Revised 10-1-2010

Admissions Deadline:All application materials turned in by April 1, 2012

Advanced Standing Programs:Traditional Programs:

Mandatory Orientation Dates for New Students:Traditional & Advanced Standing Program Orientation: August (date to be determined)

Traditional & Advanced Standing Field Orientation: August (date to be determined)

Orientation Fee: $30.00 (Non-refundable)

Dear Prospective Student,

I am so pleased that you are considering pursuing the Master of Social Work degree at Western Kentucky University! Our MSW program provides excellent preparation for rural social work practice, and is dedicated to addressing workforce needs of agencies working with regional families and communities.

You will have the opportunity to become an advanced practitioner skilled in integrated direct social work practice with diverse populations living in rural/non-urban areas. However, if your current plans include social work practice in an urban setting, or even internationally, know that MSW education and skills are highly transferable and a degree from WKU can be used in many fields of practice and in any geographical location.

There are many exciting opportunities in graduate social work education at WKU that we believe set us apart:

We have excellent faculty dedicated to student-centered teaching and research. Along with active engagement with students in the classroom and advising, faculty members encourage student participation in research. 

Our program works hard to ensure the quality of the profession while also being accessible to students who have families and who work full-time.  We believe that our course scheduling structure and the option of doing approved worksite field placements make the challenging job of completing an MSW degree a little easier.

Program options: o Advanced Standing program (33 hours) for students with a recent (seven years) BSW degree from a CSWE-

accredited program.   o Traditional program (60 hours) for students with degrees in areas other than social work.o Both programs are available full-time and part-time on the Bowling Green campus. Historically, the MSW

program has also offered part-time cohort options in Paducah, KY and Cookeville, TN.

WKU social work students have had the opportunity to travel to attend state, national, and international conferences and have co-authored scholarly articles with faculty.

Program graduates have extremely high pass rates on the graduate social work licensure examination.

Please take the time to read carefully all the materials in this booklet. Come visit the beautiful Western Kentucky University campus and meet with us in person. Just call ahead so we will be available. I hope you will feel the same excitement that we feel about our program!

The Master of Social Work degree can empower you with the skills necessary to making a real difference in the world. I wish you the best on your graduate journey.

Dr. J. Dean May, Ed.D., MSWMSW Program Director

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Western Kentucky University2011 –2012 Social Work Faculty

Department Head

Dean May, Ed.D., MSW dean.may@wku.edu (270) 745-5312

BSW Program Director

Susan Wesley, Ph.D., CSW susan.wesley@wku.edu (270) 745-5313

MSW Program Director

Dean May, Ed.D., MSW dean.may@wku.edu (270) 745-5312

Field Director

Vivian Hurt, MSW, CSW, LMFT vivian.hurt@wku.edu (270) 745-8935

Faculty and Staff

Eileen Arnold, MSW, CSW eileen.arnold@wku.edu (270) 745-2676 Amy Cappiccie, Ph.D., LCSW amy.cappiccie@wku.edu (270) 745-2677

Janice Hays Chadha, Ph.D., MSW janice.chadha@wku.edu

Patricia “Trish” Desrosiers, MSW patricia.desrosiers@wku.edu (270) 745-4557

W. Jay Gabbard, Ph.D., MSW jay.gabbard@wku.edu (270) 745-8749

Allison Gibson, MSW allison.gibson@wku.edu (270) 745-8811

Gayle Mallinger gayle.mallinger@wku.edu (270) 745-3535

Rose Korang-Okrah rose.korang-okrah@wku.edu (270) 745-4149

Larry Owens, Ed.D.,MSW larry.owens@wku.edu (270) 684-9797

Jan Peeler, MSSW, LCSW jan.peeler@wku.edu (270) 745-5049

Tina Peterson, Ph.D., MSW tina.peterson@wku.edu (270) 745-5058

Carol Robey, MSSW, CSW carol.robey@wku.edu (270) 745-8811

Dale Smith, Ph.D., LCSW dale.smith@wku.edu (270) 745-2321

Saundra Starks, Ed.D., LCSW saundra.starks@wku.edu (270) 745-2692

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Dana Sullivan, Ph.D., MSSW dana.sullivan@wku.edu (270) 745-3535

Gary Villereal, Ph.D. gary.villereal@wku.edu (270) 745-8923

MSW Office Associates

Candice Tope-Phillips – BSW Program candice.tope-phillips@wku.edu (270) 745-5312

Emily Gouvas – MSW Program and Field emily.gouvas@wku.edu (270) 745-2088

Marsha Hopper, M.A. – Credit for Learning marsha.hopper@wku.edu (270) 745-4172

Discrimination and Affirmative Action Clause:

Western Kentucky University is committed to equal opportunity. It is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or handicap in any employment opportunity. No person is excluded from participation in, denied the

benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, on such basis under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

If you experience discrimination in any educational program or activity, written procedures are available for consideration of complaints that allege such discrimination. These should be directed to the Office of the President, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101-3576. Inquiries about such alleged discrimination also may be made directly to the Director, Office of Civil Rights,

United States Department of Human Resources, Washington, DC 20201

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MSW Application Packet - 2012 AdmissionsTable of Contents

In this application packet you will find :

Part 1: Information about Western Kentucky University and the WKU MSW Program

a. Western Kentucky University’s Mission………………………………………………………6b. Purposes of the Social Work Profession……………………………………………………….6c. MSW Mission Statement………………………………………………………………………7d. MSW Program Concentration.…………………………………………………………….…...7e. Program Goals…………………………………………………………………………….…....7f. Program Objectives………………………………………………………………………….…8g. NASW Code of Ethics………………………………………………………………………....8h. Practice Readiness Exam…………………………………………………………………….....9i. Full-Time 33-Hour Program Course Listing (Bowling Green only) …………………….….10j. Full-Time 60-Hour Program Course Listing (Bowling Green only)…………………………11k. Part-Time 33-Hour Program Course Listing ) Bowling Green, Cookeville & Paducah Sites).12l. Part-Time 60-Hour Program Course Listing (Bowling Green & Paducah Sites ) ...…………13

