August 2005

Dear Advanced Status Students,

Welcome to the next phase of your academic and professional education. This Handbook is your guide for the next two years as you navigate your way through the upper level requirements for your degree. It is the "short-hand" explanation of who we are, what we do, and why we do it.

Understanding the "why we do what we do" is quite important. The faculty, SUNY Fredonia administration, alumni and the local professional community have worked hard to create and maintain a quality program since 1997 when the social work major was created. Initially, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in November 2002, we will once again be reviewed in the next year. We have spent the last few semesters examining the program to keep it strong and current with our profession's standards. Hopefully, our efforts will lead to a successful evaluation. Since you are entering the program during a site visit year, the importance of knowing the program takes on special significance. I know that this document is very wordy and lengthy, perhaps a little overwhelming. But I urge you to take the time to read the whole thing.

It has also been my experience that "knowing" the information provided in this document has helped students understand the meaning behind many of the decisions and procedures they witness and experience. This knowledge helps lessen anxiety as well as dispel myths. Knowledge, as we all know, is a key to success.

Please know that the faculty are here to help you understand this document and anything else for which you may be seeking answers - ask us your questions. My best wishes for an excellent two years of making new friends, learning new things and becoming the social worker you intend to be.

Sincerely,

Mary B. Carney, PhD, LMSW

Social Work Program Director