

14
SOCW 6335 Advanced Clinical Assessment
nd
2 Semester (Spring) in the Program
SOCW 6331 Advanced Family Practice II
SOCW XXXX Electives (6 hours)
SOCW 6376 & 6377 Internship (500-hour Agency Internship)

Ethics
Introduction

Social work is a value based profession with a strong ethical foundation. The Code of
Ethics is found in Appendix C. This section deals with ethical standards that are
particular relevant to the student role.

Student Responsibilities

In addition to the privileges that are associated with admission into the
MSSW Program, students assume personal and professional responsibilities. Implicit
in the process of being admitted into the program is the expectation that, the National
Association of Social Worker’s Code of Ethics (Appendix C) will guide the student’s
behavior. The code of ethics addresses six areas outlined below:

1) The Social Worker’s Conduct and Comportment as a Social Worker.
2) The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to Clients.
3) The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to Colleagues.
4) The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to Employers and Employing
Organizations.
5) The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to the Social Work Profession.
6) The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to Society.

Students at the graduate level are expected to conduct themselves as professional
social workers; they are expected to use the code of ethics to guide their interaction
with faculty, program support staff, peers, and clients. Additionally, students must
adhere to university rules and regulations – see University Handbook of Operating
Procedures (www.panam.edu/hop/ ), Sections:

5.2.1 STUDENT ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND APPEALS
5.2.2 ACADEMIC PROBATION AND SUSPENSION
5.2.4 CLASS ATTENDANCE
5.5.1 STUDENT CONDUCT
5.5.2 STUDENT CONDUCT CODE
5.5.3 STUDENT DISCIPLINARY HEARING AND APPEALS
PROCEDURES
5.8.1 STUDENT COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

15
Dismissal Policies and Procedures
Academic Dismissal

Policies and procedures for academic dismissal from the university and its
academic programs are explicated in the University of Texas-Pan American Graduate
Catalog and the Student Guide. Copies of the catalog are available at the Office of
Admissions and Records and copies of the Student Guide are available through the Office
of the Dean of Students.
The process of academic dismissal requires maintaining an overall average
GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. If a student’s GPA falls below a 3.0 they have one semester
to recoup an overall 3.0 average or be automatically suspended (2005-2007 Graduate
Catalog, p. 49).

Non-Academic Dismissal from the MSSW Program

Social work students, whose behavior is at odds with the NASW Code of
Ethics, university, or faculty’s expectation, may be dismissed from the MSSW
Program. The following process which may yield different outcomes, including
dismissal from the MSSW Program, was approved by the social work faculty:

1 Following the identification of a misconduct concern, the respective faculty
member initiates a mandatory advising meeting between the student and the student’s
academic advisor by completing the Termination and Professional Misconduct Form
(Appendix D).

2 The advisor meets with the identified student within 10 academic days to review
the stated concern(s) and responds in writing within 10 academic days after reviewing the
above referenced form.

3 The student responds in writing within 7 academic days to the concerns as
indicated on the Termination and Professional Misconduct Form.

4. The advisor develops a plan of action. The advisor may recommend one or more of the
following courses of action:
a. External referral (e.g., referral to the student counseling center)
b. Dismissal from the MSSW Program
c. Probationary Status
d. Referral for Committee Review
e. Recommend that the student appeal to the Program Director.
f. Recommend that the student appeal to the Department Chair.

16
5. If a referral is made to the Faculty Committee, the committee meets to review the
concern(s) and to decide on a course of action, which may include:

a. External referral (e.g., referral to the student counseling center)
b. Dismissal from the MSSW Program
c. Probationary Status
d. Referral to the MSSW Program Director for Disposition
e. Recommend that the student appeal to the Department Chair.

6. The chair of the department, college dean, and the student are informed of the
committee’s decision.

7. The student may appeal at any stage of the process by writing to the party
initiating action and sending a copy of his/her response to the MSSW Program
Director.

