Diversity Social Work Advancement Program (DSWAP)
Policies and Procedures
The following guidelines outline student participation in the Diversity Social Work Advancement Program (DSWAP).
If you have any questions about these guidelines, please contact MJ Gilbert, Director of Field Instruction at
mgilbert@umn.edu or 612.624.4259.
Eligibility Requirements and Program Commitments
The Diversity Social Work Advancement Program is open to MSW students who:

Will be in a concentration year field placement in 2016-17.

Are in good standing with the MSW program, meeting all academic standards (See MSW Student Handbook for
further details), and have met all course and/or program prerequisites.

Will successfully match with a designated DSWAP field site through The Family Partnership.

Will enroll in and successfully complete (or have already completed) the following MSW courses: Working with
Immigrant Populations (SW5913), Assessment & Treatment of Trauma (SW8901), and Supervision, Consultation &
Leadership (SW8902). Exceptions to course requirements may be granted in the event that these courses conflict
with a student’s concentration requirements.

Will participate in 7 Intergroup Dialogue sessions with DSWAP Scholars from Augsburg College, St. Catherine
University/University of St. Thomas, and the University of Minnesota and their field instructors.

Will participate in a professional writing skills assessment in the summer of 2016, with a follow up writing development
course, as needed.

Will participate in seven day Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) training, with follow-up consultation.

Will abide by the Standards of Performance in the MSW Program as outlined in the MSW Student Handbook, as well
as the NASW Code of Ethics and the Minnesota Board of Social Work’s Standards of Practice and Ethical Conduct.
Additional Professional Development Opportunities:
DSWAP Scholars will have the opportunity for:
 On-going professional development support for two years after completion of the MSW degree.
 Licensure preparation courses for the LGSW and LICSW exams.
Application Process and Deadlines
Students must submit the completed DSWAP application packet to MJ Gilbert by Tuesday, April 16, 2016.
Selection Process
Members of the SSW field team will review and select candidates for DSWAP. The names of up to six semi-finalists will
be forwarded to Mr. True Thao of The Family Partnership, who will then choose the finalists for individual interviews.
Course Enrollment
You must register for all regular courses required by your MSW program plan. Failure to register for required
concentration classes may jeopardize your participation.
Financial Aid Stipulations
Acceptance of this scholarship/paid internship precludes acceptance of all other School of Social Work-awarded financial
aid with the exception of student loans.
Withdrawal
A decision to withdraw must be discussed with the Director of MSW Field Education, and notice must be submitted in
writing to the MSW Program. Students who withdraw assume financial responsibility for all non-recoverable tuition costs
at the time of withdrawal and forfeit the stipend on a prorated basis.
Exceptions
Exceptions to the above requirements may be granted at the discretion of the MSW Program.
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Falsification of any information on personal data and application forms (e.g. listing an inaccurate GPA or work
history) may result in disqualification for consideration of approval to DSWAP.
Student Acknowledgement and Agreement
I have read, understood and agree to the policies as stated above.
Student’s Name_________________________________________________________ Date______________________
Student’s Signature_________________________________________________________________________________
Submit this page with completed application (on page 3).
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Diversity Social Work Advancement Program
(DSWAP) - Application Form
Name (First, Middle, Last)
University of Minnesota ID #
MSW Program Email Address (or personal email if you don’t yet have an MSW program email account)
Home Phone
Work Phone
Cell Phone
State
Zip Code
Address
City
Program (circle one)
Full Program (53 credits)
credits)
Current GPA
Advanced Standing (34
Concentration:
Clinical Mental Health or Families & Children
Faculty Advisor (if known)
Years of experience (if any) working with immigrant, refugee and/or minority communities
Language fluency: indicate written (W) and/or spoken (S):
Essay Questions
Please type your answers on a separate sheet and attach (no more than 3 pages).
1.
Tell us how your background and experience align with the goals of this grant (see Overview for MSW
Student Candidates).
2.
What strengths will you bring to this program? What areas of personal and professional growth do you hope
to address with this experience?
3.
How will your participation impact your future career as a social worker?
Current Resumé/Curriculum Vitae & Transcript
Please attach a current resumé or curriculum vitae, as well as a copy of your academic transcript.
Signature
By signing this application I affirm that:
The MSW Program will review my academic eligibility and verify whether I am on academic probation. If I am on
disciplinary probation within the School of Social Work, I understand that I will not be able to participate.
I have reviewed the Diversity Social Work Advancement Program Policies. I have also reviewed and will abide by the
Standards of Academic Performance, the NASW Code of Ethics, and the MN Board of Social Work Standards of Practice
and Ethical Conduct, all of which are found in the MSW Student Handbook. I understand that I am responsible for
knowing the information contained in those documents.
Signature ________________________________________________
Date_____________
Submit application materials (Word, PDF, fax, or hard copy) by April 16, 2016, to
MJ Gilbert, MSW, LICSW, Director of Field Instruction
Mailing Address: 105 Peters Hall, 1404 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108
Campus Location: 140D Peters Hall
Tel: 612-624-4259; Fax: 612-624-4295; mgilbert@umn.edu
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