M.S.W. Program

M.S.W. advising

Advising is an important element in the professional education of all students. It provides the opportunity for students to consult and interact with faculty outside the classroom and discuss any matters of concern or interest. The university’s task force on academic advising summarizes the role as an ongoing one designed to assist students as they develop educational plans and career goals.

Each student is assigned a faculty adviser to assist in curriculum planning and provide appropriate guidance or assistance. The adviser is concerned with the total learning experience of the student and is responsible for knowledge of his/her progress in class and in field instruction. The student’s teachers and field liaison are responsible for keeping the adviser informed of their progress. All part-time students must have their program plans approved by their adviser.

The purpose of the advising process is to:

  • Assist the student in planning a program of study.
  • Discuss academic progress based on information from instructors.
  • Refer students to appropriate school and university resources.
  • Interpret academic policies, rules and regulations of the school and university.
  • Assist with the student’s integration of learning experiences.
  • Advocate on the behalf of advisees.

It is the mutual responsibility of both the faculty adviser and the student advisee to develop and maintain an advising relationship and be available for conferences when necessary. Faculty members are available for conferences during the preregistration prior to each semester and on an as-needed basis. Students also are expected to contact advisers when questions arise or assistance is needed. The M.S.W. program director, the director of student services, the senior associate dean and the M.S.W. associate director and coodinator of the Northern Virginia M.S.W. Program are available for advising assistance if the student’s assigned adviser is not available.

In making advising assignments, consideration is given to special program areas and the educational needs of students. If students have questions about the adviser assignment or wish to request a change of adviser, they should consult with the senior associate dean.

Communication and problem resolution

Students who have problems or identify concerns related to the M.S.W. program have several avenues for communicating problems, issues or suggestions. The persons whom the student should contact are listed in order of priority for the following areas.

Student contact points
Problems or concerns related to a student’s academic progress or completing the M.S.W. program as outlined in the full-time or part-time program plans.

  1. Academic adviser.
  2. M.S.W. program director, director of student services or senior associate dean.

Problems, concerns or suggestions related to field practicum

  1. Field instructor.
  2. Liaison.
  3. Director/assistant director of field instruction or coordinator of field instruction at the Northern Virginia campus.

Problems, concerns or suggestions related to a specific course and/or instructor

  1. Course instructor.
  2. Academic adviser.
  3. M.S.W. program director, off-campus coordinator at the Northern Virginia campus or senior associate dean.
  4. End of semester course evaluations.

Problems, concerns or suggestions related to the M.S.W. curriculum design
(Content area gaps or duplication, etc.)

  1. M.S.W. program director

Problems, concerns or suggestions related to student affairs policies and procedures
(Orientation, registration, advising or course scheduling.)

  1. Director of student services or M.S.W. recruitment and retention coordinator at the Northern Virginia campus.
  2. Senior associate dean, M.S.W. program director or off-campus coordinator at the Northern Virginia campus.

Additionally, the student associations provide a forum for identifying issues and suggestions. The officers of the student associations meet with the school administration on a regular basis during the academic year.