Syllabus
Master of Social Work
SSWO 581 – Practicum & Integrating Seminar III (Spring 2025)
Credits - 3
Description
Practicum & Integrating Seminar III & IV is a two-term sequenced set of courses designed to complement student’s agency supervised advanced social work practice. Students complete their required hours of experiential learning in an approved social service organization setting in which they learn, practice, and receive feedback on their multi-level integrated clinical social work skills. The integrating seminar provides students with opportunities to practice ethical communication, critical thinking and case formulation as well as to discuss and reflect on professional social work practice issues that arise in their practicum experience. Through mixed learning methods, students have the opportunity to explore, connect, apply and discuss advanced practice theories and concepts learned in the classroom into the practicum setting. Students also have the opportunity to develop skills for self-reflection, self-awareness and reflexivity, and to broaden and deepen their understanding of social work’s inherent values such as honoring dignity and worth of each person, clients’ right to self-determination, social justice, equity and inclusion, honor and respect for diversity, and cultural humility in an integrated clinical social work setting. SSWO 580 provides a venue for students to deepen, broaden and further ground their experience of specialized social work practice and prepare to transition to professional social worker. Students are expected to abide by The Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers https://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/code.asp in their practice with clients and agencies/organizations.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
School of Social Work Program Outcomes:
Graduates of the UNE SSWO will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:
- Demonstrates ethical and professional behavior.
- Advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
- Engage in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice.
- Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
- Engage in policy practice.
- Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior (EPAS 1)
- Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice (EPAS 2)
- Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice Competency (EPAS 3)
- Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice Competency (EPAS 4)
- Engage in Policy Practice (EPAS 5)
- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities (EPAS 6)
- Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities (EPAS 7)
- Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities (EPAS 8)
- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities (EPAS 9)
Assignments
A variety of learning activities are designed to support the course objectives, facilitate different learning styles, and build a community of learners. Learning activities for each module include the following:
Readings and Multimedia
There are two (suggested) recommended texts in this course. Your instructor may integrate and suggest readings throughout the modules. Additional readings in the modules will be introduced as the forms and supporting documents needed for completion. There are a few videos presented as learning material, but the majority of videos in this course are student-created each week.
Discussions
Each week you will engage in weekly video assignments and discuss some of your peers’ practicum experiences. You will also post self-care tips that you are employing and discuss amongst your classmates. There are several optional discussion boards in this course that you may utilize to ask questions about a specific assignment. You will have discussion opportunities about safety in your agency and community.
Writing Assignments, Projects, and Assessments
There are several assignments in this course, which are all tailored around strengthening your practicum and seminar experiences. These assignments will be collaborative with your practicum instructor and seminar instructor and there will be plenty of time for review, comment, and submission. These will be highlighted throughout the course along with several reminders and prompts to get started. All of your assignments (including all of your forms) must be submitted via the assignment link and not via email. Any assignments (including all of your forms) submitted through Send Email or email will not be accepted.
Grading and Feedback
Feedback will be provided within the assignment submission tool.
Please note that the late policy is different for seminars/practicum and the academic course late policy does not apply.
Due Dates: Due dates for all learning activities are provided in the Course Schedule. Each assignment or discussion submitted late will earn only half credit. If you do not complete the entire assignment you will only receive half the point value for that assignment. If you post to the discussion board after the week has ended you will not earn any credit. All assignments must be submitted to pass the course. You must earn 80 of 100 points to pass the seminar/placement course.
Please note that the late policy is different for seminars/practicum and the academic course late policy does not apply.
Grading Policy
The School of Social Work uses the following grading system for all courses with the exception of field education courses. Students are expected to maintain a “B” (3.0) average over the course of their study. Students with less than a GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 in order to receive their Master’s Degree.
