Social Work Program accreditation reaffirmed

Accreditation requires that a social work program meet nationally established academic and professional standards. It is crucial because it affects the ability of graduates to be licensed in most states and impacts their admission to graduate school.

“Having full reaffirmation of our accreditation is a tremendous vote of confidence from our professional commission,” said Deborah Stewart, director of the CSC Social Work Program.

“It acknowledges a level of excellence achieved by our program and the college. We were very pleased by the accreditation report. When the CSWE site visitors came to campus in last March, they told us they were impressed by our students and the community and administrative support for the program.”

A Bachelor of Social Work degree prepares students for professional work with diverse populations, Stewart explained.

“Many times, people are unaware of the numerous career opportunities available to social work graduates,” Stewart said. “A social work degree offers significant versatility.”

Professionally trained social workers are sought for positions in criminal justice, mental health, children and family services, medical, rehabilitation, hospice, geriatric, disability services, domestic violence, community development and international social work, she noted.

It is anticipated that the demand for professionally trained BSW graduates will continue to grow. A U.S. government report on labor statistics projected in 2002 that the employment of social workers will increase from 21 to 35 percent by 2012.

“In addition to preparation for various career options, an accredited BSW degree often qualifies a student for advanced placement which saves a year of study toward a master's degree in social work,” Stewart said.

Chadron State has a dynamic group of students, both on campus and at its distant sites, studying toward a social work degree, Stewart said. The Social Work Club placed a float in the Christmas parade in Chadron and is sponsoring students to attend the annual National Association of Social Work Legislative Day in Lincoln in March.

“The visit to the Unicameral will provide a hands-on understanding of the entire legislative process, including how bills are introduced, supported and presented. This is essential knowledge for professionally-trained social workers,” Stewart noted.

The Social Work Club has invited Dr. Archie Beauvais of the Rosebud Reservation in south central South Dakota to speak at CSC at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26 in the Scottsbluff Room of the Student Center. Beauvais is a Lakota who writes for the Lakota Country Times. He is a Vietnam veteran, has a doctorate in education from Harvard University and has been an educator much of his career. His presentation will be open to the public. It will be available for viewing in Alliance and Scottsbluff through the college’s interactive television system.

“We are very pleased with the continuation of accreditation for this extended period,” Stewart said. “This is a tremendous program for students who are interested in professional work with diverse groups of people.”

Both Stewart and her co-worker, Bruce Hoem, have offices in the Miller Building. They may be contacted by e-mail at dstewart@csc.edu and bhoem@csc.edu.