Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
Developing Tomorrow's Leaders
Social Work

Social Work

What Can I Study?

Social WorkUndergraduate Degree Programs

Social Work, Bachelor of Social Work

Undergraduate Minor

Child Welfare Minor

Gerontology Minor

Social Welfare Minor

 

Social Work News

NASW-PA ANNUAL LOBBY DAY

lobby day 2012

"I am a social worker and I am proud!" was the chant that roared across the state capitol rotunda on March 27th.  Twenty-six Social Work majors and two faculty members from Mansfield University joined more than 700 students and social workers from across the Commonwealth for the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-PA) Annual Lobby Day.  Students learned about the importance of lobbying and conducting themselves professionally at a pre-lobby lecture at The Forum, across from the state capitol building.  Next, they met with their state legislators during scheduled appointments.  The legislative meetings all had a common purpose: to discuss the importance of Senate Bill 922, a practice protection act currently under consideration.  If enacted, SB 922 would, among other things, allow for the licensure of BSW-level social workers.  Following the scheduled meetings with legislators, all attendees gathered in the beautiful capitol rotunda for an inspiring rally.  Making the voice of Social Work heard so that vulnerable populations could be served was the theme covered by the speakers, including Jenna Mehnert, Executive Director of NASW-PA.  Dr. Mary Daly arranged the trip logistics, and Dr. Nancy Sidell also accompanied the group.

One student remarked that, although initially nervous about meeting her state legislator, she knows she is better trained to advocate on behalf of clients later in her career.  Another noted that the experience made her proud to be a social worker.  Tentative plans are for Mansfield University to participate in next year's Lobby Day.

Social Work Club Field Trip, February 2012

NYC group 2

How are the Social Work Club, immigration policy, laughter, ferry rides, Alexander Hamilton's gravesite, and Chinese tofu dishes connected?  All were part of the February 26-27 Social Work Club-sponsored bus trip to New York City!  Coordinated by Dr. Mary Daly, the trip began with a guided tour of the Chinese-American Museum, free time to explore Manhattan, and a homestyle-served Chinese meal full of yummy dishes (except for the tofu!).  Boarding the New Jersey ferry to Ellis Island, the group spent time learning about immigration policy and viewing the interesting exhibits there.  Returning on the ferry to Battery Park, the group walked to the Twin Towers site and the recently-opened 9/11 memorial.  With a bit of time left before the bus arrived to return to Mansfield, students were free to explore the Wall Street area, Zuccotti Park, and Trinity/St. Paul's Church (where the grave of Alexander Hamilton can be found).  It was a whirlwind few days, but everyone agreed that the experience was worthwhile and wonderful!  Accompanying the students on the trip, in addition to Dr. Daly, were the Kevin Murphy family and Dr. Nancy Sidell.

Social work students show support for BSW licensure in Pennsylvania

capitol

Seven social work majors participated in BSW Visibility Day on October 24, 2011 at the state capitol in Harrisburg.  The purpose of the event was to increase visibility for BSW social workers, and ask legislators to support licensing of BSW's in PA.  Gabby Bottone, Katelyn Briggs, Whitney Hoke, Catiyah Jones, Sarah Jones, Kayla Mapes and Frank Salatino attended, along with BSW students from nine other BSW programs across the state.  The students provided fliers explaining the need for BSW licensure to members of the legislature and their staff members.  Coordinated by the PA chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, the event was attended by over 100 students from across the commonwealth.  Students, wearing their school logos and identifying themselves as social work majors, interacted with staff of legislators across the state.  The event provided students with an opportunity to advocate for an issue of importance to their future careers. 

Students shared the following information:

* A license for bachelor's level social work reflects the academic work and professional competency that BSWs have successfully completed.

* Just to receive a bachelor's degree, at least 400 hours of direct social work practice within a supervised placement must be completed, more than nearly every other academic major.

* Upon graduation, a BSW has the ability to serve a variety of client populations in public, private or non-profit settings including: hospitals, family service agencies, homeless shelters, residential treatment facilities and more.

* Licensure would demonstrate to clients of BSW's that the social work passed a rigorous exam, met nationally established competency standards and were dedicated to the social work profession.

* By holding a social work license, BSW's can be held accountable by the state board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors should professional codes of conduct be violated.

* By licensing bachelor's social workers, PA would join a majority of states (33) and the District of Columbia.  Neighboring states that have bachelor's level licensure for social workers are: Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, W. Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

 Reaccreditation

The Social Work program is beginning to prepare for its next reaccreditation site visit from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in the fall of 2013.  A major revision of the curriculum was proposed by the program faculty and approved through the curricular review process this academic year.  The changes take effect for new incoming freshmen in August of 2011.  Social Work faculty are very excited about these changes and believe they will be very beneficial to students.  

 
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