MSW Curriculum.pdf

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Introduction

1-1. Purpose………. .…………………………………………………………. 3 1-2. Program History.…………………………………………………………. 3 1-3. The Graduate Program Mission………………………………………… 3 1-4. The Graduate Program Vision………………………………………….. 4 1-5. The Graduate Program Values…………………………………………. 4 1-6. Student Learning Outcomes/Critical Tasks..………………………….. 5 1-7. Accreditation Status……………………………………………………… 5

Chapter 2 Program Description

2-1. University of Kentucky College of Social Work Admission …………..6 2-2. Curriculum Outline.……………………………………….……………… 6 2-3. Textbook Requirements and Stipends….……....………….………….. 8 2-4. Graduate Faculty…………………….……………………….… 2-5. Learning Strategies and Methods………………………….…… 2-6. Graduation Requirements………………………………….……

Chapter 3 Schedules

3-1. Academic Calendar……………………………………….…… 3-2. Semester Schedules…………………………………… 3-3. Duty Hours………………………………………………….…………….. 9 3-4. Annual/Emergency Leave.…………………………………….………... 9 3-5. Passes…………………………………………………………………….. 11 3-6. Holidays…………………………………………………….….…………..11 3-7. Medical Care……………………………………………….….…………..11 3-8. Professional Meetings and Conferences……………………….………11 3-9. Mandatory Counseling and Participation……………………………

Chapter 4 Student Performance Evaluation

4-1. Individual Student Assessment Plan……………………….………….. 12 4-2. Evaluation Strategies………….…………………………….………….. 12 4-3. Grading Policies…………………………………………………………. 13 4-4. Comprehensive Exam………………………….……….……………….. 14 4-5. Academic Evaluation Report……………………………………………. 14 4-6. Probation and Termination…………………………………………… 4-7. Student Recognition……….…………………………………………….. 14

Chapter 5 Program Evaluation

5-1. Course and Faculty Evaluations.………….………………….………… 15

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Chapter 6 Field Education

6-1. Field Education Manual………...……………………………………….. 15 6-2. Background Check……….……………………………………………... 15

Chapter 7 Administrative Details

7-1. Duty Assignment……….………………………………………………… 15 7-2. Army Combat Fitness Test.…………………………………………….. 15 7-3. Drug Testing……………………………………………………………… 16 7-4. Fraternization and Improper Relationships.…………………………… 17 7-5. Program Facts…………..……………………………………………….. 17 7-6. Facilities and Classroom Etiquette………………………..…………… 17 7-7. Student Conduct …………………………………….………………….. 18 7-8. Duty Uniform……………………………………………….…………….. 19 7-9. Travel to or from Assigned Areas..….…………………………………. 19 7-10. Students with Disabilities……………………………………………….. 19 7-11. Equal Opportunity Policy………………………………………… …….. 19 7-12. Grievance Procedures………………………………………………….. 19 7-13. Records and Protection of Privacy of Information.…………….…….. 21 7-14. Access to Support Services…………………………………… 7-15. Student Leadership…………….…………………………….………….. 21

Chapter 8 Responsibilities

8-1. Students……………………………………………………….………….. 23 8-2. Program Director……………………………………………….………… 23 8-3. Deputy Program Director…………………………………………………24 8-4. Executive Officer…………………………………………….…………….25 8-5. Academic Advisors………………………………………….…………… 26 8-6. Field Coordinator………………………………………………………… 26

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A Graduate Faculty

Attachment B Academic Calendar

Attachment C AR 600-20 Army Command Policy Excerpt: Relationships

Between Soldiers of Different Grade

Attachment D Helpful Policy Letters: Bravo Company, 187th Medical

Battalion; Medical Center of Excellence; 32nd Medical Brigade

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Attachment E MSC LTHET Reimbursement Request

Chapter 1 Introduction

1-1. Purpose. This handbook serves as a guide to Army Master of Social Work (MSW) students throughout the academic year. It contains important administrative information, the curriculum and course calendar, student performance evaluations, and the responsibilities of the student and faculty. Students should refer to this handbook for clarification of questions before consulting with faculty and staff.

1-2. Program History. In November 2006, The Army Surgeon General, recognizing the shortage of social work officers, approved the concept of establishing a MSW program to recruit and train commissioned officers to become Army social work officers. The first group of 18 applicants was selected by the 2007 Long Term Health Education and Training board to begin academic year 2008. From February 2008 to April 2018, Fayetteville State University (FSU) partnered with the Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE) to offer an accredited graduate social work program to Army approved and academic eligible commissioned officers. In November 2016, the University of Kentucky (UK) was awarded the contract to serve as the affiliate university to confer degrees to graduates of the Army MSW Program. The first Army-UK class began in January 2018.

The practice of military social work is ever expanding and requires proficiency in multiple areas, to include the treatment of service members and families affected by the trauma of combat, substance abuse, and domestic violence. Military social workers practice in diverse areas of practice with other members of the behavioral health care team and must learn to routinely practice and document evidenced-based social work practice. Graduates of the U.S.