8. If the student is not in agreement with the actions taken by any party, the student
may elect to inform the Chair of the Department of Social Work in writing of
his/her concern and request the Chair to oversee the process.

Finally, an affected student may appeal any decision, whether related to academic or
non-academic concerns, taken by the social work department as per the procedures
that are stipulated in the University Handbook of Operating Procedures
(www.panam.edu/hop/ ), Sections:

17
Academic Advising
MSSW majors are assigned an academic advisor at the time of admission into the
program. Unless the student requests otherwise, the student will have the same advisor
during his/her entire academic tenure. Faculty advisors are selected from faculty who are
assigned primary teaching responsbility in the MSSW Program – see below list of
graduate faculty. The hours available to advisees are posted on the faculty member’s
office door. According to the University of Texas-Pan American Handbook of Operating
Procedures, Section 6.5.4 (Faculty duties and responsibilities), “during any semester full-
time faculty shall schedule a minimum of two hours of accessibility time each week for
each three-semester-credit-hour teaching load to provide instructional assistance and
other student support activities (e.g., advisement).”

Faculty Assigned Primary Teaching Responsibility in the MSSW Program (2006 –
2007):

Dr. Alonzo Cavazos
Dr. Hector Luis Diaz (department chair and graduate faculty member)
Dr. Catherine Faver
Dr. Janis Feldman
Dr. Sharon Pittman
Dr. Noe Ramirez
Dr. Shirley Rombough

According to Macy et al. (1995), social work advising should be designed to promote the
following basic purposes:
A. Orientation and initial assessment of interests, aptitudes, values, and abilities for
professional social work practice.
B. Integration of liberal arts perspective with the professional foundation content
contained in the professional curriculum areas.
C. Systematic self-appraisal of professional values, knowledge, and competencies.
D. Development of a life-long orientation towards professional growth.
E. Integration of the cognitive, affective, and experiential learning components of the
structured curriculum.
F. Effective use of campus and community-based academic and personal
improvement services to facilitate professional development.
G. Selection of elective courses and fieldwork settings that meet professional
development needs and career interests.

Faculty Advisor Responsibilities

The advisor will:

A. engage the student in a process of orienting and assisting the student in evaluating
his/her aptitude and motivation for a career in social work;

18
B. engage the student in a process that allows for early and periodic evaluation of
his/her performance in the total educational program;
C. refer students with academic or personal problems to appropriate resources within
the university and in the community, e.g., tutorial, medical, psychological,
financial, housing, child care, employment, or career counseling; and
D. assess with students the field settings that best meet their education needs and
career goals.

Student Responsibilities

The social work faculty is committed to the provision of quality academic advising;
however, the student has the major responsibility for the satisfactory completion of
his/her degree program. The specific responsibilities of the student include:

1. Planning his/her schedule each semester to ensue that there is reasonable progress
toward completion of the degree.

2. Satisfactorily completing all courses for which he/she registers.

3. Reviewing the Graduate Catalog and University Student Guide to be aware of the
academic policies and procedures related to admission, tuition, financial
assistance, registration, library services, graduation, student services, and
he learning assistance and guidance center.

4. Maintaining contact with his/her faculty advisor during each semester for
academic planning.

5. Participating in registration advising.

6. Maintaining a current mailing address with the office of admissions and records
and responding promptly to all communications from the Department of
Social Work.

Request for Exceptions

A student who wishes to take a 3 credit hour graduate elective outside of the social work
department must obtain approval from his/her academic advisor and from the MSSW
Program Director. A written request should be initiated by the student.

The same process should be followed for other requests.

Macy, H. J., et. al. (1995). Directing the baccalaureate social work program: An
ecological perspective. Jefferson City, MI: Association of Baccalaureate Social Work
Program Director.

