Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Learning Circles Alberta Social Work Diploma Route

Admission to this program is suspended

Contact Information

Location: MacKimmie Tower 301
Dean's Office: 403.220.5945
Dean's Office Email: fswdean@ucalgary.ca
Student Services Email: fsw.studentservices@ucalgary.ca
Website: socialwork.ucalgary.ca

Introduction

The Community-Based Learning Circles and the Virtual Learning Circles (online) BSW provide an undergraduate curriculum that is culturally and geographically relevant. Course content is innovative and aligned with traditional philosophies and knowledge systems. Community collaboration and flexible delivery methods are key features of these programs.

Students in the Community-Based Learning Circles must be available to attend course offerings in Alberta communities where the Community-Based Learning Circles are being offered.

The Virtual Learning Circles program delivers the curriculum through a blended learning approach, integrating online learning with some in-person classes in Calgary or Edmonton. Students must have reliable online access and be able to travel to Calgary for an annual 5-day residency in both years. For more information on this program consult Student Services in Calgary or the Faculty's website: socialwork.ucalgary.ca.

International Definition of Social Work

“Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and Indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing.” (ifsw.org/get-involved/global-definition-of-social-work).

Faculty of Social Work Vision

Wellbeing, sustainability, and social justice.

Faculty of Social Work Mission

Be a local and global partner in transformative social work knowledge, education, research, and practice.

For more information, visit A Place to Gather, the Faculty of Social Work 2022-2027 Strategic Plan.

Objectives

In addition to aligning with faculty’s strategic plan, The program is grounded in the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the social work profession, and the national accreditation standards for schools of social work.

Opportunities

The BSW program provides students with the professional knowledge, theory, and skills of social work including a wide range of experiential opportunities to integrate this learning in supervised practice settings. Upon graduation, students are prepared to practice as generalist social workers in a wide variety of social welfare fields in a continuously changing world. Areas of practice may include child welfare, family violence, community development, health, gerontology, mental health and addictions, social policy development, and working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Social Work Students' Association

The Social Work Students' Association (SWSA) is actively involved in the governance of the Faculty, with representatives on Faculty Council and Faculty committees. SWSA is an active advocate of student interests and issues, and a sponsor of social events for educational and charitable causes. All students in the faculty are eligible for SWSA membership.

Professional Conduct

The study of social work practice places students in a position of special trust with professional social workers and their clients. The Faculty recognizes that social work education occurs both inside and outside the classroom and has the responsibility to ensure that its graduates are competent and ethical. Students are expected to comply with all university policies and regulations in addition to professional standards for the Social Work profession as outlined by the Canadian Association for Social Workers, Code of Ethics (2024): Microsoft Word - CASW - Code of Ethics Values Guiding Principles - December 22 2023.docx and the Alberta College of Social Work Standards of Practice (2023): Microsoft Word - DOC_FINAL_Branded_ACSWStandardsofPractice_20230324.

Students are expected to be both familiar and compliant with these standards.

Locations

Calgary Campus
MacKimmie Tower, Room 301
Program number (undergraduate): 403.220.2124; 403.220.5430; 1.877.220.0667
Program number (graduate): 403.220.6208; 403.220.3489; 1.877.220.6945
Fax: 403.282.7269
Email address: fsw.studentservices@ucalgary.ca

Edmonton Campus
3-250, 10230 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T5J 4P6
Program number: 780.492.3888; 1.888.492.2083
Fax: 780.492.5774
Email address: fsw.studentservices@ucalgary.ca

Lethbridge Campus
4401 University Drive
Lethbridge, AB
T1K 3M4
Program number: 403.329.2794; 1.866.329.2794
Fax: 403.329.2787
Email address: fsw.studentservices@ucalgary.ca