Graduate School Policies

A full description of academic policies for all students in Graduate Programs can be found in the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies section of this catalog. Students should review these policies thoroughly.

School of Social Work Policies

• Registration and Continued Enrollment

  • ​Academic Calendar
  • Continuous Registration Requirements
  • Add & Drop Policy

  • Transfer Credit

  • Modality  

  • Independent Study

  • Course Auditing
• Student Accountability and Standards
  • Grading Policy
  • Attendance Policy
  • Late Assignments
  • Incomplete Coursework
  • APA/Academic Writing

• Academic Code of Conduct and Violations​

  • Academic Rights and Responsibilities 

  • Prevention of Academic Violations 

  • Academic Conduct Violations 

  • Who Should Report Academic Violations? 

  • Resolution of Academic/APA Violations 

  • Academic Alerts
• Student Accountability and Standards Review
  • Student Accountability and Standards Review - Academic
  • Student Accountability and Standards Review - Professional and Ethical

• Academic Grievances​

  • For Course or Assignment Grade Grievances 

  • Appeal of the Grade Grievance Committee’s Decision 

  • Student Grade Appeal of Dean’s Appeal Decision 

  • Instructor Appeal of the Grade Appeal 

  • Student Appeal of Dean’s Appeal Decision 

• Leave of Absence, Medical Withdrawal, Leave and Personal Leave

  • ​Leave of Absence
  • Medical Leave and Medical Withdrawals
  • Withdrawal: Personal Leave

• Student Ambassadors 

• Graduation Requirements and Ceremonies
  

  • Certification of Degree
  • Graduation Ceremony
• TSSW Student Affairs
  • Student Government Association/SGA
  • Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination
  • FERPA
  • Academic Excellence and Opportunity Statement
  • Goldman Center for Accessibility
  
  
  •  

• Practicum Education (MSW)​

  • Relationship to the Practicum to the Overall Curriculum 

  • Prerequisites for Practicum  

  • Foundation Practicum  
  • Advanced Practicum  

  • Practicum Education Roles and Responsibilities 

  • Procedures for Practicum Placement 

  • Practicum Policies 

  • Procedures for Addressing Problems in Practicum 

School of Social Work Policies

 

Registration and Continued Enrollment

Academic Calendar

The TSSW Academic Calendar is the calendar that should be followed by all TSSW students. The TSSW calendar is different than academic calendars for other programs or for undergraduate schools. The TSSW Academic Calendar can be accessed on the TSSW website. The following information can be found on the academic calendar:

• First and last dates of the semester;
• Holidays/Class cancellations;
• Registration dates;
• Last date to add a course;
• Last date to drop a course without academic penalty;
• Last date to drop a course for a full or partial refund; and
• Final grade due dates

Continuous Registration Requirements

The TSSW academic year includes three semesters, fall, spring, and summer. A student admitted to a degree program must be continuously registered in a degree-granting division of the university during the academic year in either full-time or part-time status from the date of first registration until the awarding of the degree, unless the student takes a Leave of Absence, voluntarily withdraws from school, takes a Medical Withdrawal, or is suspended or dismissed for academic or disciplinary reasons. Students must provide written documentation informing TSSW if continuous enrollment will be affected. Failure to be continuously registered in the program will be considered a withdrawal. TSSW reserves the right to not allow students to be readmitted to the program.

Add & Drop Policy

Students wishing to adjust their course schedule must consult the TSSW Academic Calendar for deadlines and instructions. Failure to make schedule adjustments promptly and accurately may result in financial or academic penalties. Schedule adjustments can be done online by the student during the two weeks following the first day of the semester. The last day to add/drop a course is listed on the academic calendar each semester. If a student wishes to drop all or any one of their courses during a semester, they must do so by the dates outlined in the academic calendar. TSSW will follow the academic calendar and refund schedule. Students will not be allowed to switch sections after the drop/add period, except under extenuating circumstances as decided by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (Director of MSW Programs in lieu of).

Due to the fixed nature of the MSW curriculum, dropping a single course can result in a significant delay in earning the required Practicum Education hours as well as completion of the program. Students must discuss these changes with their Academic Advisor to fully understand the potential consequences. Information regarding the final date to drop out of a course or withdraw from the program can be found on the TSSW Academic Calendar.  Please note, these dates will have an impact on whether a student will receive a grade of “W” or “WF” on a transcript.

Transfer Credit - MSW Program

In order to obtain your social work license, you must have completed a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) Program. Only credits from other Master of Social Work Programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) at the time you attended the program will be accepted. The credit must have been earned within the last five (5) years with a final grade of at least a "B". TSSW reserves the right to contact the dean or other authorities from the former school(s) to verify that the applicant left the institution in good academic and professional standing. TSSW does not give academic credit for life or work experience. TSSW considers each request to transfer credits on a case-by-case basis.

No more than a total of 15 credit hours will be accepted as transfer credits by TSSW. Additionally, a maximum number of credits in the below categories will be accepted:

• Any transfer credits regarding Practicum Education hours will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• A maximum of three (3) courses or nine (9) credit hours (whichever is less) of foundation courses will be accepted. These courses include:
  • SOWK 7120 Social Welfare History & Policy (3 c.h.),
  • SOWK 7211 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I (3 c.h.), and
  • SOWK 7310 Introduction to Direct Social Work Practice (3 c.h.).
  • No other courses besides electives will be accepted.
• SOWK 7130 Diversity and Social Justice MAY NOT BE SUBSTITUTED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
• A maximum of nine (9) credit hours of electives courses will be accepted.
• Regardless of the above composition, only a maximum of 15 total transfer credit hours will be accepted.
• A syllabus must be submitted for review for transfer credits to be applied.
• No credit will be given for partial course completion. Credits will not be considered for transfer to TSSW if the student did not complete the course.
• Any questions surrounding transfer credits should be sent to the TSSW Admissions Office at msw@tulane.edu.   

Modality/Curriculum Path

If a student wishes to change their modality (from online to on-campus or vice versa), or curriculum path (full-time to part-time or vice versa) they must meet with their Academic Advisor and/or Program Manager to update their curriculum plan. After this is completed, the Academic Advisor and/or Program Manager will review the request with the Director of MSW Programs. The Director of MSW Programs can grant or deny a student’s request to switch modalities.  A student may make this change only once during the Program.

Independent Study Policy

Student Accountability and Standards

The intent of the Academic Standards is to comply with all CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) requirements as the TSSW accrediting body and to best prepare students with the proper social work foundation, education, and tools to begin their career as social workers.

Graduate students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0. Courses in which a student earns a grade of “C” or lower cannot be counted towards a master’s level degree and will be required to be retaken. Once a student receives one final grade of “B-” or lower, the student will be placed on academic probation. If a student receives two final grades of “B-” or lower, a Student Accountability and Standards Review will be initiated. The student may be considered for dismissal by the school Faculty Review Committee at the conclusion of the Review. Students may also be dismissed for failure to meet departmental milestones, such as finishing coursework, securing placement and other failed competencies set forth by the Practicum Education Department or school.

It is crucial that the Tulane School of Social Work upholds the academic standards set forth by Tulane University.  All students enrolled in a social work program must also abide by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. which governs social workers’ professional and ethical behavior and values. Students must uphold ethical standards of practice established by NASW in the Code of Ethics, maintain professional performance standards required to be licensed as a social worker, and meet the practice behaviors established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Violation of these standards may be identified by faculty, adjunct instructors or staff members. Violation of these standards includes but is not limited to:

• Failure to meet generally accepted standards of professional conduct as outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics may include personal integrity or emotional stability required for professional practice;
• Tulane University’s Office of Student Affairs/Case Management may be involved for any matters related to emotional or mental stability;
• Failure to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills necessary to perform professional helping relationships;
• Failure to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics;
• Has been found guilty of criminal misconduct that affects the student’s ability to be licensed as a social worker; or
• Displays inappropriate or disruptive behavior toward clients, other students, faculty, staff, or other affiliates. Tulane University’s Office of Student Affairs/Case Management may be involved for any matters related to inappropriate or disruptive displays of behavior

Grading Policy

TSSW’s grading policy complies with Tulane’s University policy and students' grades are processed through the Office of the University Registrar. Students may gain access to their previously earned grades throughout the semester and their final grades at the end of the semester through the on-line system known as “Gibson.” The privacy of students' records is protected under the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended (P.P. 93-380) and by policies issued by the Tulane Board of Administrators.