Part 2: Admissions and Application Information

a. Application Process…………….…………………………………………………………...14b. MSW Program Admission Standards …...………………………………………………....15c. Specific Advanced Standing Admissions Requirements …………………………………..16d. WKU Graduate Studies Admissions Requirements...………………………………………16e. Criteria Used in Reviewing MSW Applications…………………………………………....16f. Alternate Admissions……....…...……………………………………..……………………17g. Admissions Appeals Process…………………………………………..……………………17h. Transfer Students...………………….…………………………………………...…………17i. Financial Aid and Scholarship………..……………………………………………………..17j. MSW Student Orientation ………………………..………………………………………...18k. MSW Field Orientation …...………………………………………………………………..18

Part 3: MSW Application Materials

a. MSW Application Checklist…………………………………………………………….…..19b. MSW Admissions Application……………………………………………………….……..21c. Consideration for Exceptional Admission…………………………………………….…….28d. MSW Program Recommendation Forms……………………………………………….…...29e. Verification of Good Standing …………….………………………………………….…….32f. Verification of Good Standing Form………………………………………………….....….33

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Part 1: Information about Western Kentucky University and the WKU MSW Program

Western Kentucky University’s Mission

Western Kentucky University aspires to be the best comprehensive public institution in Kentucky and among the best in the nation.

Western Kentucky University shall be the University of Choice for students and faculty who are dedicated to academic excellence.

True to the Western Spirit, WKU offers an inviting, nurturing, and challenging environment, which is responsive to the intellectual, social, and cultural needs of a diverse learning community. Western's success is reflected in the success of its alumni, who are known for their leadership, adaptability, and commitment to Western.

Western Kentucky University shall produce nationally and globally competitive graduates and provide optimum service and life-long learning opportunities for its constituents.

Purposes of the Social Work Profession

The social work profession receives its sanction from public and private auspices and is the primary profession in the development, provision, and evaluation of social services. Professional social workers are leaders in a variety of organizational settings and service delivery systems within a global context.

The profession of social work is based on the values of service, social and economic justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, and integrity and competence in practice. With these values as defining principles, the purposes of social work are:

To enhance human well-being and alleviate poverty, oppression, and other forms of social injustice.

To enhance the social functioning and interactions of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities by involving them in accomplishing goals, developing resources, and preventing and alleviating distress.

To formulate and implement social policies, services, and programs that meet basic human needs and support the development of human capacities.

To pursue policies, services, and resources through advocacy and social or political actions that promotes social and economic justice.

To develop and use research, knowledge, and skills that advance social work practice. To develop and apply practice in the context of diverse cultures.

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MSW Mission Statement

In keeping with the tenets of the program, the purpose of social work, constituent needs, and the regional “rurality” characteristics of south central and western Kentucky, the MSW program mission is “To educate and prepare students for professional social work practice to meet the needs of increasingly diverse rural populations.” The program is particularly dedicated to addressing the work force needs of agencies working with Kentucky’s families and communities and emphasizes professional and scholarly service to rural areas, the community, the state, and the nation.

MSW Program Concentration

Advanced Direct Practice in Rural Settings allows the practitioner to function at multiple system levels with advanced knowledge about the rural culture and its dynamics. Advanced direct practice within rural areas assumes that rural areas are markedly different from urban settings in a variety of ways. While the skills needed for advanced direct practice may be common across geographical locations, it is the way that social workers practice that is different. Direct practitioners in rural environments face different tasks, client characteristics, and social issues compared to practitioners in urban environments. Rural practitioners enact social work roles in ways that are more diverse than urban social workers. For example, while social problems are common to all geographic regions, rural localities have special concerns in the areas of legislation and regulation regarding economic development, employment, health care, housing, landownership, transportation, and the diverse needs of families and children. Welfare recipients who are required to work may find employment in rural areas non-existent due to the limited economic opportunities in rural areas.

Program Goals

The goals of the program are designed to provide a level of competence that includes quality leadership that is grounded in the historical roots of the profession. The needs of the community along with the purposes of the profession influence the four goals of the MSW program. These goals are:

1) To produce competent practitioners within rural areas. 2) To increase the number of practitioners with professional values and standards of cultural competence

who are creative and ethically accountable in their practice with diverse rural populations. 3) To apply critical knowledge that cultivates and synthesizes an understanding of the complex needs

within the culture of rural communities, including research, training, continuing education, and other relevant projects.

4) To impact the social, economic, and political environments of rural areas in order to empower constituents and influence social welfare policies, practices, and services.

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Program Objectives

1) To apply a generalist perspective to social work practice.2) To produce advanced practitioners for self-directed practice in rural settings.3) To produce practitioners who have strong appreciation and understanding of the values and ethics of

social work.4) To demonstrate culturally competent standards of social work practice in rural settings.5) To demonstrate ethical standards of social work practice in rural settings.6) To produce practitioners who practice from an evidence-based perspective.7) To contribute to the professional literature related to the complex strengths, needs, and challenges of

rural areas.8) To increase opportunities for continuing education.9) To produce practitioners for effective policy practice.10) To increase services and policies that promote social justice in rural areas.

NASW Code of Ethics

Students admitted into the social work program are required to sign the Western Kentucky University Department of Social Work Code of Ethics Agreement Statement indicating their agreement to practice by these standards. Any violation of the principles contained within the NASW Code of Ethics can result in dismissal from the program. The WKU program places special emphasis on social work values and ethics. The code of ethics can be downloaded from http://www.socialworkers.org/

The Code of Ethics standards indicate that six areas of ethical obligation for social workers: (1) social workers' ethical responsibilities to clients, (2) social workers' ethical responsibilities to colleagues, (3) social workers' ethical responsibilities in practice settings, (4) social workers' ethical responsibilities as professionals, (5) social workers' ethical responsibilities to the social work profession, and (6) social workers' ethical responsibilities to the broader society.

These ethical obligations are based on the values and principles discussed below (NASW, 1999). These principles set forth ideals to which all social workers should aspire.

Value: ServiceEthical Principle: Social workers' primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems.Social workers elevate service to others above self-interest. Social workers draw on their knowledge, values, and skills to help people in need and to address social problems. Social workers are encouraged to volunteer some portion of their professional skills with no expectation of significant financial return (pro bono service).

Value: Social JusticeEthical Principle: Social workers challenge social injustice.Social workers pursue social change, particularly with and on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people. Social workers' social change efforts are focused primarily on issues of poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice. These activities seek to promote sensitivity to and knowledge about oppression and cultural and ethnic diversity. Social workers strive to ensure access to needed information, services, and resources; equality of opportunity; and meaningful participation in decision making for all people.

