SOCIAL SERVICES/SOCIAL WORK
(Please note: due to
amount of material on this page, this may take 30 to 35 seconds to download
completely on a 56.6 kbs modem)
UCFV offers a number of options for people interested in careers in the social services field. These include:
Community Support Worker certificate. This program prepares people to work in a variety of roles with children and
adults with mental and/or physical disabilities. Not offered in 2002/03.
Social Services diploma. A 62-credit program that prepares students to work at the para-professional level in the social services field.
Social Services diploma — First Nations option. (Subject to funding.) A 62-credit program that prepares aboriginal
students, or those with strong ties to aboriginal communities, to work at the para-professional level with First Nations
people.
Substance Abuse Counselling. A 64-credit diploma, or 23-credit certificate program for people who want to work with clients with chemical dependencies.
Bachelor of Social Work degree. A 120-credit program that prepares students for generalist social work practice in a cross-cultural environment.
Bachelor of Social Work degree — Child Welfare Specialization. A 120-credit program, similar to the BSW above, which includes coursework that prepares graduates to work specifically in the area of child welfare.
The Social Services diploma program is a two-year, 62-credit program (combining practical skill-development and
university-transfer courses) which prepares you to work at the para-professional level in social service occupations. Typical
jobs include financial assistance worker, community service worker, teacher aide, residential service worker, special education
assistant, case aide, activity worker, seniors supervisor, home support coordinator, social work assistant, mental health worker,
and family support worker.
The program also provides an opportunity for students preparing for professional degrees, to acquire practical job-related skills
while earning university-transfer credits.
More than half the courses in the Social Services program are transferable to university and are clearly marked in the
course
descriptions. The amount of transferability depends on your choice of courses and the institution you wish to transfer to. For
example, with proper choice of electives, you may be able to ladder into the BSW program at UCFV or UVic.
Students wishing to challenge a Social Services course must have their application for challenge approved by the department.
Students wishing to transfer credit from another institution should contact the Admissions and Records office for more
information.
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 099, 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.
1. Submit the application fee ($45) along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. You are advised to mail in your application as it will receive priority over hand-delivered applications, based on the postmarked date. See the Admission chart for a complete list of application dates and general information.
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 satisfactory 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 should be included with your application package. 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 April 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 in the Introduction and General Information 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, qualified students will be placed on a temporary wait list. 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 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.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 62 credits, and at least 50 percent of these must be completed at UCFV.
A GPA of 2.0 (C average) is required for practicum placement and graduation. Please note that entrance requirements for the
Social Work degree program stipulate a minimum GPA of 2.75.
All core courses (SSSW 110, 120, 200, 210, and CMNS 155) must be completed with a grade of C or better. Students who
are not making satisfactory progress may be required to withdraw from the program. Unsatisfactory progress includes:
having been placed on academic warning for inappropriate classroom conduct
failing two or more core courses in one semester
failing a required course twice
failing to make the required grade in a core course twice, and/or
failing a practicum
failing to maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Students may elect to take this program on either a part- or full-time basis; however, students are expected to do a practicum in
the second semester of their first year. In order to fill that requirement, students must have completed SSSW 110, 120, 129,
and CMNS 155. Students who are unable to complete these courses in the first semester in the program, should postpone their
application to the program until they have taken some of the above courses as general studies students. Taking these courses
does not guarantee you will be accepted into the program. Students have a maximum of four years to complete the
program requirements that were in place when they entered the program.
Students wishing to work with children or the mentally or physically challenged are encouraged to acquire a Class IV driver’s
licence and a Standard First Aid certificate. In addition, keyboarding and computer skills are considered useful skills by most
employers and practicum agencies.
Fees stated are in effect for 2002/03 and are subject to change for 2003/04.
The fees for a full-time student (five courses or 15 credits) would be about $1,000 per semester. Textbooks and additional
supplies will cost extra. See Fees and Other Costs in the Introduction and General Information section for more information.
There will also be other expenses such as travelling to practicum sites and field trips.
Full-time students should be prepared to spend about 20 hours per week in class, and about 20 to 35 hours outside of class in independent learning. Full-time students take five or six courses each semester. During the winter semester, full-time students take three courses, plus a six-credit practicum. The practicum requires two full days in the field and students must make themselves available during this time. In addition to the field work, practicum students must attend a weekly 80-minute practicum seminar.
Acceptance into the program does not guarantee practicum placement. Placement into a practicum will be at the discretion of
the instructor. A GPA of 2.0 is required for practicum placement. You will be individually assessed during the first semester as
to your readiness for the practicum, in terms of skills, attitudes, and knowledge. The ability to pass a criminal records check is a
prerequisite for most placements and suitable appearance is necessary. A valid driver’s licence and access to an automobile is
required for most practica.