Every syllabus in the school reflects the grading system below as well as specific course requirements and/or grading weights for each assignment or test. The grading system is as follows:

Points:                    %                                   Letter Grade    

950-1000               (100-95%)                    A       Outstanding

900-949                  (94 -90%)                    A-      Excellent

850-899                  (89 - 85%)                   B+     Above Expected

800-849                  (84 -80%)                    B       Expected (minimum expectation)

750-799                  (79 -75%)                    B-      Marginal (below expectation)

700-749                  (74 -70%)                    C       Requires the course be retaken

                                                                    W      Withdrawal

WF    Withdrawn/Fail

                                                                    WU    Withdrawn/Unsatisfactory

                                                                     I        Incomplete

Please note:

• One grade of "B-" or lower will initiate Academic Probation.
• Two grades of "B-" or lower will initiate a Student Accountability and Standards Review.
• Two grades of "B-" or below is cause for possible dismissal. A grade of "C" is unacceptable and cannot count toward a degree.
• A grade of "C" in any course will require the course to be taken over with passing grade to count toward degree.

For classes that are Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory, students must receive an 80% or higher to pass the class, anything below 80% is considered an Unsatisfactory or a failing grade.

Graduate students at Tulane University must earn a 3.00 cumulative GPA to successfully meet Tulane University’s GPA requirement for the MSW degree.

Attendance

Class sessions are an essential part of the course; attendance is mandatory. You are expected to be present, on time, and fully prepared to engage with the material, fellow students, and the instructor. If extenuating circumstances prevent you from attending class, please contact your instructor in advance of the absence. If you are unable to contact your instructor in advance, contact your instructor as soon thereafter as possible. Your attendance and participation in class is part of your overall course grade. Students may miss no more than 2 classes per semester. A 3rd absence will result in the student's final grade dropping by one letter grade. A 4th absence will result in the student failing the course.

Catalog addenda note: Minor edits were made to this policy on 6/18/2025.

Late Assignments

For late assignments five percent will be deducted for each day past the due date and time. After 10 days past due, the assignment will not be accepted or graded. Two (2) late assignments may warrants an Academic Alert. Please check your class syllabus/canvas to see if your professor has a different late policy for specific assignments, if so the late policy listed on Syllabi/Canvas should be followed. 

The purpose of due dates is to ensure that you do not fall too far behind in the class and so the professor can provide timely feedback/grading. It is also disrespectful toward the professor when multiple assignments are late. Sometimes this cannot be avoided, but in those instances the student must communicate with the professor 24 hours in advance prior to missing the due date and the professor will decide whether to accept the assignment late.”

Incomplete Coursework

A temporary grade of “I” (Incomplete) will only be granted in extenuating circumstances and must be submitted to the MSW Program Manager and approved by the Director of MSW Programs at least three weeks prior to the last day of class and Practicum Education, per the TSSW academic calendar.  Moreover, an incomplete may only be requested within the last four weeks of the semester. All grades of "I" related to Field Practicum & Seminar will be handled by the Practicum Education Department and should be presented to the Practicum Department Program Manager(s) for Practicum Department Director approval.

Approval for an incomplete is determined based on:

• The student’s grade at the time of the request is a grade of “B” or better in the course.
• Students requesting an incomplete must work with their instructor to outline missing assignments and a timeline to complete and submit all outstanding coursework as well as submit approved administrative documentation no later than five weeks from the last day of class. If the grade is not submitted in the time-frame, the “I” will turn to an “F” or “Unsatisfactory.”
• For all matters related to a grade of "Incomplete" that are associated with Field Practicum & Seminar classes, please refer to the Practicum Education Appendix section of this Handbook.

Reasons a request for an incomplete grade can be denied:

• If the request is submitted to the MSW Program Manager less than five business days before final grades are due, as listed on the TSSW academic calendar;
• if at the time of the request the student’s overall grade is not a grade of “B” or better;
• If there are more than two requests for Incompletes across the student’s tenure at TSSW, or there are any outstanding unresolved Incompletes;
• If the student is in their last semester of courses. Incompletes cannot be granted in the student's final term of the degree curriculum.

The student and instructor must complete and sign an “Incomplete Grade Contract” and submit the document to the MSW Program Manager who will obtain approval from the Director of MSW Programs. The Director can request amendments to the plan or deny the request. Please keep in mind the following: 

• Students will not be allowed to start Field Practicum & Seminar if they have unresolved or outstanding Incompletes. An “I” in any semester could extend the student’s graduation date and may affect student loan eligibility.
• Students will only be granted two grades of “I” during their tenure with TSSW.

If and after all requirements have been resolved within the five-week deadline, the instructor must submit a Grade Change request according to TSSW’s established grade change protocol, currently via Gibson, which will automatically be sent to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (Dean of TSSW in lieu of) for approval. If the Director of MSW Programs does not have an approved incomplete form, the grade change will not be processed.  

If all requirements are not met, documentation is not submitted and completed by the deadline outlined on the agreement, the grade will automatically revert to a FAIL “F” or UNSATISFACTORY “U”. Any grade of “F” or “U” will be permanent and will not be changed.

APA/Academic Writing

All courses at TSSW require written submissions to comply with the most current version of APA writing standards.

Code of Academic Conduct and Violations

The Tulane University Code of Academic Conduct shall apply to academic conduct of each student from the time of application for admission through the actual awarding of a degree. A violation of the Tulane University Code of Academic Conduct may occur before classes start, after classes end, or outside of classes as well as during the academic year and during periods between terms of actual enrollment, and even if the academic conduct is not discovered until after a degree is awarded. The Tulane University Code of Academic Conduct shall also apply to a student’s academic conduct even if the student withdraws from school while a disciplinary matter is pending.

The Tulane University Unified Code of Academic Conduct can be found at the following link:

Unified Code of Academic Conduct 

The Tulane University Unified Code of Academic Conduct states:

"The integrity of Tulane University is based on the absolute honesty of the entire University
community in all academic endeavors. As part of the Tulane University community, graduate
students have certain responsibilities regarding work that forms the basis for the evaluation of
their academic achievement. Students are expected to be familiar with these responsibilities at
all times. No member of the University Community should tolerate any form of academic
dishonesty because the scholarly community of the University depends on the willingness of
both Instructors and students to uphold this Unified Code of Graduate Student Academic
Conduct. When a violation of the Code is observed, it is the duty of every member of the
University’s academic community who has evidence of the violation to take action. Students
should take steps to uphold the Code by reporting any suspected offense to the Instructor or the
Dean of their School. Students should not, under any circumstances, tolerate any form of
academic dishonesty.

In all work submitted, graduate students are expected to represent themselves honestly. The
presence of a student's name on any work submitted in completion of an academic assignment
is considered to be an assurance that the work and ideas are the result of the student's own
intellectual effort, stated in their own words, and produced independently, unless clear and
explicit acknowledgment of the sources for the work and ideas is included (with the use of
quotation marks when quoting someone else’s words and proper citations). Tools permitted,
including but not limited to computer programs, calculators, and artificial intelligence must be
noted by the professor in the assignment. This principle applies, but is not limited to, to papers,
tests, homework assignments, artistic productions, laboratory reports, computer programs, and
other academic assignments."

