• Biology 105, 111, 112
• Chemistry 100, 101
• Economics 101, 102
• Math 103, 104, 105, 106, 111, 113, 115
• Computer Information Systems 100, 110 or BUS 160
• Geography 101, 102, 251
• Computing 100, 150
• Physics 101, 103, 104
• Psychology 110, 201

Group B: Other electives (choose four):

The remaining electives can be chosen from the following university transfer disciplines, but no more than two electives can be from the same discipline: adult education, anthropology, art history, biology, chemistry, child and youth care, computing science, criminology, economics, English, geography, history, kinesiology, languages, Latin American studies, media and communications, philosophy, physics, political science, psychology, sociology, theatre.

SSSW 283 and SSSW 394 are preferred electives, but not required. They are offered on alternate campuses in the Fall and Winter semesters.

Students intending to apply to the BSW program need to include the following electives: MATH 104 (or equivalent introductory statistics), plus four university-transfer arts and sciences electives.

Please contact the Social Services and Social Work department regarding appropriate arts and sciences electives.

Note 2: UCFV cannot guarantee that all courses can be scheduled as outlined. Students may take courses in any order as long as individual course prerequisites are met; however, students should note that taking courses out of the recommended sequence may result in delay of completion of the program.

First Nations Social Services diploma

Program under development.

Substance Abuse Counselling certificate/diploma

Alcohol and drug abuse is a growing problem in our society and an increasing number of individuals are seeking help in treating their addiction problems. Similarly there is an increasing number of people working in the social services and related fields who are seeking additional training in order to become more effective with their client groups.

The Substance Abuse Counselling programs are designed to produce beginning professionals who recognize their own limitations and strengths and are prepared to undertake professional development on an ongoing basis. Intervention skills will be developed on individual, group, and family levels. Emphasis in the programs will be on providing knowledge of alcohol and drug dependencies, techniques of working with clients with dependencies, and knowledge and skills relating to specific client groups. Substance abuse counsellors may or may not be recovering people, but undertaking this training is not part of the recovery process. Prospective students are expected to lead a life free from substance abuse or risk being removed from the program.

The certificate program is offered as a post-graduate certificate to those holding diplomas, certificates, or degrees in allied fields (such as education, health care, criminal justice, social services, etc.) and is geared towards a post-basic level of educational achievement

The diploma program is available for those with little or no post-secondary education.

Entrance requirements (diploma program)

• Secondary school graduation or equivalent (ABE Provincial, Advanced or GED). Mature students who have at least three university-transfer credits that apply to the program do not require a high school transcript.
• You must be out of high school for one year.
• You must be physically and emotionally prepared to undertake a program of studies.
• You must be willing to undergo a criminal records check.
• You must have a CPT score of 48 or better (or C+ or better in English 081 or 091, or C or better in ENGL 101, 105, or CMNS 155 or equivalent course in writing skills). An LPI essay score of 30 (level 5) is considered equivalent to a CPT score of 48.
• 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-come, first-qualified, first-served basis to those scoring above the required threshold and who have completed a successful interview.
• The group interview generally consists of four to six student applicants and two Social Service 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.

Note: Students with a post-secondary CGPA of less than 2.0 will not normally be admitted to the program. A GPA of 2.0 is required for practicum placement. Practicums are scheduled for the second semester.

How to apply (diploma program)

1.  Submit the application fee along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available form any A&R or Student Services office. You can also print an application form from our website, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca You are advised to mail in your applications as it will receive priority over hand-delivered applications, based on the postmarked date. See the Admission chart in the Admissions & Registration section 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).
• a Composition Placement Test (CPT) score of 48 or better, or documentation (official transcript or test score) of the equivalent (see entrance requirements).
• 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 service related and other).
• a personal statement indicating why you want to enter the program and what has brought you to make this career choice. Please refer to the kinds of experiences you have had in this field, either paid or volunteer.
• two recent letters of reference from past employers, teachers, or volunteer supervisors who can comment on your suitability to work with people in the social services field. These must be on reference forms available from the SSSW department, or original, signed letters on letterhead addressing the criteria on the reference forms.

