Program Policies

Policies specific to the Practicum Program can be found in the 2024-2025 Practicum Handbook.    

Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our undergraduate social work program is firmly committed to creating and sustaining an anti-oppressive learning environment that actively confronts and dismantles racism and all forms of discrimination. We recognize that systemic inequities and power imbalances impact educational access, experiences, and outcomes. Through these commitments, we prepare social workers who will advance justice, challenge oppression, and promote human dignity in their professional practice and communities:

Antiracism: We actively work to identify and eliminate white supremacist ideology and structural racism in all its forms within our curriculum, policies, and practices. Our program promotes critical consciousness and equips students with the knowledge and skills to challenge racist structures and advance racial justice in social work practice.

Diversity: We celebrate the multiplicity of human experiences and identities. Our program intentionally seeks to amplify diverse voices, perspectives, and lived experiences among our students, faculty, and curriculum content. We recognize diversity as a source of strength and innovation in social work education.

Equity: We are committed to addressing historical and contemporary inequities in higher education. Our program works to eliminate barriers to access and success, ensuring all students receive the support and resources needed to reach their full potential. We regularly examine and adjust our practices to promote equitable outcomes.

Inclusion: We foster a learning community where every member feels valued, respected, and empowered to fully participate. Our program creates spaces for authentic dialogue, meaningful engagement, and collective growth. We actively work to ensure traditionally marginalized voices are centered in our discussions and decision-making processes.

Advising Policy

All UP students will be assigned a professional academic advisor in the CAS Dean’s office to assist with planning student’s schedules during first and second (sophomore) years on campus. Students are also invited to meet individually with the Program Director to discuss major requirements and academic and professional goals including professional licensure and postgraduate employment, volunteering, and graduate school opportunities. During the junior year, students will be advised by social work faculty in planning class schedules, monitoring progress in the major, and discussing questions about academic and professional goals. During the senior year, the Program Director and other faculty will meet with students to discuss postgraduate planning. Any advising needs beyond course scheduling can be done at any time during the year by appointment.

Entrance to and Continuation in the Major

To be admitted into the major and to remain in good standing, students must meet the criteria outlined below. Students who do not meet the criteria must meet with their advisors to develop a plan to address deficits. In addition, students who do not meet the academic or professional skills/behavior standards must develop a contract with the Practicum Director upon applying to the practicum. Should a student fail to meet performance criteria, he or she may not be allowed to apply for the senior year practicum or may be counseled to drop the major.

1. The college policies and procedures for warning, probation, and severance (described in the University Bulletin) will be used for the following continuance requirement: A minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.
2. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in all courses required for the major.
3. Compliance with the criteria set forth under the section “Termination for Cause” (below).

Transfer Credit Policies

Transfer students applying for admission to the University of Portland and students

applying for transfer credit for individual courses taken at other institutions follow a two-

tiered assessment process.

1. The Admissions Office makes decisions regarding admission to the University. The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean’s Office determines both acceptance of transfer credits and whether transfer credits are applicable to the general core courses and elective courses. College policy regarding transfer of these credits can be found in the University Bulletin. The CAS Office sends a list of accepted transfer courses to the SWP Director.
2. The SWP Director makes decisions regarding acceptance and continuance in the major.
   1. A number of non-social work courses are required for the liberal arts foundation for the major. Courses that are accepted for transfer credit, as core or elective courses, will generally be granted credit for the SWP. However, the Program Director reviews the initial decision made by the College of Arts and Sciences regarding these courses on an individual basis. In some cases, additional information (such as course description, syllabi, texts, etc.) may be required by the Director to further assess the course and grant equivalency credit.
   2. All social work courses with a grade of C+ or better from Social Work Programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education may be applied to the major. To receive transfer credit for a social work course taken at a non-accredited Social Work Program, the course must 1) be completed with a grade of C+ or better; and 2) be reviewed and approved by the Program Director. Based upon an assessment of the syllabus of the course or courses in question, the successful completion of a waiver exam may be required.
   3. Transfer credit is not granted for the Social Work Practicum (SW 482-483) or the Social Work Practice courses (SW 480-481); the requirements of the practicum experience must be completed at the University of Portland.
   4. Academic credit for life experience and previous work experience will not be given, in whole or in part, in lieu of the field practicum or any of the courses required for the major.

Expectations for Ethical and Professional Behavior

Students in our undergraduate social work program are required to demonstrate professional behavior and ethical conduct consistent with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. These standards reflect the core values of our profession and establish expectations for student conduct in academic, field, and professional settings.

Ethical Standards

All students must:

• Uphold the NASW Code of Ethics in all professional and academic interactions
• Maintain the highest standards of personal and professional integrity
• Protect and respect client confidentiality and privacy
• Practice within professional boundaries and scope of training
• Demonstrate honesty in all academic work and professional documentation
• Use social media and electronic communication responsibly and ethically
• Report any ethical concerns or violations to appropriate faculty or supervisors

Professional Skills and Behaviors

In addition to adhering to the preceding ethical standards, students are expected to develop and demonstrate the following core professional competencies:

Communication

• Clear and effective written communication
• Professional verbal and non-verbal communication
• Active listening and empathetic response
• Appropriate documentation and record-keeping

Professional Conduct

• Punctuality and reliability
• Appropriate professional appearance and demeanor
• Responsible use of supervision and feedback
• Effective time management and organization
• Appropriate handling of conflict and challenging situations

Practice Skills

• Critical thinking and ethical decision-making
• Cultural humility and self-reflection

Collaborative Practice

• Effective teamwork and group participation
• Respectful engagement with colleagues and faculty
• Appropriate consultation and referral
• Interprofessional collaboration