 

Academic Rights and Responsibilities

Level of severity for academic, as well as professional and ethical violations of the MSW and MS programs are determined by TSSW leadership. The following describes the processes that guide the school when students have not maintained or met any required academic and/or professional and ethical standards.

Resolution of APA Violations (only in response to low-level APA citation violations)

All Instructors are encouraged to exercise prudent judgment with APA citation issues.  Informal resolution is the preferred course of action if: the APA problems may be related to inadequate skill/knowledge about APA and it is not meant to be intentional plagiarism. The following are examples of low-level APA violations:

• If a student cites, but cited incorrectly;
• If students cite secondary sources instead of primary sources;
• Cite MLA, Chicago or another types of citation besides APA; or
• Cite or paraphrase only one sentence when there are multiple sentences

Procedures:

1. The Instructor of Record will complete a Code of Academic Conduct Violation Form, for each student and each offense.
2. The Instructor of Record will meet with the student(s) involved to discuss the nature of the APA violation (missing or incorrect citations) and the sanction(s) they will impose including revising of the paper, grading implications and/or further APA training.
3. Even if the violation is informal, the Instructor of Record still must complete and submit a MSW Academic and Professional Standards Code of Conduct Violation Form   for each student and each offense discussing the incident and agreed upon resolution.
4. The form will be signed by the instructor and student(s) to acknowledge the form and discussion that took place.
5. If the student refuses to sign the form, the instructor will note that on the form. Signing the form is an indication that the instructor and student met and discussed the violation. It is not an admission of guilt or an indication that the student agrees with the violation.
6. The form should include a clause about the student being informed of the need for further training and their right to a grievance. The student should be notified that the report will be entered in their student file in case of repeated violation.
7. A student’s first low level violation will be treated as a warning and therefore, will not be factored if the student has another violation, especially if the violation is in the student’s first semester. If the student has several low-level APA violations in the span of two weeks, they will count as one as this is indicative of a pattern that signals the student needs more assistance. TSSW will require the student use Heartful Editor, retake the APA course, and/or complete some other assignment as identified by the faculty member so they can learn how to cite properly. If the student fails to follow through on recommendations, further action and consequences could result.

Academic Alerts

Academic Alert (Class Performance/Grade-Related Concerns)

Criteria for initiating an academic alert includes but is not limited to:

• The total course grade is below a "B" (80%) at any point in the semester;
• Student has missed two or more assignments;
• Student has missed at least one class sessions; or
• There is concern about a student’s attendance and/or academic performance.

Instructors report their concerns or issues to the MSW Program Manager or Academic Success Coach as soon as possible during the semester. The academic alert encourages the student to communicate and work with their professor and support team to ensure that academic standards are maintained.

Procedures:

1. An academic alert may be initiated when a student's attendance, academic performance, or other concerns related to academics are observed. When an Academic Alert is initiated by the instructor, an email to the student, the student’s assigned Program Manager, and Academic Success Coach will be generated.
2. The Academic Success Coach will follow-up with the student within five business days to learn of any challenges the student may be experiencing. While gathering information, the Academic Success Coach will gain permission from the student regarding what information can be shared. Student's acknowledge all employees of the Tulane School of Social Work are mandated reporters and there are certain situations that are mandated to be reported by law.
3. The Academic Success Coach may periodically review the student’s academic performance via Canvas to determine if additional resources may be required.

Student Accountability and Standards Review

A student will be called to a Student Accountability and Standards Review where the student may be dismissed from the Tulane School of Social Work. Examples of academic and professional performance issues that will result in a Student Accountability and Standards Review include, but are not limited to:

• If the student has a cumulative GPA at or below 3.0 after final grades are posted for any given term;
• If a student earns a GPA at or below 2.5 after final grades are posted for any given term;
• If a student earns the following final grades at any time during their tenure while at TSSW:
  • Two grades of “B-” or below.
  • One “Unsatisfactory” (U) grade and one additional grade of “B-” or below.
• If a student has more than one incomplete in the program;
• When a violation of the Code of Academic Conduct has been reported;
• The faculty member believes that the APA violation's severity (intended plagiarism) merits consideration of an Academic Review;
• The student has violated any other honor code item (besides APA); i.e. cheating, falsification, multiple submissions, plagiarism or inappropriate use of AI, etc.;
• No negotiated informal resolution around APA citation violations can be agreed upon;
• It is a repeated violation of APA requirements in the program beyond their initial violation;
• A Practicum education-related issue.  Please follow the Practicum Education Handbook appendix for guidelines pertaining to Practicum education matters;
• A combination of academic, Practicum, and/or reports regarding behavior in the classroom and/or Practicum setting;
• Professional disrespect of the personal rights and dignity of all persons, including other students, faculty, supervisors, and clients receiving services from the student;
• Discrimination or harassment related to race, sexual orientation, gender, religion, age, etc.;
• Violating the confidentiality of the professional relationship;
• Hostility and disrespect towards other students, faculty, or others at Tulane University, TSSW or while in Field Practicum Education or Seminar;
• Consistent failure to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills necessary for forming professional helping relationships;
• Continued inability or unwillingness to demonstrate a nonjudgmental attitude;
• Unable to allow client self-determination;
• Other code violations not specific outlined here; and/or
• Any other violations of the NASW Code of Ethics; violations of the policies of the Tulane University Code of Student Conduct.

Student Accountability and Standards Review - Academic:

Any violation should be submitted as soon as possible after the complainant becomes aware of academic code violations or any relevant events, within five business days of the alleged violation. However, academic violations can be identified and reported at any time during the semester. Written notification by submission of the Code of Academic Conduct Violation form to the MSW Program Manager initiates the formal procedures of the School of Social Work’s Accountability and Standards Review process. The steps are as follows:

Academic Violations while semester is in progress:

1. The instructor will complete the MSW Academic and Professional Standards Code of Conduct Violation Form for each student for each offense/violation identified.
2. The instructor will meet with the student(s) involved to discuss the academic code violation, review the MSW Academic and Professional Standards Code of Conduct Violation Form and notify the student that the matter will be referred to the Academic Affairs Team.
3. The Code of Academic Conduct Violation Form must be signed by both the instructor and the student(s) as an indication that the instructor and student met and discussed the violation.  A first violation may serve as a warning. Signing the form is not an admission of guilt or an indication that the student agrees with the violation.
4. If the student refuses to sign the form, the instructor will note that on the form. The student will be notified that the report will be entered in their student file. Depending on the violation, the first violation may serve as a warning.
5. The instructor will submit the form to the MSW Program Manager along with any supporting or corroborating documentation.
6. The MSW Program Manager will present all documentation from the professor to the Academic Affairs team in the Academic Affairs weekly meeting. Together, the Program Managers, Success Coaches, Academic Advisors, and Program Directors will review the information presented and decide on next steps.  The Director of MSW Programs will recommend whether a full Student Accountability and Standards Review is warranted. The student’s instructor will be informed of this decision.
7. If a formal Student Accountability and Standards Review is recommended, it will be scheduled by the MSW Program Manager. The Student Accountability and Standards Review Committee may include: the Director of the MSW Programs, the Assistant Director of the MSW Programs, the MSW Program Manager, the MSW Academic Advisor, the MSW Student Success Coach , a Practicum Education Program Manager, or other member of the Practicum Education Team and three voting Faculty. Please note, the Instructor/professor who filed the violation will provide information at the beginning of the Review but will not be part of the formal Committee.
8. The Student Accountability and Standards Review Committee will meet 15 minutes before the student arrives to discuss the case and ensure all parties are aware of the Review procedures and understand roles and responsibilities.  If the Review is postponed for any reason, the student will be notified. The instructor who submitted the violation will present information on it during the first 15 minutes and will not attend while the student is present. The student will then present to the Review Committee and will answer any questions asked of them regarding the violation that was filed. Should the student not attend the Student Accountability and Standards Review will proceed as scheduled and the right to any appeal will be forfeited. 
9. Once all information is presented, the Review Committee will temporarily excuse the student from the meeting to discuss the information shared and hear recommendations from the Review Committee, including any performance outcomes deemed necessary to correct the behavior(s) and continue in the program. Once the discussion is concluded, the Student Accountability and Standards Review Moderator will call for a deciding vote from the three voting faculty members.  Non-voting faculty members may suggest an outcome or provide information but will not have a vote in the final decision. Only the voting faculty members will have a vote.
10. The student will return to the meeting to answer any additional questions and to hear the decision.
11. The MSW Program Manager will complete the Review Outcome Form. The form will be circulated to the voting faculty members to confirm the information included in the form is inclusive and reflects accurately the discussion held and outcomes. The MSW Program Manager will send written communication of the meeting outcome in the form of an email within 5-7 business days of the date of the Review to the student’s Tulane email. A certified letter will follow to the address on file in the student’s Tulane record. No other written, audio, or video documentation will be provided. This communication will include the following (as applicable):
    1. the Code of Academic Conduct Violation Form;
    2. the Academic Review Outcome Form/Committee decision;
    3. the re-entry plan for a student being suspended;
    4. the date of exit from the program for a student being dismissed from the program; and
    5. Instructions to information for filing a grievance should the student contest the Committee decision, including the Grievance and Appeals Policy.

Documentation:

The MSW Program Manager will receive all relevant documentation from the Instructor prior to the Review. The Committee will meet 15 minutes before the student arrives to review the documentation and decide if a Review is appropriate or if the committee members need more information/documentation to proceed.

Documentation of all Academic Reviews and Professional Standards Review decisions where a student has been judged in violation of the Academic Code of Conduct will be maintained in the student’s file in a shared MSW Program folder. The record will include a copy of all documentation submitted to the Review Committee, the Review Outcome Form, and the letter to the student. TSSW will retain a copy of the permanent record. All documentation related to the violation of the Code of Academic Conduct may be reported to the University Office of Student Affairs.

Who can attend Reviews?

Students are not allowed to bring outside parties to the hearing. In special circumstances, prior notification or special consideration will be given. At no time are lawyers allowed to attend. If a student makes a request for an attorney to attend or arrives at the Review with an attorney present, the hearing will be cancelled and referred to Tulane University legal department.

Academic Violations during Review of Final Grades:

1. The MSW Program Manager (MSW Academic Affairs) or the MSW Practicum Program Manager (Practicum Education) will present all documentation relevant to final grades in the Academic Affairs weekly meeting and decide on final steps based on final grades presented.
2. A formal Student Accountability and Standards Review  will be scheduled and the Student Accountability and Standards Review Committee may include: the Director of the MSW Programs, the Assistant Director of the MSW Programs, the MSW Program Manager, the MSW Academic Advisor, the MSW Student Success Coach, a Practicum Education Team Program Manager, or other member of the Practicum Education Department and three voting Faculty.
3. The student will receive an email 72 hours before the Review's established date and time.
4. The Review Committee will meet 15 minutes before the student arrives to discuss the case and ensure all parties are aware of the Review procedures and understand roles and responsibilities.  If the hearing is postponed for any reason, the student will be notified. The Committee will wait 15 minutes for the student to arrive. Should the student not attend, the Student Accountability and Standards Review will commence, and a decision will be made. The decision will be communicated to the student by email to the student’s Tulane email.
5. The instructor who submitted the violation will present it during the first 15 minutes and will not attend when the student presents. The student will then present to the Student Accountability and Standards Review Committee and will answer any questions asked of them regarding the violation that was filed. Once all information is presented by the student and the instructor, the Review Committee will temporarily excuse the student from the meeting to discuss the information shared and hear recommendations from the Review Committee, including any performance outcomes deemed necessary to correct the behavior(s) and continue in the program. Once the discussion is concluded, the Review Committee member identified as the Moderator will call for a deciding vote from the three voting faculty members.  Other Committee members may suggest an outcome or provide information but will not have a vote in the final decision. Only the voting faculty members will have a vote.
6. The student will return to the meeting to answer any additional questions and to hear the decision.
7. The MSW Program Manager will complete the Review Outcome Form. The form will be circulated to the voting faculty members to confirm the information included in the form is inclusive and reflects accurately the discussion held and outcomes. The MSW Program Manager will send written communication of the meeting outcome in the form of an email within five-seven business days of the date of the Review to the student’s Tulane email. A certified letter will follow to the address on file in the student’s Tulane record. No other written, audio, or video documentation will be provided. This communication will include the following (as applicable):
   1. a Code of Academic Conduct Violation Form;
   2. the Academic Review Outcome Form/Committee decision;
   3. the re-entry plan for a student being suspended;
   4. the date of exit from the program for a student being dismissed from the program; and
   5. Instructions to information for filing a grievance should the student contest the Committee decision, including the Grievance and Appeals Policy.

Documentation:

The MSW Program Manager will receive all relevant documentation from the instructor prior to the Review.

Documentation of all Academic Reviews and Professional Standards Review decisions where a student has been judged in violation of the Code of Academic Conduct will be maintained in the student’s file in a shared MSW Program folder. The record will include a copy of all documentation submitted to the Review Committee, the Review Outcome Form, and the letter to the student. TSSW will retain a copy of the permanent record. All documentation related to the violation of the Code of Academic Conduct may be reported to the University Office of Student Affairs.

Who can attend Reviews?

Students are not allowed to bring outside parties to the hearing. In special circumstances, prior notification or special consideration will be given. At no time are lawyers allowed to attend. If a student makes a request for an attorney to attend or arrives at the Student Accountability and Standards Review with an attorney present, the hearing will be cancelled and referred to Tulane University legal department.

Possible Outcome(s) of a Student Accountability and Standards Review:

The Tulane School of Social Work has the authority to determine whether a student will be allowed to continue enrollment in their degree program. A Student Accountability and Standards Review may include but are not limited to the following outcomes:

• Creation of a Personal Success Plan;
  • Mandatory advising with an Academic Success Coach.
• Academic probation;
  • Mandatory advising with an Academic Success Coach.
• Resubmit an assignment in question to receive a possible revised grade.
• Re-enroll in a course where a final grade of “C” or below was earned.  A final grade of “B” or higher grade must be earned in the course's re-enrollment before the student can continue with other subsequent curriculum courses. Prerequisite classes MUST be passed for a student to continue matriculate through the Program.
• Suspension for up to one year/three semesters. If suspension is the outcome of a Student Accountability and Standards Review, the student shall stop taking classes AND stop attending both Practicum  and Field Practicum & Seminar.
• Be asked to participate in other activities as assigned by the committee that could include writing a graduate level paper related to matter at hand, complete a live/synchronous CEU training related to matter at hand, or other as deemed appropriate by the Committee.
• Dismissal from program. If dismissal is the outcome of a Student Accountability and Standards Review, the student shall stop taking classes AND stop attending both Practicum and Field Practicum & Seminar.

Personal Success Plan (including but not limited to):

• Mandatory meetings with Academic Success Coach;
• Creating a time management plan with the student success coach;
• Other developmental actions as assigned.

Academic Probation

A final grade of “B-” or below will initiate a student to be placed on academic probation.

Any student placed on academic probation must develop a Personal Success Plan with an Academic Success Coach.

After one semester on academic probation, the student will be reassessed for satisfactory completion of their Personal Success Plan, cumulative GPA, and final grades. If the student’s academic performance does not meet the program requirements, a Student Accountability and Standards Review may be scheduled.  The outcomes of the Student Accountability and Standards Review as listed above will apply.

