Program Handbook
Social Services Worker Program—0009
Doon Campus
School of Health & Life Sciences and Community Services
Conestoga College
Academic Year 2015/2016
This is a companion document to the current Conestoga Student Guide
This document can be found on the program shell of eConestoga and the program specific page online
Revised on July 20, 2015
Table of Contents
PROGRAM HANDBOOK ....................................................................................................................... I
PROGRAM HANDBOOK GUIDELINES ................................................................................................... V
WELCOME ......................................................................................................................................... VI
TOP FIVE EXPECTATIONS OF YOU ..................................................................................................... VII
1. USE MYCONESTOGA TO CONNECT TO: ....................................................................................................... VII
2. KNOW AND PLAN AROUND YOUR ACADEMIC SCHEDULE WITH YOUR FAMILY ..................................................... VII
3. BE THE PROFESSIONAL YOU WISH TO BECOME - FROM DAY ONE ....................................................................VIII
4. ATTEND TO ENHANCE SUCCESS..................................................................................................................VIII
5. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACADEMIC STATUS ......................................................................................VIII
TOP FIVE RESOURCES FOR YOU ......................................................................................................... IX
1. YOUR TEACHING TEAM ............................................................................................................................. IX
2. COUNSELLING AND SERVICES FOR PERSONAL NEEDS ....................................................................................... IX
3. ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES .............................................................................................................................. X
4. STUDENT STUDY SPACES AND GENERAL SUPPORTS .......................................................................................... X
5. SERVICES FOR STUDENTS ........................................................................................................................... XI
LETTER TO STUDENTS ....................................................................................................................... XII
1. PROGRAM OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................... 1
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION................................................................................................................................. 1
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES .................................................................................................................... 1
SOCIAL SERVICES WORKER PROGRAM MAP 2015-2016 ..................................................................................... 2
PROGRAM DESIGN FOR YOUR COHORT ............................................................................................................. 3
PATHWAYS AND FURTHER POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES ............................................................... 3
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ........................................................................................................................ 3
2. RELATIONSHIPS .............................................................................................................................. 4
COMMUNICATION WITH FACULTY .................................................................................................................... 4
Faculty Contact Information ................................................................................................................ 4
Administration Contact Information .................................................................................................... 4
Student E-mail ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Faculty Availability ............................................................................................................................... 5
Professional Memberships ................................................................................................................... 5
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT ................................................................................................................................. 5
Student Concerns/Issues ...................................................................................................................... 5
Student Representation ........................................................................................................................ 6
PAC (Program Advisory Committee) .................................................................................................... 6
WIHSC (Waterloo Inter-professional Health & Community Student Collaborative) ............................ 6
STUDENT FEEDBACK ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Key Performance Indicators ................................................................................................................. 7
Student Appraisal of Teaching ............................................................................................................. 7
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CLASS CANCELLATIONS................................................................................................................................... 7
Class Cancellations Due to Faculty Absence......................................................................................... 7
Inclement Weather Procedure ............................................................................................................. 8
Personal Notifications of Class Cancellations....................................................................................... 8
3. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE ............................................................. 9
CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS (AND EMPLOYEES) ............................................................................ 9
Student Expectations ............................................................................................................................ 9
Faculty Expectations ........................................................................................................................... 10
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS .......................................................................................................................... 10
PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOUR ........................................................................................................................... 10
CODE OF ETHICS AND STANDARDS OF PRACTICE ................................................................................................ 11
SOCIAL SERVICE WORK – A REGULATED PROFESSION ........................................................................................ 12
COPYRIGHT – WHAT STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW .............................................................................................. 13
Cumulative Copying............................................................................................................................ 13
SAFE PRACTICE ........................................................................................................................................... 14
STUDENT PROTECTION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................................... 15
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT - USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND CELL PHONES................................................................... 16
Social Media Policy ............................................................................................................................. 16
Cell Phone Policy ................................................................................................................................. 17
4. ATTENDANCE AND STUDENT SUCCESS STRATEGIES ...................................................................... 18
ATTENDANCE ............................................................................................................................................. 18
PUNCTUALITY ............................................................................................................................................. 18
ATTENDANCE FOR EVALUATIONS .................................................................................................................... 18
Notification for Absence from Evaluations ........................................................................................ 19
Notification procedure ....................................................................................................................... 19
Follow-up after Reporting Your Absence from an Evaluation ............................................................ 20
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS ................................................................................................................................... 20
DOCUMENTATION TO SUBSTANTIATE YOUR REPORTED ABSENCE ......................................................................... 21
Evaluations worth less than 20% ....................................................................................................... 21
Evaluations worth 20% or more ......................................................................................................... 21
Use of Time between Classes ............................................................................................................. 21
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES ............................................................................................................................. 21
CLASS CANCELLATIONS DUE TO FACULTY ABSENCE ............................................................................................ 22
OPTION TO RECEIVE PERSONAL NOTIFICATIONS OF CLASS CANCELLATIONS ............................................................ 22
ATTENDANCE FOR FIELD PLACEMENT .............................................................................................................. 22
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS .............................................................................................................................. 23
GUIDELINES FOR TESTS/EXAMS ..................................................................................................................... 24
5. ACADEMIC PROGRESS THROUGH THE PROGRAM ......................................................................... 25
ACADEMIC STANDING AND PROMOTION ......................................................................................................... 25
Achievement ....................................................................................................................................... 25
Course Add/Drop ................................................................................................................................ 25
Special Timetables/Adding Dropped or Failed Courses...................................................................... 26
Academic Probation ........................................................................................................................... 26
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Discontinuance ................................................................................................................................... 26
Withdrawal ......................................................................................................................................... 26
Program Transfer ............................................................................................................................... 27
Appeal................................................................................................................................................. 27
Re-entry .............................................................................................................................................. 27
Clearance of Academic Deficiency...................................................................................................... 27
Movement into Field Placement ........................................................................................................ 27
Graduation ......................................................................................................................................... 27
PROMOTION THROUGH THE PROGRAM ........................................................................................................... 28
PROCESS FOR RESOLUTION OF STUDENT CONCERNS .......................................................................................... 28
MAINTAINING STUDENT FILES ....................................................................................................................... 29
6. FIELD PLACEMENT EXPERIENCES ................................................................................................... 31
PRACTICUM HEALTH REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................................. 31
SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE COURSE............................................................................................................... 31
STUDENT CONSENT FORMS........................................................................................................................... 31
WSIB....................................................................................................................................................... 31
CONCERNS REGARDING THE SAFETY OF THE WORK ENVIRONMENT ....................................................................... 32
ACADEMIC REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................... 33
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OCSWSSW ....................................................................................... 33
7. STUDENT AWARDS AND FINANCIAL AID ....................................................................................... 37
AWARDS AVAILABLE FOR SSW STUDENTS 2015-16 ......................................................................................... 37
PROGRAM REVISION LOG ................................................................................................................. 40
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Program Handbook Guidelines
The purpose of this handbook is to provide students with program specific details and other important
information. The material in this handbook is accurate at the date of posting, and is applicable for the
current academic year. Students will be informed of handbook changes that occur, if any, through
college email. Program handbooks are updated yearly and students must check their program
handbook for the current edition.
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Welcome
To the School of Health & Life Sciences and Community Services
Your Bridge to Practice
What Can This Mean For You?
The opportunity to begin, today, to become the professional you aspire to be.
The opportunity to learn in real-life settings and with real-life scenarios, rehearsing for the day
when you will be in these real-life situations.
A unique inter-professional opportunity, given the number of different disciplines in the school.
You will learn with, about and from your future colleagues.
An opportunity to take advantage of the state of the art facilities, social and study spaces in
our Cowan Health Sciences Center, as well as other unique learning resources such as the Motz
Emergency Service Bays in the WREMS Station and the Child Development Centre on the Doon
Campus
Your goal of being viewed by employers as a “preferred graduate” is up to you; your professors,
technologists, administrative staff and College services look forward to supporting you as you
journey from day one to your graduation.
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Top Five Expectations of You
1. Use MyConestoga to Connect To:
Your Conestoga Email: (e.g. John Smith, Student Number 1234567, jsmith4567@conestogac.on.ca)
• This is the official communication vehicle regarding your academic requirements. Check it
regularly and respond as requested.
eConestoga: (Desire to Learn)
• This is your resource for all course-based program information and course-based
communication with your faculty.
• Make eConestoga your partner in learning; this is your guide to all course activity.
Student Portal:
• Find your grade information, college tuition invoices, class schedules and absence reporting.
Practicum Health Requirements: (Go to “Services” and find “Practicum Services Link”)
• Keep track of your requirements; know that they are complete to allow you to go on your
practicum.
2. Know and Plan Around Your Academic Schedule with Your
Family
Course Schedule:
• Your schedule has been planned with many people and multiple considerations in mind.
• Classes can be scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (note, times for practicums follow work
place schedules).
• Changes may be considered but only for extenuating reasons (Please discuss with your
Program Coordinator).
The Academic Year has critical dates: Please plan around these dates to ensure you are here when
you need to be--including the potential need to be present for the two weeks after the semester
ends if you might need to complete supplemental work to allow you to continue to the next
semester. Program start and end dates, holidays and deadlines for course add/drop and withdrawal,
are located in the Student Guide. Course changes (add/dropping) may also be made through the
Student Portal under the “My Courses” tab.
