MSW Program
Off-Campus Weekend Programs
Policies and Procedure
Behavioral Standards
Becoming a social worker involves the acquisition of knowledge and skills as well as the demonstration of behavior that is congruent with professional standards and values. Social work students are expected to demonstrate the following professional behaviors in the classroom, field, and within the larger BUSSW community:
- Openness to new ideas, differing opinions, and feedback from others; the ability to integrate these into one's professional performance
- The ability to be self-reflective about one's strengths and talents, and areas for growth and change
- Empathy in interaction with others
- An understanding of self in relation to others that is informed by knowledge and research findings rather than factors such as prejudice or stereotypes (e.g., about class, race, culture, gender, age, sexual orientation)
- The ability to keep others' perspectives and feelings in mind when discussing uncomfortable and/or emotionally charged issues
- An understanding of the effect of one's statements and behaviors on others, and the ability to modulate reactivity so that meaningful and inclusive dialogue can proceed
- Ownership of one's role in conflicts with others and the ability to work together to rectify situations that may have undermined or unsettled interaction
- Appropriate use of existing channels of communication (e.g., faculty advisor, classroom instructors, department chairs, BUSSW administrators, field instructors) and procedures for addressing problems and concerns at the School of Social Work as outlined both in this guide as well as the Curriculum Guide for Field Education
Students are also expected, in their interactions with faculty, administrators, staff, agency personnel, and clients/consumers, to act in accordance with behavioral standards outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics and the Boston University Code of Student Responsibility, copies of which are distributed at Orientation.
Classroom Civility
- Only registered students are allowed to attend class.
- Children and guests are not permitted.
- Students are expected to complete all assigned readings before coming to class.
- Only one conversation will occur at a time.
- All pagers and cell phones must be turned off.
Please maintain the confidentiality of all students, co-workers, and family members during class discussions and activities
