Social Work Department Off Campus Learning Bachelor of Social Work Course information

2 The necessities Be on time Toilets Food Breaks Parking Where is the Social Work Department? Tea and coffee

3 The paperwork Sign in for every session Evaluation sheets

4 BSW – how did I get here? BSW is delivered at 3 rd and 4 th year level; it is considered to be a 4 year degree In the first two years of your degree AASW requires that you have studied: –Unit of study of the individual –Unit of study of the Society

5 The expected Ups and Downs in a semester for students. Weeks 0-3; Interested, excited, some apprehension 4-10; Loss of motivation; concern about workload, performance on assessment tasks. 4-6 most likely to drop out High increase in anxiety; final assignments; workload

6 General concerns that students have about university life Timetable Course expectations Independent study & How to learn Asking questions Written work Negotiating the technology what can you expect from lecturers Social contact Not understanding why things are being asked of you

7 General matters that have an impact on university life No role model in the family Just want to pass vs. want to do really well Family/ study/ work balance Lack of study space and protected time

8 What are the things that indicate students might drop out? Financial difficulties Non attendance – not posting on line No sense of connection to the course/ no sense of belonging Fail on a first assignment

9 Rules of discussion Only discuss things that you are comfortable to share Also think about what others will be comfortable to hear No disclosures of abuse Self reflection does not mean self disclosure

10 Discuss with the people next to you How are you organising your time this year, what is different to what you were doing last year? What have you planned to do to help you succeed at university (or discuss things you have heard that others do)

11 Advanced Standing (credit) is assessed by considering: –Studied in the last 10 years –Have a credit or above –There is 80% similarity of content of the unit and assessment –Studied at the same level (3 rd or 4 th year) –Field work has a different process You cannot gain credit for subjects that form a part of the first two years of your study. Complete the application form – from the uni web site and supply detailed course outlines

12 Staying connected to the Department website – read it; add to it Checking –Use student s, quoting their student ID, when communicating with staff about University matters. –Check weekly Read the course book

13 Feedback and discussions use of blackboard –Threaded discussion groups – feedback from peers –Chat rooms contact with lecturers – –phone – messages; speak slowly and clearly; use STD codes

14 Marking and assessment Before submitting – discuss with the lecturer Second marking – fail or request Unit review Faculty Board Of Examiners –uploading of marks –resubmissions Marks are recorded at the end of each semester on to your student record.

15 What we use in a marking scheme and why Presentation Clear, coherent, Harvard referencing, English & punctuation Theoretical basis of subject KEY components of approaches; Compare/ argue/ discuss differences and similarities; what difference will that make to your approach? Relevance to social work Fit with Social work values, ethics, approach to clients Evaluation How will you know if you have been effective? What does the research say about this way of doing things?

16 Extensions and special consideration Extension for illness or other difficulties for UPTO TWO WEEKS Special Consideration - more than 2 week’s extension need to fill in a Special Consideration form – on the faculty website Only extends time, does not change your mark

17 Administrative Matters - Time limits to complete your course These time limits are calculated according to a formula used University wide, and count any intermission taken BA/BSW have ten years from the year they commenced the course to complete the degree BSW have six years

18 Administrative Matters – Intermission (leave of absence) Students are able to have up to three years intermission, across their entire course HOWEVER it is only granted for up to 12 months at a time. Students may be asked to provide documentary evidence to support their request for intermission. Periods of intermission are also calculated within the time limits for completion of a degree.

19 Next workshops and newsletter JUNE workshops Third year:14 – 18 June Fourth year:21 – 25 June NEWSLETTER Summary of your feedback from the workshops Any ideas, thoughts, suggestions, awards, great placements…

20 Farewell New co-ordinator: Grace Brown Any questions?