Fall 2015
Dates
Winter 2016
Dates
Fall Orientation Week
Fall Semester Classes
Start
Last Week of Semester
Intersession (no classes)
Aug 31 – Sept 4
September 8
December 14-18
Dec. 21-Jan 1/16
Winter Orientation
Winter Semester Classes
Start
Study Week
Last Week of Semester
Intersession (no classes)
January 4
January 5
February 15-19
April 18-April 22
April 25 – May 6
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Top Five Expectations of You
3. Be the Professional You Wish To Become - From Day One
Civility, respect and professional behaviors will be key in the quality of your learning experience—
and a future employer's first and lasting impression.
Professional Dress & Conduct: See section three of the Handbook for professionalism expectations
for your program. The college’s Student Guide sets out Student Code of Conduct for our community
at Conestoga.
Pre-practicum Health Requirements Complete as required; without these, you will not be able to
progress to your practicum and your program completion will be in jeopardy (per your information
in the Student Portal)
Social Media: Use responsibly –don’t blow your future on ill-advised communication with the e-tools
that we use so freely (see section three of the Handbook)
4. Attend To Enhance Success
Please Review Attendance Expectations in Section four of the Handbook: Attendance for class, labs
and practicum underpins student learning and your experience as a future professional.
Absence from Evaluations: Must be reported in the Student Portal before your absence to be eligible
for a repeated evaluation.
Request for Accommodation for Religious Holidays: Must be requested to your Program
Coordinator in the first three weeks of each semester.
5. Take Responsibility for Your Academic Status
Student Records if you have questions about your student record, academic status and or program
withdrawals, go to the Registrar’s Office and speak to your Program Coordinator.
Fee Payments: Payment is required to attend classes. Check your Student Portal for invoices.
Credit Transfer/Exemptions: Conestoga supports the transferability of academic credits between
programs and educational institutions through recognized transfer pathways, articulation
agreements and course-to-course equivalences. Please refer to the Student Guide for more
information.
Student Forms: To access forms go to the Student Forms page.
Academic Policies & Procedures: May be found under Policies and Procedures.
Student Affairs Polices & Procedures: May be found at the Student Affairs page.
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Top Five Resources for You
1. Your Teaching Team
Contact Information: Is posted in eConestoga and in your Program Handbook (Section two in the
Handbook)
Appointments: Making appointments (in person, by phone, email) helps to ensure your desired
resource is available.
Email Inquiries: will be answered within two business days.
Urgent Need for Help: Program Assistants are available to help you reach one of the Teaching Team
(contact information in Section two of the Handbook)
2. Counselling and Services for Personal Needs
College Counselling: Professionally-trained counsellors can help you achieve your educational
goals—for such common support as stress management, anxiety, depression, transition issues,
family issues, etc. Counselling is free, voluntary and confidential. Arrange to see a Counsellor quickly
if academic or personal problems stand in the way of your college success. To make an appointment,
visit or call Doon--Room 1A101, 519-748-5220, ext. 3360, Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. Check the
counselling services website for more information.
Good2Talk: Confidential 24-hour phone line for stresses big and small 1-866-925-5454
Conestoga Security: Provides a safe and secure work and learning environment. 519-748-5220 ext.
3357. Refer to the Student Guide for Conestoga’s Safety and Security Services and procedures.
Student Financial Services: Student Financial Services can help you by providing you with options to
finance your post-secondary education.
CSI Food Bank: The CSI Food Bank is an emergency food relief program for current Conestoga
students.
Health Services: Your family doctor on campus. Check out the services that they offer on their
website or call 519-748-5220 ext. 3679. Services available Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. Some
same day appointments may be available by walk-in. A full-time health nurse is on site.
Facility Information: Refer to the Student Guide for information on after-hours parking, classroom
and computer labs.
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Top Five Resources for You
3. Accessibility Services
Students with Documented Disabilities are encouraged to book an appointment with Accessibility
Services to access accommodations –EARLY in your program. Disability-related documentation will
be required to book an appointment. Go to the Accessibility Services webpage for more information.
Adaptive Technology Aids and Special Facilities:
Adaptive Aids are arranged through Accessibility Services; handicapped –accessible washrooms are
located throughout the campus. Contact the Adaptive Technology Lab for more information on
adaptive technology aids.
4. Student Study Spaces and General Supports
Cowan Health Sciences Centre (F-wing)
Student Lounge Space –Enjoy seats on each of the three floors. Plugs for laptops and charging
stations are located throughout these areas.
Student Meeting Room Space—Book through the Customer Service Desk for general access to 1F18
and 1F20 and spaces designated for degree programs.
General Access Computers and printers are located in two areas:
• 1st Floor –in the student lounge area with photocopier
• 2nd Floor—at the Customer Service Desk and kiosk area
Open Access Lab –2nd Floor, 2F18.
This is available on a come and go basis for health & pre-health programs practicing key skills. It is
open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day. Book with an Open Access Nurse Technologist.
Lockers—are available with your tuition; important to store your extra clothes and books, etc. so
that you can be at your professional best in the lab. To learn how to obtain a locker, please click
here.
Information Technology-- New ITS HELP DESK—1st Floor Ewing (provides supports & general
assistance with college-related needs such as Email, Network accounts, connectivity & wireless
printing. Go to the Web IT Service Desk for more information.
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Top Five Resources for You
5. Services for Students
Library Resource Centre: Located on 2nd Floor B Wing; Go to the Library Resource Centre page for
more information.
International Education Office: Check out the International Education Office for services available to
you.
Learning Commons: Your one-stop resource for academic services and resources, such as Math,
Writing Skills, Peer Tutors and resources for APA. Check out their website or Access through
MyConestoga.
Student Life: Get involved and shape your experience. Visit the Student Life page or Connect to
MyConestoga for your Co-Curricular Record.
Student Financial Services: Your one-stop resource to apply for student awards and bursaries apply
early to increase your chances.
Bookstore: Your location to buy books (check out their options including used books), clothing for
your program and general supplies. Find it in the A wing, just inside Door 1.
Co-op and Career Advising: Your resource for Co-op Placements (if you are in a degree); your source
of help to look for summer jobs or future careers and gain help preparing your resume. Check out
the Co-op and Career Services site for more information.
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Social Service Worker Program Handbook 2015-2016
Letter to Students
Dear Social Service Worker Student,
Welcome to the Social Service Worker (SSW) Program. You have worked hard to be accepted
into the Social Services Worker Program at Conestoga College and we commend you on your
success.
This handbook has been prepared to provide further information about academic standards,
guidelines and processes specific to the Social Services Program. Reading, understanding and
following the information in this handbook is an important first step in your continued success
in this program and your chosen profession. The handbook has been compiled with careful
consideration for your personal and professional growth during your two years at the college. If
you do not understand any of the information in this handbook, please ask the faculty, Program
Coordinator or Chair for an explanation.
Use the index in this handbook as your guide and the contents as your continuous reference as
you proceed through the program. The Social Services Worker Program faculty will refer to the
handbook often, but the responsibility for knowing the program standards is ultimately yours.
In addition to the Social Services Program Standards Handbook, the Conestoga Student Guide
outlines important policies and procedures for you to follow. The Social Services Program
Standards Handbook is a supplement to, but not a replacement for, the Conestoga Student
Guide.
We are here to help you have a successful two years. Should you experience difficulty or need
assistance in any area of your studies, please come and speak with us, and we will work with
you to help you reach your career goal of becoming a social service worker.
All the very best to you in your studies.
Sincerely,
Marlene Raasok (Executive Dean, Health & Life Sciences and Community Services),
Goranka Vukelich (Chair, Community Services) & Social Services Worker Faculty Team and Staff
Team
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1. Program Overview
Program Description
Using a thoughtfully constructed program design that draws upon evidence-based research in the field
of social work and adult education, Conestoga College’s SSW Program has been designed to prepare
students for an exciting career in the field of social work. In addition to various classroom learning
experiences, students enrolled in Conestoga’s SSW Program have the benefit of being exposed to
exciting field placement experiences in the community that will strengthen their knowledge and
develop their capabilities.
Program Learning Outcomes
Successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:
1.
Develop and maintain professional relationships which adhere to professional, legal and
ethical standards aligned to social service work.
2. Identify strengths, resources, and challenges of individuals, families, groups and communities
to assist them in achieving their goals.
3. Recognize diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families and communities to
promote accessible and responsive programs and services.
4. Identify current social policy, relevant legislation, and political, social, and/or economic
systems and their impacts on service delivery.
5. Advocate for appropriate access to resources to assist individuals, families, groups and
communities.
6. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, supervisors and
community partners.
7. Develop strategies and plans that lead to the promotion of self -care, improved job
performance and enhanced work.
8. Integrate social group work and group facilitation skills across a wide range of environments,
supporting growth and development of individuals, families and communities.
9. Work in communities to advocate for change strategies that promote social and economic
justice and challenge patterns of oppression and discrimination.
10. Access information in order to keep current in a continuously changing field.
11. Write comprehensive and grammatically correct reports.
12. Acquire an increased appreciation and understanding of the concepts and values required to
enhance the quality of life for self and others in the home, workplace and the local and global
community through an exploration of selected broad goals of education in the areas of
aesthetics, civic life, culture, personal development, society, work and the economy, science
and technology.
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Social Services Worker Program Map 2015-2016
Program Map describes your learning journey with three important components:
1. All courses focus on you demonstrating development towards the program outcomes and capabilities through your program journey.
2. There are themes for your learning that will inform you on the courses you will take to develop program capabilities.
3. Each semester has a theme that creates milestones for your learning within a semester and your journey from one semester to the next semester and
ultimately to your readiness to graduate.
