Social Work Student Academic and Professional Expectations

Consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics
(Amended from Jackson State University, Mississippi)

Our goal is to prepare and graduate generalist social work practitioners who demonstrate a strong commitment to the six core values of the social work profession. As you progress through your studies, you will be held accountable to demonstrate positive academic and professional behaviors that align with those values.

1. DIGNITY AND WORTH OF THE PERSON
Social work students demonstrate respect for the dignity and worth of the person when you:

• Use basic courtesy in interactions with others
• Pay attention to whoever is speaking in group settings
• Refrain from behaviors that interfere with the learning process (random talking, use of cell phones, taking individual breaks from class, use of social media during class)
• Speak and behave in ways that show respect for persons with individual differences or members of diverse communities

2. IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS
Social work students demonstrate the importance of human relationships when you:

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with persons with individual differences or members of diverse communities
• Demonstrate respect and consideration for others
• Engage in communication with others  
• Accept responsibility for own behavior
• Use appropriate problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Manage personal stress and problems in ways that do not interfere with relationships

3. INTEGRITY
Social work students demonstrate integrity when you:

• Meet expectations in all settings
• Complete own work
• Work with others; not for them
• Maintain academic and professional honesty in all interactions
• Be honest and forthright with others

4. COMPETENCE
Social work students demonstrate competence when you:

• Attend scheduled classes and meetings on time
• Remain attentive in class and meetings
• Participate in academic and professional learning activities
• Read all assigned readings and materials
• Produce quality work
• Submit work on time
• Prepare for meetings, presentations, quizzes, and exams
• Give and receive feedback and respectfully respond

5. SERVICE
Social work students demonstrate service when they:

• Engage in learning opportunities to strengthen professional development
• Actively participate in service opportunities on campus and in the community

6. SOCIAL JUSTICE
Social work students demonstrate social justice when you:

• Recognize that discrimination and oppression exist
• Acknowledge their own bias and privilege
• Advocate for social, economic, and environmental change
• Listen to and honor the voices of others