Army-UK MSW Program can expect to serve as clinical social workers in various behavioral health treatment environments, such as medical treatment facilities, combat support environments, as part of Brigade Behavioral Health Combat Teams, and may oversee clinical operations in embedded behavioral health clinics. In addition, graduates may also conduct behavioral health research, develop health care policy, and serve as staff officers at various levels of Command.

The curriculum and training in the U.S. Army-UK MSW Program will provide military social workers of tomorrow the requisite knowledge and training that modern military medicine demands. Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded an MSW degree from UK and will be eligible to sit for the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) initial exam to become a licensed master of social work practitioner.

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1-3. Graduate Program Mission. The U.S. Army-UK MSW Program will produce military social workers who are competent to provide advanced clinical social work practice to service members, families, groups, organizations, and military communities.

1-4. Graduate Program Vision. To be recognized as the graduate social work program of choice for individuals aspiring to serve as social workers in a military environment. The U.S. Army MSW-UK Program will be viewed as a premier graduate education program that develops clinically competent military social workers who are capable of working in a variety of settings. This program is committed to:

• Developing tomorrow’s leaders in military social work using innovative educational strategies.

• Providing collaborative and interdisciplinary learning experiences in a variety of settings.

• Embracing new technology and state of the art professional practice and research.

1-5. Graduate Program Values. The U.S. Army-UK MSW Program embraces the following values:

U.S. Army Values

• Loyalty: Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit, and other Soldiers.

• Duty: Fulfill your obligations.

• Respect: Treat people as they should be treated.

• Selfless-Service: Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own.

• Honor: Live up to all the Army values.

• Integrity: Do what’s right, legally and morally.

• Personal Courage: Face fear, danger, or adversity (Physical or Moral).

Social Work Values

• Service: To the service of others above one’s personal interests. Social workers are encouraged to volunteer their professional skills with no expectation of significant financial return.

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• Social Justice: Pursue social change, particularly on the behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people.

• Dignity and Worth of the Person: Treat everyone in a caring and respectful manner. Promote the client’s socially responsible self-determination.

• Importance of Human Relationships: Seek to enhance and strengthen relationships among individuals, families, social groups, organizations, and communities.

• Integrity: Behave honestly, responsibly and promote ethical practices at all times.

• Competence: Always strive to increase one’s professional knowledge and skills.

1-6. Student Learning Outcomes/Critical Tasks. The U.S. Army-UK MSW Program will ensure that students are able to adhere to the core competencies of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) by preparing students to:

• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.

• Engage diversity and difference in practice within military environments.

• Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.

• Engage in military focused practice that is informed by research and military focused research that is informed by practice.

• Engage in policy practice within military communities.

• Engage military affiliated individuals, families, groups, organizations, and

• Assess military affiliated individuals, families, groups, organizations, and

• Intervene with military affiliated individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

• Evaluate practice with military affiliated individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities1.

1-7. Accreditation Status. The CSWE is the accrediting body for all graduate and

1 Council on Social Work Education,2015

6 UPDATED: 11 January 2021 undergraduate social work programs. The University of Kentucky College of Social Work was initially accredited by the American Association of Schools of Social Work in 1938. Since then, the UK MSW program has been re-accredited by the CSWE in 1980, 1987, 1994, 2002, 2009, and 2019.

Chapter 2 Program Description

2-1. University of Kentucky College of Social Work admission. Admission to the U.S. Army-UK MSW Program is accomplished by a formal two-step process that includes being reviewed and recommended for admission consideration by a branch-specific selection board at the U.S. Army Recruiting Command; followed by an online application packet that is reviewed by an admissions committee at the UK College of Social Work. The Army-UK MSW Program Educational Technician assists all incoming students with the application process according to program policies. Students are responsible for completing the required application forms and for coordinating with their local military healthcare recruiter to ensure that a complete application packet, that includes official graduate record examination scores and undergraduate transcripts, is submitted to the appropriate military selection board prior to being submitted to the UK for consideration for admission to the university. Final determinations about university admission will be made by the UK College of Social Work. Qualified students will be admitted regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability.

2-2. Curriculum Outline. All of the courses listed and described below are required in order for students in the U.S. Army-UK MSW Program to successfully fulfill the requirements for graduation. Students must complete 30 semester hours during the generalist practice phase of the program and 30 semester hours during the specialized practice phase of the program. The semester breaks and length of semesters in the U.S. Army-UK MSW Program differ from the semester breaks in UK course catalog for students on the main campus. Students attending the U.S. Army-UK MSW Program can expect to attend the program over four 14-weeks semesters or eight 7-week mini-mesters as described below:

a. Generalist Practice Phase

First mini-mester SW 620 Theory in SW Practice/HBSE (3) SW 625 Intro to SW: Professional Behavior & Ethics (3) SW 630 Intro to SW Policy & Services (3) SW 650 Research Methods in SW (3)