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Self-Awareness
Working with
Individuals,
groups, families
and communities
Evidenced Based
Practices
Introduction to
Professional Practice
Introduction to
Professional Practice
Group Process and
Dynamics
Social Work and the Law
Collaborative and
inter-professional
practice
Social Services Systems I
Professional
Capacity and
Autonomy
College Reading and
Writing Skills
Fundamentals of Professional
Practice
Expansion of Professional
Practice
Consolidation of Professional
Practice
Group Work: Practical
Applications
Working with Diverse
Populations
Counselling Interventions
Violence, Abuse and Neglect
Community Organization I
Group Work: Assessment,
Intervention and evaluation
Understanding Families: A
Systems Approach
Techniques of Interviewing and
Assessment
Field Work I and Field Seminar:
Preparing for Professional
Practice
Safety in the Workplace
Fit for Work, Fit for Life
Intervention in Family Practice
Simulation in Practice I
Field Work II (Social Services)
and Field Seminar: Expansion
of Professional Practice
Sustainability for the Not-forProfit Sector
Simulation in Practice II
Field Work III (Social Services)
and Field Seminar: Consolidation
of Professional Practice
Professional Communication
Elective: General Education
Social Work Values and Ethics
Developmental Psychology
Adaptability, Advocacy & Mentorship
Reflective Practice
Ability to work with diverse populations
Community and individual capacity building
Professional leadership
Critical thinking
Program Capabilities
Research, analyze and influence policy
Understanding of outcome based interventions
Understanding of outcome based interventions
Ability to utilize and evaluate research
Strong professional identity and autonomy
Ability to manage case files
Facilitation skills
Professional decision making
Enhanced professional communication
Fund development
Use technology in workplace to
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Program Design for Your Cohort
Students can find their program design on the student Portal by following the steps below:
1. Log in to Student Portal
2. Click on ‘My Courses’ tab
3. Select ‘View Progress Report’ button
Courses are listed by level/semester. Students can also view courses for the most current program
design for this academic year on the Conestoga College website. To find these courses, students
need to scroll down the page to the ‘Program Courses’.
Pathways and Further Post-secondary Education Opportunities
Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a
degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga
programs or partner institutions. View the transfer agreement opportunities for this program.
There are a number of different opportunities available to students who want to continue studying
at Conestoga. Whether you wish to transfer to another program or apply to a new program after
graduation, Conestoga has established pathways to help you meet your goals. Conestoga Pathways
information is available on Conestoga’s website.
Employment opportunities
Graduates find employment as practical front-line service providers in a variety of social service
settings such as residential services for special populations, women's crisis services, programs for
children and youth with behavioural and/or emotional challenges, and services for the unemployed.
For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities; see the
Government of Canada website.
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2. Relationships
Communication with Faculty
Students may communicate with faculty via email, voice mail or in person. Faculty offices are located in
3B. As faculty schedules vary due to teaching responsibilities, it is recommended that students email
faculty to make an appointment. Faculty will attempt to respond to all student email and/or voice mail
within two working days. All communications should reflect the professional standards of the social
services field.
All students are supplied with a college email address. Use the college email when communicating with
faculty. Non-college email addresses such as Hotmail, yahoo, etc., are not acceptable. Email
communications which disregard proper spelling and grammar are inappropriate forms of
communication and should not be used. Please remember that all email communication should be
professional in nature.
Faculty Contact Information
Name
Position
Extension
Email
Patrice Butts
Coordinator/Professor
3260
pbutts@constogac.on.ca
Linda Juodvalkis
Professor
2423
ljuodvalkis@conestogac.on.ca
Steven Shadd
Professor
3290
sshadd@conestogac.on.ca
Name
Extension
Email
Goranka Vukelich, Chair
3393
gvukelich@conestogac.on.ca
Jaymie Wilson-Neil, Program Assistant
3765
Jwilsonneil@conestogac.on.ca
Administration Contact Information
Student E-mail
All students are supplied with a college e-mail address. Use the College e-mail address ONLY when
communicating with faculty. Non-college e-mail addresses are not acceptable. Students are expected
to check their college e-mail and their eConestoga email regularly as most official communication
will be via this method.
4
Faculty Availability
Program faculty offices are located in 3B. Students are welcome to see individual faculty to discuss
course work, assignments or just to say hello. During the first several days during the start of the
semester faculty will explain how you can contact them outside of class time. As faculty have diverse
teaching schedules, it is best to make an appointment to ensure he/she is available.
IT has installed telephones for internal use outside the entry to the faculty workspaces in 3B. Beside
this phone will be a faculty directory with extension numbers only. If you have an appointment with
a faculty member, please call to confirm that you have arrived. Please do not enter until you have
confirmation that the faculty member is at their pod. If you do not have an appointment, please call
the person you wish to meet with to confirm that he/she is present and can see you. If you do not
reach them, please leave a message. In an interest of respecting the work environment for everyone
in this area, please do not wander into faculty workspaces looking for them.
Professional Memberships
Patrice Butts, MSW is a member of the Ontario Association of Professional Social Workers
Steven Shadd, MSW
Linda Juodvalkis, MSW, RSW is a member of the Ontario Association of Professional Social Workers,
and the OCSWSSW, Association for Specialists in Groupwork (ACA).
Student Engagement
Student Concerns/Issues
We appreciate that concerns/issues may arise during the learning experience. Our goal is to
collaborate – students with faculty and staff —to resolve situations of concerns quickly and to learn
and improve from these situations.
To achieve this goal, we need an effective problem-solving environment. This means:
When a situation of concern arises, it needs to be raised immediately and discussed by the
individuals involved.
**Problem-solving closest to the individual associated with the learning is the place to start.
Please see the “Student Concerns/Issues” section in the Student Rights and Responsibilities chapter
of the college Student Guide for further details to be followed for the informal and formal
procedures for the resolution of concerns and issues.
Please note that issues and concerns related to a placement site, its operation or its employees
should first be brought to the attention of the Conestoga Field Placement Supervisor, subject to the
additional procedures outlined in the following Sections on “Professionalism” and “Concerns
Regarding Safety or Care/Service for Clients during a Practicum/Field Placement”.
5
Student Representation
CSI and Conestoga agree that a student has the right to invite a member of CSI to a student/faculty
meeting, provided that 24 hours advance notice is given to faculty. This advance notice will ensure
that all parties will have an opportunity to adequately prepare for the meeting.
PAC (Program Advisory Committee)
Each program at Conestoga has a Program Advisory Committee (PAC), which is made up of industry
and academic representatives, as well as current students. They meet several times a year to discuss
the direction in which that industry is heading and any improvements that can be made to keep the
program current. This helps to ensure that students are learning material that is relevant to their
industry.
At the beginning of each year, the coordinator of the program will ask for student volunteers. The
coordinator will decide which students will represent years one and two. The student
representatives are expected to attend the meetings. Students must prepare and submit a report
based on guidelines provided by the Program Chair/Coordinator which will be presented at the
meeting. Students are expected to be professional, dress in business attire and engage in
discussions.
WIHSC (Waterloo Inter-professional Health & Community Student Collaborative)
Conestoga College offers many unique and exciting opportunities for personal and professional
growth. One of the things that contribute to the excellence of this college is the host of exciting
extracurricular opportunities that add to the culture of this fine institution. WIHSC (Waterloo Interprofessional Health & Community Student Collaborative) is one such club whose members strive to
‘learn with, from, and about’ each other.
Membership of this active group is comprised of students enrolled in health, community, and social
sciences programs at the Doon campus. Some of the most popular initiatives that this group
regularly engages in are interactive simulation exercises, peer-mentoring, guest speakers, paper case
studies and monthly meetings. To find out more about this exciting opportunity, please visit the
WIHSC website. The website includes information on past events (pictures and videos) as well as
how to get involved. Get involved, have fun, and learn more about the team members you will work
with upon graduation. For more information, please contact your Program Coordinator.
6
Student Feedback
Student feedback is an essential component of our continuous improvement process. Our
opportunities for student feedback include:
Key Performance Indicators
All college programs in the province are evaluated using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) through
the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. This survey is conducted each academic year.
Strategic goals to improve the programs are developed from these results. This data and other data
specific to the campus and the program/school are collected so that Conestoga College can
continually improve quality.
Student Appraisal of Teaching
The Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT) allows direct feedback from students on teaching for a
particular course. Completion of the SAT form gives teachers and academic managers valuable
information, to use for improving teaching at Conestoga.
The SAT process occurs at semester-end. One quarter of the faculty is appraised per term, and each
has two courses selected by their academic managers for appraisal. All teachers have a SAT review at
least once every two years. Students complete either an electronic or paper copy of the SAT. A
summary of results is prepared by Institutional Research.
The report is sent to the Academic Manager who shares the report with the faculty member AFTER
all marks for the semester have been collected. Continuing Education students may have an
opportunity to complete a SAT form at the conclusion of each Continuing Education course.
Class Cancellations
Class Cancellations Due to Faculty Absence
All class cancellations due to faculty absences will be posted in the Student Portal on the left hand
side of first page which a student sees after logging in. These notices in the Student Portal will be the
only general notifications of class cancellations due to faculty absences.
Faculty who will be absent will not be informing students of class cancellations through eConestoga.
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Inclement Weather Procedure
When it appears that classes may be cancelled due to inclement weather, students are advised to
check one of the local radio stations listed below and/or Conestoga’s website .The decision regarding
college closure is made fairly early in the morning (by 6:30 a.m.).