19
Appendix A
CSWE Curriculum Policy Statement

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Educational Policy

1. Purposes

1.0 Purposes of the Social Work Profession
The social work profession receives its sanction from public and private auspices
and is the primary profession in the development, provision, and evaluation of
social services. Professional social workers are leaders in a variety of
organizational settings and service delivery systems within a global context.
The profession of social work is based on the values of service, social and
economic justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human
relationships, and integrity and competence in practice. With these values as
defining principles, the purposes of social work are:
• To enhance human well-being and alleviate poverty, oppression, and other
forms of social injustice.
• To enhance the social functioning and interactions of individuals, families,
groups, organizations, and communities by involving them in accomplishing
goals, developing resources, and preventing and alleviating distress.
• To formulate and implement social policies, services, and programs that meet
basic human needs and support the development of human capacities.
• To pursue policies, services, and resources through advocacy and social or
political actions that promote social and economic justice.
• To develop and use research, knowledge, and skills that advance social work
practice.
• To develop and apply practice in the context of diverse cultures.

1.1 Purposes of Social Work Education
The purposes of social work education are to prepare competent and effective
professionals, to develop social work knowledge, and to provide leadership in the
development of service delivery systems. Social work education is grounded in
the profession’s history, purposes, and philosophy and is based on a body of
knowledge, values, and skills. Social work education enables students to
integrate the knowledge, values, and skills of the social work profession for
competent practice.

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1.2 Achievement of Purposes

Among its programs, which vary in design, structure, and objectives, social work
education achieves these purposes through such means as:
• Providing curricula and teaching practices at the forefront of the new and
changing knowledge base of social work and related disciplines.
• Providing curricula that build on a liberal arts perspective to promote breadth
of knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills.
• Developing knowledge.
• Developing and applying instructional and practice-relevant technology.
• Maintaining reciprocal relationships with social work practitioners, groups,
organizations, and communities.
• Promoting continual professional development of students, faculty, and
practitioners.
• Promoting interprofessional and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Preparing social workers to engage in prevention activities that promote
wellbeing.
• Preparing social workers to practice with individuals, families, groups,
organizations, and communities.
• Preparing social workers to evaluate the processes and effectiveness of
practice.
• Preparing social workers to practice without discrimination, with respect, and
with knowledge and skills related to clients’ age, class, color, culture,
disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin,
race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.
• Preparing social workers to alleviate poverty, oppression, and other forms of
social injustice.
• Preparing social workers to recognize the global context of social work
practice.
• Preparing social workers to formulate and influence social policies and social
work services in diverse political contexts.

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2. Structure of Social Work Education

2.0 Structure
Baccalaureate and graduate social work education programs operate under the
auspices of accredited colleges and universities. These educational institutions
vary by auspices, emphasis, and size. With diverse strengths, missions, and
resources, social work education programs share a common commitment to
educate competent, ethical social workers.
The baccalaureate and master’s levels of social work education are anchored in
the purposes of the social work profession and promote the knowledge, values,
and skills of the profession. Baccalaureate social work education programs
prepare graduates for generalist professional practice. Master’s social work
education programs prepare graduates for advanced professional practice in an
area of concentration. The baccalaureate and master’s levels of educational
preparation are differentiated according to (a) conceptualization and design, (b)
content, (c) program objectives, and (d) depth, breadth, and specificity of
knowledge and skills. Frameworks and perspectives for concentration include
fields of practice, problem areas, intervention methods, and practice contexts and
perspectives.
Programs develop their mission and goals within the purposes of the profession,
the purposes of social work education, and their institutional context. Programs
also recognize academic content and professional experiences that students
bring to the educational program. A conceptual framework, built upon relevant
theories and knowledge, shapes the breadth and depth of knowledge and
practice skills to be acquired.

2.1 Program Renewal
Social work education remains vital, relevant, and progressive by pursuing
exchanges with the practice community and program stakeholders and by
developing and assessing new knowledge and technology.

