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THE PROFESSION OF SOCIAL WORK
The profession of social work is concerned with enhancing social functioning and improving the human condition through the promotion of social and institutional change and the provision of opportunities and resources to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The fundamental concern of social work is the relationship between individuals and social institutions. Of central importance is the development of these relationships in such a way as to promote social and economic justice and protect the opportunities for people to live with dignity and freedom. Professional practice focuses on the transactions between people and their environments that affect their ability to accomplish life tasks.
Organization and Structure of the School of Social Work
The SUNO School of Social Work administers two programs: (1) a four year baccalaureate program (BSW) which provides social work education in preparation for beginning generalist professional practice; and (2) a two year graduate course of study (MSW) which provides social work education in preparation for advanced specialized professional practice.
Accreditation and Program Approval
The SUNO baccalaureate social work program and the master of social work program are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Associations of Colleges and Schools. Students in the program are eligible for membership in professional social work organizations.
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY AND THEMES
The Southern University School of Social Work is committed to a view of social work that is holistic and transcending in its approach. Emphasis is placed on the strengths and growth potentials of people, individually and collectively. The BSW and MSW curricula focus on generalist and advanced social work practice, respectively which are concerned with enhancing and improving the human condition through the promotion of social and institutional change and the provision of opportunities and resources to individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
The themes of ADVOCACY, EMPOWERMENT, AND TRANSFORMATION provide a pivotal and integrating link between the educational objectives of the program and the curriculum content. These themes embrace a view of the individual, family, group, organization or community, as responsible actors in the self-actualization and change processes.
Advocacy
Refers to the act of providing support to and intervention in the interest of client systems. These efforts are directed toward the realignment of power to effect change and achieve freedom from oppression.
Empowerment
Focuses attention on the fact that powerlessness is pervasive and pre-eminent among oppressed people. As a profession which impacts the lives of these people, we are committed to teaching strategies which incorporate the concept of empowering individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities to take control of their own lives, and shape their destinies.
Transformation
To accomplish transformation, the profession of social work must assist individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities to change the structure of systems that exert a confining and oppressive hold on their opportunities for achievement.
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