Second mini-mester SW 600 Practice with Individuals & Families (3) SW 621 Poverty, Inequality & Injustice (3) SW 636 SW Practice with Organizations & Communities I (3)

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SW 750 Advanced Research Methods in SW (3)

Total semester credit hours– 24

Third mini-mester SW 640 Foundation Practicum I (3)

Fourth mini-mester SW 641 Foundation Practicum II (3)

Total semester credit hours – 6

b. Specialized Practice Phase

Fifth mini-mester SW 602 SW Practice with Groups (3) SW 722 Psychopathology for SW Practice (3) SW 724 SW Assessment/Treatment (3) SW 730 Evidence-Based Practice (3)

Sixth mini-mester SW 731 Advanced SW Policy & Analysis (3) SW 733 SW Practice with Orgs & Comm II (3) SW 702 Substance Misuse Assessment & Treatment (3) SW 580 Practice: Military Families (3)

Total semester credit hours – 24

Seventh mini-mester SW 740 Advanced Practicum I (3)

Eighth mini-mester SW 742 Advanced Practicum II (3)

Total semester credit hours – 6

Total program credit hours – 60

• Transfer Credits. Upon approval of the Army MSW Program Director and the UK Dean of the Graduate School, a total of 9 hours may be transferred into a Master’s degree program. Transferable hours must be CSWE accredited graduate social work courses that were completed at another regionally accredited university. Only courses assigned a B grade or better can be transferred. Also, short courses that are fewer weeks than the number of credits may not be transferred. Students are also not allowed to transfer independent study work. The Program Director will review students’ requests

8 UPDATED: 11 January 2021 for credit prior to the submission of request to UK for approval. Students will not be approved requests to be exempted from coursework in research, statistics, or social work clinical practice. Students must attend all classes with their cohort, even if they granted an exemption from retaking a course for credit. Students are required to sit through all classes to promote cohort cohesion, knowledge of social work practice in the military, preparation for the competency examination, and overall social work competency development.

2-3. Textbook Requirements and Stipends. In accordance with Army Regulation 351-3, Army students enrolled in fully-funded, degree producing programs are authorized a single payment per academic year to defray costs of books and expendable supplies. The MSW Program Director ensures that the office of the Chief, Medical Service Corps (MSC) Long-Term Education receive a list of current students at the beginning of each academic year, i.e., January of each year. In addition, the MSW administration provides students an expense reimbursement packet which the student is responsible for completing and submitting to the office of the Chief, MSC Long-Term Education for reimbursement of educational expenses.

2-4. Graduate Faculty. Attachment B contains a listing of the MSW faculty, highlighting their professional interests and educational backgrounds. All teaching faculty involved in the MSW program are nominated and appointed through the UK College of Social Work.

2-5. Learning Strategies and Methods.

• Didactic Instruction / Conference. Throughout the program, teaching faculty provide student-centered instruction and leads discussions on the course objectives, eliciting student participation. This enhances the students’ knowledge base and prepares them for the application of theory and procedures in specific situations which may be encountered in their supervised practice rotations.

• Practical Exercises. Working under the supervision of designated faculty, practical exercises provide activities that enable students to apply knowledge, and practice while developing skills and professionalism.

• Guest Speakers. Experts, other than program faculty, will present information to support specific lessons and to provide information based upon their extensive experience.

• Case Studies. Students will be presented a series of military oriented situations in which they will be required to demonstrate their ability to solve problems or identify actions related to that particular situation. This provides an excellent means to developing students’ critical thinking skills and enable students to apply their knowledge of social work theory to practice.

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• Peer Instruction. Students learn from their peers via class discussions or small group exercises when working towards achieving common learning objectives. Peer training is an effective method for training job-related individual critical tasks.

• Field Education. Students will be placed in social work settings for a minimum of 500 generalist practice and 500 specialized practice clock hours during the academic program. Students will integrate gained knowledge, skills, self-awareness and demonstrate the professional use of self in a variety of field practicum settings.

2-6. Graduation Requirements. To graduate from the MSW program, students must demonstrate compliance in all areas as delineated in the Individual Student Assessment Plan (ISAP). They must successfully meet academic standards, pass a comprehensive exam, meet service-specific physical fitness standards, and adhere to the program and military code of conduct for their respective service.

Chapter 3 Schedules

3-1. Academic Calendar. Attachment B contains an outline of the academic calendar for the U.S. Army-UK MSW Program classes. An orientation to the MSW Program will be conducted the first two weeks of the academic year. A separate schedule delineating those specific activities will be provided to each student.

3-2. Semester Schedules. Class schedules are developed that identify the daily activities scheduled throughout the academic year. The administrative staff will provide students and faculty an electronic copy of the class schedule. It is each student’s responsibility to check the schedule for changes, updates, or deletions. The administrative staff will provide students with class schedule updates and changes as soon as possible if changes are necessary.

3-3. Duty Hours. Students are scheduled for a 40-hour week; however, if necessary, students may be required to report before and/or remain after normal duty hours to fulfill military and/or academic requirements. Normal duty hours for classes will be 0830- 1600, or until released by the Program Director and/or respective faculty member.

Students must complete a minimum of 36 hours per week at their assigned field education agency. The duty day hours for field education may vary dependent upon the requirements of students’ select field agency. Adjustments to the duty day field hours must be approved by the MSW Program leadership.

Students are expected to arrive at class and field assignment on time. Therefore, students should consider traffic and weather conditions in the area in planning for a timely arrival. When an emergency arises that may prevent a student from arriving on time, the student must notify the Executive Officer and/or instructor as soon as the situation permits.

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3-4. Annual/Emergency Leave. As military officers, each student will accrue thirty

(30) days of annual leave each year. However, students will have limited opportunities to take leave while in the MSW program. The program allows 2 weeks of annual leave during holiday exodus (December-January holidays). In addition to the holiday exodus, students will also have the opportunity to take leave during Research Week and the four-day Thanksgiving Day weekend. Except for extenuating circumstances, such as serious illness or death in the family, students are not permitted ordinary leave or passes during the program of instruction, which also includes the field practicum. Refer to AR 600-8-10, Chapter 6 for further explanation of emergency leave criteria. Make up of missed coursework or fieldwork will be at the discretion of the class instructor, field instructor/coordinator and the Program Director.

A student’s absence following an approved leave or pass may be deemed unexcused if the Program Director determines that the student’s absence was avoidable. Students are expected to sufficiently coordinate their travel during leaves and passes to ensure they do not miss scheduled classes. See the current Individual Student Assessment Plan (ISAP) for additional guidance on excused and unexcused absences.

Leave requests for all students must be approved by the MSW Program

(14) calendar day prior to students’ departure. Once the program approves leave, the request for leave will be submitted to the Company or appropriate approval authority, no later than ten (10) calendar days prior to students’ departure. To request leave, Army students will electronically submit (1) Bravo Company Leave and Pass Packet Coversheet, (2) DA Form 31, (3) their most recent Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) with current leave balance, (4) Individual Medical Readiness (IMR) record obtained from the AKO home page, (5) Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) inspection checklist if driving, and (6) flight itinerary, if flying. Students driving a POV will not drive a distance greater than 350 miles per day unless accompanied by an assistant driver. If flying, students should not schedule flights to depart prior to 1800 hours on class days.

The Student Personnel Officer (S-1) submits the leave packet to the XO and NCOIC for approval and the XO forwards the request to the Company Commander for final approval. All students must physically have an approved leave form with a control number on it prior to leaving the San Antonio area. These leave forms should be returned to students electronically or they can pick it up at the Bravo Company Orderly Room 2745 Harney Path. Students must physically sign in and out either at Bravo Company during normal business hours or the staff duty desk located at the ground floor of 1002 Gorgas Circle, JBSA, after business hours. Students must physically sign out prior to departure and/execution of leave. The phone number 210-221-0236 should also be annotated in block #8 of DA Form 31.

If a student returns early from leave or decides not to take leave, the student must contact the MSW Program NCOIC to avoid leave charges. Students who fail to comply with this policy may be subject to Uniformed Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and/or

11 UPDATED: 11 January 2021 administrative actions. Refer to Attachment E for the Bravo Company leave and pass policy.

Air Force students must submit leave requests thru the XO within 14 days of their departure to ensure they have program approval prior to electronically submitting their leave request to the 381st Training Squadron for approval. The student must secure written approval from the XO before the 381st will approve their leave request.

3-5. Passes. Students are not authorized passes that would require them to miss class time. Any graduate student traveling outside a 250 mile radius of San Antonio must submit a pass request on a DA Form 31. A pass request will be submitted to the company NLT 5 working days prior to the desired dates, and cannot be authorized for more than 96 hours (4 days). Refer to paragraph 3-4 and follow the same instructions for an electronic leave packet submission.

3-6. Holidays. There are several federal and training holidays that occur during the academic year. Refer to the academic calendar (Attachment B) for more information.

3-7. Medical Care. As active duty officers, students are entitled to receive medical and dental care. The XO will provide active duty students information on the assigned clinic and hours of sick call during orientation. When an illness or injury occurs, students must notify the class leader and/or XO before reporting to sick call. If placed on quarters, submit your DD Form 689, Individual Sick Slip (the health care provider will furnish this at sick call) to the XO before going home. Students who miss critical learning activities, as determined by the faculty, will need to make up these activities.

The student will coordinate scheduled medical or dental appointments with instructors, the XO, and class leader so adjustments for the time away from duty can be made.

Students will not be excused from class time/field time to have elective medical procedures prior to graduation.

• MEDPROS. All students must check their medical readiness status at least twice per month on the Army Knowledge Online (AKO) home page. When you are red or amber on a medical status make every effort to make your medical appointment on a Friday. MEDPROS is monitored weekly by Bravo Company; repeated failures to rectify your MEDPROS status may result in a student counseling statement (MEDCOE Form 123, SEP 2019).