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Assignment | Point Value | Percentage of Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgement of Academic Engagement | 1 point | 1% |
| Week 1: Intro Video | 1 point | 1% |
| Weekly Self-Care (Weeks 1-16) - no credit after Sunday | 32 points (2 pts x 16 weeks) | 32% |
| Weekly Video Assignments (No credit after Sunday for video postings) | 16 points (2 points x 8 weeks) | 16% |
| Weekly Video Responses (Weeks 2-16) | 30 points (2 pts x 15 weeks) | 30% |
| Week 1: Statement of Understanding | 1 point | 1% |
| Week 1: Submit Field Placement Proposal Form | 1 point | 1% |
| Week 3: Complete and Submit Safety Agreement | 1 point | 1% |
| Week 3: State-Country Licensing Requirements Assignment | 1 point | 1% |
| Week 4 Discussion on Safety | 2 points | 2% |
| Week 5: Schedule Practicum Visit Appointment | 1 point | 1% |
| Week 5: Learning Contract Completion and Submission | 3 points | 3% |
| Week 8: Process Recording #1 | 2 points | 2% |
| Week 13: Process Recording #2 | 2 points | 2% |
| Week 14: IPE Reflection | 2 points | 2% |
| Week 15: 1st Half Practicum Evaluation and Time Log Submission | 4 points | 4% |
| Total | 100 points | 100% |
Schedule
Course Dates:
Week 1: Jan 13 – Jan 19
Week 2: Jan 20 – Jan 26
Week 3: Jan 27 – Feb 2
Week 4: Feb 3 – Feb 9
Week 5: Feb 10 – Feb 16
Week 6: Feb 17 – Feb 23
Week 7: Feb 24 – Mar 2
Week 8: Mar 3 – Mar 9
Week 9: Mar 10 – Mar 16
Week 10: Mar 17 – Mar 23
Week 11: Mar 24 – Mar 30
Week 12: Mar 31 – Apr 6
Week 13: Apr 7 – Apr 13
Week 14: Apr 14 – Apr 20
Week 15: Apr 21 – Apr 27
Week 16: Apr 28 – May 4
All assignments are to be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on the dates listed in the course. Unless otherwise specified, all discussions and assignments are due the last day of the module or unit.
WEEK 1
Readings & Multimedia:
- Document: What is Practicum Instruction: Helpful Hints for Students and Practicum Instructors
- Document: Practicum Education Manual
- Document: Statement of Understanding
- Document: Practicum Video Confidentiality Form
- Document: Technology and Telehealth Release Form
- Website: NASW Code of Ethics
- Website: International Federation of Social Workers Statement of Ethical Principles
- Website: World Health Organization
- Website: United Nations Declaration of Human Rights
- Video: Intro to Self-Care Video
Discussions:
- Introduction to the class (Due: Sunday)
- Self-Care Corner (Due: Sunday)
Assignments:
- Technology and Telehealth Release Form
- Statement of Understanding
- Field Video Confidentiality Statement
- Practicum Placement Proposal Form
- Reminder: Schedule Field Visit
- Learning Contract Introduction
WEEK 2
Readings & Multimedia:
- Document: Online Field Education Manual, Safety Precautions for Students in Field –
- Read this section in the manual, pp 11-12
- Document: Safety Agreement – You will submit the Safety Agreement in the next module.
- Document: Safety Checklist – Home and Community Visits from the CDCs Comprehensive Risk Counseling and Services.
- Document: Risk Assessment, Violent Clients and Practitioner Safety Workshop Handout
- Document: Video Assignment and Response Requirements
- Article: Developing Student Knowledge and Skills for Home-based Social Work Practice
- Watch: New Law Requires Safety Training for Social Workers
Discussions:
- Self-Care Corner (Due: Sunday)
- Video Assignment (Due: Wednesday)
- Video Assignment Responses (Due: Sunday)
WEEK 3
Readings & Multimedia:
- Document: Safety Contract
- Document: Video Assignment and Response Requirements
Discussions:
- Self-Care Corner (Due: Sunday)
- Video Assignment (Due: Wednesday)
- Video Assignment Responses (Due: Sunday)
Assignment:
- Safety Contract
- State/Country Licensing Requirements
WEEK 4
Readings & Multimedia:
- Document: Video Assignment and Response Requirements
- Document: Learning Contract
- Watch: Safety, Ethics, and the Elephant in the Room
Discussions:
- Self-Care Corner (Due: Sunday)
- Video Assignment (Due: Wednesday)
- Video Assignment Responses (Due: Sunday)
- Discussion on Safety
Assignments:
- IPE Reflection Assignment Selection
WEEK 5
Readings & Multimedia:
- Document: Video Assignment and Response Requirements
- Document: Learning Contract
Discussions:
- Self-Care Corner (Due: Sunday)
- Video Assignment (Due: Wednesday)
- Video Assignment Responses (Due: Sunday)
- Schedule Field Visit Appointment (Due: Sunday)
Assignments:
- Learning Contract
Reminders:
Please remember, you will be completing the following items in the upcoming modules:
- Process Recording – Due Week 12
You are encouraged to continue working on these to prepare for timely submission.
WEEK 6
Readings & Multimedia:
- Document: Video Assignment and Response Requirements
- Document: Process Recordings Handout
- Document: Process Recording Documents: Individuals, Groups, and Community/Organizational
- Document: Process Recording Worksheet
Discussions:
- Self-Care Corner (Due: Sunday)
- Video Assignment (Due: Wednesday)
- Video Assignment Responses (Due: Sunday)
WEEK 7
Readings & Multimedia:
- Document: Video Assignment and Response Requirements
- Document: Learning Contract
Discussions:
- Self-Care Corner (Due: Sunday)
- Video Assignment (Due: Wednesday)
- Video Assignment Responses (Due: Sunday)
WEEK 8
Discussions:
- Self-Care Corner (Due: Sunday)
- Video Assignment (Due: Wednesday)
- Video Assignment Responses (Due: Sunday)
Assignments:
- Process Recording #1
WEEK 9
Readings & Multimedia:
- Document: Video Assignment and Response Requirements
Discussions:
- Self-Care Corner (Due: Sunday)
- Video Assignment (Due: Wednesday)
- Video Assignment Responses (Due: Sunday)
WEEK 10
Readings & Multimedia:
- Document: Video Assignment and Response Requirements
Discussions:
- Self-Care Corner (Due: Sunday)
- Video Assignment (Due: Wednesday)
- Video Assignment Responses (Due: Sunday)
WEEK 11
Readings & Multimedia:
- Document: Video Assignment and Response Requirements
Discussions:
- Self-Care Corner (Due: Sunday)
- Video Assignment (Due: Wednesday)
- Video Assignment Responses (Due: Sunday)
WEEK 12
Readings & Multimedia:
- Document: Video Assignment and Response Requirements
- Document: Process Recordings Handout
- Document: Process Recording Documents: Individuals,
- Groups, and Community/Organizational
- Document: Field Evaluation
Discussions:
- Self-Care Corner (Due: Sunday)
- Video Assignment (Due: Wednesday)
- Video Assignment Responses (Due: Sunday)
Assignments:
- Process Recordings #2 Submission
- Introduction to Field Evaluations
WEEK 13
Readings & Multimedia:
- Document: Video Assignment and Response Requirements
Discussions:
- Self-Care Corner (Due: Sunday)
- Video Assignment (Due: Wednesday)
- Video Assignment Responses (Due: Sunday)
WEEK 14
Readings & Multimedia:
- Document: Video Assignment and Response Requirements
Discussions:
- Self-Care Corner (Due: Sunday)
- Video Assignment (Due: Wednesday)
- Video Assignment Responses (Due: Sunday)
Assignments:
- IPE Reflection
WEEK 15
Readings & Multimedia:
- Document: Video Assignment and Response Requirements
- Document: Field Evaluation
Discussions:
- Self-Care Corner (Due: Sunday)
- Video Assignment (Due: Wednesday)
- Video Assignment Responses (Due: Sunday)
Assignments:
- Placement Evaluation and Time Sheet Submission
WEEK 16
Readings & Multimedia:
- Document: Video Assignment and Response Requirements
Discussions:
- Self-Care Corner (Due: Sunday)
- Video Assignment (Due: Wednesday)
- Video Assignment Responses (Due: Sunday)
- Everyone completes the video assignment and responds for the final week of the course – reminder: delete all the videos on the final day of class.
Please complete the Course Evaluation
Student Resources
Online Student Support
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.
Questions? Visit the Student Support Social Work page
UNE Libraries:
- Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Brightspace.
- Social Work Databases: https://library.une.edu/library-materials/find/research-by-subject/social-work/
- Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673
Accommodations
Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.
Online Peer Support
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.
ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.
Career Ready Program
The College of Professional Studies supports its online students and alumni in their career journey!
The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.
Policies
Late Policy
Each assignment or discussion submitted late will earn half credit. If you complete part of an assignment but not the entire assignment, you will only receive half the point value for that assignment.
Essential Academic and Technical Standards
Please review the essential academic and technical standards of the University of New England School Social Work (SSW): https://online.une.edu/social-work/academic-and-technical-standards-une-online-ssw/
Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool
The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.
Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.
You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.
Technology Requirements
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements
Confidentiality Statement
Student and faculty participation in this course will be governed by standards in the NASW Code of Ethics relating to confidentiality in sharing information from their placement sites and practice experiences. Students should be aware that personal information they choose to share in class, class assignments or conversations with faculty does not have the status of privileged information.
Late Policy
Assignments: Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.
Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.
Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
Attendance Policy
8 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
16 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.
Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.
UNE Course Withdrawal
Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.