2. Only those who submit complete applications and score the minimum required points will be called for a group interview. Should you not receive notification by May 1, contact Admissions and Records.

3. Upon admission to the program you will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required when your register (see Fees and Other Costs section). This money will be applied to the tuition fees and is not refundable. Final payment of all course fees is due the end of the second week of classes.

If the program is full, your name will be place on a wait list. If you meet the entrance requirements and a space becomes available before Sept. 1, you will be contacted.

In cases where interim transcripts are submitted, an admission 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.

See the Admission chart in the Admissions & Registration section for a complete list of application dates and general information.

Entrance requirements (certificate program)

As this program is structured as a post-secondary program for those already holding professional or para-professional credentials, all applications will be assessed on an individual basis by the program head. The admissions requirements are as follows:

• Interview with the Substance Abuse program coordinator, during which time your personal suitability for working with people with addiction problems will be assessed.
• Sustained work history (approximately five years) evidencing stability.
• Evidence of professional or para-professional credentials.
• Formal training in counselling skills. Individuals lacking such training may be provisionally accepted but required to complete SSSW 120 and 200 (or acceptable equivalents) prior to registering in SSSW 600, 601, and 602. Students may substitute a videotape demonstrating counselling skills in lieu of formal training.
• Recent letters of reference.
• Minimum of four years sobriety for recovering individuals.
• Willingness to undergo a criminal records check.

How to apply (certificate program)

1. Submit the application fee along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available form any A&R or Student Services office. You can also print an application form from our website, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca You are advised to mail in your applications as it will receive priority over hand-delivered applications, based on the postmarked date. See the Admission chart in the Admissions & Registration section for a complete list of application dates and general information.

Additional documents required for a complete application:

• Official sealed transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions.
• An additional application information form detailing all your past work and volunteer experience and education (include social service related and other).
• A letter stating why you want to enter the program and what has brought you to make this career choice. Please refer to the kinds of experiences you have had in this field, either paid or volunteer.
• At least one recent letter of reference from a past employer, teacher or volunteer supervisor who can comment on your suitability to work in the field.

2. You must attend an interview. Out-of-province applicants may be able to make special arrangements with the program head.

3. Applicants for the certificate program will be accepted until the program is full.

Academic and practicum regulations

A GPA of 2.0 (C average) is required for graduation and practicum placement. Students who do not complete a prerequisite course may be allowed to register for a subsequent course at the discretion of the program head. UCFV reserves the right to cancel any course for which there is insufficient registration. Continuation of the program will be dependent upon adequate enrolment.

Acceptance into the program does not guarantee practicum placement. Students will be individually assessed as to their readiness, in terms of skills, attitudes and knowledge, for the practicum. Practica are primarily in the Fraser Valley and students are not guaranteed the placement of their choice. Students will generally begin their practica after the completion of the first semester, although the practicum can be started later. Students working in the field may be allowed to do some, but not all, of their practicum hours in their workplace.

Location

While the certificate program is offered only in Abbotsford, students may complete the first year of the diploma program in either Abbotsford or Chilliwack. They should indicate the preferred campus on their application.

Fees and additional costs

Fees stated are in effect for 2000/01 and are subject to change for 2001/02.

The fees for a full-time student (five courses or 15 credits) would be about $700 per semester. Books and additional supplies would cost $60 to $100 per course. See Fees and Other Costs section for more information.

However, a tuition fee of $360 (2000/01 fees) will be charged for each of the following courses: SSSW 600, 601, 602, 610, 611, 612, and 630.

The certificate program is offered part-time only, and does not qualify for financial aid. However, certain bursaries are available. Contact the Financial Aid office for more information.

Some employers may be willing to sponsor their employees; prospective students are urged to approach their employers about this possibility.