3-8. Professional Meetings and Conferences. The U.S. Army-UK MSW Program stresses that professional development is a lifetime responsibility of the individual.

Participation in continuing education programs should begin early in one's career.

Therefore, the faculty may schedule the students to attend one or more local professional meetings or conferences.

3-9. Mandatory Counseling and Participation. As highlighted in the ISAP, each student will be assigned to a faculty member who will serve as their academic advisor.

Specific guidance on when formal counseling is required is outlined in the Individual

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Student Assessment Plan (ISAP). Formal counseling will focus on academic progress, non-academic behavior, and any performance related concerns the student or faculty member may have. Formal counseling sessions will be documented and signed by the student and counselor.

Chapter 4 Student Performance Evaluation

4-1. Individual Student Assessment Plan (ISAP). The ISAP prescribes guidance and establishes standardized policies and procedures for the evaluation of all students enrolled in the U.S. Army-UK MSW Program. The evaluation of candidates enrolled in the program is based upon the following principles:

• Ensures candidate has successfully met all program requirements and is qualified to receive the degree.

• Provides student with feedback on academic progress and achievement.

• Provides feedback to the program director on the effectiveness of instruction and the instructional materials as part of continuous curriculum review and revision.

• Supports decisions for academic awards, counseling, academic probation, and relief procedures.

4-2. Evaluation Strategies. Students will receive many evaluations throughout the academic year. All course evaluation methods, including papers, presentations, exams, and other assignments, are annotated on each individual course syllabus. Students should keep an individual record of all grades received in case of discrepancies. Faculty may also post grades for individual assignments on the electronic UK Canvas. The following discussion outlines the evaluation strategies that may be used by program instructors.

• Exams/Quizzes. The faculty will administer exams/quizzes throughout the program on material presented during classroom instruction and in assigned readings. All completed exams are kept on file in the U.S. Army-UK MSW Program office. Under the MEDCoE policies, students may review exams in the presence of the instructor or in the U.S. Army-UK MSW Program office;

however students may not remove an exam from the office nor copy any content from an exam.

• Written Reports, Projects, and Other Homework Assignments. Faculty evaluate written requirements based upon the individual course grading criteria as annotated on the syllabus. In addition, some faculty may provide detailed training handouts with additional guidelines. Students must turn in all papers and projects at the agreed upon deadline, unless an extension is

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• Oral Presentations. Faculty evaluate oral presentations based upon the grading criteria that is annotated on the course syllabus. In addition, some faculty may provide detailed handouts with additional guidelines. Use the MEDCoE PowerPoint template for presentations (same one used by Army- UK professors).

• Field Education. Evaluation of field education is conducted by the field site supervisor and the integrative seminar instructor. Other Army-UK faculty are assigned as liaisons at field placement sites. Liaisons serve as the point of contact to the Program for field education supervisors and students during the generalized practice and specialized practice field placements.

4-3.Grading Policies. The UK grading scale for graduate courses is:

A – High achievement (90 – 100) B – Satisfactory achievement (80 – 89) C – Minimum passing grade (70 – 79) E – Failure (Less than 70) I – Incomplete

Grading policies for students in field instruction are as follows:

(1) Students who receive an “E” in field instruction may go before a practicum review committee to contest their final grade. The Practicum Review Committee (PRC) consists of the MSW Program Director, faculty advisor or another faculty member, and the Field Education Coordinator. The student, the agency field instructor, and any other field practicum supervisors are invited to attend the committee.

The PRC then makes recommendations to the Dean, AMEDD Graduate School if it determines that the failing grade remains and the student is recommended for relief from the Program. The PRC might also recommend remedial work, and thus, the student may receive an “I” until their remedial work has been re-evaluated. In this case, the student must complete remedial work within 30 days or the “I” will be converted to an “E”, failing grade. Students cannot repeat field instruction if they receive an “E”.

(2) Students cannot enroll into a field instruction class if they have received an incomplete grade in a prerequisite course. Therefore, students must successfully complete all foundation (generalized practice) classes before they can begin generalized practice field education. Students also must successfully complete all advanced (specialized practice) classes before they can begin specialized practice field education. The above policy on incomplete grades prohibiting field education may be waived with special permission of the Field Education Coordinator and the Program Director.

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(3) Successfully must complete 500 hours during generalized practice and specialized practice field, respectively.

(4) Seminar instructors, in conjunction with field instruction, are responsible for evaluating and grading students during field instruction.

4-4. Comprehensive Exam. Each student must successfully pass a comprehensive examination that will evaluate their retention of knowledge and competency to apply generalized and specialized practice concepts, principles, theories, and content.

Students will take the comprehensive examination prior to beginning the specialized (advanced) practice field practicum. The Program Director will designate the dates in which students will take the comprehensive exam.