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Value: Dignity and Worth of the PersonEthical Principle: Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person.Social workers treat each person in a caring and respectful fashion, mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity. Social workers promote clients' socially responsible self-determination. Social workers seek to enhance clients' capacity and opportunity to change and to address their own needs. Social workers are cognizant of their dual responsibility to clients and to the broader society. They seek to resolve conflicts between clients' interests and the broader society's interests in a socially responsible manner consistent with the values, ethical principles, and ethical standards of the profession.

Value: Importance of Human RelationshipsEthical Principle: Social workers recognize the central importance of human relationships.Social workers understand that relationships between and among people are an important vehicle for change. Social workers engage people as partners in the helping process. Social workers seek to strengthen relationships among people in a purposeful effort to promote, restore, maintain, and enhance the well-being of individuals, families, social groups, organizations, and communities.

Value: IntegrityEthical Principle: Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner.Social workers are continually aware of the profession's mission, values, ethical principles, and ethical standards and practice in a manner consistent with them. Social workers act honestly and responsibly and promote ethical practices on the part of the organizations with which they are affiliated.

Value: CompetenceEthical Principle: Social workers practice within their areas of competence and develop and enhance their professional expertise. Social workers continually strive to increase their professional knowledge and skills and to apply them in practice. Social workers should aspire to contribute to the knowledge base of the profession.

For a copy of the NASW Code of Ethics, please go to http://www.socialworkers.org/

Practice Readiness Exam

Students are required to pass a practice readiness (comprehensive) exam during the final semester in order to complete all requirements for the MSW. Graduate School policy states that a student has only two attempts to pass the comprehensive examination.

The Practice Readiness Exam will involves an objective exam. This format is subject to change at the discretion of the MSW Program Committee. Students will be notified of the date of the exam and the exact format in September of the year they will be taking the PRE examination.

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MSW Full-Time Advanced Standing Program – 33 Credit Hours – 1-Year Curriculum(Bowling Green Campus only)

* Only students who have graduated within the last seven years from a CSWE-accredited BSW program with a 3.00 or higher GPA based on the last 60 hours of coursework may apply for this program.

Year 1 – Fall SemesterCourse Number Name Credit SWRK 610 Social Work Administration and Supervision 3SWRK 612 Social Work in Diverse Rural Communities 3SWRK 620 Advanced Psycho-Social Approaches for Rural Practice 3SWRK 623 Social Work Clinical Assessment and Intervention 3SWRK 660 Advanced Field Practicum I 3

Year 1 – Winter TermCourse Number Name Credit

Elective 1 3

Year 1 – Spring SemesterCourse Number Name Credit SWRK 622 Advanced Social Work Practice with Families 3SWRK 630 Rural Social Work Policy 3SWRK 640 Applied Social Work Research 3

Elective 2 3SWRK 661 Advanced Field Practicum II 3

Practice Readiness Examination

Year 1 –Summer Term(if no elective was taken during Winter Term)Course Number Name Credit

Elective 1 3

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MSW Full-Time Traditional Program – 60 Credit Hours – 2-Year Curriculum(Bowling Green Campus only)

Year 1 – Fall SemesterCourse Number Name Credit SWRK 501 Cultural Competency in Social Work Practice 3 SWRK 510 Human Behavior in the Social Environment 3 SWRK 520 Generalist Social Work Practice 3 SWRK 540 Foundation of Social Work Research Methods 3SWRK 560 Foundation Field Practicum I 3

Year 1 – Spring SemesterCourse Number Name Credit SWRK 522 Group Dynamics in Social Work Practice 3 SWRK 523 Rural Community Organization and Development 3SWRK 530 Foundation of Social Welfare Policy 3

Elective 1 3SWRK 561 Foundation Field Practicum II 3

ACAT Examination

Year 2 – Fall SemesterCourse Number Name Credit SWRK 610 Social Work Administration and Supervision 3SWRK 620 Advanced Psycho-Social Approaches for Rural Practice 3SWRK 623 Social Work Clinical Assessment and Intervention 3

Elective 2 3SWRK 660 Advanced Field Practicum I 3

Year 2 – Spring SemesterCourse Number Name Credit SWRK 622 Advanced Social Work Practice with Families 3SWRK 630 Rural Social Work Policy 3SWRK 640 Applied Social Work Research 3

Elective 3 3SWRK 661 Advanced Field Practicum II 3

Practice Readiness Examination

Year 2 – MayGraduation

Electives may be taken in Winter and Summer terms.

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MSW Part-Time Advanced Standing Program – 33 Credit Hours – 2-Year Curriculum(Bowling Green campus, Cookeville and Paducah sites)

Year 1 – Fall SemesterCourse Number Name Credit SWRK 610 Social Work Administration and Supervision 3SWRK 612 Social Work in Diverse Rural Communities 3SWRK 623 Social Work Clinical Assessment and Intervention 3

Year 1 – Spring SemesterCourse Number Name Credit SWRK 630 Rural Social Work Policy 3SWRK 640 Applied Social Work Research 3

Year 1 – Summer TermCourse Number Name Credit

Elective 1 3Elective 2 3

Year 2 – Fall SemesterCourse Number Name Credit SWRK 620 Advanced Psycho-Social Approaches for Rural Practice 3SWRK 660 Advanced Field Practicum I 3

Year 2 – Spring SemesterCourse Number Name Credit SWRK 622 Advanced Social Work Practice with Families 3SWRK 661 Advanced Field Practicum II 3

Practice Readiness Examination

Year 2 – MayGraduation

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MSW Part-Time Traditional Program – 60 Credit Hours – 4-Year Curriculum(Bowling Green campus & Paducah site)

Year 1 – Fall SemesterCourse Number Name Credit SWRK 501 Cultural Competency in Social Work Practice 3SWRK 510 Human Behavior in the Social Environment 3

Year 1 – Spring SemesterCourse Number Name Credit SWRK 530 Foundation of Social Welfare Policy 3

Elective 1 3

Year 2 – Fall SemesterCourse Number Name Credit SWRK 520 Generalist Social Work Practice 3SWRK 540 Foundation of Social Work Research Methods 3SWRK 560 Foundation Field Practicum I 3

Year 2 – Spring SemesterCourse Number Name Credit SWRK 522 Group Dynamics in Social Work Practice 3SWRK 523 Rural Community Organization and Development 3SWRK 561 Foundation Field Practicum II 3

ACAT Examination

Year 3 – Fall SemesterCourse Number Name Credit SWRK 610 Social Work Administration and Supervision 3SWRK 623 Social Work Clinical Assessment and Intervention 3

Elective 2 3

Year 3 – Spring SemesterCourse Number Name Credit SWRK 630 Rural Social Work Policy 3SWRK 640 Applied Social Work Research 3

Elective 3 3

Year 4 – Fall SemesterCourse Number Name Credit SWRK 620 Advanced Psycho-Social Approaches for Rural Practice 3SWRK 660 Advanced Field Practicum I 3

Year 4 – Spring SemesterCourse Number Name Credit SWRK 622 Advanced Social Work Practice with Families 3

SWRK 661 Advanced Field Practicum II 3 Practice Readiness Examination

Year 2 – May

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GraduationElectives may be taken in Winter and Summer terms.

