Definition of Terms

Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers: The ethical code delineating core values and practice standards for the conduct of professional social workers.

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE): The national organization which establishes accreditation standards for BSW and MSW educational programs.

Field instructor: A person who supervises the social work student in the practicum placement. The agency instructor usually is an employee of the practicum organization. According to CSWE standards, field instructors must have a baccalaureate or a master's degree in social work from an accredited social work program with a minimum of two years of post-degree practice experience. Occasionally, special arrangements are made to have a qualified field instructor from outside of the setting to supervise the student if the organization does not employ a qualified social worker who can provide the supervision.

Field Placement Coordinator: The social work faculty member with overall responsibility for the helping to facilitate students' placement and progress during practicum. This faculty member reviews existing and potential new field practicum sites with consideration of match with CSWE standards and the objectives of the EMU BSW program. This faculty member refers students to particular sites for interviews, and ultimately approves student-site match for placements. The Coordinator works with the Director of the EMU Social Work Program to improve the quality of the program, oversee the orientation and training of the community partner field instructor, and evaluation of student learning.

Field Liaison: This is a social work faculty role. The liaison serves as the bridge between the practicum placement and the university, thus working with the field instructor and practicum student for the best learning experience during the semester. The liaison makes visits to the student site to resolve any issues arising in the practicum placement. The field liaison is frequently the Field Placement Coordinator, although the role is sometimes assigned to another faculty member to balance the caseload assigned to one faculty.

Field Education (signature pedagogy): A systematically-designed student experience in a social work practice setting that connects the theoretical and conceptual contributions of the classroom and the practical world of the organizational work setting, the combination of which fosters students' development of core competencies in professional practice.

Generalist Social Worker: A social work practitioner whose knowledge and skills encompass a broad spectrum and who assesses problems and their solutions comprehensively. The generalist often coordinates the efforts of specialists by facilitating communication between them, thereby fostering continuity of care (Barker, The Social Work Dictionary). Social workers trained at the bachelor level are considered generalist social workers.

Learning Contract: A written document completed early in the practicum that specifies the learning goals and objectives for a practicum student and operationalizing expected learning and tasks for that setting according to each of the nine CSWE's core competencies. All learning contracts must be reviewed and approved with the field liaison.

Memorandum of Agreement: The formal letter of agreement between the student, the agency and the university specifying the terms of the practicum and the responsibilities of each party.

Practicum Seminar: An interactive, weekly seminar for all practicum students. The seminar is an opportunity for students to process their field learning, integrate classroom knowledge with practice, and address professional issues and development. Participation in seminars and timely completion of all assignments are important in determination of the over-all grade assigned for the practicum course.