College of Health

EXPLANATION:

A UM social work major or transfer student wishing to enroll in required social work courses at the

junior or senior level (i.e. SW 300, 310, 350, 360, 400) must apply for admission. An approved

application is required prior to taking junior or senior level courses. Applications are due the last day

of the semester preceding anticipated entrance into the 300 level social work courses.

REASON FOR APPLICATION PROCESS:

The UM social work major prepares students for professional social work practice. Due to the

vulnerable nature of the populations served, the School of Social Work is responsible for preparing

students for the challenges of social work. Thus, the School of Social Work has an obligation to

identify students who are not suitable for the profession, or those not prepared to master the

necessary knowledge and skills of social work. Additionally this application allows the department to

evaluate the written communication skills of the applicant, allowing for identification of areas of

opportunity and to enhance student advising.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Answer all the questions completely and truthfully. (Falsification or the withholding of information may be grounds for the rejection of this application, or may be considered a violation of the student conduct code. NOTE: Those reviewing your application may request your official college transcript(s) or seek verification of your statements).
2. A resume MUST be attached to your application.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES INFORMATION:

Students have access to a range of campus-based academic support services. More information can

be found by visiting http://www.umt.edu/oss/.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:

The University of Montana, School of Social Work does not discriminate. Please visit

http://www.umt.edu/eo/titleix/notice.php for our full Non-Discrimination statement.

REQUIREMENTS:

Students must meet the following admission criteria. Failure to do so will result in denial of admission

to the SW 300 level courses. Students may reapply once they meet the admission criteria and are

encouraged to meet with their advisor to discuss their options.

1. Overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 (or a GPA of 3.0 in the last 30 credits).
2. Completion of SW 100 and SW 200, with a GPA of 3.0. 
3. Completion of 4 of the 7 required extra-departmental courses. (All 7 are needed to graduate)

Expectations of Professional Skills, Competencies, & Ethical Conduct

The Bachelor’s of Social Work Student Handbook describes the professional skills, competencies,

and ethical conduct required of BSW students at The University of Montana. It also includes

guidelines for ethical practice in the classroom and practicum. Prior to admission to the 300 level of

social work courses, students are expected to read the BSW Student Handbook, UM Student

Conduct Code, and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. Ethical social

work practice and the dilemmas therein are addressed throughout the BSW learning experience.

Students are expected to conduct themselves in line with the NASW Code of Ethics and to seek

consultation and supervision from faculty members or agency field instructors when ethical questions

arise.

In addition, given the nature of social work practice, students are expected to demonstrate

appropriate personal and professional conduct on campus, in the practicum setting and in the

community. All students in the BSW Program are also considered members of the social work

profession. As such, students must adhere to the professional, ethical, and legal standards

prescribed for the practice of social work; including areas of cognitive functioning, communication

skills, self-awareness, appropriate personal and professional conduct, professional commitment,

empathy, ability to receive and utilize supervision, and knowledge base for social work practice.

The School of Social Work recognizes that persons seeking to enter the profession bring unique life

experiences. It is a goal of the School of Social Work to help students access resources and support

to overcome personal obstacles that may hinder their success in the profession. Additionally, the

School of Social Work has a duty to the profession to ensure that those entering the profession are

personally, professionally, and legally able to carry out a full range of social work responsibilities.

A number of social work settings with responsibility for vulnerable populations prohibit persons who

have past criminal and/or DUI or drug offense records from securing employment. Therefore, the

BSW program requires students to disclose any convictions of a crime of violence against a person

(e.g. assault, child abuse, child sexual abuse, rape, sexual assault, incest, domestic abuse,

homicide), or convictions of a DUI or drug offense that have occurred prior to student’s entry into the

program, or during their time in the program.

A criminal record does not necessarily prevent a student from entering or completing the program.

However, it may affect practicum placement opportunities. Therefore, students are expected to report

any past record as well as any arrests or criminal charges that occur during time in the program to

the Chair of the School of Social Work or the student’s faculty advisor. Minor traffic offenses are not

required to be reported.

The following could result in corrective action. Including referral to a faculty support team, referral to

UM Counseling and Psychological Services, referral to the Dean of Student Services,

recommendation for a leave of absence with a plan to re-enter the program, and/or recommendation

for termination from the program.

• Failure to meet minimum standards of competence.
• Student exhibiting behavior that could be harmful to clients or colleagues.
• Abuse, or dangerous use, of alcohol and other drugs resulting in an interference with a student’s performance.
• Failure to demonstrate emotional and behavioral ability to manage stressful situations associated with social work.