Part 2: Admission and Application Information

Application Process

Application to the MSW program is a two-step process and should be started several months before the admissions deadlines. Each applicant must directly apply to the Office of Graduate Studies and to the Department of Social Work. Only applications that have fulfilled all of the application requirements for the MSW Program and the Graduate School will be considered complete and ready for admission review.

Graduate Studies Application may be completed online or by mail using the application available on the Graduate Studies website. A $40 non-refundable application fee must accompany the application to Graduate Studies. Applicants must make arrangements to have official copies of undergraduate transcripts from all previous universities attended.

MSW Program Application - viewable in this booklet should be downloaded from the Program’s MSW Admissions website. The MSW application includes:__ the completed application itself, __ a personal statement responding to specific questions within the application,__ a writing sample specific to requirements listed in the application packet, __ a current resume, and __ three letters of recommendation from individuals who know the applicant well in both academic and

employment environments. (two academic recommendations and a work recommendation are required) Recommendations must be submitted on our recommendation form which is posted online.

Any MSW program applicant with a BSW earned within the last 10 years MUST include at least 1 letter of recommendation from a faculty member from their BSW program who had the applicant in class. IF, due to faculty relocation and/or retirement, no such faculty member is available, a letter to this effect from the current BSW program director must accompany the application.

Any MSW program applicant, with or without a BSW, who is currently employed in a social or human services capacity/agency MUST include at least 1 letter of recommendation from a current or previous supervisor, preferably one with an MSW.

__ There is no MSW program application fee.

MSW Application materials must be sent to the MSW Program E-mail mswadmissions@wku.edu as a complete packet containing all materials except recommendation forms. Recommendation forms should be sent directly to the program from recommenders to:

WKU MSW ProgramAcademic Complex 114A

1906 College Heights Blvd. #11039Bowling Green, KY 42101-1039

PLEASE REFER TO “MSW APPLICATION CHECKLIST” FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON ENTIRE APPLICATION PROCESS.

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General MSW Program Admission Standards

1. Undergraduate degree from an accredited university.

2. 60-Hour Traditional ProgramAn overall GPA of 2.75 based on the last 60 hours of undergraduate and/or graduate credit hours. Students with lower GPAs must take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and achieve a total score (verbal + quantitative) of 800 or better and apply for Alternate Admissions. (See Alternate Admissions and Admissions Appeal Process below.)

3. 33-Hour Advanced Standing ProgramCompletion of a bachelor of social work (BSW) degree at a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited institution within the previous seven years with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher based on the last 60 hours of undergraduate and/or graduate credit hours. Alternate Admissions is not an option for the Advanced Standing Program.

4. Liberal arts background – at least 30 hours in liberal arts coursework (social sciences, humanities, natural science, communication, mathematics, etc) including:__ at least one course in sociology, psychology, or anthropology, and __ at least one course in American government, political science, economics or other course that can be shown to provide a foundation for beginning policy analysis. All courses counted towards the liberal arts requirement must have been completed with a final grade of “C” or higher. Applicants may be enrolled in liberal arts prerequisite courses while their MSW applications are being evaluated, but all of these courses must have been successfully completed before admission to the program. Offers of admission will be contingent upon the successful completion of all required courses.

5. Enrollment Prerequisite: Statistics* CourseA college statistics course which includes substantial content on descriptive and inferential statistics with a minimum grade of “C” must be completed within 7 years of entry into the MSW program. We recommend SWRK 344 taught in summer term. (A research methods course is not sufficient.) A test-out option is available and must be completed by April 15. Please contact Emily Gouvas (270) 745-2088 or emily.gouvas@wku.edu) to arrange for testing.

*Students who believe they have mastered the equivalent of a college statistics course may opt to take a waiver examination. Students must complete waiver exams by April 15. Students who have not completed all prerequisites or testing equivalents may not start the MSW program.

6. International students for whom English is not a first language: Fluency in English is critical to learning and applying social work skills. A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score is required for all international applicants whose first language is other than English. A TOEFL score is required whether a student completes an ESL course or learns English another way.

TOEFL requirements are as follows: A minimum of 550 on the paper based TOEFL, a minimum of 79 on the iBT TOEFL, or a minimum of 6.0 on the IELTS)

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If a student chooses to enroll in an ESL program, acceptance to the MSW program is not automatic. Students must complete all application materials. Once the prospective student arrives on the WKU campus, she or he must make an appointment with the MSW Program Director (270-745-2088) within one week. This meeting will assist the student in planning for socialization to the culture of the social work profession, clients, and social contexts.

Specific Advanced Standing Admission Requirements:

The Advanced Standing Program at WKU is available only to students who have graduated within the last seven years from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited BSW program. Accreditation standards do not allow students to count work experience as a substitute for the accredited BSW. Students must also have a 3.0 GPA for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. Students considering the Advanced Standing Program must complete all other requirements for admission including pre-requisites, and complete the application process.

The Advanced Standing Program is designed for students who have mastered basic social work practice. The Advanced Standing Program is highly intense and rigorous. Students considering the advanced track should weigh several factors. First, students will be joining the educational process at the equivalent of the end of one year of graduate school. Therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to internalize the expectations of the graduate education process. Students who enter the Advanced Standing Program and find that they may not have mastered concepts at the same level as the foundation curriculum are expected to overcome those deficits by experience, reading, and personal perseverance. Secondly, the successful Advanced Standing student must have graduate-level critical thinking and writing skills including strong analytical ability. Students are expected to use APA 5th edition format (or APA 6th edition, at the discretion of individual faculty) when writing papers in this course of study.