In the event of inclement weather, local radio stations will announce if Continuing Education classes
are cancelled. These stations are:
Cambridge
Conestoga’s own FM station
Guelph
Kitchener
Stratford
Wingham
CIZN FM (92.9)
CJIQ (88.3)
CJOY (1460)
CHYM (96.7) and CKKW (1090)
CJCS (1240)
CKNX (920)
Personal Notifications of Class Cancellations
Students have the option of receiving special emails or SMS text messages notifying them of class
cancellations due to faculty absences. To receive such personal notifications students must subscribe
to this special service.
To subscribe:
- Log in to the Student Portal
- Select Notifications under the Profile tab
- Select the method by which you would like to be notified
- Click Update.
Note: To change the email address to which these notifications will be sent, select My Addresses
under the Profile Tab, and change the default email address.
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3. Standards of Conduct and Professional Practice
Characteristics of Successful Students (and Employees)
In order to assist students with their transition from previous endeavours to their studies in the
Social Service Worker program, and prepare students for professional success in their chosen fields
of study, the following characteristics of a successful student have been identified as follows:
1. Not surprisingly, he/she attend class-regularly. Moreover, he/she is on time. If he/she misses a
session, he/she feel obligated to let the instructor know why and their excuses seem legitimate
and reasonable. He/she makes sure they get all assignments he/she missed and understand
specifically what was covered in class.
2. Successful students speak in class, even if their attempts are a bit clumsy and difficult. He/she ask
the questions that many in the class are bound to have, provided he/she is listening.
3. He/she sees the instructor before or after class about grades, comments made on their papers
and upcoming tests. Sometimes he/she just wants to ask a question or make a comment relative
to the class discussion.
4. Successful students turn in assignments that look neat and sharp. He/she take the time to
produce a final product that looks good, a reflection of a caring attitude and pride in their work.
5. He/she is attentive in class. He/she doesn’t chat, read or stare out window.
6. All work and assignments are turned in on time, even if not every one of them is brilliant.
Successful students seem driven to complete all work.
7. The most successful students may well end up at the instructor’s office door at least once during
the semester. He/she will go out of their way to find the instructor and engage him/her in
meaningful conversation.
From: Innovation Abstracts, Vol. X, No. 1
Student Expectations
1. To commit to completing the learning objectives with integrity.
2. To complete work that is your own - not plagiarized.
3. To commit to attendance of classes, labs, community experiences and field placement. When
unable to attend, students must communicate the reasons for failing to attend.
4. To demonstrate professional behaviour while attending class, labs, community experiences and
field placement as well as in program-related electronic communications.
5. To promote excellence, integrity and honesty.
6. To maintain service user confidentiality except when required by law or professional
expectations.
7. To identify students who are violating ethical guidelines and standards.
8. To seek clarification from faculty or administration when unsure of any of these standards.
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Faculty Expectations
1. Faculty will accept, fulfil, and enforce the professional standards of ethical practice.
2. Anyone who believes that a faculty member has violated these standards may confidentially
initiate a complaint to the Program Chair.
In the event that students are in violation of any of the behaviours expected of them as Conestoga
Social Service Worker students, he/she will be required to meet with the Program Coordinator to
develop a plan of action in proceeding in the program.
Professional Standards
The Social Service Worker (SSW) Program provides both academic study and practical training to prepare
students for careers in working in the field of social work. Throughout the program, students are
expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and to apply themselves to academic
achievement. Professionals function in an independent and interdependent environment. The
fundamental responsibility of a student is to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to be a competent
social service worker upon graduation. As students preparing to become professionals, it is imperative
that behaviours and attitudes reflect standards that are endorsed by Conestoga College and your chosen
profession. As a Conestoga College Social Service Worker student, there are three areas of conduct you
are expected to follow; Academic Conduct, Professional Conduct, and Social/Behavioural Conduct.
Additionally, as a SSW student, you are expected to dress professionally both in class as well as on
placement. The expected dress code is one that is typically associated with the dress code of the social
services agencies.
As a student of Conestoga College you are a member of the college community and as such you have
received a Conestoga Student Guide that includes Student Rights, Student Responsibilities, and Student
Code of Conduct. The Student Responsibilities section includes detailed information regarding
plagiarism, cheating, and academic dishonesty. It is essential that you review this section and familiarize
yourself with these responsibilities. It is expected that your conduct as a student will be reflective of the
responsibilities listed. If you have any questions regarding any of them, please contact your Program
Coordinator.
Professional Behaviour
Each student in the Social Service Worker program is expected to exhibit behaviour consistent
with the basic values and principles of social service work practice as described in the Code of
Ethics and the Standards of Practice of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service
Workers. This includes behaviour in the classroom, behaviour and qualities reflected in written
assignments and presentations, in online communication, email and social media, and during all
activities and events related to the College and the community. Student behaviour that violates
any of the ethical principles of social service work practice raises concerns about a student’s
readiness and perhaps suitability for the social service profession.
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Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
As a Social Service Worker student you are preparing yourself to enter a profession that has a Code of
Ethics and Standards of Practice that guide behaviours for all professionals within this field. It is the
expectation of all students and faculty of Conestoga College’s Social Service Worker program that we,
as practitioners, will incorporate and function within the guidelines of these professional standards of
ethical practice.
The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for social service workers in Ontario can be accessed on
the Ontario College of Social Workers.
Conestoga College, School of Health & Life Sciences and Community Services, has been given the
mandate to prepare Social Service Workers. The Province of Ontario expects the College to graduate
social service providers who meet the standards that have been established for this profession. The
standards include competency in field placement.
In addition to all Student Responsibilities found in the Conestoga Student Guide, SSW students have the
following obligations:
• Respect the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for social service workers in Ontario (see
link above)
• Complete the learning objectives, tests, assignments and all other forms of student work, with
honesty and professional integrity,
• Attend class, and field placement as scheduled,
• Actively engage in classroom learning processes
• Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviour while attending class, and field placement,
• Protect the integrity of the Program and the College
• Maintain the confidentiality of all classroom and field placement experiences, including use of
any form of social media, and
• Seek clarification from faculty/administration when unsure of any of these standards.
As an SSW student, please note that all expectations referred to above and found in the Conestoga Student
Guide apply equally to field placement experiences and to all work/activities related to field placement
experiences as they relate to clients and staff, their person and/or property.
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Social Service Work – A Regulated Profession
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The Social Work and Social Service Work Act (the “Act”) was passed in 1998 and was fully
proclaimed in the year 2000.
Under this legislation social service workers are members of a regulated profession, just as
teachers, nurses, dental hygienists, massage therapists and midwives are members of
regulated professions.
According to the Act, to use the title “social service worker” or to represent yourself as a
social service worker, you must be a member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and
Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), the regulatory body for the profession.
Social service workers and other professionals are regulated to protect the public from
incompetent, unqualified or unfit practitioners.
Regulation defines the practice of the profession and determines the requirements and
qualifications to practice the profession.
Practitioners of a regulated profession are accountable to practice in accordance with a code
of ethics and standards of practice.
Regulated professionals must demonstrate their continuing competence to practice their
professions.
There are benefits of being a regulated professional in addition to the responsibilities.
Benefits of membership in the OCSWSSW include the authority to use the title social service
worker, being issued a certificate of registration, and receiving the Code of Ethics and
Standards of Practice Handbook, the annual report and regular newsletters, which contain
updates about pertinent issues and educational information. Members have the opportunity
to: vote in College elections, stand for election to Council, and attend the Annual Meeting
and Education Day. A member may also contact the College when the member is confronted
with a practice dilemma.
Increasingly, employers are requiring membership in a regulatory body such as the
OCSWSSW. As clients and consumers become better informed, many now choose to see a
regulated professional he/she knows is accountable to a regulatory body.
For more information contact: Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or 1877-828-9380 or 416-972-9882.
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Copyright – What Students Need to Know
Photocopying and scanning at Conestoga are governed by the Copyright Act, an agreement with
Access Copyright, and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges’ Fair Dealing Policy.
Under the terms of our Access Copyright license which gives the broadest permission:
You can photocopy or scan the following:
• Up to 10% of most published works
• One chapter that is greater than 10%, but no more than 20% of the book
• One article, short story, play, poem or essay from a book, magazine or journal issue
containing other works
• One newspaper article or page
• One entry from an encyclopedia, dictionary, annotated bibliography or similar reference work
• One drawing, sculpture, painting, print, architectural work of art or work of artistic
craftsmanship from a larger volume containing other works.
Cumulative Copying
If you copy 10% of a book today, 10% next week, 10% the week after that, and so on, this is called
cumulative copying and it is not allowed. The copy limits apply to an entire academic year, so once
you reach the limit for an item, you can’t copy more until the next academic year.
You cannot copy or scan the following:
• Workbooks or study guides that are intended for one-time use
• Instruction manuals
• Sheet music and original artistic works including photographs or prints
• Advertisements
• Business cases
• Any of the items on the Access Copyright Exclusions list
You can find all of this information and more on the Copyright for Students web page.
If you have any questions about copyright or the limits of copying on campus, contact Tessa Dueck,
Copyright Technician, at tdueck@conestogac.on.ca or 519-748-5220 ext. 3604.
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Safe Practice
Safe practice is part of professional practice. It is an expectation of everyone who is or wants to be a
professional.
There are a number of policies and procedures associated with practical training in your program
that have been developed to ensure your safety and the safety (physical and emotional) of those
around you. These will be reviewed with you during your program.
The following basic procedures are outlined for your attention and follow-through:
1. Your personal safety begins with the use of professional attire and foot wear and with your
attention to the health and safety expectations that may be identified throughout the
College.
