Feb 26, 2010
Media contact: Patty Wellborn
Office: 604-795-2819
patty.wellborn@ufv.ca
UFV info nights help students explore Social Work careers and opportunities
Sometimes a person may know what type of career they want, but they don’t know how to get there. That’s often the case when people research the field of social work and human services. They know they want to help people, and feel they have the skills to make a difference in somebody’s life. But do they need a degree or a diploma for the job that interests them?
The University of the Fraser Valley’s School of Social Work and Human Services knows that finding the most direct educational route can sometimes be difficult. To help potential students find the right path, UFV is organizing two information sessions where people can learn about the many program options and educational opportunities available in this field at UFV.
The sessions, which take place Monday, March 8, at the Chilliwack campus, and Tuesday, March 9, in Abbotsford, are open to students graduating high school or anybody who is looking for a career change, hoping to upgrade current skills, or wanting to take their life in a totally new direction.
John Hogg, acting director of the School of Social Work and Human Services, says the info sessions are great opportunities for people to come to the university and speak with faculty, staff, and even students, and recent graduates to find out about the programs at UFV and potential careers.
“This is an excellent chance for people to come and learn more about our exciting and challenging programs,” Hogg says. “There are a large number of careers available once you have a background in this field, and these info sessions can open some doors for people.”
Hogg also notes the spectrum of educational and career opportunities is huge because of the number of programs and options provided by the university. UFV delivers a social work degree, a social services diploma with a general or First Nations option, a certificate program in substance abuse counselling, a social work degree with a child welfare specialization, a community support worker certificate, a First Nations extended studies certificate, and the lower mainland’s only Aboriginal culture and language support diploma.
“These information sessions will give prospective students an opportunity to see what we’re all about,” Hogg says. “We’d like them to come and visit our campuses and take that first step towards achieving their career goal. Whether that goal is becoming a community support worker, a substance abuse counsellor, or something within the social work field, there is a full range of opportunities.”
Those who attend the information sessions will also learn the nuts and bolts of becoming a student, such as the registration process, the prerequisites required, tuition fees, and application deadlines. UFV faculty, staff, current students, and some graduates will be on hand both evenings to answer questions and point out the many options provided by the School of Social Work and Human Services.
To find out more about UFV’s degree, certificate, and diploma programs delivered by the School of Social Work and Human Services, you can attend either one of the evening information sessions; Chilliwack campus, room D234, on Monday, March 8 (6:30-8:30 pm), or the Abbotsford campus, room B161, on Tuesday, March 9 (6:30-8:30 pm).
Registration is not required, but you can sign up in advance if you choose, or get more details about the event by calling 604-702-2623 or 604-854-7441 local 4279. You can also email carol.oddy@ufv.ca or check out the website at www.ufv.ca/swhs .
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