Once the applicant’s application file is complete (Graduate Studies and MSW Program), faculty members serving on the MSW Admissions Committee review the application to determine suitability for advanced standing. At the conclusion of this process, the faculty may recommend one of the three options: the student receives full admission to the Advanced Standing Program; the student may receive full admission to the traditional two year program, or that the student not be admitted to WKU’s MSW Program. The student may also self-select to attend the two-year program option at the conclusion of the pre-qualifying process.

WKU Graduate Studies Admission Requirements

1. Official transcripts from all universities attended2. $40.00 Application fee

Criteria Used in Reviewing MSW Applications

Academic potential for graduate study (transcripts, recommendation forms, and GPA) Professional experience in human service settings (resume, personal statement, and recommendation

letters) Preparedness for competent multicultural social work practice (personal statement, resume, and

recommendation letters) Written communication skills (personal statement and recommendation letters) Congruence of personal values and ethics with the values of the social work profession (personal statement,

recommendation letters)

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Congruence of personal and professional goals with the MSW Program’s mission Writing sample (see writing sample guidelines)

Alternate Admission

Both WKU and the Social Work Department allow for alternate (exceptional) admissions. If an individual does not meet the basic requirements for the MSW program or Graduate School, he or she may petition the MSW program for alternative admission for the Traditional Program only and clearly describe his/her demonstrated capacity for success in an academically rigorous MSW program.

Admissions Appeal Process

Any student who is denied admission into the graduate social work program may appeal the decision. The student will notify in writing the MSW program director that he or she wishes a second consideration. All appeals must be received within 10 days after receiving the notice evidenced by a postmark. A second consideration does not guarantee admissions into the program. The MSW program will initiate the reconsideration process. This process involves two more independent reviews of the student’s application materials. The MSW program in conjunction with Department Head will review all five reviews and determine the admission’s status of the student. A decision will be issued to the student within 14 days of the Departments’ decision.

Transfer Students

Students transferring from CSWE-accredited MSW Programs must complete all application material and processes. Students transferring must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be in good standing with the originating school as established by the Verification of Good Standing Form completed by the MSW Program Director at the original institution. Transfer students are highly encouraged to meet with the WKU MSW Program Director prior to application..

The transfer of credits from an accredited institution of higher learning toward the MSW requirements will be examined on a case-by-case basis. If transfer is granted by the program, all University requirements for transferring credits must be met. Depending on the program, a maximum of 9 hours of electives may be transferred.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Some scholarships, graduate assistantships, and work-study positions are available through the University and the Department of Social Work. Admitted students are encouraged to research and apply for these, along with pursuing all other financial aid available to them through other sources.

For information about Graduate Assistantships, go to: http://www.wku.edu/graduate/index.php?page=ga-program

For information about the Minority Assistance Program, contact the Office of Graduate Studies:http://www.wku.edu/graduate/

For more information on other financial aid, go to the WKU Graduate Studies Financial Aid page: http://www.wku.edu/graduate/index.php?page=financial-aid

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The MSW program offers a variety of scholarships annually to eligible, admitted MSW students. Scholarship information through the Department of Social Work is included with student’s acceptance letter. Additionally the University’s Scholarship information can be found at: http://www.wku.edu/Info/FinAid/scholar.htm

MSW Student Orientation

All students who are admitted into the MSW Program MUST attend program orientation. The purpose of this orientation is to familiarize students with University, College, and Department policies as well as to assist students with skills necessary for the successful completion of the MSW Program.

2012 Traditional and Advanced Standing Program Student Orientation: August, 2012 (Orientation date to be determined)

MSW Field Orientation

All students who are admitted into the MSW Program are required to attend field orientation. The orientation includes socialization to the profession, historical perspectives, ethics and values of the profession, HIPAA training, general field materials, site choices, and field structure.

2012 Field Orientation August, 2012 (Orientation date to be determined)

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Part 3: MSW Application Materials

MSW APPLICATION CHECKLISTImmediately

_____ 1. Carefully review the program information in MSW Application Booklet. Do you have any questions? If so, don’t hesitate to contact us! Email: allison.gibson@wku.edu (Bowling Green campus), and/or phone (270) 745-2088 and ask for the MSW Admissions Graduate Assistant.

_____ 2. Map out a workable application timeline for yourself, using the information included in this checklist. You should count on the process taking anywhere between 3 and 6 months, so give yourself plenty of time to put together a high quality application.

Note: Admissions are “rolling” in the WKU MSW Program. This means that applications for admission are accepted and reviewed as long as there are program openings available. Applications submitted early – by the priority admissions deadlines - have a better chance of admission. When all program openings are filled, new applicants who meet requirements must be placed on the program waiting list and admission is not guaranteed.

A planned application process and subsequent timely admission also generally mean less stress for the applicant.

**Note that application materials are submitted to two separate offices. Details below.**

Right Away: Graduate Studies Application Materials

_____ 3. Apply to WKU Graduate Studies. You may apply online by going to Graduate StudiesThe fee for this application is $40 (former WKU graduate applicants do not have to pay this fee again).

_____4. If necessary, arrange to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test. This test is given every day except for Sunday. Please call 1-800-967-1100 for test locations near you. Please be aware that reporting GRE scores can take 4-6 weeks. You should plan to take the GRE no later in January for the Traditional Program Alternate Admission. Registration materials for the GRE are available by logging on to www.gre.org.

Note: If you take the GRE, have your scores sent to WKU, school code 1901.

_____ 5. Arrange to have official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended sent to WKU Graduate Studies:WKU Graduate Studies1906 College Heights Blvd. #11010Bowling Green, KY 42101-1010 Grad Studies Checklist:

Application completed and fee paid GRE taken and scores sent to WKU (if necessary) Official transcripts of ALL institutions attended sent to WKU

NOTE: Graduate Studies will send you an official notice informing you of the missing materials. Please feel free to contact Graduate Studies via email or phone. graduate.studies@wku.edu or 270-745-2446

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T wo Months before Application Deadline: MSW Application Materials

_____ 6. Complete the MSW Program Application.

_____ 7. Arrange for recommendations. Three recommendations are required including at least one academic and one professional (If you have not been employed, provide for additional academic or personal references.

Any MSW program applicant with a BSW earned within the last 7 years MUST include at least 1 letter of recommendation from a faculty member from their BSW program who had the applicant in class. IF, due to faculty relocation and/or retirement, no such faculty member is available, a letter to this effect from the current BSW program director must accompany the application.