2. Help us have a safe and pleasant environment by wiping up spills, by ensuring lap top cords
do not snake across walking areas and by reporting equipment or facility problems when you
see them.
a. Concerns such as these in the Cowan Health Sciences Center may be reported to the
Customer Service Desk in the Cowan Health Sciences Center.
3. Specific dress codes, personal protective equipment and specific codes of behavioural
conduct may apply to certain programs; failure to follow these may result in your inability to
participate in a lab, class or experiential learning activity.
4. Safe work practices are to be followed during all training; follow the direction of your
instructors. If you have a practicum, your Placement supervisor will ensure that you are
aware of safe practices and safety precautions and procedures. This includes problem-solving
by the Responsible Faculty and Program Coordinator with the College’s Occupational Health
& Safety Department as required. For example, should outside temperatures during the
summer become unusually hot, very high temperatures may occur in some workplaces; this
could require that specific steps be taken to ensure a safe working environment.
5. All safety-related accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to the Instructor-inCharge immediately. This is an opportunity to problem-solve about how to avoid these areas
of concern for the future.
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Student Protection Acknowledgement
A Student Protection Acknowledge confirmation pop-up will appear once an applicant/student logs
into the Student Portal. A PDF directs students to policies and procedures relevant to their academic
responsibilities. Policies and procedures are searchable on Conestoga’s website. Students are
advised to review and comply with all policies and procedures including the following:
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Academic Dispute and Resolution Policy/Procedure
Academic Integrity Policy
Academic Recognition Policy
Academic Credential Procedure
Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy/Procedure
Co-operative Education Policy
Discontinuance Policy/Procedure
Eligibility to Participate in Co-op Work Terms Policy/Procedure
Evaluation of Student Learning Policy/Procedure
Grading Procedure
Graduation Requirements and Convocation Procedure
Honours Policy/Procedure
Program/Course (Cohort) Withdrawal Procedure
Student Concerns and Issues/Procedure
Student Fees Policy
Student Feedback Policy
Violation of Academic Integrity Procedure
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Professional Conduct - Use of Social Media and Cell Phones
To ensure a quality and respectful learning environment both in the classroom and in field
placement, the use of cell phones and laptop computers for social networking can only be used
during break times, before/after class and outside of client work spaces (indoors/outdoors) in field
placement.
Laptops and other forms of technology can be used in the classroom when the use pertains to the
content and processes of learning facilitated by the professor. Faculty reserve the right to remove
and hold any technology device that is a disruption to the class until the end of class.
Social Media Policy
• Social media has many advantages for a professional. It can be used to network, to resource
information and keep current
• As a student and future professional, it is essential to maintain professional boundaries in all
communication, including social media.
BE AWARE:
• “Electronic messages are not anonymous. They can be tracked, misdirected, manipulated and
live forever on the internet. Social media sites create and archive copies of every piece of
content posted, even when deleted from online profiles. Once information is digitalized, the
author relinquishes all control.”
“Online identities and actions are visible to the public and can result in serious repercussions
or embarrassment. As the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Ontario notes, users may
intend to share their online existence solely within their own network, but in theory anyone
can access the user’s musings, photos and information. Further, the words can be altered,
forwarded and misquoted. 1
Ensure that your posts reflect you as the professional you are and wish to become – if a potential
employer were to see your posts.
1. Many types of social media encourage instantaneous, casual dialogue. It is important to
remember that even an innocent comment may be easily misunderstood
2. Assume that information you post or send can be accessed or altered by anyone.
3. Consider whether any posting may reflect poorly on you, your school, or your profession.
4. Avoid online criticism about other students, colleagues, professors or field placements.
5. Avoid impulsive, inappropriate or heated comments.
6. Pictures should not be taken, posted to social media sites or shared without the express
permission of all individuals involved.
7. Remember that online sites you visit are not anonymous.
8. Make sure your online name and email reflect professionalism.
9. Ensure that your postings will not be considered harassment or defamation of a peer,
colleague, faculty or others.
Maintain privacy of all care and service activities when in practical work experiences:
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Professional Advisory. 2011. Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media. The Council of the Ontario College of Teachers.
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1. Do not take or post any pictures while on placement or involved in lab activities
2. Maintain client-provider relationships and boundaries. The addition of a client to a
‘friendship” status online is unacceptable.
Please respect the fact that your faculty and staff will not invite you to their personal web pages
when you are a current student (Keep faculty and staff as resources to connect with after you have
graduated or after you have left the college)
Cell Phone Policy
Students should respect their professors and other instructors by following program policy and not
use their cell phones for personal use during class time. This is representative of the professional
manner in which you are expected to act as you prepare to enter the workforce.
Students should refrain from bringing their cell phone into a test or examination. Phones should be
left in your locker or left in your bag at the front of the classroom. In the event of an urgent need to
keep your cell phone with you during a test (parents with young children, students experiencing a
family emergency, etc.) please speak to your professor as soon as you enter the examination room.
Those who have been permitted to bring a phone into the classroom will likely be asked to either
leave the phone with the professor, or he/she may be permitted to leave their phone out on their
desk where it is visible to the professor and proctors. In any case, students are not permitted to
touch or answer the phone without raising their hand to ask for the professor/proctor’s permission.
If you are found to have a cell phone in your possession during an examination that has not been
declared, you will be asked to leave the examination room, and will be given a zero on the
assessment.
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4. Attendance and Student Success Strategies
Attendance
In view of the emphasis on experiential learning and group projects as well as the students'
commitment to their own learning, regular attendance in classes, placement, and any other learning
activities organized by the program is imperative. Faculty in the program fully support the premise that
less than adequate attendance in one or more aspects of the program's activities is likely to impact
negatively on students’ achievement of course outcomes. Students who are absent from class or field
placement place themselves in academic jeopardy in meeting the learning objectives as stipulated by
the program.
If extenuating circumstances require students to miss a class, please note that it is the student’s
responsibility to share this information with faculty and to acquire any missed information.
Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, labs, and placement days unless he/she is sick or
attending to a serious personal matter. In these instances he/she is expected to contact program
faculty or their placement supervisor to make them aware of their absence and to familiarize
themselves with what he/she has missed.
Because of the nature of the courses taught in the Social Services Program with the emphasis on skill
training, value orientation, as well as the expansion of related knowledge, regular attendance at
classes is critical to success in the program. Guests, family members, etc. are not allowed in the
classroom. Opportunities to actively participate in a variety of experiential exercises, such as role
playing, and group presentations, each of which requires the students' active participation, relate as
well to the importance of regular attendance.
Punctuality
In order to be respectful to both fellow students and to faculty, students are expected to arrive on
time for class and field placement. Punctuality is essential and if this continues to be a problem,
students will be asked to meet with the Program Coordinator.
Attendance for Evaluations
An evaluation is defined as a test, exam, presentation or any other formal assessment that requires
your presence in a class or lab. Evaluations are critical components of each course and overall
success for you in your Program.
The School’s approach to requirements for attendance at evaluations reflects the expectation that as
emerging professionals, students must demonstrate a professional attitude and attention to
evaluations, in the same manner that expectations for future work as professional will require
attention to workplace procedures. Consequences for missed evaluations are balanced against
reasonable support where it is warranted.
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In order to support student success:
• Evaluation and presentation dates are scheduled and communicated at the beginning of each
semester.
• Unplanned extenuating circumstances involving the college, the program or the faculty that
may require changes to the course schedule will be communicated to students.
In support of the development of professionalism, students are required to take all evaluations at
the scheduled times.
• Students who make personal commitments that conflict with the evaluation dates or
assignment deadlines do so at their own risk.
• There will be no special arrangements made for students with personal conflicts (e.g. work,
family commitments or vacation plans).
• Students who wish to reschedule an evaluation or a presentation due to a religious holiday
are required to discuss the situation with faculty within the first two weeks of the semester.
• Academic accommodations are provided to students with documented disabilities through
the Accessibility Office.
Notification for Absence from Evaluations
Students are required to notify the program of absence from any evaluation for any reason.
• Notification must be received prior to the start of the evaluation.
• Failure to do so will result in a mark of zero being assigned.
Notification procedure
Log into the student portal and click on the Absence tab and indicate that you will be absent from
class on a day that has an evaluation. You will receive a confirmation email that you have recorded
your absence for that day.
Note:
• Your professor will be aware of your absence from an evaluation by your lack of attendance
and because you have entered your absence using the online Absence Recording System on
the Student Portal.
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The Absence Recording System shows you as being absent for the day, starting from the time
that you record your absence. (For example if you record your absence for that day at 11:00
a.m. the system will show you as being absent for all classes starting after 11:00 a.m. that
day.) If you are then going to be present again for some later class, you will need to bring
your presence to the attention of your professor in that later class.)
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The earliest that you may record your absence for a particular day is after 8:00 p.m. on the
preceding day.
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Follow-up after Reporting Your Absence from an Evaluation
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You must make contact immediately with faculty to explain the reasons for your absence and
to arrange a meeting.
If there is a concerning pattern of absence you will be asked to meet with the Program
Coordinator. This may result in the need for you to provide documentation verifying the
reason for your absence, in accordance with the requirements specified in sections below
titled “Evaluations worth 20% or more” and “Evaluations worth less than 20%”
Faculty will then make alternative evaluation arrangements as appropriate and you will
complete any necessary forms.
Students are required to complete the alternative evaluation as scheduled.
If the evaluation is to be conducted in the testing centre, you will be asked to show your
student card before you are permitted to write the test.
Tests will be made up In the College Testing Centre in the following week, or by individual
arrangements with program faculty.