Workload and classroom expectations

In addition to the classroom modules, you will be required to read, study, and prepare assignments outside of class and you can expect to spend an additional three to six hours per week outside of class. In addition you will be required to make videotapes in our lab.

Program outline

For complete details on courses see the Course Descriptions section (link below.)

Substance Abuse Counselling diploma

Semester I

Semester II

Semester III

Semester IV

Substance Abuse Counselling certificate

Semester I (Sept–Dec)

Semester II (Jan–April)

Semester III (May–June or later)

Bachelor of Social Work degree

The Bachelor of Social Work degree program prepares students for generalist social work practice in a cross- cultural environment. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work with individuals, groups, and communities to enhance personal, family, and community life and to promote social change.

The UCFV BSW program emphasizes the identification of barriers such as gender, race, and class which are the basis of inequality and of inequitable treatment, and which prevent people from living to their full potential in a democratic society. Based on egalitarian ideals, social work is dedicated to the promotion of individual, family, and community development and seeks to ensure people have access to the economic, political, and social resources necessary to enhance participation and self-determination. To achieve these goals, social workers advocate for social change and social justice based on the understanding that the continued improvement of social conditions is fundamental to individual and family growth and development.

Graduates will be prepared to work with individuals and groups in a variety of social and community settings provided by both government and non-government sectors including: child welfare and protection, programs and services for women, immigration and cross-cultural services, family and community services and programs, health care, correctional justice, addictions, services for the elderly, unemployment and income security programs, First Nations settings, and services and programs for people with disabilities and special needs.

The BSW program provides flexible and accessible programming for those who are either returning to academic studies after a period of absence, or are graduates of the Social Services diploma program (or equivalent). Part-time or full-time studies are possible. Entry into the program will be at the third-year level after the completion of the Social Services diploma (or equivalent) or two years of arts and sciences, which must include the coursework listed under Entrance Requirements.

The BSW program is currently undergoing the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work accreditation process. Changes may be made to the curriculum as a result of accreditation requirements.

Entrance requirements

1. Students are required to meet the minimum entrance requirements described in one of the following three streams, with a GPA of not less than 2.75 for all courses taken towards the BSW:

a) Completion of UCFV Social Services diploma, including three qualifying university-transferable electives, and an introductory statistics course.

b) 60 qualifying university-transferable credits in Arts and Sciences which must include: six credits of English or Written Communications, three credits of Human Development, three credits of Introductory Statistics; three credits of Introduction to Social Services, three credits of Introduction to Social Welfare.

c) Completion of a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree, including introductory courses in Statistics, Human Development, Sociology of the Family, Social Services, and Social Welfare.

Note: Contact the SSSW department for a current list of qualifying Arts & Science electives or visit the SSSW website .

2. 400 hours of recent, supervised work experience in human services, either paid or voluntary, which may include completed practicum hours.

3. Willingness to undergo a criminal records check.

4. A satisfactory group interview during which your readiness for and interest in social work will be assessed.

5. A personal statement (typed, double-spaced, about 800 to 1,000 words in length) that addresses the following questions:

    a) Why do you want to become a social worker?
    b) What kinds of life/work experiences have you had that contributed to this decision?
    c) What experiences have you had that prepare you for social work in a multicultural environment?
    d) What do you see as the most pressing social problem or issue facing Canadian society? Why?

6. Two recent letters of reference from social workers or related work, practicum, or volunteer supervisors. These must be on reference forms available from the SSSW department or original, signed letters on letterhead addressing the criteria on the reference forms.

7. All applicants must be willing and able to uphold the Social Work Code of Ethics. This will be demonstrated through applicants’ letters of reference, personal statements, and the group interview.

How to apply

1. Submit the application fee along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available form any A&R or Student Services office. You can also print an application form from our website, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca You are advised to mail in your applications as it will receive priority over hand-delivered applications, based on the postmarked date. See the Admission chart in the Admissions & Registration section for a complete list of application dates and general information.