Any MSW program applicant, with or without a BSW, who is currently or previously employed in a social or human services capacity/agency MUST include at least 1 letter of recommendation from a current or previous supervisor, preferably one with an MSW.

These references should be sent directly to: Western Kentucky University, Master of Social Work Program, 1906 College Height Blvd., #11039, Bowling Green, KY 42101-1039.

_____ 8. Write your personal statement. This is a very important piece of your application and you should take time to respond clearly and thoughtfully to each topic included in the personal statement outline. Write a draft statement, edit carefully for grammar, spelling and content, then consider having a respected colleague, family member or friend read it for clarity and evidence of critical thinking. Admissions readers look to your personal statement to get a sense of a “fit” between your vocational and life goals and the goals of the social work profession and WKU’s MSW program. They also carefully note writing and critical thinking skills used in this piece of your total application. See personal statement outline on page 25 of the application.

_____ 9. Writing sample. An important component to being successful in the MSW program is to be able to think critically and write clearly and effectively. Please include a writing sample (no less than two pages and no more than three pages double-spaced). This writing sample may be a paper that you have written for a social science course dealing with research or policy or from an English or social work course. If you prefer, you can submit a two to three page essay outlining a social issue that you feel strongly about. See writing sample guidelines on page 26 of the application packet.

_____ 10. Write (or update) your resume. Resume outline within the MSW application. Important: include inclusive dates for each work or volunteer experience , and field experience (e.g. Jan. 1, 1999 - June 1, 2000). Highlight all experiences, skills, and abilities that have helped prepare you for professional social work practice.

_____ 11. If you anticipate needing alternate admission (your GPA does not meet admission standards), write a letter requesting this, giving strong evidence of your capacity for success in the MSW program. See the admissions/application booklet for letter guidelines. This letter should be included in the application packet you send to the MSW program.

Two – Three Weeks before Application Deadline: Compiling and Sending in Your MSW Application

_____ 12. Compile all application materials to be sent to the MSW program: application, resume, personal statement, letter requesting alternate admission (if applicable). Have you completed, signed, and dated all documents? Have you made copies for your own files?

_____ 13. Follow up on your letters/forms of recommendation. Have your recommenders completed the forms and sent them to the MSW program?

_____ 14. All applications must be submitted electronically: early enough so that it will reach the MSW program office by the priority admission deadlines. Send to: mswadmissions@wku.edu

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MSW ADMISSIONS APPLICATIONWestern Kentucky UniversityDepartment of Social Work

Please do not use this application template for admission (see MSW website for application)

*Please fill out this application to its entirety. Only applicants that have fully completed the application will be considered for admission.

Please Print or Type

I. Program Options

Bowling Green Program

Full-Time 2-Yr. Traditional Program (60 Credit Hours) Fall 20____ Part-Time 4-Yr. Traditional Program (60 Credit Hours) Fall 20____ Full-Time 1-Yr. Advanced Standing Program (33 Credit Hours) Fall 20____

(BSW within the last seven years) Part-Time 2-Yr. Advanced Standing Program (33 Credit Hours) Fall 20____

Cookeville Program Part-Time 2-Yr. Advanced Standing Program (33 Credit Hours) Fall 20____

Paducah Program Part-Time 4 Yr. Traditional Program (60 Credit Hours) Fall 20____ Part-Time 2 Yr. Advanced Standing Program (33 Credit Hours) Fall 20____

WKU ID (if applicable) _______________________________

Name ________________________________________________________________Last First Middle/Maiden

Address: ________________________________________________________________Street

________________________________________________________________City State or Country Zip

Home Telephone: (______)________________ Cell Telephone: (______)__________________

Work Telephone: (______)________________

Email address: ________________________________________________

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Gender: _ Male _ Female

Date of Birth_________________ (mm/dd/yy) Place of Birth_____________________

Citizenship: _ U.S._ Other (specify)______________________

Military Experience: _ yes _ no

Dates of service_________________ Discharge status_______________

Ethnicity: (Optional. We use this for reporting purposes. Your response will not affect your admission.) African-American Asian or Pacific Islander Caucasian, Non-Hispanic Hispanic International student (with US Visa)___________________ Native American (Indigenous Peoples) Other___________________________________________

III. Academic History

College/University Location(City/State/Country)

Dates(From/To)

Major(s) Degree and Date (Awarded or Anticipated)

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IV. Liberal Arts Background

List one course completed with a “C” grade or better taken for each of the following areas. If you are missing any prerequisites, you will need to complete them before you begin the program.

Course No. Course Title Grade Sociology, Anthropology, or PsychologyAmerican Government, Political Science, Economics or other course providing foundation for beginning policy analysis.

Course No. Course Title GradeOther undergraduate liberal arts coursework – totaling at least 30 hours of liberal arts study (counting courses noted above).Eligible coursework can be from: literature, languages, history, mathematics, sciences, arts, philosophy.

Statistics*

Students who believe they have mastered the basic knowledge in any of the prerequisites or statistics may opt to take a waiver examination. It is recommended that students take waiver exams early enough to compete the required course if they do not receive a passing grade.

Students who have not completed all prerequisites may not start the MSW program unless it is possible to take the needed course before the MSW class which needs the liberal arts prerequisite is offered. These students may be conditionally admitted.

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*A statistics course from a social work or related discipline covering descriptive and inferential statistics with a minimum grade of C is required. This course must have been taken within seven years from the time you begin the MSW program.

V. Advanced Standing Program Requirements(Only students who have graduated within the last seven years from an accredited BSW program with a 3.0 or higher GPA in social work courses may apply.) Other applicants proceed to Section VI.

List the course(s) taken in the following social work foundation content areas:

Course Semester/Yr Course Title Number Completed Grade

Human Behavior in the Social EnvironmentResearch MethodsSocial Welfare PolicySocial Work Practice Methods ISocial Work Practice Methods II

Name of agency/organization where your undergraduate internship was completed:

Dates: _______________________ Number of Clock Hours at Internship:___________

VI. Resume - Attach

Guidelines: Your resume gives you an opportunity to share information about yourself to the Admissions Committee. It should be concise, easy-to-read, grammatically correct, and well composed and formatted. Below is a sample arrangement of a resume. While it is not necessary for you to arrange yours in this manner, it is necessary that you include all the information listed. (Limit your resume to two pages typed.)

o Personal Data Name, Address, Phone Number, Email address

o Work/Volunteer Experience List your work and volunteer experiences in chronological order with a brief job description. Note full or part-time status and inclusive (month and year) dates for each position. Clearly identify paid, internship, and volunteer experiences. No academic credit can be awarded for life or work experiences.

o Special Skills or Attributes List skills or attributes that enhance your ability to work with others. Do you speak a foreign language? Are you proficient in sign language? Are you skilled in athletics, art, music, or speech? Do you know how to use computers or other special equipment?

o Professional Affiliations and Honors

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Are you a member of any professional organizations? Did you receive academic honors from your college or university? Have you received honors from a community service or social group?

