Social Work and Human Services
www.ufv.ca/swhs

Social Services diploma — First Nations option

This 62-credit program is designed to prepare aboriginal students, or those with strong ties to aboriginal communities, to work with First Nations people to enhance self-reliance of First Nations people and communities, both on and off reserves. Working from a Stó:lõ perspective, graduates of the First Nations option will work with individuals and groups on issues of concern to aboriginal communities, including child and sexual abuse, substance abuse, family violence, wellness issues, and economic development. As First Nations people assume more responsibility for their child welfare, health care, and education services, the demand will grow for First Nations social service workers to provide services to the community in a culturally appropriate fashion.

This program will provide students with direct employment-related skills while at the same time allowing them to earn up to one and a half years of credit towards a BSW at UCFV. Thus a student who is interested in becoming a professional social worker will be able to develop skills and seek employment as a First Nations social service worker before going on to a professional degree.

Emphasis in the program will be on providing specific skills and knowledge for working with First Nations communities on issues of concern to First Nations people and at the same time providing a working knowledge of the larger social scene. Since many of the First Nations option courses are also offered in the Social Services diploma program, students will be taking these courses together.

Given the nature of employment in this field, it is expected that the program will be of interest to mature students who bring with them a wealth of life experience. Prior learning assessment will be available to facilitate turning learning derived from experience into academic credit.

Entrance requirements

1. Secondary school graduation or equivalent (ABE Provincial, Advanced, or GED), or satisfactory demonstration in terms of undertaking university-level work. Mature students, 19 or older, who have completed at least three university-transfer credits that apply to the program at the time of application do not require a high school transcript.

2. You must be physically and emotionally prepared to undertake a program of studies.

3. You must be willing to undergo a criminal records check.

4. You must meet the pre-requisites for CMNS 155 or ENGL 105.

5. You must complete and include all documentation (see "How to Apply"). 

How to apply

1. Submit the application fee along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions & Records (A & R) office. Application forms are available from any A & R or Student Services office. See the Program Charts for a complete list of application dates and general information.

Additional documents required for a complete application:
• Proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent (see Entrance requirements).
• Evidence of having met the pre-requisite for CMNS 155 or ENGL 105.
• Official transcript (or interim transcript) from all other previous post-secondary institutions showing grade/course achievement.
• An additional application information form detailing all your past work and volunteer experience and education (include social services related and other).
• A personal statement indicating why you want to enter the program and what has brought you to this career choice. Please refer to the kinds of experiences you have had in this field, either paid or volunteer. This should be not less than 250 words and not more than 500 words.
• Two recent satisfactory letters of references from past employers, teachers, or volunteer supervisors who can comment on your suitability to work with people in the social services field should be included with your application package. These must be on reference forms available from the SWHS department either online or in person at UCFV.

2. Upon admission to the program, you will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required when you register (see the Fees and Other Costs section). This money will be applied toward your tuition fees. Final payment of all course fees is due the end of the second week of classes.

Note: Students interested in this option should apply to the Chilliwack campus.

Basis for admission decision

1. All complete applications received by January 31 will be reviewed. Applications received after this date will be reviewed if space permits.

2. Personal suitability of applicants will be assessed using a point rating system. Points are awarded for past academic education, all work or volunteer experience (social services or other), demonstrated writing ability, reference letters, personal statement, and the group interview. Admission will be granted on a first-qualified, first-served basis to those scoring above the required threshold, and who have completed a successful interview.

3. A successful group interview. The group interview generally consists of four to six student applicants and two SWHS department members. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their career goals and knowledge of the field, and are expected to demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and life skills.

4. Only those who submit complete applications and score the minimum required points will be called for a group interview. Every effort will be made to give an admissions decision within two months of the application deadline.

If the program is full, qualified students will be placed on a temporary waitlist. If you meet the entrance requirements and a space becomes available before September 1, you will be contacted. After September 1, the waitlist is void.

In cases where interim transcripts are submitted, an admissions decision may be made conditional upon completion of academic requirements. Proof of completion of entrance requirements is due the end of the first week in August.

Program outline

The following courses are required, although the order and timing may vary.

First Year

Semester I

Semester II

Second year

Semester III

Semester IV

Third year

Summer Semester

Semester V

Semester VI

Note on electives: Students will take one philosophy course and four electives in their diploma program. The electives are divided into three groups: (1) Philosophy requirement; (2) Group A: data manipulation requirement; and (3) Group B: other electives.

Electives

Please see this section of the Social Services diploma for lists of eligible elective courses.

Certificate in Extended Studies in Social Services — First Nations option

The certificate in extended studies is designed for students who:

a) have previously graduated with a diploma in Social Services, Substance Abuse, or Criminal Justice, or a bachelor degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Adult Education, General Studies, or equivalent;
   and
b) wish to complete the equivalent of the First Nations option of the Social Services diploma.

For details about entrance requirements and program requirements, please contact the department.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.