Religious Holidays
Students are permitted by Conestoga policy to be absent from class to observe a recognized religious
holiday. Any student who is unable to attend classes or participate in an examination, study, or work
requirement on some particular day or days because of religious beliefs will be given the opportunity
to make up the work that was missed or do alternate work/examinations subject to timely
notification. Conestoga recognizes all religious holidays as defined by the College Employer Council.
It is the responsibility of the student to:
a. Plan ahead and be aware of the dates of all examinations and other course obligations;
b. Advise the faculty member that he/she will be seeking accommodation to observe a
recognized religious holiday and make a request in writing to your Program Coordinator
within the first three weeks of the semester and prior to the date of assessment that falls on
the religious holiday. Exceptions based on extenuating circumstances must be approved by
the Chair.
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Documentation to Substantiate Your Reported Absence
Evaluations worth less than 20%
Missed evaluations worth less than 20% of the student’s final grade will be rescheduled once per
program semester subject to proper communication described above.
Once per program semester means that only one absence for an evaluation will be accepted across
all courses in a program for a semester. Implications of major illnesses or personal circumstances
impacting several course evaluations at one time will require discussion with the program
coordinator prior to faculty arranging alternative evaluations.
If an evaluation cannot be rescheduled (for example an experiential activity or participation in a
group presentation) reallocation of marks will be determined by faculty. This will be documented on
an interview record and signed off by both faculty and student.
If more than one evaluation that is worth less than 20% is missed, documentation requirements for
evaluations worth 20% or more apply.
Evaluations worth 20% or more
Any student who misses an evaluation worth 20% or more will receive a mark of zero unless the
reason for missing the evaluation and the accompanying documentation verifying the reason for the
absence are deemed acceptable by the program. Examples of reasons deemed acceptable include
incapacitating illness, death of a close family member, and required court appearance.
If an evaluation is missed due to illness, the health care professional attesting to the illness must
have firsthand knowledge of the situation and direct involvement with the treatment / management
of the condition. For example, a note from a clinic provided by a physician seeing the student for the
first time, after the illness has resolved, is unlikely to meet the program standard for documentation.
Use of Time between Classes
Students are encouraged to use breaks between classes not only for personal needs (food,
washroom, phone calls, emails etc.) but also for group work, studying, connecting with faculty,
meeting with group members, etc.
Special Circumstances
Students experiencing personal, academic, or medical challenges that may require them to step away
from the program for a period of time should speak with the Program Coordinator in order to develop
a plan for their future success.
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Class Cancellations Due to Faculty Absence
All class cancellations due to faculty absences will be posted in the Student Portal on the left hand
side of first page which a student sees after logging in.
These notices in the Student Portal will be the only general notifications of class cancellations due to
faculty absences.
Faculty who will be absent will not be informing students of class cancellations through the
eConestoga Learning Management System.
Option to Receive Personal Notifications of Class Cancellations
Students have the option of receiving special e-mails or SMS text messages notifying them of class
cancellations due to faculty absences. To receive such personal notifications students must subscribe
to this special service.
To subscribe:
- Log in to the Student Portal
- Select Notifications under the Profile tab
- Select the method by which you would like to be notified
- Click Update.
Note: To change the e-mail address to which these notifications will be sent, select My Addresses
under the Profile Tab, and change the default e-mail address.
Attendance for Field Placement
Students are expected to be at their respective field placements during the scheduled placement hours
unless the agency where you will be attending is closed or if you are in danger to attend. Failure to
meet these standards may result in either students being asked to complete their placement hours at a
different time or actual failure of the placement itself. Failure to comply with safety standards, the
placement organizations policies/procedures, and professional conduct will be dealt with seriously
and may result in removal from the placement, failure of the course or discontinuance from the
program.
During the course of the second year placement each student is allowed a maximum of 2 sick days per
semester. First year placement students are allowed one sick day during the 5 week placement. Any
additional time absent from placement is to be made up in total at a time to be determined by the
agency in consultation with the student and his/her placement advisor.
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Written Assignments
In the SSW program, both in courses and field placement, there are continuous requirements for
written work in a variety of formats (papers, assignments, forms and plans, handouts, etc.). It is
expected that all students will meet the standard of English required within the SSW profession.
Faculty, field placement supervisors and agency mentors will identify students who are having
difficulty in this area and will approach students to discuss the need for improvement. Students may
be referred to the Learning Commons to help them improve the quality of their written work.
1. Students are required to submit all written assignments into the locked box located on 3B,
within the reception area, on the due date specified. This expectation will be adhered to
strictly. Outside of office hours please use the locked box outside the 3B reception area.
2. Students should anticipate problems that will impact meeting deadline dates and should plan
accordingly. This includes giving an appropriate time period to trouble shoot problems with
technology. Students are encouraged to print all assignments 24 hours ahead of the due date.
3. If an extension of time is required, students will make this request in writing to the appropriate
instructor prior to the scheduled due date.
4. Late assignments will not be accepted unless you have negotiated a written extension request.
Without an approved extension, late assignments will receive a zero on the assignment.
Extreme situations e.g. family crisis, accident, etc. will, of course, be considered on an individual
basis and should be discussed with individual faculty prior to due date.
NOTE: An extension of time will be given only if arrangements have been made with the teacher
prior to the due date. Extensions will not be given if the request is made the day the assignment is
due. Approved extensions may incur a penalty of 5% a day.
5. Assignments that do not meet the above conditions will not be considered for marking.
6. Assignments must:
a) be legible, double-spaced and typed
b) contain only non-identifying information if referring to clients
c) follow appropriate APA format.
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Guidelines for Tests/Exams
Test dates are scheduled well ahead of the date of the test. Unplanned extenuating circumstances
involving the college, the program, or the faculty may require changes to the course schedule. If this
occurs, students will be notified.
Students are required to write all tests during the scheduled in-class test times. Students who make
personal commitments that conflict with meeting test and assignment deadlines do so at their own
risk. There will be no special arrangements made for students with personal conflicts (e.g. work,
family commitments or vacation plans). Students who wish to reschedule a test or presentation
because of a religious holiday are required to discuss the situation with faculty at the beginning of
each semester.
Academic accommodations are provided to students with documented disabilities through
Accessibility Services. It is the student’s responsibility to take the initiative in having these
accommodations met.
1. Students arriving late to write tests may not be allowed into the testing room. Students arriving
late and allowed to write the test will NOT be granted an extended time for writing. The test
must be completed within the scheduled timeframe.
2. In order to maintain academic integrity of the test, some tests may be retained by faculty and
may not be reviewed during class time. However, all tests will be graded in a timely manner,
and grades will be shared with students. Requests for review of individual test papers may be
arranged with individual teacher(s) and should take place within two weeks of writing the test.
3. Missed tests will be re-scheduled by the faculty, and may be written in the testing centre.
4. If you miss a test, you will only be allowed to write it if you have notified the faculty through
the reporting absences system as defined, and have a valid reason.
5. It is imperative that you organize yourself (meet all of your physical needs) prior to entering the
testing situation. Students will not be allowed to leave the test room for any reason.
6. No cell phones, palm pilots, laptops or other technical devices will be allowed in the test room.
Students should refrain from making arrangements to be contacted electronically during a test.
Under very unusual circumstances, students may anticipate the need to be contacted during an
exam. These students must make arrangements with the professor prior to the exam.
7. If an unauthorized technical device is discovered during an exam or test, the owner of the
device will immediately hand in his/her test/exam and leave the classroom. Under these
circumstances, rewriting of the test may be denied.
8. No personal belongings other than what is needed for the test will be permitted in the
examination room. For example, books, binders, all electronic devices, pencil cases, purses,
bags, coats, etc. must be left off of the desk surface.
9. Students are to refrain from talking during the Test/Examination.
Students are expected to keep current records of all marks and to track their level of achievement in
each course.
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5. Academic Progress through the Program
Academic Standing and Promotion
The Conestoga Student Guide is your first source for information concerning academic regulations,
policies and procedures. The Conestoga Student Guide is available on the college website and by
visiting the “Student Guide” tab in your Student Portal.
Post-secondary education (especially at the College level) is oriented toward two general goals. One
is to give students the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to achieve success in the workplace.
The other is to stimulate a work ethic that promotes responsibility, respect and routine. Both of
these purposes are directed at helping students to become competent professionals in their
respective fields. In this regard, students are required to meet many expectations.
Although each professor will have guidelines for tests, assignments and papers, the following
provides some general guidelines. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with individual
professors for any variation from these overall guidelines.
In addition to the Academic Regulations found in the Conestoga Student Guide, the following apply to the
Social Service Worker Program:
Achievement
•
•
•
Students must attain a minimum "C" or 60% passing grade in all SSW courses.
General Education courses are under the Academic Support Division. Please refer to course
outlines associated with General Education courses grading system.
Students who have successfully met all course requirements (each term) will be promoted to the
following level or graduation.
Course Add/Drop
You can add, change and drop courses from your portal depending on the dates and which program
you are in:
1. Log in to the Student Portal
2. Click on the “My Courses” tab
3. Scroll over the icons to the right of individual course listings. It is strongly recommended that
students consult their Program Coordinator prior to dropping a course.
25
Special Timetables/Adding Dropped or Failed Courses
Please note that when students are not taking the program in the prescribed sequence, he/she will
be on “special timetables”. Prior to the beginning of the semester, students should attempt to add
missed courses from a previous semester by logging in to the Student Portal and following the
instructions to register for courses. If students are not able to add courses on their own (because of
a timetable conflict or full course section) he/she must seek assistance from their Program
Coordinator during the “Special Timetable Registration” initiated by the college. Dates, times and
locations of Special Timetable Registration periods are posted in the student portal in advance of the
beginning of each semester. Students must attend this meeting where he/she will receive further
guidance regarding this academic status from their Program Coordinator.