Students must register for seminars and practica on their assigned campus as practica will be done in that region; students are
not guaranteed the practicum of their choice.
Students currently working in the field, or with significant work experience, may be able to challenge one of the two practica.
Regulations concerning challenge opportunities are covered in the first-term courses SSSW 129/229. Challenge options are to
be discussed with the instructor.
Admission to the program is for the September semester only. The program year is from September through April. Part-time
Social Service diploma students may enroll in any available social services course provided they meet the stated prerequisite
and there is space. Part-time students may not be able to access courses in sequence. General Studies students and students in
other programs may be able to enroll in some social service courses if they meet the stated pre-requisite and there is space.
The diploma program is offered at both the Abbotsford and Chilliwack campuses. You must indicate on your application form
which campus you wish to attend. Acceptance into the program on a specified campus does not guarantee that all your
non-SSSW courses will be available on that campus. Students are expected to complete required SSSW courses and practica
at the campus to which they are admitted to (i.e., Chilliwack students will complete required SSSW courses and practica in
Chilliwack; Abbotsford students will complete required SSSW courses and practica in either Abbotsford or Mission). While
efforts are made to ensure adequate reserved seats, students are not guaranteed seats in courses (including core courses) and
may not be able to access courses in sequence. It may not be possible to complete the program in two years or as planned.
For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.
Course |
Title |
Credits |
CMNS 155 |
Communications for Human Services |
3 |
SSSW 110 |
Intro to Social Services |
3 |
SSSW 120 |
Intro to Interpersonal Communications |
3 |
SSSW 129 |
Seminar |
1 |
PHIL 110 |
Morality and Politics |
3 |
PSYC 101 |
Intro to Psychology I |
3 |
Total |
16 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
SSSW 130 |
Practicum I (2 days/week) |
6 |
SSSW 150 |
Approaches to Helping: A Theoretical Overview |
3 |
SOC 101 |
Introductory Sociology |
3 |
Elective |
(See Note 1) |
3 |
Total |
15 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
SSSW 125 |
Human Development |
3 |
SSSW 200 |
Counselling Skills |
3 |
SSSW 229 |
Seminar |
1 |
SSSW 283* |
Family Dynamics (or Semester IV) |
3 |
Elective |
(See Note1) |
3 |
Elective |
(See Note1) |
3 |
Total |
16 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
CMNS 250 |
Report Writing for Business, Information Technologies,
Social and Human Services |
3 |
SSSW 210 |
Intro to Social Welfare |
3 |
SSSW 230 |
Practicum II (2 days /week) |
6 |
Elective* |
(See Note1) (or Semester III) |
3 |
Total |
15 |
|
Program total |
62 |
* Students must complete SSSW 283, which is offered on alternating campuses.
Students will take four electives in their diploma program.
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
KPE 163, 170, 270
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. Students may also choose one of their elective courses from the following social service electives for the diploma:
SSSW 160: Introduction to Gerontology
SSSW 192: Supporting Skills Development
SSSW 301: Methods II — Group Work
SSSW 394: Substance Misuse Issues
Note 2: Students intending to apply to the BSW program need to include the following electives: PSYC 110 or MATH 104 (or
equivalent introductory statistics), plus three qualifying university- transfer arts and sciences electives.
Please contact the Social Services and Social Work department regarding appropriate arts and sciences electives.
Note 3: 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 program completion.
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:lo 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 ations 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.
The following courses are required, although the order and timing may vary.
Course |
Title |
Credits |
CMNS 155 |
Communications for Human Services |
3 |
SSSW 110 |
Intro to Social Services |
3 |
PSYC 101 |
Intro to Psychology I |
3 |
Total |
9 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
SSSW 120 |
Intro to Interpersonal Communications |
3 |
ANTH 111 |
B.C. First Nations, or |
3 |
ANTH 112 |
B.C. First Nations |
3 |
FNST 101 |
Stó:lo Nation Development |
3 |
Total |
9 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
SOC 101 |
Intro to Sociology |
3 |
SSSW 129 |
Practicum Seminar |
1 |
SSSW 210 |
Intro to Social Welfare |
3 |
FNST 102 |
Stó:lo Traditional Ways of Healing and Helping |
3 |
Total |
10 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
FNST 201 |
Aboriginal Communications: Stó:lo World View (under development) |
3 |
SSSW 130 |
Practicum I |
6 |
SSSW 150 |
Approaches to Helping |
3 |
Total |
12 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
FNST 202 |
Stó:lo Social Structure (under development) |
3 |
SSSW 229 |
Seminar |
1 |
Elective |
Group A (see Social Services diploma above, |
3 |
Elective |
(see Social Services diploma above, Note 1: Electives) |
3 |
Total |
10 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
CMNS 250 |
Report Writing for Business, Information Technologies, Social and Human Services |
3 |
SSSW 200 |
Counselling Skills |
3 |
SSSW 230 |
Practicum II |
6 |
Total |
12 |
|
Program total |
62 |
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.
