Departmental Life

The Undergraduate Social Work Program believes that protection of students' rights and responsibilities is necessary for a vital program. Students have a right to a quality education from faculty who are committed to excellence in learning. Students also have a responsibility to participate actively in all educational areas such as the classroom, field, Social Work Club, university activities, and the larger community.

We encourage students to actively participate in the process of formulating policies, having input on the curriculum and initiating other extra- or co-curricular activities. Student participation is supported in the following ways:

Student-Faculty Meeting 

Every first Wednesday of the month at noon (12:00) is designated for student/faculty meeting for the year in West Chester. The dates of these meetings are announced at the beginning of each semester. This meeting is co-chaired by the Social Work Club president and the BSW Program Director/Chair and is open to any and all students. Prior to the meeting, the Social Work Club President and the Director/Chair meet to develop an agenda. The President invites students to place items of interest or concern on the agenda. The meeting is designed to provide an opportunity for students to come and discuss issues or concerns and receive clarification from faculty. This also provides an opportunity for students to propose suggestions and/or solutions to any problems they may encounter in the curriculum or department. At the Philadelphia location, student representatives meet with faculty and staff on a monthly basis to discuss student experiences on campus and to get feedback about the program.

The Social Work Advisory Board

Undergraduate Social Work Advisory Board meets at least two times a year and has membership from the following five groups: community leaders, WCU social work alumni, social workers employed in the field from both public and private sectors, educators, and students declared as social work majors. 

The purpose of the Advisory Board is as follows: 
"To promote the professional growth and advancement of social work at West Chester University as it relates to local, national, and international issues; to implement and monitor the Curriculum Policy Statement mandated by the Council on Social Work Education; to serve as the impetus for social work alumni activities; to advise and consult the Dean of the appropriate School of innovative directions that the Department should pursue; to advise and assist in soliciting and maintaining field placements for students; network with employers on career placement for graduates; assist in fundraising activities for the Department." 

Student Representation at Advisory Board Meetings

The Social Work Advisory Board meets approximately once a semester. The President, Vice-President or other selected member from each of the student organizations (Social Work Club, Phi Alpha Honor Society, and the Association of Black Social Workers) may attend Advisory Board meetings.

Informal Procedures

In addition to the formal procedures described above, faculty all operate under an open-door policy, in addition to their required scheduled office hours, which allows for dialogue, exchange of opinions, feedback, etc. with students, faculty will meet with students at other mutually agreed upon times. The opportunity for joint work projects advances the overall positive student/faculty relationships