Students who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are
accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the
program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs
must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.
Academic Probation
•
•
Students who have been unsuccessful in their field experience, and/or have failed one academic
course, and/or have demonstrated questionable or concerning behaviours may be recommended
for Academic Probation.
Academic probation allows students to be promoted to the next level with a special timetable and
with academic conditions. Special timetables and academic conditions are designed as part of
written learning contract that the student and program coordinator create together. The goal of
these measures is to allow students to continue in the program accompanied by a supportive plan
for success.
Discontinuance
•
Students who have not successfully participated in the requirements of their academic
probation, who have failed to meet the standards set out in the Conestoga Student Guide
and/or the SSW Program Standards and Procedures Handbook involving academic dishonesty,
student responsibilities, or unacceptable behaviour, attitude or conduct or have failed three or
more of their academic courses /field experiences may be discontinued from the Program.
•
Students who have been discontinued from the Program will not be considered for re-entry to
the program for a minimum of one semester and/or until he/she has worked with the program
coordinator to develop a written learning contract to support their academic and non-academic
success.
Withdrawal
Students not planning to return to the SSW Program the following semester are expected to complete a
Withdrawal Form available from the program coordinators, the registrar’s office, or on the college
website.
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Program Transfer
Prior to transferring to another program, it is recommended that the student meet with the program
coordinator or academic advisor. Students who decide to change programs may do so by completing
and submitting a program application form to the Registrar’s Office. If considering transferring to a
program outside the school in which he/she is currently enrolled in, students may want to discuss
options with a career advisor. When a student moves from one Conestoga program to another and
where courses numbers/codes are identical or equivalent, automatic credit is given if passing grades
are met.
Appeal
Students have the right to appeal any academic decisions as set out in the Conestoga Student Guide. It is
recommended that students begin this appeal process by first meeting with the faculty and/or program
coordinator. Students must follow the directions in the Conestoga Student Guide.
Re-entry
Students who voluntarily withdraw should not assume automatic re-admission to the program.
Students re-applying may be required to do so through the OCAS process. Re-admission to the
program will be dependent upon:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Re-application for admission is in competition with other candidates.
Availability of seats in the class and in field placement settings.
Previous program performance – personal suitability, academic and in field placement.
Completion of recommendations for re-admission, if any.
Clearance of Academic Deficiency
Please refer to Conestoga Student Guide for the procedure and criteria regarding Clearance of
Academic Deficiency. Please note that following the end of semester contact with any student
eligible to write a supplemental will be made either by phone or email. If a student does not respond
to this contact, the student forfeits the opportunity to write a supplemental test. The maximum
number of supplemental opportunities during the program is 2 per student.
Movement into Field Placement
First year students are required to successfully complete all SSW core courses before moving into
first year placement. For those students who may be eligible for supplementals, please note that
field placement will not be finalized until the successful completion of the supplemental process..
Graduation
Students who have completed the SSW program in the prescribed sequence are automatically
registered to graduate. Students who have not completed the program in the prescribed sequence
must “apply to graduate” during their final semester. Visit the college web site for an application to
graduate
To be eligible for a diploma a student must successfully complete all courses specified in the current
program design. This will typically be achieved within two years (four semesters).
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Promotion through the Program
Promotion is the advancement from one portion of the program to another (i.e. semester to semester
or year to year) after a process of evaluation has been completed to assure that minimum standards
have been met or surpassed. Promotion is based on academic achievement as well as meeting
professional performance standards. In addition, a passing grade for field placement performance is
required.
Promotion reviews occur at the end of each of semester 1, 2, 3 and 4 and decisions are made by the
full program team including faculty members, Program Coordinator, and Department Chair.
Process for Resolution of Student Concerns
In order to resolve any concerns which may arise during a course, field placement or relating to the
program overall, students are encouraged to resolve issues or concerns informally at the program
level prior to proceeding to a formal appeal.
If attempts have been made, and a successful resolution has not been reached, students are
encouraged to refer to their Conestoga Student Guide, and to follow the procedures outlined under
the “Academic Dispute Resolution and Appeal Procedure” section.
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Maintaining Student Files
1. Official records of each student’s education are maintained electronically by the Registrar.
Academic records are also maintained by the college regarding Course Outlines to support
the level of achievement in a particular course.
2. Administrative records related to your experience in the Program are maintained to
demonstrate compliance with external and college requirements. This information is as
follows:
Student Information
Pre-Practicum Health
Requirements
 per copies of information
received from students
Acknowledgement of WSIB
Understanding
 signed by each student
prior to the first
practicum placements
File Location and Student Access
In H.S Trax, by individual student
access
**accessed through My Conestoga

Each student has his/her own
information on the Health
Passport for provision to
practicum agencies as required.
 For the duration of a
student’s time in
the Program
 By the Program, by the Program
Assistant responsible for
Placements
 For the duration of a
student’s time in
the Program
 In Program File with Program
Assistant
 For the duration of a
student’s time in the
Program.
Student Consents Signed on
Admission (per Student
Handbook)
 Student Consent for
Release of Information
 Student Understanding of
Professional Standards
 Student Understanding of
Safety Requirements
Retention
3. Academic Files are set up as required for a student to document important matters relevant
to a student’s progress or to document and monitor resolution of concerns.
29
Student Information
A. Documents related to academic
progress
 Correspondence regarding
course equivalencies
 Correspondence regarding
supplementary examinations
 Learning Contracts
 Disabilities Information & plans
B. Records of Competency
Attainment
C. Documents related to areas of
Concern
 Interview Records, with
supporting email
documentation as appropriate
 Student Code of Conduct
 Incident Reports
 Letters/emails of significant
concern and replies
 Appeals
File Location and Student
Access
 In Student File,
maintained by the
Program Coordinator,
initially, and then filed
for safe-keeping during
the student’s time in
the Program –
maintained by the
Program Assistant
Retention
For 1 year following
graduation
As above
As above
As above
As above
4. Students may review the contents of your Academic file by:
• Requesting this in writing to the Program Coordinator
• Reviewing the file in the presence of the Coordinator
5. At the end of one year, the contents of your file will be destroyed through the college’s
process for purging confidential documents.
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6. Field Placement Experiences
Practicum Health Requirements
Mandatory practicum health and safety requirements must be completed by students prior to
student field/clinical placements. Successful placement completion is required for students to
progress to program completion. To qualify for field/clinical placement learning experiences,
students must present the following at the start of the program in accordance with pre-admission
information provided by the College:
• A Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS). Police Checks must be clear of any
unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to
participate in field placement/clinical which will jeopardize progress in the program.
Acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency; some agencies may request
students to provide a VSS completed within six months of placement start date. Students
with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counselling to
determine program suitability.
Safety in the Workplace Course
All students who participate in unpaid work placements during the course of their program will be
required to successfully complete the mandatory Safety in the Workplace course prior to going out
on placement. The course will provide students with an introduction to workplace hazards and
general safety awareness. Students will receive a Record of Completion to provide evidence of this
training to placement sites and will consent to their workplace insurance coverage.
Student Consent Forms
Students are required to complete program specific consent forms. To access the forms, students
should go to the Practicum Services Community on myConestoga and open the Consent Forms tab.
Students can then electronically sign-off all applicable consent forms after reading each document.
WSIB
Prior to your first placement, you must sign a Declaration of Understanding of WSIB Coverage related
to Unpaid Clinical Placements indicating you understand that WSIB coverage will be provided through
the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities while you are on training placements. This
Declaration will be placed in your student file. It is your responsibility to ensure that the Declaration
of Understanding for WSIB Coverage is signed and returned or you will not be allowed to attend
your field experience.
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Concerns regarding the Safety of the Work Environment
And/or Concerns regarding the Safety or Quality of Care of the Residents/Clients
Field placement experiences provide the opportunity to demonstrate and enhance your learning in
the practice environment. These experiences have been organized by your Program in partnership
with the organization where you have been placed.
The following procedures have been developed to make it easier to identify and address any
concerns or issues regarding your safety or the safety and care of clients that may come up during
the practicum in a way that supports both a solid learning experience and a constructive partnership
with the practicum site.
A. Communication of General Concerns regarding Your Safety or The Safety and Care/Service for
Clients
1. Students will be provided with an Orientation to their placement site on the first day of their
placement. The Orientation may include details of the placement site’s policies and procedures
related to communication about the safety of the work environment and /or the safety and care
of patients/residents/clients.
2. If a student has any concerns about the safety of the work environment and/or the
safe/appropriate care/service for clients:
a. The student must immediately report these concerns to the College individual associated
with the practicum (Clinical Instructor, Faculty responsible for your practicum, Field Placement
Supervisor).
b. The Clinical Instructor /Responsible Faculty/Field Placement Supervisor will discuss this
concern with Site Management.
c. For concerns of a serious nature (eg. concerns impacting a total student group; a serious
care/service situation), the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/Field Placement Supervisor
will discuss the situation with the Program Coordinator and, potentially, the Department
Chair. The Coordinator or Chair will immediately contact practicum site management to
determine next steps.
Should facility policies require that practicum students report safety or care/service concerns
immediately to practicum site management, the student should report to the Clinical
Instructor/Responsible Faculty/Field Placement Officer immediately afterward.