Suspension

The length of an academic suspension from TSSW could range from one to three semesters depending on the outcome of the Student Accountability and Standards Review. A student may only be placed on suspension once during their tenure at TSSW. A student reinstated after their academic suspension shall be placed on academic probation for one semester. Further violations of academic standards may result in dismissal. If suspension is the outcome of a Student Accountability and Standards Review, the student shall stop taking classes AND stop attending both Practicum and Field Practicum & Seminar.

Dismissal

TSSW students can be dismissed for any of the reasons outlined in this handbook. Students may reapply to return to TSSW following a dismissal after one calendar year. A student may reapply to the program through the regular admissions process.  Students should be aware that all relevant information surrounding the student’s dismissal from TSSW will be considered. This will include grades at the time of dismissal if the dismissal was due to academic requirements not being met.  All re-applications are reviewed by the faculty. If the application is approved, the start date will be determined in consultation with the student’s MSW Academic Advisor. Coursework taken at another college or university during the dismissal period is not transferable to TSSW.  If dismissal is the outcome of a Student Accountability and Standards Review, the student shall stop taking classes AND stop attending both Practicum and Field Practicum & Seminar. Returning to TSSW following a second dismissal is not allowed.

Student Accountability and Standards Review Appeal Process

A student may appeal the decision rendered by a Student Accountability and Standards Review by adhering to the following steps:

1. The student may appeal against the decision of a Student Accountability and Standards Review by responding to the TSSW faculty or staff member identified in the student’s outcome letter. The student’s appeal must submitted to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, in writing, within five business days of receiving the outcome letter sent via email.

2. The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs will review the appeal.

3. The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs determines whether or not the the appeal has merit. The student will be notified of the decision in writing and that decision will be sent to the student’s Tulane email account.

4. The student may appeal against the decision rendered by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs by submitting a second and final appeal to the Dean of the Tulane School of Social Work.

Student Accountability and Standards - Professional and Ethical Standards

All students enrolled in a social work program must abide by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) code of Ethics which governs social workers’ professional and ethical behavior and values. Students must uphold ethical standards of practice established by NASW in the Code of Ethics, maintain professional performance standards required to be licensed as a social worker, and meet the practice behaviors established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Violation of these standards may be identified by faculty, adjunct instructors, or staff members. Violation of these standards includes but is not limited to:

• Failure to meet generally accepted standards of professional conduct as outlined in NASW Code of Ethics and may include personal integrity or emotional stability required for professional practice; Tulane University’s Office of Student Affairs/Case Management may be involved for any matters related to emotional or mental stability.
• Failure to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills necessary to perform professional helping relationships;
• Failure to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics;
• Has been found guilty of criminal misconduct that affects the student’s ability to be licensed as a social worker; or

• Displays inappropriate or disruptive behavior* toward clients, other students, faculty, staff, or other affiliates. Tulane University’s Office of Student Affairs/Case Management may be involved for any matters related to or inappropriate or disruptive displays of behavior*

  • *The Tulane Unified Code of Graduate Student Academic Conduct defines this as “any student behavior that has the effect of interfering with education, the pursuit of knowledge, and/or a fair evaluation of a student’s performance is considered a violation of the Code’s prescribed academic conduct.” (p.5).

Resolution of Professional and Ethical Standards

Informal Resolution (only if it is a minor professional standards violation)

All are encouraged to exercise prudent judgment with minor professional standard violations. A professional standard violation is considered minor if the harm is minimal and manageable. Examples of minor violations include, but are not limited to:

• First incidence of a student being disrespectful to another student, faculty member, adjunct, or staff which does not cause harm; or
• A student exercises bad judgment in Field Practicum & Seminar which does not cause serious harm or other violations.

Procedure:

1. Meet with the student(s) involved to discuss the actions of concern.
2. The individual filing the violation must complete and submit the  MSW Academic and Professional Standards Code of Conduct Violation Form for each student and each offense discussing the incident and agreed upon resolution. Please note whether there is a need for the student to have further training. The student should be notified that the form will be entered in their student file for documentation and for reference in case of future violations.
3. The first low level ethical standard violation will not count against student(s) should they have another violation, especially if the violation is in the student’s first semester.

Possible Outcomes:

1. Mandatory Faculty Advising Session - A mandatory faculty advising session will be the outcome if there are minor concerns (not including violations) surrounding the NASW Code of Ethics or TSSW Professional Standards.
2. Complete an assignment or read material related to the offense - The instructor or faculty advisor may require the student to complete an assignment or read an article to reinforce concepts related to the NASW Code of Ethics or TSSW Professional Standards.
3. Complete Continuing Education (CE), webinar, or other training - The MSW Program Administrative team may require completion of an approved CE training, webinar or other training where the student must provide a written summary of relevance to violation of professional or ethical standard.

Formal Resolution (Major Professional Standards Violations)

A Student Accountability and Standards Review will be called for major professional standards and ethical violations. Examples of professional performance issues that may result in dismissal from the program include, but are not limited to:

• Professional disrespect of the personal rights and dignity of all persons, including students, faculty, supervisors, staff, and clients receiving services from the student;
• Discrimination or harassment related to race, sexual orientation, gender, religion, age;
• Violating the confidentiality of the professional relationship;
• Hostility and disrespect towards students, faculty, staff, or others affiliated with Tulane University or within a Practicum Education placement;
• Consistent failure to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills necessary for forming professional helping relationships;
• Continued inability or unwillingness to demonstrate a nonjudgmental attitude;
• Unable to allow client self-determination; or
• Any other violations of the NASW Code of Ethics; violations of the policies of the Tulane University Code of Student Conduct.

Procedure:

1. A Professional and Ethical Standard Form is submitted identifying the concern.
2. Faculty or a member of the MSW Program Team shall meet with the student to discuss the violation and review the MSW Academic and Professional Standards Code of Conduct Violation that delineates the reasons (evidence) detailing the violation. The instructor or other individual filing the form and student will sign it to acknowledge the discussion. If the student refuses to sign the form, the form should reflect accordingly.  Signing the form is an indication that the Instructor or the person filing the form and student met and discussed the violation. It is not an admission of guilt or an indication that the student agrees with the violation.
3. The Professional and Ethical Standard Form will be submitted to the MSW Program Manager along with any supporting or corroborating documentation.
4. The MSW Program Manager will inquire with the student to see if there is any additional information that should be brought to light to ensure that academic affairs team has all relevant information from the instructors, classmates, and/or student's vantage point.
5. The MSW Program Manager will present the reported violation at the weekly academic affairs team meeting.
6. Together, the MSW Program Managers, Academic Advisors, Success Coaches, and Program Directors will discuss and recommend whether a full Academic Review is recommended.  If a formal Academic Review is recommended, the Professional Standards Review Committee may include the individual bringing forth the evidence, the Director of the MSW Programs, the Assistant Director of the MSW Programs the Dean of Student Experience, the MSW Program Manager, an Academic Advisor, Academic Success Coach and at least three voting faculty members. Other committee members may include representatives from other University offices and/or program administrators from the Practicum Education Team.
7. The committee will meet 15 minutes before the student is invited to join to review the documentation relevant to the Review. Should the student not attend the Student Accountability and Standards Review will proceed as scheduled and the right to any appeal will be forfeited. 
8. Once the Review Committee has heard separately from the individual filing the violation and the student, the Committee will excuse the student from the meeting to discuss the evidence and recommendations, including any performance outcomes deemed necessary to correct the behavior(s) and continue in the program. Once the discussion is concluded, the Committee will call for a vote by the voting faculty members. Note: Only the voting faculty members will have a vote. Others Committee members may give an opinion or provide information but will not have a vote in the final decision.
9. The student will then join the meeting again to discuss the outcome of the Student Accountability and Standards Review.
10. The MSW Program Manager will complete the Review Outcome Form. The form will be circulated to the voting faculty members to confirm the information included in the form is inclusive and reflects accurately the discussion held and outcomes. The MSW Program Manager will send written communication of the meeting outcome in the form of an email within five-seven business days of the date of the Review to the student’s Tulane email. A certified letter will follow to the address on file in the student’s Tulane record. No other written, audio, or video documentation will be provided. This communication will include the following (as applicable):
    1. the Academic Code of Conduct Violation Form
    2. the Academic Review Outcome Form/Committee decision;
    3. the re-entry plan for a student being suspended;
    4. the date of exit from the program for a student being dismissed from the program.
    5. Instructions to information for filing a grievance should the student contest the Committee decision, including the Grievance and Appeals Policy

Documentation

The MSW Program Manager will receive all relevant documentation from the instructor prior to the Review. 