See Entrance Requirements for the Social Services diploma.
See How to Apply in the Social Services diploma section.
See the Admission chart for a complete list of application dates and general information.
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.
1. Submit the UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. You are advised to mail in your application as it will receive priority over hand-delivered applications, based on the postmarked date. See the Admission chart for a complete list of application dates and general information.
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.
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.
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 stated are in effect for 2002/03 and are subject to change for 2003/04.
The fees for a full-time student in the diploma program (five courses or 15 credits) would be about $1,000 per semester.
Textbooks and additional supplies will cost extra. See Fees and Other Costs in the Introduction and General Information
section for more information. However, a tuition fee of $360 (2001/02 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. Some 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.
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.
For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.
Course |
Title |
Credits |
CMNS 155 |
Communications for Human Services |
3 |
SSSW 110 |
Introduction to Social Services |
3 |
SSSW 120 |
Introduction to Interpersonal Communications |
3 |
SSSW 129 |
Seminar |
1 |
PHIL 110 |
Morality and Politics |
3 |
PSYC 101 |
Introduction to Psychology |
3 |
Total |
16 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
SSSW 130 |
Practicum I |
6 |
SSSW 210 |
Introduction to Social Welfare |
3 |
SOC 101 |
Introductory Sociology I |
3 |
Elective |
(Data Manipulation) (Group A) (See Note1) |
3 |
Total |
15 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
SSSW 125 |
Human Development |
3 |
SSSW 200 |
Counselling Skills |
3 |
SSSW 600 |
Counselling Skills for Addictions Work |
2 |
SSSW 601A |
Group Facilitation Skills for Addictions |
1 |
SSSW 610 |
The Nature of Substance Abuse |
2 |
SSSW 611A |
Psychobiology and Pharmacology of Addictions |
1 |
SSSW 627 |
Integrative and Self-care Seminar |
1.5 |
CMNS 250 |
Report Writing for Business, Information Technologies,
Social and Human Services |
3 |
Total |
16.5 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
SSSW 601B |
Group Facilitation Skills for Addictions |
1 |
SSSW 602 |
Family Work in Addictions |
2 |
SSSW 611B |
Psychobiology and Pharmacology of Addictions |
1 |
SSSW 612 |
Community Treatment: Assessment and Referral |
2 |
SSSW 628 |
Integrative and Self-care Seminar |
1.5 |
SSSW 630 |
Substance Abuse Practicum |
6 |
SSSW 150 |
Approaches to Helping: A Theoretical Overview* |
3 |
Total |
16.5 |
|
Total program credits |
64 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
SSSW 600 |
Counselling Skills for Addictions Work |
2 |
SSSW 601A |
Group Facilitation Skills for Addictions |
2 |
SSSW 610 |
The Nature of Substance Abuse |
2 |
SSSW 611A |
Psychobiology and Pharmacology of Addictions |
1 |
SSSW 627 |
Integrative and Self-care Seminar |
1.5 |
Total |
8.5 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
SSSW 601B |
Group Facilitation Skills for Addictions |
1 |
SSSW 602 |
Family Work in Addictions |
2 |
SSSW 611B |
Pharmacology and Psychobiology of Addictions |
2 |
SSSW 612 |
Community Treatment: Assessment and Referral |
2 |
SSSW 628 |
Integrative and Self-care Seminar |
1.5 |
Total |
8.5 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
SSSW 630 |
Practicum |
6 |
Total |
6 |
|
Total program credits |
23 |
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.
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, SSSW 283, 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, and three credits of family dynamics or equivalent (SSSW 120 and 200 strongly recommended).
c) Completion of a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree, including introductory courses in Statistics, Human Development, Social Services, Social Welfare, and family dynamics or equivalent.
Note: Contact the SSSW department for a current list of qualifying Arts & Science electives, or visit the SSSW website at
www.ufv.ca/sssw/
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 satisfactory letters of reference from social workers or related work, practicum, or volunteer supervisors should
be submitted with your application package. 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.
1. Submit the application fee ($45) along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. You are advised to mail in your application as it will receive priority over hand-delivered applications, based on the postmarked date. See the Admission chart for a complete list of application dates and general information.
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 in the Introduction and General Information 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.
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 permission for some courses. 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.
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 three full days per week from January through April in the third year, and four
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). The fourth-year practicum (SSSW
430) is not open to challenge. Further information is available from the Prior Learning Assessment coordinator.
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 April 30.
(Subject to change as the program is undergoing the CASSW Accreditation process.)
For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.