B. Reporting of Incidents of Student Injury During a Practicum Experience
1. Should students experience personal injury of any kind, this must be reported immediately to
the Placement Employer and Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/Field Placement Supervisor.
The Placement Employer will provide first-aid that may be necessary, including arranging for
transportation to emergency medical services if required. The Clinical Instructor/Responsible
32
Faculty/Field Placement Supervisor will notify the Program Coordinator and Chair and complete
an Unpaid Work/Education Placement-Accident Report (UWEP-04) and will send this to the
College’s Occupational Health & Safety Office. Where necessary, the Occupational Health &
Safety Office will complete a WSIB 7 form, a MTCU Letter of Authorization to Represent
Placement Employer and a MTCU Work/Education Placement Agreement Form.
C. Reporting of Student Involvement in Situations of Possible Injury to Clients During A
Practicum Experience or Student Damage to Facility Property
1. Should students be involved in care/service situations where there the care/service results in a
potential concern/injury to patients/residents/clients of the placement site, this concern must be
immediately reported to the Practicum Site in order that care can be given. This situation must
also be reported immediately to the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/Field Placement
Supervisor. The faculty member will discuss this immediately with the placement site and ensure
that an incident report is completed. The faculty member must also inform the Program
Coordinator and the Department Chair for a discussion of program expectations and
implications. It is the responsibility of the Chair to ensure that all documentation is obtained
regarding the incident and to inform College officials accordingly.
2. Should students be involved in situations where there is alleged damage to resources/physical
property at the Practicum site, this concern must be reported immediately to the Practicum Site
and to the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/Placement Officer. The faculty member will
inform the Program Coordinator and Department Chair for a discussion of program expectations
and implications. It is the responsibility of the Clinical Instructor/Responsible Faculty/Placement
Officer to complete an incident report with the Chair accountable to ensure all documentation is
obtained and to inform College officials accordingly.
Academic References
To use one or more faculty for the purpose of academic references, a student must make a written
request of that particular person. If a student requests a reference from a faculty member, it is
understood that the request implies that faculty can share both academic and behavioural information
as part of the reference.
Reference letters will not be provided to students but will be completed at the request of prospective
employers. Faculty will also provide a verbal reference, on request.
Frequently Asked Questions About OCSWSSW
The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is responsible for
regulating the practice of social workers and social service workers under provincial legislation called
the Social Work and Social Service Work Act, 1998 (the Act). The Act was fully proclaimed in August
2000.
The College was established to regulate the two professions, protect the public interest and promote
excellence in social work and social service work practice.
33
Why do the professions of social work and social service work need to be regulated?
Regulation of a profession defines the practice of the profession and describes the boundaries within
which it operates, including the requirements and qualifications to practice the profession. The
primary mandate of any regulatory college is to protect the public interest from unqualified,
incompetent or unfit practitioners.
Regulation brings credibility to the profession. Practitioners of a regulated profession are subject to a
code of ethics and standards of practice.
Self-regulation allows a profession to act with delegated authority from the government in
regulating its members because the government acknowledges that the profession has the special
knowledge required to set standards and judge the conduct of its members.
Only members of the OCSWSSW may call themselves a social worker/registered social worker or a
social service worker/registered social service worker. The College maintains a public register of its
members. Any member of the public may request verification that a social worker or social service
worker is a member of the OCSWSSW.
Who is required to join the College?
College membership is required for any person in Ontario who wishes to use any of the restricted
titles: “social worker”, “registered social worker”, “social service worker” and “registered social
service worker”. College membership is required if a person represents or holds out expressly or by
implication that he or she is a social worker or a social service worker or a registered social worker or
a registered social service worker.
Can I call myself a social worker or social service worker without registering with the
College?
You must be a member of the College if you wish to call yourself a social worker or social service
worker. Only College members registered in the social work category can use the “social worker” or
“registered social worker” title. Only College members registered in the social service work category
can use the “social service worker” or “registered social service worker” title.
What are the consequences if I do not register with the College and continue to call
myself a social worker or social service worker?
It is a provincial offence to use the title social worker or social service worker without being
registered with the College. Upon conviction, a person who uses the title without being registered is
liable to a fine of up to $5,000 for a first offence, and up to $10,000 for a subsequent offence. In
addition, there is provision in the Act for the College to obtain a compliance order from the court.
34
I am currently enrolled in a social work or social service work program. Can I join the
College as a student member?
The College does not have a student member category. In accordance with Ontario Regulation
383/00 and the registration policies, an applicant must produce documentation satisfactory to the
Registrar that shows that the applicant has obtained a degree in social work or a diploma in social
service work. However, in the months prior to graduation, you may wish to begin the application
process. Application packages are available from your educational institution. Alternatively, you may
complete a “Request for Application Form” available on the OCSWSSW website or by phone at 416972-9882 or toll free, 1-877-828-9380.
Some individuals may need to become registered after completing their degree or diploma
requirements but prior to convocation. If you find yourself in this situation, contact the Registration
Department of the College.
Will I have to take an exam to join the College?
There is at present no examination. However, the College Council has decided that there will be an
entry to practice examination. College staff are in the process of developing a work plan to develop
and implement an examination.
How does the College benefit the professions?
The establishment of the College gives social workers and social service workers recognition
comparable to other regulated professions in Ontario, such as accountants, lawyers, teachers,
physicians, nurses, dental hygienists and massage therapists.
The existence of a College to ensure competence strengthens the credibility for the social work and
social service work professions. The establishment of the College may also build public confidence in
the value of the professions.
The College provides its members with a code of ethics and standards of practice, which guide
members in making practice decisions. The code of ethics and standards of practice can assist
members if a complaint is made against them.
I maintain high standards of practice. Why should I be interested in the College?
As a professional, you are concerned about the well-being of your clients. Until the College was
established, anyone, regardless of academic credentials or experience, could call themselves a social
worker or social service worker and practice the professions of social work and social service work.
The legislation helps ensure that your clients receive the same standard of professional service from
others who hold themselves out as social workers or social service workers as he/she has come to
expect from you.
35
What is my responsibility as a member of the College?
As a member of the College, you are accountable to practice in accordance with the professional and
ethical standards established by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice Handbook is provided when an applicant is registered.
It may also be downloaded from the College website.
Will there be continuing competence requirements? What will they be?
All regulatory Colleges in Ontario under the Regulated Health Professions Act, and most social work
regulatory bodies in Canada and the United States, do have quality assurance/ continuing
competence requirements.
The Standards of Practice Committee is developing a continuing competence program which will be
approved by the Council of the College before it is launched with members. The College is
committed to ensuring that any activity required by the program is accessible to members, and that
members are given sufficient information and notice in order to meet the requirements of the
program. It is unlikely that there will be an examination to demonstrate competence; however, a
member will be required to engage in the program as a condition of maintaining his or her certificate
of registration.
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7. Student Awards and Financial Aid
Conestoga has more than 400 awards, bursaries, scholarships and academic grants available to
Conestoga students. These funds are made available to our students through the partnerships we
have established with local business and industry leaders. To be considered for an award, complete
the General Application available through your Student Portal. Notifications and instructions to
complete the application are sent to all full-time students’ email accounts in the fall semester
(Deadline: First Friday in October) and winter semester (Deadline: First Friday in February). Visit the
Student Financial Services on Conestoga’s website.
Awards Available for SSW Students 2015-16
The following awards* are available to the students of SSW Program. Students who have questions
about any of these awards should speak with their Program Coordinator. Please watch your college
email for information from the Financial Aid office concerning application deadlines, processes and
eligibility. You may obtain information about other school wide awards and scholarships from
Financial Aid. You can find the General Awards Application by clicking here.
* Note: All awards are current at time of print, subject to change.
37
Award Name
Estimated
Amount
Year or Level
# of
awards
Anna Bond Award
$250
Year 2
1
Hildreth Family
Award
$100
Semester 4
1
Jane Irving Bursary
$500
Year 1
1
May Court Club of
KitchenerWaterloo Bursary
$500
enrolled
1
Peggy Roth Award
$200
Year 2
2
Social Services
Student Faculty
Award
$50
Year 2
1
Violet Maria
Noseworthy
Memorial Award
$150
Patrice Butts
Emergency
Education Fund
Upon Request
Semester 2
1
Criteria
female single parent, minimum avg. of
70% in 1st semester, completed at
least one semester at CC
shows high interest in community by
volunteering, supported his/her
classmates
female, demonstrate financial need
and good academic standing
demonstrate financial need
field placement with adults,
demonstrates a strong commitment
and a sense of vision
competent performance in fieldwork
and academic performance
preference to single parents,
demonstrate financial need, minimum
60% in program courses, 55% in
Sociology, Lifetime Development &
Basic Writing courses
Available for students within the social
Service worker program that may find
themselves in financial difficulty that
may impact their ability to continue in
the program. Please speak to a
member of the faculty to proceed with
an application.
Selection
Process
Presented
At:
Apply
Financial Aid
Nominated
Financial Aid
Apply
Financial Aid
Apply
Financial Aid
Nominated
Financial Aid
Nominated
Financial Aid
Apply
Financial Aid
Faculty
38
School Sponsored – Awarded Annually
Award Name
Canadian
Federation of
University
Women
Estimated
Amount
$500
Year or Level
Year 2
# of Awards Criteria
4
75% +, female registered in Yr 2,
demonstrate financial need,
intellectual achievement and promise
Selection
Process
Apply
Presented
At:
Financial Aid
39
Program Revision Log
Last Revised
June 8, 2015
July 2nd, 2015
July 20th, 2015
By Whom
Patrice Butts
Jillian Grant
Goranka Vukelich
40