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3. Program Objectives

Social work education is grounded in the liberal arts and contains a coherent,
integrated professional foundation in social work. The graduate advanced
curriculum is built from the professional foundation. Graduates of baccalaureate
and master’s social work programs demonstrate the capacity to meet the
foundation objectives and objectives unique to the program. Graduates of
master’s social work programs also demonstrate the capacity to meet advanced
program objectives.

3.0 Foundation Program Objectives
The professional foundation, which is essential to the practice of any social
worker, includes, but is not limited to, the following program objectives.
Graduates demonstrate the ability to:

1. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work
practice.

2. Understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and
principles, and practice accordingly.

3. Practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge, and skills
related to clients’ age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family
structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and
sexual orientation.

4. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination
and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and
economic justice.

5. Understand and interpret the history of the social work profession and its
contemporary structures and issues.

B6. Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice with
systems of all sizes.1

M6. Apply the knowledge and skills of a generalist social work perspective to
practice with systems of all sizes.

7. Use theoretical frameworks supported by empirical evidence to understand
individual development and behavior across the life span and the
interactions among individuals and between individuals and families, groups,
organizations, and communities.

8. Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies.

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9. Evaluate research studies, apply research findings to practice, and evaluate
their own practice interventions.

10. Use communication skills differentially across client populations, colleagues,
and communities.

11. Use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice.

12. Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems
and seek necessary organizational change.

3.1 Concentration Objectives
Graduates of a master’s social work program are advanced practitioners who
apply the knowledge and skills of advanced social work practice in an area of
concentration. They analyze, intervene, and evaluate in ways that are highly
differentiated, discriminating, and self-critical. Graduates synthesize and apply a
broad range of knowledge and skills with a high degree of autonomy and
proficiency. They refine and advance the quality of their practice and that of the
larger social work profession.

3.2 Additional Program Objectives
A program may develop additional objectives to cover the required content in
relation to its particular mission, goals, and educational level.

4. Foundation Curriculum Content
All social work programs provide foundation content in the areas specified below.
Content areas may be combined and delivered with a variety of instructional
technologies. Content is relevant to the mission, goals, and objectives of the
program and to the purposes, values, and ethics of the social work profession.

4.0 Values and Ethics
Social work education programs integrate content about values and principles of
ethical decision making as presented in the National Association of Social
Workers Code of Ethics. The educational experience provides students with the
opportunity to be aware of personal values; develop, demonstrate, and promote
the values of the profession; and analyze ethical dilemmas and the ways in which
these affect practice, services, and clients.

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4.1 Diversity
Social work programs integrate content that promotes understanding, affirmation,
and respect for people from diverse backgrounds. The content emphasizes the
interlocking and complex nature of culture and personal identity. It ensures that
social services meet the needs of groups served and are culturally relevant.
Programs educate students to recognize diversity within and between groups
that may influence assessment, planning, intervention, and research. Students
learn how to define, design, and implement strategies for effective practice with
persons from diverse backgrounds.

4.2 Populations-at-Risk and Social and Economic Justice
Social work education programs integrate content on populations-at-risk,
examining the factors that contribute to and constitute being at risk. Programs
educate students to identify how group membership influences access to
resources, and present content on the dynamics of such risk factors and
responsive and productive strategies to redress them.
Programs integrate social and economic justice content grounded in an
understanding of distributive justice, human and civil rights, and the global
interconnections of oppression. Programs provide content related to
implementing strategies to combat discrimination, oppression, and economic
deprivation and to promote social and economic justice. Programs prepare
students to advocate for nondiscriminatory social and economic systems.

4.3 Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Social work education programs provide content on the reciprocal relationships
between human behavior and social environments. Content includes empirically
based theories and knowledge that focus on the interactions between and among
individuals, groups, societies, and economic systems. It includes theories and
knowledge of biological, sociological, cultural, psychological, and spiritual
development across the life span; the range of social systems in which people
live (individual, family, group, organizational, and community); and the ways
social systems promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving health and
well-being.