VIII. Additional Information

A. Have you taken any graduate level courses through an accredited social work program?_Yes _ No

If yes, list courses, grades and dates below:_______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Due to the unique and specialized nature of the MSW Program, transfer credit for students will be considered on an individual basis after being formally admitted to the University and the Program.

B. Are there any physical or emotional factors that should be considered in planning your program? If so, please describe:

C. Social work agencies frequently obtain information about criminal records for those seeking internships and employment.

Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor and/or felony as an adult?_ Yes _ No

If yes, please give specifics on a separate piece of paper.

IX. Personal Statement - Attach

Guidelines: Social work is a profession that addresses the needs of vulnerable populations. The Social Work Code of Ethics http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/default.asp) mandates our professional behavior. Students admitted into our graduate program are expected to act in a manner congruent with and reflective of these standards. We wish to evaluate as accurately as possible your qualifications for a professional education in social work and the appropriateness of the program for your educational needs and goals. Therefore, it is important that you specifically respond to EACH of the following items in the outline below.

The personal statement is one of the most important parts of your admission application. It is your opportunity to share with the Admissions Committee information about yourself that we will use to evaluate your appropriateness for the program and the profession of social work. Make certain you give the committee members a clear, well-written picture of your experiences, interests, values, and career objectives.

Please type your statement, double-spaced, in two to three pages, and attach it to this application. Your writing is expected to be clear, well organized and succinct, show strong evidence of critical thinking, and demonstrate mastery of grammar, spelling, and, as appropriate, APA style.

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PERSONAL STATEMENT OUTLINE(Number and address each area individually in your statement.)

1. Discuss the major reasons for your interest in the profession of social work.

2. Social work is committed to respecting human diversity. This includes an understanding of values, heritages, customs, religions, and lifestyles that may differ from your own. What experiences have you had that will help you work effectively with people from different backgrounds that reflect differences in gender, religious and spiritual preference, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, physical and emotional ability, and socioeconomic status? Would you have difficulty working with any of these groups? Be specific.

3. Social work is committed to competent and ethical professional practice. Please describe an experience in which you were confronted with making a decision or taking action concerning a challenge to integrity, professional competence, or ethical practice.

4. Having read the mission of the MSW program, how are your career goals consistent with this mission?

X. Writing Sample Guidelines-Attach:

As a student in the WKU MSW Program you will be required to produce many written papers, projects, and other works. Many of these written activities will require you to also utilize APA format. The faculty and staff of the MSW program will use a writing sample to help assess your written communication skills. Your writing sample should be two to three pages in length (double-spaced). Your writing sample should demonstrate the following:

Your ability to gather information about a topic or an issue relating to policy or research. Your ability to apply critical thinking skills and knowledge to a topic. Your mastery of proper grammar, spelling, and use of APA format (cite at least two sources

utilizing the APA Manual, 6th edition).

Examples of the Writing Sample (please submit one of the following two as a writing sample):

1. Two to three pages from a previously written paper. The paper may be from a social science course dealing with research or policy or from an English class. Classes include: psychology, sociology, political science, English, or social work)

2. A two to three page (double-spaced) essay on a current social issue that you feel strongly about. This writing sample should demonstrate proper use of scholarly sources and appropriate referencing.

XI. Credit for Life Experience

The MSW Program awards no academic credit to students for life and/or previous work experience. Credit toward all social work courses, including the field practicum must be completed within an academic environment.XII. Disclosure Statement:

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I acknowledge that all information provided on this application is truthful and that any untruthful or misleading information will result in the disqualification of this application and/or dismissal from the graduate program should this be detected after admission.

___________________________ _________________ _______________________________Signature Date Print Name

Consideration for the Traditional Program’s Alternate Admission

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(For applicants not meeting MSW Program and/or Graduate School requirements for admission)The GRE is required for alternate admission.

The request should be attached to your application in the form of a statement entitled “Petition for Exceptional Consideration.” The petition should include a statement that indicates how failing to meet the minimum admission requirement of a 2.75 GPA. You should briefly discuss your demonstrated capacity for success in an arduous MSW program. For example, you might provide evidence of:

1. Superior grades during the final semester(s) of work prior to graduation indicating a trend toward improved performance;

2. Competence through achievement in another graduate program;3. Outstanding work experience in human services (volunteer or paid).

You should also discuss how you plan to address potential obstacles to successfully completing the program.

(For example, if a low grade point average was viewed as the result of “needing to work full-time during my undergraduate studies,” you should discuss why that is not likely to be a factor during your MSW study.)

Finally, you should attest to the accuracy of all information provided in the petition. Please date and sign the document. The petition must be submitted with the application.

___________________________ _______________ ___________________________ Signature Date Name (Print)

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Western Kentucky UniversityMaster of Social Work Program1906 College Heights Blvd., #11039Bowling Green, KY 42101-1039

Recommendation Form

Applicant’s Name________________________________________________________

To the Applicant: Three recommendations including at least one academic and one professional. (If you have not been employed, provide additional academic recommendation.

Any MSW program applicant with a BSW earned within the last 7 years MUST include at least 1 letter of recommendation from a faculty member from their BSW program who had the applicant in class. IF, due to faculty relocation and/or retirement, no such faculty member is available, a letter to this effect from the current BSW program director must accompany the application.

Any program applicant, with or without a BSW, who is currently or previously employed in a social or human services capacity/agency MUST include at least 1 letter of recommendation from a current or previous supervisor, preferably one with an MSW.

For applicants that have been out of school for 7 years or more it is acceptable to replace an academic recommendation with a work recommendation. At least one academic recommendation is preferred in this scenario.

Three recommendations are required including at least one academic and one professional. Do NOT include relatives. The references will become part of your admissions file. They will be used only for admissions consideration and will not be disclosed to any unauthorized individual without your consent. You have the right to review references in your file unless you voluntarily waive your right of access by signing in the space below.

