Social Work reaffirmation announced

Patterson pointed out that the accomplishment is significant since only six colleges in Nebraska have accredited Social Work programs.

“The experience our Social Work graduates receive prepares them to help meet the need for professional services in smaller, rural communities, Patterson said.

He thanked Assistant Professors Rebecca Fernau and Adrianna Calle for their hard work continuing the tradition of excellence and maintaining the CSWE accreditation.

Fernau said the reaffirmation process started when she was hired as interim field director in August 2021.

“At that time, the program was working on submitting a substantial self-study document evaluating many aspects of the program. A significant amount of work was dedicated to recording and documenting what CSC does in the classroom and how the faculty ensure the standards of CSWE are followed,” she said.

Once the self-study was submitted, Fernau, administrators, the Social Work Advisory Committee, and students enrolled in the program, completed a site visit to help support the information submitted in the self-study. Following the site visit, CSWE requested some additional clarification about several items.

Fernau said CSWE looks at the program, ensuring that both the classroom and student practicum experiences provide the quality and diverse education CSWE strives to achieve.

“Many aspects are examined, including implicit and explicit curriculum, assessment, credentials, mission, vision and goals, plus others,” Fernau said.

The accreditation gives students the benefit of being able to obtain the same credentials at smaller colleges as they would if they were to go to a bigger university.

“They will have the opportunity to learn in a rural environment here in Chadron and about challenges that brings to Social Workers in the field. This benefits our area as we hope some of these students will choose to provide service in these rural environments after graduating,” Fernau said.

If students choose to seek a master’s degree in Social Work when they graduate from CSC’s accredited program, they will be able to enter at advance standing which means they could complete the master’s in less time at a lower cost, according to Fernau.

“So many people assisted in ensuring we had the tools to get a big undertaking like this accomplished. We are thankful to have such a supportive team and truly wouldn't have been successful without that support from each and every one of them,” Fernau said.