4.4 Social Welfare Policy and Services
Programs provide content about the history of social work, the history and current
structures of social welfare services, and the role of policy in service delivery,
social work practice, and attainment of individual and social well-being. Course

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content provides students with knowledge and skills to understand major policies
that form the foundation of social welfare; analyze organizational, local, state,
national, and international issues in social welfare policy and social service
delivery; analyze and apply the results of policy research relevant to social
service delivery; understand and demonstrate policy practice skills in regard to
economic, political, and organizational systems, and use them to influence,
formulate, and advocate for policy consistent with social work values; and identify
financial, organizational, administrative, and planning processes required to
deliver social services.

4.5 Social Work Practice
Social work practice content is anchored in the purposes of the social work
profession and focuses on strengths, capacities, and resources of client systems
in relation to their broader environments. Students learn practice content that
encompasses knowledge and skills to work with individuals, families, groups,
organizations, and communities. This content includes engaging clients in an
appropriate working relationship, identifying issues, problems, needs, resources,
and assets; collecting and assessing information; and planning for service
delivery. It includes using communication skills, supervision, and consultation.
Practice content also includes identifying, analyzing, and implementing
empirically based interventions designed to achieve client goals; applying
empirical knowledge and technological advances; evaluating program outcomes
and practice effectiveness; developing, analyzing, advocating, and providing
leadership for policies and services; and promoting social and economic justice.

4.6 Research
Qualitative and quantitative research content provides understanding of a
scientific, analytic, and ethical approach to building knowledge for practice. The
content prepares students to develop, use, and effectively communicate
empirically based knowledge, including evidence-based interventions. Research
knowledge is used by students to provide high-quality services; to initiate
change; to improve practice, policy, and social service delivery; and to evaluate
their own practice.

4.7 Field Education
Field education is an integral component of social work education anchored in
the mission, goals, and educational level of the program. It occurs in settings that
reinforce students’ identification with the purposes, values, and ethics of the
profession; fosters the integration of empirical and practice-based knowledge;

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and promotes the development of professional competence. Field education is
systematically designed, supervised, coordinated, and evaluated on the basis of
criteria by which students demonstrate the achievement of program objectives.

5. Advanced Curriculum Content
The master’s curriculum prepares graduates for advanced social work practice in
an area of concentration. Using a conceptual framework to identify advanced
knowledge and skills, programs build an advanced curriculum from the
foundation content. In the advanced curriculum, the foundation content areas
(Section 4, 4.0–4.7) are addressed in greater depth, breadth, and specificity and
support the program’s conception of advanced practice.

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Appendix B
MSSW Degree Plans

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Curriculum Plan for 63-hour MSSW Degree Program
(Full-time Study)

Course Number Credit Hours Course Title
Foundation
Curriculum
(30 hours)
Summer 3 SOCW 6311 Social Work as Profession
3 SOCW 6315 Social With with Diverse
Populations
Semester I
(fall semester)
SOCW 6300 3 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I
SOCW 6302 3 Social Welfare Policy
SOCW 6321 3 Generalist Social Work Practice I
SOCW 6381 3 Research Designs and Applications
Semester II
(spring
semester)
SOCW 6301 3 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II
SOCW 6322 3 Generalist Social Work Practice II
SOCW 6323 3 Generalist Social Work Practice III
SOCW 6670 or 6 Field Practicum I
SOCW 6370 &
6371
Concentration
Curriculum
(30 hours)
Semester III
(fall semester)
SOCW 6330 3 Advanced Family Practice I
SOCW 6332 3 Social Work Practice with Latinos
SOCW 6335 3 Advanced Clinical Assessment
SOCW 6380 3 Practice and Program Evaluation
SOCW 6395 3 Supervision, Consultation, & Administration
Semester IV
(spring
semester)
SOCW 6331 3 Advanced Family Practice II
SOCW XXXX 6 Graduate Electives
SOCW 6376 & 6 Field Practicum (500 hours)
6377