I have read the information above and I ____waive my right to read/review this recommendation.

I have read the information above and I ____ DO NOT waive my right to read/review this recommendation.

Signature_______________________________________

Date_____________________________________

To the Evaluator:

This person is applying for admission to our Program as a candidate for the degree of Master of Social Work. Your name has been given as a person having knowledge of his or her potential readiness and qualifications for undertaking graduate study. You can best help the applicant by being straightforward about his or her limitations and strengths.

Thank you for your assistance. Your reply should be sent to the address listed above.

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Category of reference: ____ Academic ____ Work

If you do not know the applicant well enough to give a recommendation, please check here: ____

Professional graduate education for social work places heavy intellectual and emotional demands upon students. The program is interested in admitting students who are mature, have the capacity for graduate studies, and have the commitment to a professional career with serious ethical responsibilities.

The following questions suggest the kinds of information that will be most useful to the Admissions Committee:

1. How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant?

2. In what area of activity and under what conditions has the applicant shown the greatest ability?

3. What is the applicant’s attitude toward persons who are different from her/himself?

4. Are there any personal qualities that may limit the applicant’s ability to work with people with personal and socio-economic difficulty?

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5. Please evaluate the applicant in each of the following areas:

Poor Below Average

Average Above Average

Excellent Unable to Evaluate

Openness to learning with capacity to changeIntellectual Capacity

Integrity

Emotional Maturity/Stability

Creativity in Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Concern for Social Problems

Interpersonal Skills

Sensitivity to Differences in Race, Class, Culture, Lifestyles, and Ideas

Ability to Accept Constructive Feedback

__ I strongly recommend this applicant for admission, without reservation.

___I recommend this applicant for admission, without reservation.

__ I recommend this applicant with reservations. Please explain: ________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

__ I do not recommend this applicant for admission.

Print Name (Evaluator):__________________________________________________________

Title: _____________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip:_________________________________________________________

Phone: (_______)___________________________

Signature (Evaluator): _______________________________ Date: ___________________

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VERIFICATION OF GOOD STANDING

STUDENTS WHO HAVE:

A. ALREADY TAKEN GRADUATE CLASSES AS DEGREE CANDIDATES, ORB. ENROLLED AND WITHDREW OR WERE DISMISSED FROM A BSW PROGRAM:

Students who have matriculated in another BSW program and did not finish it, in another MSW program, or other counseling-type programs such as psychology, counseling psychology, pastoral counseling, etc. or related area such as law, or medicine, will need to obtain a Verification of Good Standing from their previous program. The attached form should be given the director of that program and, upon completion, the director will mail it to the WKU Department of Social Work.

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Master of Social Work ProgramWestern Kentucky University

VERIFICATION OF GOOD STANDINGPrevious Graduate Program

Applicant: _________________________ Evaluator / Previous Program:___________________

To the Student Applicant:

All applicants who have been admitted to BSW Programs that were not completed, MSW programs or other clinical programs such as counseling, pastoral counseling, psychology or related areas must provide certification that they left their previous program in good standing.

This verification of good standing form will become part of your admission file. It will be used only for admissions consideration and will be disclosed only to the admissions committee.

Your signature verifies that you grant the individual(s) named below the right to disclose and obtain information about your education records programs or other clinical programs.

I give permission to, authorize and release officials associated with my previous program or other clinical programs to release the following information to the person listed below:

Program Director:________________________________

Signature:_______________________________________ Date_____________________(Student Applicant)

******************************************************************************To the Evaluator (chair of the student’s previous graduate program): Under the 1974 Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, the applicant named above will have access to this recommendation unless he/she has waived that right. The person named above is applying for admission as a candidate for the degree of Masters of Social Work. This involves not only an intensive program of study, but commitment to a professional career of serious ethical responsibility. You have been selected by the applicant as someone who can verify the student’s progress in your Masters Program.

The student who is requesting admission to the MSW program must be of sound intelligence and have the ability to think clearly and communicate effectively. Equally important are basic friendliness and security of personality, exemplified by good relationships with others. Emotional maturity and stability appropriate to the applicant's age are essential. Motivation to enter the field of social work should include an awareness of social issues as well as a deep concern for people.

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VERIFICATION OF GOOD STANDINGPrevious Graduate Program Page 2 of 3

Although people continue to grow and mature, a person who enters a professional program without a good degree of readiness in all these areas risks failure and at best, is likely to have a difficult and painful experience. Therefore, you can best help the applicant by being frank about his or her limitations as well as strengths. We ask you to answer the questions on the form as fully as possible: additional observations by letter are most welcome. Thank you very much for your assistance.

Sincerely,Dr. J. Dean MayMSW Program Director

Name of student____________________________________________

Please answer the following questions as thoughtfully as possible.

1. Did this student leave your program in good standing? ___yes___no; If no, please elaborate about academic, professional, ethical , legal or other issues that impacted the student’s performance.

2. In what capacity and how long have you known the applicant?

3. What do you consider the applicant’s major strengths as a candidate for professional education in social work?

4. In what areas, and to what degree, does the applicant need to be strengthened as a potential professional social worker?

5. Has this student demonstrated the ability to work in a collaborative manner with fellow MSW students and faculty? Please note any problems or difficulties that may have been identified by faculty, students or field placement supervisors.

6. Does this student have the ability to appropriately interact with faculty? Please note any problems or difficulties that may have been identified by faculty advisors, classroom teachers, field placement supervisors etc.

7. Are you or your faculty aware of any problems this student might face that would preclude their educational development into a sound professional social worker? (i.e. marked emotional difficulties, drug and/or alcohol abuse, or history of criminal convictions etc.)

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VERIFICATION OF GOOD STANDINGPrevious Graduate Program Page 3 of 3

8. Summary Evaluation

_____ I strongly recommend the applicant be allowed to enter Western Kentucky University MSW Program

_____ I recommend the applicant be allowed to enter Western Kentucky University MSW Program

_____ I do not recommend this applicant for admission to Western Kentucky University MSW Program

Signature of Evaluator_____________________________ Title_____________________________

Date___________________

Address__________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number_______________ Email ________________________________

Upon completion, the evaluator should place this form in an envelope. The envelope should then be sealed with the evaluators signature placed over the seal. Mail the Verification of Good Standing form to:

Department of Social WorkAttention: Admissions

Western Kentucky University1906 College Heights Blvd. #11039

Bowling Green, KY 42101-1039

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