Additional documents required for a complete application:

• Official sealed transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all previous post-secondary institutions showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements.
• A completed additional application information form, available from Admissions and Records or Student Services, detailing your past experience and education
• Your personal statement.
• At least two recent letters of reference.

2. Applications submitted after March 15 will be considered only if seats are still available in the program. All admissions to the program are for September only. Part-time students must apply and be accepted into the program in order to enroll in social work courses.

3. You will be notified of the date and time for a group interview. Only those with complete and satisfactory applications will be interviewed.

4. Upon admission to a program you will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required when you register (see Fees and Other Costs section). This money will be applied to the tuition fees and is not refundable. Final payment of all course fees is due the end of the second week of classes.

If the program is full, you may register as a general studies student. It is not necessary to submit a separate application form. If you meet the entrance requirements and a space becomes available later, you will be contacted.

5. In cases where interim transcripts are submitted, an admission 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.

A detailed program plan outlining the required course work will be generated by UCFV for students admitted to the BSW program. Additional course work may be required by the department for graduation.

Academic regulations

During the course of their BSW studies, students are required to:

• complete a minimum of 120 credits with a minimum of 52 upper level credits. A minimum of 60 credits must be completed at UCFV or another recognized university. A minimum of 30 upper-level credits must be completed at UCFV.
• maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 for practicum placements and graduation. Students with a cumulative GPA in upper levels of less than 2.5 will be required to withdraw.
• obtain a C or better in all SSSW courses. Credits which are over nine years old may be stale-dated; students should check with the program head regarding transferability.

Students with certain kinds of criminal records should be aware that these records will preclude a practicum placement (and thus completion of the degree).

Part-time students need to be aware that if it takes them more than five years to finish Years 3 and 4, they may be required to complete additional requirements. In planning their programs, part-time students should make particular note of course prerequisites and course corequisites. Consulting with the program head before registering into specific courses is recommended. Admission to field-work courses is particularly dependent on the student choosing the appropriate course corequisites and prerequisites.

Students in other degree programs may be able to obtain instructor’s permission for some courses at the first class. Please look in the course descriptions under prerequisites to find which courses this applies to. Students will be allowed to take a maximum of two Social Work core courses without being in the program.

Practicum regulations

Acceptance into the BSW degree program does not guarantee practicum placement. The ability to pass a criminal records check is a prerequisite for most placements. As well, in order to continue in the practicum, a minimum 2.5 GPA is required.

The Field Education coordinator will work collaboratively with each student to identify practicum sites which respond to individual learning interests and which provide generalist social work learning opportunities.

Most of the fieldwork agencies will be in the Fraser Valley region (Surrey to Hope), although other placement sites may be considered. Students are responsible for transportation to practicum sites and most practica will require students to have a valid driver’s licence and access to an insured automobile. Students are responsible for maintaining suitable personal appearance.

Students must be available for practicum work two full days per week from October through April in the third year, and three full days per week from January through April in the fourth year. There is also a mandatory three-hour weekly class included in each fieldwork course.

The BSW degree program reserves the right to approve any agency or institution that provides placements for student practica, and to change any placement assigned to a student. The student, however, has the right to be informed in writing of the reasons for any change in placement. While the program accepts a responsibility to provide a sufficient number of practicum opportunities to serve the needs of all registered students, a student may be required to withdraw from a practicum course if none of the available practicum agencies will accept that particular student. Complete policy and procedures are outlined in the practicum package which students receive in the first semester of each year. Practica are mandatory, however, students with exceptional backgrounds may be able to challenge the third-year practicum (SSSW 330 A & B). The fourth-year practicum (SSSW 430) is not open to challenge. Further information is available from the Prior Learning Assessment coordinator. Please note that SSSW 330A and SSSW 330B must be taken sequentially in one academic year, Fall through Winter.

Graduation

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all program requirements are met. This should be done by regular program review with the department.

