Field Orientation will be held on January 8, 2008 in Joplin and January 9, 2009 in Springfield.  Times and location will be announced at a later date.  YOU ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND!

 1.       Generally speaking, you cannot do your placement in an agency in which you and/or close family member or friend have been a client. There are some exceptions. You cannot be supervised by a friend or family member. If you have questions about this, talk with Ms. Street or Ms. White.

2.       Students are encouraged to seek varied learning opportunities which are different than past experiences. Examples are past service learning/volunteer experiences and prior work experiences. There may be some exceptions within large agencies that have distinctly different subunits (i.e. large hospitals, large mental health centers, etc). If in doubt, check with your field coordinator.

3.       You will be expected to handle yourself professionally, and to conduct yourself in an ethical manner during your agency experience. Any breach of the NASW Code of Ethics and/or the MSU School of Social Work Standards and Essential Functions and/or irresponsible behavior may result in termination of your agency experience and failure of your respective practicum course and seminar. The field agency and instructor are considered adjuncts to the School of Social Work Program.

4.       Students must complete 450 hours at a practicum site for BSW and 1st MSW practicum and 525 hours for the MSW concentration practicum.  Students may begin practicum on January 12, 2009, unless special permission is given to start earlier, and may not finish earlier than May 1, 2009.  You must be finished with practicum hours and assignments by May 8, 2009. 

Extended practicums may not end earlier than July 24, 2009.  You must be finished with practicum hours and assignments by July 29, 2009.