Documentation of all Academic Reviews and Professional Standards Review decisions where a student has been judged in violation of the Academic Code of Conduct will be maintained in the student’s file in a shared MSW Program folder. The record will include a copy of all documentation submitted to the Review Committee, the Review Outcome Form, and the letter to the student. TSSW will retain a copy of the permanent record. All documentation related to the violation of the Code of Academic Conduct may be reported to the University Office of Student Affairs.

Who can attend Reviews?

Students are not allowed to bring outside parties to the hearing. In special circumstances, prior notification or special consideration will be given. At no time are lawyers allowed to attend. If a student makes a request for an attorney to attend or arrives at the Review with an attorney present, the hearing will be cancelled and referred to Tulane University legal department.

Outcomes of a Student Accountability and Standards Review:

The Tulane School of Social Work has the authority to determine whether a student will be allowed to continue enrollment in their degree program. A Student Accountability and Standards Review may include but are not limited to the following outcomes:

1. Creation of a Personal Success Plan;
   1. Mandatory advising with an Academic Success Coach
2. Academic probation
   1. Mandatory advising with an Academic Success Coach.
3. Resubmit an assignment in question to receive a possible revised grade.
4. Re enroll in a course where a final grade of “C” or below was earned.  A final grade of “B” or higher grade must be earned in the course's re-enrollment before the student can continue with other subsequent curriculum courses. Prerequisite classes MUST be passed for a student to continue matriculate through the Program.
5. Suspension for up to one year/three semesters. If suspension is the outcome of a Student Accountability and Standards Review, the student shall stop taking classes AND stop attending both Practicum and Field Practicum & Seminar.
6. Be asked to participate in other activities as assigned by the committee that could include writing a graduate level paper related to matter at hand, complete a live/synchronous CEU training related to matter at hand, or other as deemed appropriate by the Committee.
7. Dismissal from program. If dismissal is the outcome of a Student Accountability and Standards Review, the student shall stop taking classes AND stop attending both Practicum and Field Practicum & Seminar.

Personal Success Plan (including but not limited to)

• Mandatory meetings with Academic Success Coach;
• Creating a time management plan with the student success coach;
• Other developmental actions as assigned.

Academic Probation

• A final grade of “B-” or below will initiate a student to be placed on academic probation;
• Any student placed on academic probation must develop a Personal Success Plan with an Academic Success Coach;
• After one semester on academic probation, the student will be reassessed for satisfactory completion of their Personal Success Plan, cumulative GPA, and final grades. If the student’s academic performance does not meet the program requirements, a Student Accountability and Standards Review may be scheduled.  The outcomes of the Student Accountability and Standards Review as listed above will apply.

Suspension

The length of an academic suspension from TSSW could range from one to three semesters depending on the outcome of the Student Accountability and Standards Review. A student may only be placed on suspension once during their tenure at TSSW. A student reinstated after their academic suspension shall be placed on academic probation for one semester. Further violations of academic standards may result in dismissal. If suspension is the outcome of a Student Accountability and Standards Review, the student shall stop taking classes AND stop attending both Practicum and Field Practicum & Seminar.

Dismissal

TSSW students can be dismissed for any of the reasons outlined in this handbook. Students may reapply to return to TSSW following a dismissal after one calendar year. A student may reapply to the program through the regular admissions process.  Students should be aware that all relevant information surrounding the student’s dismissal from TSSW will be considered. This will include grades at the time of dismissal if the dismissal was due to academic requirements not being met.  Faculty review all applications from students who reapply. If the application is approved, the start date will be determined in consultation with the student’s MSW Academic Advisor. Coursework taken at another college or university during the dismissal period is not transferable to TSSW.  If dismissal is the outcome of a Student Accountability and Standards Review, the student shall stop taking classes AND stop attending both Practicum and Field Practicum & Seminar. Returning to TSSW following a second dismissal is not allowed.

Reapplication/Reinstatement

Students will be eligible to reapply after one calendar year. Students will reapply the same way they first applied to TSSW. All academic and professional behavior at TSSW will be factored into the admissions decision.

Any student who is readmitted to TSSW after one calendar year must adhere to the most recent curriculum for the respective degree as outlined in the most current University Catalog. 

**If the student is dismissed a second time, this dismissal is permanent and any applications to return to TSSW will be denied.

 

Academic Grievances

The Tulane School of Social Work supports in principle and in practice the right of any student to initiate a grievance/complaint regarding grades or any other cause affecting their academic experience. This policy covers student grievances of any final course grade or other concerns related to the course.

For Grievances of Final course Grade 

1. Should a student have a concern with a final course grade, the student should attempt to resolve the grievance by approaching the Instructor of Record.
2. If the student and the instructor cannot arrive at a mutually satisfactory resolution, a formal grade grievance should be sent by the student to the MSW Program Manager within ten business days of the final grade due date as reflected in the TSSW Academic Calendar, by submitting the Grade Grievance and Appeal Form. 
3. A Grade Grievance and Appeal Committee will be chaired by the Director of the respective degree program and may also include any of the following:  the student, the Associate Dean of Student Affairs, the MSW Program Manager, a member of the Practicum Education Team, an Academic Advisor, a Student Success Coach and three Faculty members.
4. The student must appear at the meeting to provide their rationale and any supporting information. If the student does not attend the grade grievance meeting, the meeting will proceed as scheduled and the student's right to any appeal will be forfeited.
5. The MSW Program Manager will collect the Grade Grievance and Appeal Form from the student and any written documentation from the student and Instructor for the committee to review.
6. The Committee shall make a formal decision at the end of the meeting and the decision will be communicated to the student. The decision will be followed by written communication, via the student’s Tulane University email, within 5-7 business days following the meeting. The Committee records will contain the decision and an explanation of the grounds upon which the decision was reached. All documentation will be permanently stored in the TSSW Student File.

Note: This policy does not apply to individual assignments within a course. Concerns related to the grade of an individual assignment within a course must be addressed with the Instructor of Record. 

Appeal of the Grade Grievance Committee’s Decision

1. If the student is dissatisfied with the Committee’s decision, the student may appeal to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (or the Dean in lieu of) within five (5) business days of receiving the decision.
2. In the appeal to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (or the Dean in lieu of), the student should provide a written statement explaining their rationale and details as to why they disagree with the committee’s decision. The primary purpose of the appeal at this level is to enable the student to demonstrate that one of the following may have occurred during these proceedings:
   • A sanction is grossly disproportionate to the offense.
   • Specified procedural error, or errors, in the interpretation of University regulations are so substantial as to deny the charged student a fair hearing.
   • New and significant evidence appears which could not have been discovered by a student before or during the original hearing.
   • Evidence appears to suggest that the finding was arbitrary and capricious.
   • An arbitrary and capricious finding would be one not supported by any evidence.
3. The Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (or the Dean in lieu of) will notify the Program Director, Program Manager, and the student in writing of their decision. The Program Director will notify the committee of the Associate Dean’s (or the Dean in lieu of) decision.