Students who fail the comprehensive exam will be notified by their academic advisor. The student will formally meet with their academic advisor to discuss the results, identify areas in need of attention, and create a remediation plan that includes providing the advisor with evidence of the student’s progress in implementing the plan.

The academic advisor will inform the student (orally and in writing) that they must successfully pass the comprehensive exam with a score of 70 or higher before he or she can graduate. Students may be allowed to retake this exam, and if he or she fails a re-take, he or she will be dismissed from the program in accordance with UK Graduate School policy (2019-2020 Graduate Bulletin). Students are expected to re-take the comprehensive exam within 30 days of being formally counselled that he or she failed the exam. Students will not be allowed to take comprehensive exams if they are on academic probation or if they have an incomplete final grade in any classes they have completed. Students will be required to sign a statement that confirms that they have been informed of the comprehensive exam policy.

4-5. Academic Evaluation Report (AER). At the end of the program, an AER (DA Form 1059, MAR 2019) is written for each student in accordance with (IAW) AR 623-3, Evaluation Reporting System. The student’s AER reflects exceeded course standards when they are in the top 20%. The following areas will be considered when calculating the top 20%: (a) academic performance, (b) ACFT performance, (c) field evaluations,

(d) performance of a major leadership role, and (e) any noncompliance with standards of conduct during the program. Students will receive a copy of the report within sixty

(60) days after completion. This report is used throughout the military service following completion of an educational training program. It becomes a permanent part of the student’s official military personnel file (OMPF).

4-6. Probation and Termination. The ISAP delineates the conditions in which a student may be considered for probation or termination from the program.

4-7. Special Recognition for Students. Students who graduate with an overall grade point average of 3.75 or greater will be recognized on the Academic Excellence List.

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Chapter 5 Program Evaluation

5-1. Course and Faculty Evaluations. At the conclusion of each course, students will evaluate the course content and respective faculty member through an anonymous online survey called the Teacher Course Evaluation system that may be accessed by an email link that will be sent by the UK Information Technology Department or via Canvas.

Chapter 6 Field Education

6-1. Field Education Manual. Students will access the Master of Social Work Program field manual online at https://socialwork.uky.edu/academics/field-education/current-students-field-education/. This manual is the primary guide for students, field instructors, and faculty liaisons. The manual contains the official policies, procedures, and current guidelines for field education in the agency and classroom. It is designed to provide direction and assistance, and facilitates all involved in field education.

6-2. Background Check. Some field education sites will require a criminal history check that is separate from that conducted by the Army. Depending on the site, the student may need to pay a nominal fee for this background check. Additionally, sites may require drug test and PPD (purified protein derivative, aka TB test). Typically, Bexar County Juvenile Probation will administer the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Military field site placements make require background check through the MEDCoE, Security Directorate, G-2, on the first floor of Aabel Hall.

Chapter 7 Administrative Details

7-1. Duty Assignment. Army students are assigned to B Company, 187th Medical Battalion (W077B0) located at 2745 Harney Path, Suite B02. The MSW XO coordinates all administrative actions including pay inquiries, name changes, TDY requests, in and out-processing with B Company and the Student Activity Center. The Company Commander has the authority to approve/disapprove leave, appoint a tasking for military functions and details, or assign extra duty when classes are not in session or when students are not in a leave status. The Company telephone number is the Orderly Room at (210) 466-2931 or after hours CQ Desk (210) 221-6879.

7-2. Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). All Soldiers, including National Guard and Reserve component, attending professional military education (PME) must meet the Army’s physical readiness standards. In accordance with the MEDCoE Graduate School policy, students are expected to meet their service’s current minimum fitness standard prior to graduation or movement to next phase. Students will be expected to take the https://socialwork.uky.edu/academics/field-education/current-students-field-education/ https://socialwork.uky.edu/academics/field-education/current-students-field-education/

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ACFT at least two times per fiscal year while in the Program; however, in accordance with Army Directive 2020-06, there will be no adverse administrative actions taken based on an ACFT failure until further guidance is published by the Assistant Secretary of the Army. Students are challenged to pass ACFT 2.0 at the Gold Standard while assigned to the program. A Soldier’s score, or comments regarding performance on the ACFT, will not be used administratively, including the Academic Evaluation Report. Soldiers with limitations will take all ACFT events within the limits of their permanent profile including at least one aerobic event. All ACFT scores will be captured in DTMS in order to assist the US Army in data collection efforts associated with ACFT standards. The ACFT will tentatively be conducted in April and October.

1. Students are responsible for independently maintaining appropriate physical fitness and weight standards throughout the program as well as participating in organized physical fitness. Those who do not adhere to weight and fitness standards may be referred for processing IAW AR 600-9 or other specific service regulations.

2. Army students should refer to ATP 7-22.01 for information regarding administration of the ACFT, including test event standards, recommended training for preparation for each event, and scoring scales.

3. Air Force students are expected to maintain the Air Force fitness standards as described in Air Force Instruction 36-2905. Air Force students will coordinate their semi-annual or annual fitness test with their parent organization, the 381st Training Squadron.

Air Force students must provide the MSW Program Executive Officer a copy of their fitness report to facilitate the completion of their training report at the conclusion of the program.

4. Should a non-Army student fail to meet the required physical fitness test and height/weight standards, actions taken will comply with service specific regulations and protocols.

7-3. Drug Testing. Military regulations in each Branch of Service require that each military member must be tested for drugs at least once per year. Reserve members must be tested at least once every two years. This is accomplished by means of random testing of urine. Army students will be tested IAW AR 600-85, the Army Substance Abuse Program. Air Force students will be randomly tested by their training Branches similarly. Drug abuse will not be tolerated at the MEDCoE and a positive drug screen will result in serious consequences for such misbehavior. A commander can order that either all or a random-selected sample of his/her unit be tested at any time.

Results of random testing can be used in a courts-martial Under UCMJ Article 1128a and may result in non-judicial punishment or involuntary discharges under UCMJ, Article 15. Military members do not have the right to refuse random drug testing.

Students will be notified through their Chain of Command and must report for the urinalysis at the time and location specified. Personnel who fail to comply with this policy may be subject to UCMJ and/or other administrative actions.

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/mcm/bl112a.htm http://usmilitary.about.com/library/weekly/aa092500a.htm

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7-4. Fraternization and Improper Relationships. Refer to Attachment C. Students will ensure that they conduct themselves in accordance with the directives outlined in AR 600-20 with regard to relationships with Soldiers of different grades/ranks. Any relationship between permanent party personnel (including graduate school students) and initial entry training trainees not required by the training mission is prohibited. In accordance with TRADOC Regulation 350-36, students are also not authorized to establish intimate or sexual relationships with student officers enrolled in BOLC or CCC.

Personnel who fail to comply with this requirement are subject to punishments under the

UCMJ.

7-5. Program Facts. The Army Training Requirements and Resource System (ATRRS) course number is 6-250-C17/73A. Faculty and staff information and contact numbers are listed below:

• Program Director: COL Jill Henderson, PhD (210) 221-8688

• Deputy Program Director: Dr. Dexter Freeman (210) 221-7278

• Executive Officer: LTC Teresa Murray, PhD (210) 221-6072

• Clinical Assistant Professor: Lt Col Erika King, PhD

• Clinical Assistant Professor: Dr. Kathryn Arnett (210) 221-8185

• Clinical Assistant Professor: Dr. Courtney Lynch (210) 808-2886

• Clinical Assistant Professor: Dr. Graeme Bicknell (210) 221-6169

• Social Work Internship Program(SWIP): Dr. Melissa Lee (210) 221-7477

• Field Education Coordinator: Ms. Susan Bratcher (210) 808-9492

• Educational Technician: Ms. Wilma Ambrose (210) 221-6887

• Training Technician: Ms. Susan Crane (210) 221-7149

For resolution of administrative issues, use the following chain of command:

Class Leader, Class Advisor, Assistant Program Director, and Program Director.

Calling faculty members at home is inappropriate except for an emergency.

7-6. Facilities and Classroom Etiquette. The MEDCoE is a tobacco-free facility, and the No Hat/No Salute Zone is located between Aabel and Willis Halls. Students will be issued UK student identification numbers and passwords to access Canvas and other UK online resources. Stimson Library is located in Aabel Hall and the computer lab are also available for student use.

The U.S. Army-UK MSW Program’s assigned classroom for the faculty and students is Room 2120 located in Willis Hall. We often use room 2121 but it is not assigned specifically for the Army-UK program and therefore must be reserved ahead of time for use.

Food and drinks are allowed in the classrooms, but must be in a covered container and all containers need to be removed from the classroom at the end of the day. A daily cleaning of disinfectant must be applied prior to the end of each duty day.

Trash must be taken out of the classroom and all surfaces must be free of any debris.

Students may have any non-alcoholic drink in a covered container during lectures and breaks.

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Be respectful of faculty, guest speakers, and visitors at all time. When guest speakers, visitors, and faculty are presenting there will be no food allowed. Showing respect also includes no talking or sleeping during lectures, tardiness, or distracting other classmates. Students should be in the assigned seats at least ten (10) minutes before the scheduled class begins. Daily attendance will be monitored by the student class leader and communicated to the Executive Officer. Faculty must have accountability of all students during the duty day. Tardiness and unexcused absences are addressed through student counseling statements (MEDCOE Form 123, SEP 2019).

When students are receiving a class, training, or instruction using an online platform such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom, they should adhere to the follow etiquettes:

• Alert family members and others in the area that you will not be available while in the class.

• Arrive 10 minutes early, being careful to mute microphones upon entering the meeting/classroom.

• Dress in appropriate military/civilian attire.

• Keep video engaged once meeting/class begins.

• Be mindful of minimize possible distractions; pets, children, telephones, and other outside noises.

• If using a video background, make sure it is professional and non-offensive.

When exams/quizzes are administered the following rules will be strictly enforced:

• No smart watches, smart phones, notes, study cards, or other material will be allowed under or on the desk. Study materials must be put away in a backpack or briefcase.

• Students may not leave the classroom area without faculty permission. If allowed to leave, students will not take more than 3-4 minutes to use the restroom facilities.

• Only one male student and one female student will be excused to go to the restroom at the same time.

• Students will not be allowed to eat or drink liquids other than bottled beverages.

7-7. Student conduct. Students are responsible for ensuring that their conduct and appearance is consistent with the expected behaviors of a military social work officer.

Students must demonstrate ethical and professional behavior expected of a social worker as outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics. In addition, cheating or plagiarism on any graded assignment is not tolerated and will be grounds for dismissal from the program. Students will ensure that they read, understand, and adhere to all company, brigade, and MEDCoE policies found in Attachment D.

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7-8. Duty Uniforms. The Program Director is responsible for establishing and defining the wear of the various uniforms for students. The Program Director or designated personnel is responsible for ensuring all students adhere to the regulations and prescribed uniform requirements during all occasions. Military students will wear the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) in Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) for all day-to-day operations. The Program Director may designate duty days for the wear of university affiliated professional attire. Appropriate standards for proper wear will be provided and must be adhered to. For events off the installation, the uniform will be at the discretion of the Program Director. The Army Service Uniform (ASU) will be worn by students at official events as instructed by the Program Director. Regarding field, the student will wear civilian clothes to the field education assignment. The student will seek the guidance from the field instructor regarding proper attire to the field assignment.

Other uniforms may be authorized for wear as instructed by the Program Director.

7-9. Travel to or From Assigned Areas. Active duty military members are entitled to medical care when traveling to or from an assigned area.

7-10. Students with Disabilities. Any student who needs any learning accommodations should inform their assigned academic advisor immediately. The student is responsible for obtaining appropriate documentation and information regarding needed accommodations, and providing it to their assigned academic advisor in the beginning of the academic year.

7-11. Equal Opportunity Policy. The U.S. Army-UK MSW Program is fully committed to providing an organizational climate and environment that allows the talent, ability, initiative, respect, and dignity of each student to flourish through fair, equitable, and just policies and practices. The Bravo Company Commander's policies on equal opportunity, rights of military personnel to present complaints, and sexual harassment are found in Attachment E.

7-12. Grievance Procedures. Student complaints about the program may be expressed to the Class Leader, class instructor, XO, Field Coordinator, administrative staff, Deputy Program Director, or Program Director. Students should try to resolve their complaint at the lowest level by first discussing their concern with the primary individuals involved with the issue of concern. Program related concerns should be presented to the class leader, who will work with the course advisor to seek to resolve the concern at the lowest possible level. Class related concerns should be addressed with the class instructor to seek resolution at the lowest level. If the assigned instructor and student are unable to resolve the issue, the student should consult with their assigned academic advisor to seek further resolution prior to elevating this matter to the Program Director or the Director’s designee.

Grade Appeal

Students at Fort Sam Houston who wish to contest a course grade should

20 UPDATED: 11 January 2021 attempt to resolve the matter with the instructor involved. If a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached, students should meet with their academic advisor to attempt to resolve the matter prior to addressing this issue with the Program Director, or the Director’s designee. The Program Director consults with the Director of Graduate Studies on the UK main campus to promptly and fairly resolve all student concerns. As such, students may appeal a final grade in accordance with the below established procedures not later than the last day of the next regular semester.

To initiate formal grade appeals, students must inform the MSW Program Director, verbally and in writing, within 30 days of receiving a grade to be contested.

Even though the Program Director has an open door policy, students should meet with their academic advisor prior to meeting with the Program Director. Upon receiving a grade appeal, the Program Director will meet with the student and instructor to attempt to resolve the situation in question. By conferring with the student and the instructor, the Program Director will seek resolution by mutual agreement. Failing such resolution, the Program Director will transmit the written appeal to the MEDCoE Graduate School Dean, who will convene a Performance Review Board consisting of a minimum of three non-social work graduate faculty. Chapter 8 of AMEDDC&S HRCoE Regulation 351-12 provides additional guidelines on diversity factors that should be considered when selecting Performance Review Board members. The Board will provide its recommendation to the Graduate School Dean and Program Director within 5 duty days. If the Board affirms the instructor's decision, the Board will notify in writing the faculty member, the student, and Program Director. If a student is not satisfied with the decision of the Board, he or she may appeal to the MEDCoE Deputy Commandant. If the Board supports the student's appeal, it will prescribe the method by which the student will be reevaluated. If the re-evaluation results in a grade change, the established course grade change procedure will be followed. The grade resulting from the reevaluation is final and may not be appealed further.

Final Grade Change

Once a grade other than I, S, or U has been reported to the Registrar's Office, it may not be changed unless an error was made at the time the grade was given and recorded, and then only upon the written unanimous approval of the instructor, the Registrar, and the Dean of the Graduate School…