Course |
Title |
Credits |
SSSW 300 |
Methods I — Interviewing and Assessment |
3 |
SSSW 311 |
Generalist Social Work |
3 |
SSSW 312 |
Law and Social Services |
3 |
SSSW 394 |
Substance Misuse Issues |
3 |
Elective (see Note 2) |
Lower- or upper-level Arts or SSSW* |
3 |
Total |
15 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
SSSW 301 |
Methods II — Group Work, or |
3 |
SSSW 380 |
Community Development |
3 |
SSSW 320 |
Cross-Cultural Social Work |
3 |
SSSW 330 |
Practicum I (3 day/week, plus weekly seminar class) |
6 |
SSSW 392 |
First Nations Social Work |
3 |
Total |
15 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
SSSW 404 |
Research Methods and Evaluation |
3 |
SSSW 410 |
Social Welfare Policy and Practice |
3 |
SSSW 483 |
Family-Centred Social Work |
3 |
SSSW 491 |
Child Welfare |
3 |
Elective (see Note 2) |
Lower- or upper-level Arts or SSSW* |
3 |
Total |
15 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
SSSW 430 |
Practicum II (4 days/week, plus seminar) |
9 |
Elective |
Lower- or upper-level Arts or SSSW* |
3 |
Elective (see Note 2) |
Lower- or upper-level Arts or SSSW* |
3 |
Total |
15 |
|
Program total |
60 |
* BSW students are required to complete two university transfer electives and two SSSW electives (SSSW 301, 380, 412,
450, 490, 493, 496, 497, 498)
Note 1: Students who have completed SSSW 394 prior to the degree must substitute an appropriate Arts elective.
Note 2: University-transferable Arts elective chosen with the advice of faculty which contributes to the breadth of the student’s
knowledge.
Course |
Title |
Credits |
SSSW 300 |
Methods I — Interviewing and Assessment |
3 |
SSSW 311 |
Generalist Social Work |
3 |
SSSW 312 |
Law and Social Services |
3 |
SSSW 394 |
Substance Misuse Issues |
3 |
Elective |
Lower- or upper-level Arts |
3 |
Total |
15 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
SSSW 320 |
Cross-Cultural Social Work |
3 |
SSSW 330 |
Practicum I |
6 |
SSSW 380 |
Community Development |
3 |
SSSW 392 |
First Nations Social Work |
3 |
Total |
15 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
SSSW 412 |
Legal Skills for Social Service Professionals |
3 |
SSSW 404 |
Research Methods |
3 |
SSSW 410 |
Social Welfare Policy |
3 |
SSSW 483 |
Family-Centered Social Work |
3 |
SSSW 491 |
Child Welfare |
3 |
Total |
15 |
Course |
Title |
Credits |
SSSW 430 |
Practicum II |
9 |
SSSW 496 |
Disabilities |
3 |
Elective |
Lower- or upper-level Arts |
3 |
Total |
15 |
|
Program total |
60 |
Gloria Wolfson, BA (CUNY), MA (Western Reserve), RSW, EdD (Nova Southeastern), ICADC, Department Chair
Lise Beauchesne, BSW (Laurentian), MSW, PhD (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
Debi Block, AD Arts (UCFV), Program Advisor
Carole Harlow, BSW (UCFV), RSW, Program Assistant/Instructor
Carol Oddy, Dip. Social Services (FVC), Program Assistant
Satwinder Bains, Consultant
Rick Chappell, School District #33
Carole Clarke, School District #34
Margaret Clifton, Women’s Resource Society
Anne Dalton, Abbotsford Community Services
Colleen Ewen, School District #75
Donna Gannon, Chilliwack Community Services
Carolyn Janousek, Mission Community Services
Robert Keys, Mission Association for Community Living
Cheryl Unger, Big Brothers
Social Services student representatives
Larry Akerstrom, Miracle Valley
Lynn Anderson, Lower Mainland Assessment and Referral Services
Charlaine Avery, Abbotsford Community Services
Martin Bartel, Jackson Murray Consultants
John Eno, Regional Corrections
Currie Low, Maple Cottage Detox
Sherry Mumford, Alcohol and Drug Programs
Harry O’Connor, Fraser House
Chris Palmer, Langley Family Services
Dan Reist, Kaiser Foundation
Student Representative
Milt Walker, Peardonville House
Alan Roche (Chair), Chilliwack General Hospital
BSW Student Representatives
Shona Brown, Big Sisters
Marianne Cardiff, MSA Hospital
Maureen Fedores, Fraser Canyon Hospital
Manpreet Grewal, Abbotsford Community Services Multicultural & Immigrant Services
Bobbi Jacob, Upper Fraser Valley Transition Society
Esther Krahn, Langley Hospital
Bruce McNeill, Ministry for Children & Families
Christine Mohr, Abbotsford Community Services
Roger Sasaki, BCASW
To course
descriptions index
Back to Faculty
of Science, Health, & Human Services index