Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare Student-Community Development Specialization in Higher Education Frances L. Brisbane, Ph.D. Dean, School of Social Welfare

This slide show invites you to consider the School of Social Welfare’s unique specialization, Student-Community Development (SCD). WELCOME to the School of Social Welfare

What is the SCD Specialization? The SCD specialization offers a unique professional partnership between social work and student affairs that expands the arenas of social work practice, community organization, and systems development to include the contemporary college campus Class of 2005

Students are prepared to provide direct interventions in response to a range of social issues currently affecting national student communities. These issues include: multicultural relations, mental and physical well-being, campus safety, and community building. More about the SCD Specialization… Leadership Symposium, 2001

SCD is a one year specialization that begins in the second year of the MSW program. More about the SCD Specialization… Leadership Symposium, 2001

Why Choose SCD? Established in 1996, SCD is the only such specialization in the US. MSW students are trained to be student- community development educators working in a wide range of roles in higher educaiton including:  administration  advocacy  community organizing  program and policy analysis  research  program coordination and planning  student advising  teaching and group facilitation

“Every part of my graduate experience was a positive learning experience. “My closest friends were and still are members of my cohort.” “I think I felt much more connected with my overall academic experience than I would have without the specialization; it lent a chance to have a more intimate learning experience and develop deeper connections.” “Within the cohort there seemed to be a bond that could not be broken. My learning experiences within the MSW program were enhanced by being in the cohort.” “I enjoyed the intimate group cohort because it provided room for great support and growth.” What do SCD alumni have to say about their experience in the specialization?

 Team teaching by social work faculty and student affairs professionals  A supportive cohort experience  A low student-faculty ratio  A unique curriculum What are some of the special features of the SCD Curriculum?

The curriculum focuses on:  crisis intervention strategies  culturally competent practice  community-based advocacy  community building  group advisement and group facilitation  higher education administration  legal issues and risk management  organizational, group, and individual assessment  research and presentation skills  student development theory What are some of the special features of the SCD Curriculum?

How is the curriculum of the Student- Community Development (SCD) Specialization organized? Second year  In addition to MSW program requirements, students enroll in at least 10 credits of elective courses that include: Issues in Higher Education (2 credits), the SCD Seminar I, II (total of 6 credits), and Community Building in Higher Education (2 credits)  Participation in a sponsored University- wide Leadership Symposium  Students are placed on a campus of higher education First year  Students enroll in the required courses of the Foundation First Year MSW curriculum  Students are placed in a social work setting other than higher education

What second year SCD field placements exist in Higher Education? Campus Sites:  Stony Brook University  CW Post-Long Island University  Hofstra University  Labor Institute of Management  Medgar Evers College  New York Institute of Technology  Suffolk Community College  SUNY- Old Westbury  York College… Campus Departments:  Academic Advisement  Alumni Affairs  Career Center  Campus Recreation  Dean of Students Office  EOP  Health Center  Multicultural Affairs  Student Judiciary  Student Counseling Center…

“I feel very fortunate to have worked with and studied under all the folks associated with my experience in the program…I believe I am where I am today largely because of them.” “I am fortunate to have made the professional connections that I made during my tenure in the program. It has made all the difference.” “Our Community Development educators are building residential communities, learning communities, political communities, interest-based communities, wherever they are.” “The final presentation in the SCD Seminar was extremely beneficial because many hidden talents emerged.” “I enjoyed doing the research for the second year project and presentation. I also learned quite a bit about how to prepare a professional, research-based presentation, the organization of material, presentation format/style etc. It was a very positive learning tool.” More quotes from SCD alumni…

 Assistant Residence Manager  Academic Advisor  Admissions Counselor  Affirmative Action Specialist  Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs  Assistant Director, Student Orientation and Family Programs  Career Counselor  Director of Student Development  Director of Family Programs  Residence Hall Director In what type of positions have Alumni been hired?

See the enclosed letter in your admissions packet. Contact information is on the next slide. How do I find out more about SCD?

Jeanne Finch, DSW Assistant Dean and Graduate Program Director Director, SCD Specialization (631) L2-093 Health Sciences Center, Stony Brook, NY You may contact: