Last updated: 03.25.20

Dean Social Work Warrior Students,

With the rapid changes to the way we communicate, work, live and support one another during the COVID-19 outbreak, we at The Wayne State School of Social Work are committed to supporting our Detroit community with resources and opportunities to connect with one another.

Our executive team in the School of Social Work – along with our university partners – are interested in the health and safety of each and every member of our community. As you may know, in compliance with state and CDC recommendations, Wayne State has transitioned to online classes for the remainder of the semester and our employees have transitioned to a virtual work environment off-campus. I am truly proud of the teamwork and commitment of our faculty and staff! They have worked tirelessly to ensure that our work continues! We remain deeply committed to our students, faculty, staff and community, and have implemented the following areas of focus:

• FACULTY and FIELD: The week of March 16^th we worked closely with faculty and staff to provide them with the support and resources needed to deliver class content in an online context and to work remotely. We established virtual drop-in hours with technology and curricula experts to ensure we are properly prepped when all online classes went live. We also worked (and will continue to) with our field placement agencies, instructors and students as it related to student placements.
• STUDENT ONLINE INSTRUCTION: During the week of March 23 (and thereafter) we will focus intensively on assisting students as they begin their online courses to ensure they have the necessary support needed to successfully complete the semester. We understand this is a stressful time for students on many levels as their field placements, courses, campus supports, jobs and personal lives are affected by COVID-19. With Governor Whitmer's recent 'stay at home' order, we are utilizing local and national partners to engage students in non-contact/alternative tasks to complete their field hours.
• COMMUNITY NEEDS:  As we stabilize our online and virtual operations, we will begin the week of March 30^th to mobilize our faculty, staff, students and alumni toward the collective needs of our community. We will work closely with the University and local organizations to support all of our community members. We have sent a brief survey to our field agencies to determine their current operational status and needs and will conduct a 'Community Partner's Breakfast' to dialogue with agency administrators.

Wishing continued good health to you and yours,

Sheryl Kubiak, Dean

Field placements

03.25.20 - CSWE REDUCTION IN REQUIRED FIELD HOURS

CSWE made a decision to reduce the number of hours that social work students will be required to work in field placement this semester. In an announcement early today, they amended standards to decrease the number of hours by 15%.

This will be immensely helpful to many of you who have been struggling to meet the required hours when your field placements have closed or operations have shifted to virtual contact only.  This 15% reduction means:

• MSW students needing 225 hours this semester, will now only need to have 191;
• BSW students needing to meet 230 hours will now need 196 hours.   
• MSW advanced year students who are registered for 6 credits for their field will need to complete their 191 hours PLUS 113 hours more to meet the additional 2 credits they elected to take as those hours meet elective credits.

Depending on how many hours you have currently, you may be close to or at that amount. If you do not have those hours, there are several opportunities that we have been providing that are alternatives to face-to-face meetings. 

It is important to note that the above assumes students are in good standing, have been attending field and progressing toward competency - including completion of Learning Plan outcomes, all Process Recordings/PRACSIS, Midterm and final evaluations. 

As always, any changes in your field attendance should be discussed with your field instructors and Faculty Field Liaisons.  

03.23.20 - MICHIGAN ANNOUNCES STAY AT HOME ORDER

Governor Whitmer issued a 'stay-at-home' order for nonessential businesses and their employees. Although it is clear in the details of that order that caregivers – including physicians, dentists, psychologists, pharmacists, social workers, therapists and others – are considered 'essential'  there are some clarifications needed to illuminate the role of students.  The spirit of this order is intended to slow the spread of the COVID 19 virus and support the burgeoning health care system by staying healthy. Because students were not intended to take on a primary role in providing these essential caregiving services, we are recommending that students who are still attending field placement in person suspend face-to-face work and instead engage in non-contact/alternative tasks in consultation with their Field Instructors. After speaking with many community provider agencies, we understand that most are transitioning to virtual contacts (phone, skype, teams and/or zoom). These virtual contacts are considered acceptable activities for field placement hours.

However, as has been our policy, this is a decision that needs to be made by the student in concert with their field instructor. The School of Social Work has already provided information regarding alternative activities to guide field instructors and students. We also are continuing our conversations and advocacy for broader solutions addressing the required hours mandated by our accrediting body (CSWE) with deans and directors across the country.

Our ultimate goal is to support the success of our students. As always, that success is dependent upon the health of our community, the human services agencies within Southeast MI, and the hundreds of field instructors who give tirelessly to our students. We know that the individuals, families and communities we serve will continue to need support. Providing this support – and simultaneously protecting the health and well-being of our social workforce – is a new challenge we are all facing. Facing this collaboratively, I have no doubt that we will all learn a great deal and be successful in moving through this!

WSU School of Social Work Field Plan for Interruption of Field Placement due to National or Local Events

Additional Resources for Remote Activities:

• NEW: Social Work students can take FREE online WSU Social Work Continuing Education Courses. Students should check with their Field Instructors to see which courses they should complete and complete the steps outlined below. For IT questions regarding the CE process below, contact Katie Alfonsi at ec6856@wayne.edu. 
  1. Visit the WSU Social Work CE website 
  2. View the materials for each course you want to complete
  3. Complete and pass the course post-test and any associated assignments from your Field Instructor
  4. Visit the CE Store and insert the discount code WSUSSW for $0 cost for your course
  5. The CE Office will email you a CE certificate for your completed course(s) within 5-7 business days
• Field Education Strategies for Remote Competency Development
• Sample Activity
• Online Trainings for Students (Free or Minimal Charge)