Students must apply for graduation by completing a request to graduate form available at the Admissions and Records office. This must be done no later than April 1, with program requirements completed by May 31.

Program outline

(Subject to change as the program is undergoing the CASSW Accreditation process.)

For complete details on courses see the Course Descriptions section (link at end.)

Bachelor of Social Work degree

Third Year

Semester V — Degree

Semester VI — Degree

Fourth Year

Semester VII — Degree

Semester VIII — Degree

*BSW students are required to complete two university transfer electives and two SSSW electives (SSSW 450, 490, 493, 496, 497, 498)

Note 1-a: Students who have completed SSSW 394 prior to the degree must substitute an appropriate Arts elective.

Note 2-a: University-transferable Arts elective chosen with the advice of faculty which contributes to the breadth of the student’s knowledge.

BSW Child Welfare Specialization program

Third Year

Fall semester

Winter semester

Fourth Year

Fall semester

Winter semester

Social Services/Social Work Faculty

Gloria Krupnick Wolfson, BA (CUNY), MA (Western Reserve), RSW, EdD (Nova Southeastern), ICADC, Department chair
Lise Beauchesne, BSW (Laurentian), MSW, DSW (Wilfrid Laurier), RSW
Doyle Clifton, BA (Carleton), MSW (UBC)
Robert Harding, BA (Hons), BSW (Manitoba), MSW (McGill), RSW
Ian Hunt, BA, MA, EdD (UBC)
Curtis Magnuson, BA (Carleton), BSW (Lakehead), MSW (Carleton), RSW
Georgina Marsom, BSW, MSW (UBC), RSW
Lisa Moy, BA (UBC), BSW (UVic) (Hons), MSW (McGill) (Hons)
Pieter Steyn, BA (SW), MA (SW) (Pretoria), DPhil (South Africa), RSW

Staff

Debi Block, Associate of Arts degree (UCFV), Department Assistant/Student Advisor
Carole Harlow, Dip. Social Services, Dip. Criminal Justice (FVC), BSW (UCFV), RSW, Program Assistant
Carol Oddy, Dip. Social Services (FVC), Program Assistant

Social Service programs advisory committee

Satwinder Bains, Consultant
Martin Bartel, Agassiz Harrison Community Services
Margaret Brown, School District #34
Rick Chappell, School District #33
Margaret Clifton, Women’s Resource Society
Anne Dalton, Abbotsford Community Services
Colleen Ewen, School District #75
Donna Gannon, Chilliwack Community Services
Brenda Gillette, UFV Society for Mentally Handicapped
Carolyn Janousek, Mission Community Services
Christine Jenneson, Free Rein Associates
Robert Keys, Mission Association for Community Living
Doug Short, Big Brothers
Social Services student representatives

Substance Abuse Counselling program advisory committee

Larry Akerstrom, Miracle Valley
Lynn Anderson, Lower Mainland Assessment and Referral Services
Charlaine Avery, Abbotsford Community Services
Martin Bartel, Jackson Murray Consultants
Sharon Elliot, Student Representative
John Eno, Regional Corrections
Larry Gorman, MSA Halfway House Society
Key Hyatte, Chilliwack Alcohol & Drug Treatment
Esther Krahn, MSA Hospital
Currie Low, Maple Cottage Detox
Sherry Mumford, Alcohol and Drug Programs
Theresa Neel
Harry O’Connor, Fraser House
Chris Palmer, Langley Family Services
Dan Reist, ABESAP
Milt Walker, Peardonville House

BSW Advisory committee

Alan Roche (Chair), Chilliwack General Hospital
BSW Student Representative
Shona Brown, Big Sisters
Marianne Cardiff, MSA Hospital
Maureen Fedores, Fraser Canyon Hospital
Abbotsford Community Services Multicultural program
Bobbi Jacob, Upper Fraser Valley Transition Society
Esther Krahn, MSA Hospital
Bruce McNeill, Ministry for Children & Families
Christine Mohr, Abbotsford Community Services

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