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Curriculum Plan for 36-hour
Advanced Standing Program
(Full-time Study)

Course Number Credit Hours Course Title
Summer

*SOCW 6300 3 Foundations of Social Work
SOCW 6315 3 Social Work with Diverse Populations
Semester I
(fall semester)
SOCW 6330 3 Advanced Family Practice I
SOCW 6332 3 Social Work Practice with Latinos
SOCW 6335 3 Advanced Clinical Assessment
SOCW 6380 3 Practice and Program Evaluation
SOCW 6395 3 Supervision, Consultation, & Administration
Semester II
(spring
semester)
SOCW 6331 3 Advanced Family Practice II
SOCW XXXX 6 Graduate Electives
SOCW 6376 &
6377 6 Field Practicum (500 hours)

* This is the first course in the concentration curriculum, and the course is only offered in
the summer.

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Appendix C
NASW Code of Ethics

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NASW Code of Ethics

Summary of Major Principles

I. The Social Worker’s Conduct and Comportment as a Social Worker

A. Propriety. The social worker should maintain high standards of personal
conduct in the capacity or identify as a social worker.
B. Competence and Professional Development. The social worker should
strive to become and remain proficient in professional practice and
the performance of professional functions.
C. Service. The social worker should regard as primary the service obligation of
the social work profession.
D. Integrity. The social worker should act in accordance with the highest
standards of professional integrity.
E. Scholarship and Research. The social worker engaged in study and
research should be guided by the conventions of scholarly inquiry.

II. The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to Clients

F. Primacy of Clients’ Interests. The social worker’s primary responsibility is to
clients.
G. Rights and Prerogatives of clients. The social worker should make every
effort to foster maximum self-determination on the part of clients.
H. Confidentiality and Privacy. The social worker should respect the privacy of
clients and hold in confidence all information obtained in the course of
professional service.
I. Fees. When setting fees, the social worker should ensure that they are fair,
reasonable, considerate, and commensurate with the service performed
and with due regard for the clients’ ability to pay.

III. The Social Workers Ethical Responsibility to Colleagues

J. Respect, Fairness, and Courtesy. The social worker should treat
colleagues with respect, courtesy, fairness, and good faith.
K. Dealing with Colleagues’ Clients. The social worker has the responsibility to
relate to the clients of colleagues with full professional consideration.

IV. The Social Worker’s Responsibility to Employers and Employing
Organizations

L. Commitments to Employing Organizations. The social worker should adhere to
commitments made to the employing organizations.

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V. The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to the Social Work Profession
M. Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession. The social worker should
uphold and advance the values, ethics, knowledge, and mission of the
profession.
N. Community Service. The social worker should assist the profession in
making social services available to the general public.
O. Development of Knowledge. The social worker should take responsibility for
identifying, developing, and fully utilizing knowledge for professional
practice.

VI. The Social Worker’s Ethical Responsibility to Society

P. Promoting the General Welfare. The social worker should promote the
general welfare of society.

NASW membership applications are available in the director’s office.

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Appendix D
Termination and Professional Misconduct Form

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Termination and Professional Misconduct Form
Date: ____________________

Name: ___________________________

Student Identification Number: ___________________

Faculty Advisor: ________________________

Professional Misconduct Concern:

________________________________________________________________________

Date of Advisor Meeting: ________________

Recommended Action: Resolution Plan: _______ External Referral: _______

Probation Status: _____
Withdrawal: _____
Initiate Termination Process: ______
Student Appeal: _____
Refer for Committee Review: _____
No Action: ____

Committee Action:

Continue in Program: _____
Withdrawal: _____
Termination: _____
Refer to Program Director: _____
No Action: ____
________________________________________________________________________

_________________________ ________________________
Signature – Chair Date Signature – Dean Date