Fieldwork Experience
Fieldwork is the primary ingredient in social work education. It is the culmination of academic preparation and serves to focus the student toward applying the knowledge, values, and skills learned in the core social work courses. Once the student leaves the classroom he/she is armed with a conceptual framework on which rests changed attitudes, newfound skills, and confidence in the system of change. To maintain high expectations and an eager spirit, the field practicum must be as rewarding as it is challenging. Such is the stage when the Agency joins the institution/agency to partner in educating future social workers in the field practicum.
The curriculum accredited by Council on Social Work Education is reflected in the Curriculum Policy Statement and has been the guide in establishing field education at UALR. Students should be familiar with the Curriculum Policy Statement.
The field experience or practicum is a selection of public and private agencies engaged in the process of social work that will admit one or more students from the Program into their work setting. They will work, learn, and act as a student/professional or intern under the supervision of a social work professional. The practicum is 200 hours per semester of direct practice experience provided to the student in exchange for the opportunity to observe, learn, and participate in designated areas of the agency over the course of one semester, usually in the Fall semester of the senior year. The student may move to a second field placement in the second semester of the senior year.
The Field Experience will be overseen by a Faculty Liaison from the School of Social Work who will work closely with the Field Instructor (of the Agency) to assist the student in the application of classroom theory and application skills. The Field Instructor will assist the student in designing the student's own learning contract. The learning contract designates which objectives will be addressed and how each will be achieved (See Field Manual for more group details.)
Students who have successfully completed core social work courses are eligible to apply for Field Experience at the end of the junior year following Practice I. Applications will be turned into the Field Coordinator and placements will be assigned before the Fall semester. Efforts are made to consider student's needs and interests in terms of geographical area and/or client population. However, the BSW Field Committee maintains the final authority to assign students based on learning needs.
Student stipend awards vary from agency to agency and from year to year. However, some stipends are available. Students wishing to be considered for a stipend must make formal application. Further details are available from the Field Coordinator's office