Appeal of the Associate Dean's Grade Appeal Decision

Student Appeal of Dean’s Grade Appeal Decision

If the student is dissatisfied with the Dean’s ruling, the student may file, within five (5) business days of receiving the Dean’s decision, a written appeal with the Tulane University Senate Committee on Academic Rights, Freedom and Responsibilities of Students. The student should contact the Assistant Vice President & Dean of Students, Student Resources and Support Services

Instructor Appeal of the Grade Appeal

If the instructor believes that their academic freedom or academic responsibilities have been affected by the Associate Dean/Dean’s ruling, the instructor may appeal to the Faculty Grievance Committee of the School. No grade may be changed or final action taken until the Instructor’s appeal process has been completed.

Student Appeal of Dean’s Appeal Decision

If the student is dissatisfied with the Dean’s ruling, the student may file, within five (5) business days of receiving the Dean’s decision, a written appeal.  Per the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (OGPS), if the student is not satisfied with the decision reached by the school, they may appeal to the provost or provost’s designee. The provost or their designee will review the appeal and the decisions made by the department and school and return a decision within five business days. The decision of the provost is final.    

If faculty member who requested the student be brought to a Student Accountability and Standards Review believes that his or her academic freedom or academic responsibilities have been affected by the Dean’s ruling, the faculty member may appeal to the Faculty Grievance Committee of the School. The faculty member's appeal must be made within 10 business days of the action provoking the appeal. If the faculty member is dissatisfied with the committee of peers’ decision regarding his or her academic freedom or responsibilities, the teacher may appeal to the Senate Committee on Faculty Tenure, Freedom and Responsibility. That appeal also must be made within 10 business days of the action provoking it. No review decision may be changed until the teacher’s appeal process has been completed.

If the faculty who requested the student be brought to review believes that his or her academic freedom or academic responsibilities have been affected by the ruling of the Senate Committee on Academic Rights, Freedom and Responsibilities of Students, the matter shall be referred to the Senate Committee on Faculty Tenure, Freedom and Responsibility.

In cases of conflict regarding the decision of the divisional peer committee and the Senate Committee on Academic Freedom and Responsibility of Students, the matter shall be referred to the Senate Committee on Faculty Tenure, Freedom and Responsibility. In cases of conflict regarding the decisions of the Senate Committee on Faculty, Tenure, Freedom and Responsibility and either of the other committees stemming from the deliberations described above or in this item, the committees at odds shall meet jointly to discuss the issue. The ultimate findings of the two committees shall be forwarded to the President of the University within 10 business days. All non-academic concerns may be reported to the University Office of Student Affairs.

 

Leave of Absence, Withdrawal, and Medical Withdrawal/Leave

 Returning to Tulane - Deadlines for Submitting Documentation

Practicum Education (MSW)

The purpose of the Practicum Education is to provide an educationally directed practice experience for the MSW student. Historically, the partnership between social service agencies and social work education has been an essential one. The supervised practice experience provided by social service agencies for the education of social work students may also be known as, “Practicum placement,” “Practicum instruction,” “practicum” or “internship.”

Relationship of the Practicum Experience to the Overall Curriculum

The Practicum is the link between the experiential aspect of learning and the overall curriculum. Each mode of learning, class and Practicum, reinforces and enhances the other. Some content may receive greater emphasis in the Practicum site or in the classroom, or content may emerge in one and be reinforced in the other. It is in the class/Practicum partnership that integration of theory and practice occurs. The interdependence and complementary nature of the two modes of learning are enhanced through mutual understanding by faculty and Practicum Instructors of the theories, content, learning experiences, and assignments offered to students in both environments.

This goal of integration is accomplished in part through the Field Practicum & Seminar course, which provides students the opportunity to discuss, process, and integrate their agency-based Practicum placement experience with classroom learning. Teaching methods and learning activities for the Field Practicum & Seminar may include readings, skill building exercises, didactic presentations, case presentations, and role play exercises. Faculty Field (Practicum) Liaisons and Practicum Instructors communicate regularly to ensure students’ educational goals are being met. Practicum Instructors are encouraged to review syllabi, bibliographies, and assignments.

Prerequisites for Practicum

With the exception of those admitted as Advanced Standing, students must successfully complete one full-time or two part-time semesters prior to starting their Practicum placement. The Practicum experience is in addition to students’ non-Practicum courses, allowing for both theoretical and practical learning.

Students must have resolved any “Incomplete” grades prior to starting Practicum, as outlined in the TSSW Student Handbook. In addition, any student whose GPA falls below 3.0 MUST be evaluated by the Academic/Professional Accountability Review procedures to determine whether or not they will be allowed to enter or continue in Practicum.

Advanced Standing students begin Practicum placement their first semester full-time or part-time semester.

Generalist Practicum

The purpose of the Foundation Practice curriculum is to provide students with experience and instruction in foundation social work practice. It offers students an opportunity to learn the wide range of social work roles and functions (advocate, broker, resource developer, teacher, and counselor) and to become more aware of the needs of vulnerable populations. The foundation practice course, Field Practicum & Seminar I (SOWK 7520), is completed in one semester (during the full-time student’s second semester in the MSW program). Part-time students complete the foundation practice Field Practicum & Seminar courses PT1 and PT2 (SOWK 7910 & 7920) in two semesters.

Specialized Practicum 

The second segment of the Practicum instruction sequence is the Specialized Practice Practicum. Its purpose is to promote and focus on the integration of theory and practice skills in advanced clinical in community social work practice. The Specialized Practice curriculum builds upon the Foundation Practice curriculum. Full-time students take Field Practicum & Seminar II and III (SOWK 7530 and SOWK 7540) during their third and fourth semesters in the MSW program. Part-time students take the Specialized Practicums PT3, PT4, PT5, PT6 (SOWK 7930, 7940, 7950, 7960) during the student’s fifth through eighth semesters in the MSW program.

Practicum Education Roles and Responsibilities

DIRECTOR OF PRACTICUM EDUCATION

The Director of Practicum Education is responsible for the leadership and management of the Practicum Education Department within the School’s budgetary guidelines.

PROGRAM MANAGERS for Practicum Education

The Program Manager(s) work collaboratively with all TSSW stakeholders. Program Managers are responsible for coordinating services related to the implementation of CSWE and Practicum Education Department policies and procedures.

MSW PRACTICUM EDUCATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR

MSW Practicum Education Program Coordinators are responsible for coordinating administrative duties related to the implementation of the Practicum Education Department.

PLACEMENT ADVISORS

Placement Advisers support the Program Managers/Senior Practicum Education Coordinators by working directly with online students seeking placement. Placement advisers are the first (but not only) point of contact for online students and provide guidance regarding their Practicum application. The placement advisers present options to the program managers, who complete a vetting process with proposed sites, Practicum Instructors, and Task Managers to ensure they meet accreditation and TSSW standards.

ROLE OF MSW STUDENT

TSSW’s MSW program is an accelerated graduate program designed for adult learners. Students are expected to have the capacity, willingness, and motivation to be responsible learners and active participants in their own professional development.

Students must take active ownership of their education and professional development, including but not limited to:

• Completing the minimum CSWE-prescribed 900 hours of Practicum placement concurrently with the associated Field Practicum & Seminar courses;
• Engaging in mandatory one-hour weekly supervision with the approved Practicum Instructor;
• Actively participate in planning their own learning, including developing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-oriented (SMART)  learning goals each semester (each semester for full-time and alternating semesters for part-time students) with their approved Practicum Instructor;
• Following NASW ethical and professional standards by first addressing any concerns directly with their Practicum Supervisors then escalating to the Field Liaison should those concerns not be resolved;
• Reviewing placement hours with their Practicum Instructors and submitting biweekly timesheets in TSSW’s online internship tracking program.
• Behaving professionally as both a student and a representative of TSSW and their placement agency in the community. Scheduling a mandatory site visit every semester that includes the student, the Practicum Instructor, the Field Liaison and, if applicable, the task supervisor.

ROLE OF THE FIELD PRACTICUM & SEMINAR Instructor

Potential Practicum Instructors come to the attention of the TSSW in various ways. Most often, a continuing relationship over the years between TSSW and agency yields the best results. The TSSW and the agency understand each other, are united in the educational endeavor and have worked productively over time. Often agency staff includes graduates of TSSW who identify with TSSW and its program and, with time and experience, are themselves interested in providing Practicum instruction. Open communication between interested parties reveals names of staff members who are ready for and interested in becoming Practicum Instructors.

For those seeking placement outside the greater New Orleans area, agency administrators suggest staff members who they think should take on this assignment as a step in professional development. Often agency social workers themselves take the initiative and contact TSSW to express interest in becoming Practicum Instructors.

Readiness, qualification, interest, and supportive administration are the necessary backdrop for successful Practicum instruction. TSSW will ensure minimum criteria for consideration as a Practicum Instructor are met for each individual Practicum placement site.

TASK SUPERVISOR

In situations in which the agency cannot provide a qualified Master’s level social worker or Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Task Supervisor may be utilized to reinforce the social work perspective and ensure adequate supervision. TSSW will ensure minimum criteria for consideration as a Task Supervisor are met for each individual Practicum placement site.

EXTERNAL FIELD (PRACTICUM) Instructor (EFI)

When an agency does not have a qualified Practicum Instructor, as defined by CSWE and TSSW policies, an external supervisor may be brought onto the student’s team to provide the CSWE-prescribed weekly supervision. The external Practicum Instructor (EFI) must meet CSWE and TSSW Practicum Instructor qualifications and will work closely with the task supervisor and the Field (Practicum) Liaison to ensure the student’s Practicum experience reflects CSWE competencies and social work values. TSSW will ensure minimum criteria for consideration as a External Practicum Instructor are met for each individual Practicum placement site.

FACULTY FIELD (PRACTICUM) Liaison

The Faculty Field Liaison is a professor or adjunct instructor at Tulane University who teaches a Field Practicum & Seminar course. Faculty Field Liaisons assume responsibility for Practicum advisement of small groups of students, meeting regularly with them in Practicum Seminar and conducting Practicum site visits at least once per semester. The emphasis is on a relationship-centered system that supports students’ reflection, critical thinking, and relationship skills. Agencies and their students are assigned to faculty Liaisons by the Practicum Education Department.

Procedures for Practicum Placement

The process of assigning students to the Practicum placement is a prescribed, rigorous, and detailed. The Practicum is the signature pedagogy of social work and the most important learning experience for students. As students engage in the delivery of social work services, classroom content takes on a professional reality. Much care, thought, and attention is focused on the assignment of students to Practicum placements.

Students must be in good academic standing and demonstrate professional behavior for admission to Practicum. This standard is articulated in the TSSW Code of Student Ethics Students are expected to have read and internalized the NASW Code of Ethics that guides social work professional practice. TSSW reserves the right to deny or delay a student’s Practicum placement if these academic or professional standards are not met.

The Practicum Education Department assigns students to Practicum placements following a substantial amount of preliminary work. This includes assessing how many interns an agency can support, and whether the agency will be able to support students’ individualized learning goals and desired Practicum experiences. A final Practicum assignment is made only after a student has interviewed with an assigned Practicum placement, and there is mutual agreement that the assignment will be productive. The Practicum Education Department must provide the final approval for an internship to start.

All students must submit proof of individual student professional liability insurance to the TSSW online internship tracking system before entrance into Practicum placement. They must also furnish proof of current and valid liability insurance upon request by TSSW officials or Practicum Instructors.

STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO CONTACT PROSPECTIVE Practicum PLACEMENT AGENCIES UNTIL A TENTATIVE ASSIGNMENT HAS BEEN MADE OR THEY HAVE BEEN TOLD TO DO SO BY THE Practicum EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

Practicum Policies

REMOVAL OF A STUDENT FROM Practicum: REASONS FOR REMOVAL

A student may be removed from the Practicum placement if either the agency or the Practicum Department believes such removal is warranted. Situations where removal will be considered warranted include but are not limited to the following:

1. Level of student performance in the placement is below standards. Using the Competency standards on the Practicum Performance Evaluation for the appropriate level of Practicum (Generalist or Specialized), the Practicum Instructor determines that the student is far below standards and has little or no chance of achieving a level of ‘Satisfactory’ for the semester. The Practicum Instructor and Field Liaison attempted to remedy sub-standard performance areas, but those efforts were unsuccessful in bringing the student up to the ‘Satisfactory’ level for that given semester and its Competency standards. For either semester, evidence to the contrary of the above expectations, given appropriate efforts by the Practicum Instructor and Field Liaison to remedy deficiencies, will constitute grounds for an Academic and Professional Standards Review to determine the student’s continuation in the MSW program.
2. A student’s failure to meet the expected standards for ethical practice as outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics, Louisiana Professional and Occupational Standards, assigned agency policies or procedures or TSSW policies and procedures;
3. An agency’s failure to provide learning experiences and/or appropriate supervision to allow the student the opportunity to meet the Competency standards as defined on the Practicum Performance Evaluation;
4. Unexpected events in the life of the student or in the agency which prevent the attainment of the Competency standards as defined on the Practicum Performance Evaluation;
5. The student has demonstrated an inability to work positively and instructively with other students, faculty, staff, clients, and other professionals.
6. The student has attempted to harm him or herself or someone else;
7. Inappropriate behavior which is inconsistent with the principles and practices of the social work profession and is not limited to the classroom or the Practicum placement; or
8. Repeated tardiness or absences from the Practicum site without notification or approval.

PROCEDURES FOR ADDRESSING ISSUES IN Practicum

The student,Field Liaison and Practicum Instructor work together as a team to address issues as they arise. It is incumbent upon the student and the Practicum Instructor to identify, discuss and attempt to mediate problems as they occur. If they are unable to reach a solution, they are to contact the Practicum Liaison as soon as possible for further assistance.

Upon notification that there are problems with the Practicum placement that need further assistance, the Practicum Liaison will:

1. Apprise the Practicum Education Department of the situation;
2. Meet with the student and Practicum Instructor to determine the specific problems and attempt to remediate the situation with a plan for corrective action, specifically articulating the behavioral indicators that would show that the problems are being resolved.
3. Document the findings of the meeting and share that documentation with the Director of Practicum Education, the student, and the Practicum Instructor.
4. If a solution cannot be worked out that will allow the student to remain in the Practicum setting, then the Field Liaison will convey this in writing to the Director, who can attempt further remediation efforts or terminate the placement. The Director of Practicum Education will then
   1. Initiate appropriate “next-steps” with the student and the Practicum Office to facilitate placement in another setting or Request an Academic and Professional Standards Review to determine the student’s standing in the MSW program.
   2. To protect students, agencies and TSSW from prematurely changing Practicum placements, every effort will be made to ensure a student will not be removed from the Practicum placement without going through the above-mentioned process.
      • If necessary, the student may be placed on leave from the Practicum placement by the Field Liaison and Director of Practicum Education during this process.
      • Practicum Instructors are notified of the process for addressing concerns during orientation and receive a copy of the Practicum Manual outlining procedures.
      • If the Practicum Instructor and agency believe that immediate dismissal of the student without prior notification is warranted, the Field Liaison and Director of Practicum Education will obtain information from the Practicum Instructor and student to determine appropriate next steps.

DISMISSAL FROM A PRACTICUM PLACEMENT MAY RESULT IN AN ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS REVIEW AND COULD RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM.

A student who terminates a Practicum without the knowledge and permission of the Practicum Liaison and Director of Practicum Education may receive a failing grade for the semester, lose credit for the hours worked, and be subject to an Academic and Professional Standards Review to determine the student’s standing in the MSW program. The Director of Practicum Education, in collaboration with the Practicum Liaison and Practicum Instructor, will determine if any credit will be given for Practicum hours completed if the student transitions to another Practicum placement.