FIELD EDUCATION GLOSSARY
Academic Advisor: A professional in the BSSW or MSW Program Office responsible for assisting students with academic and curriculum advisement, development of educational plans, interpretation of university rules and procedures, monitoring performance and providing communication between students, faculty and administration.
Agency-Based Field Instructor: A social work practitioner employed by an agency and serving as a field instructor on a voluntary (unpaid) basis. This individual is a recognized field instructor by the College of Social Work and is responsible for the education of the student(s) while the student(s) is at their agency.
Co-Instruction: In the absence of an experienced BSSW or MSW degreed practitioner in a potential or approved setting that can offer unique and desirable learning experiences, co-instruction allows for the use of the practicum setting. An approved, experienced social worker (with either a BSSW degree for BSSW student or a MSW degree for a MSW student) co-instructs and serves as primary field instructor with the site/task supervisor to ensure that the requirements for supervision are met. If needed, the faculty/field liaison can serve in this capacity. The use of co-instruction has historically been significant in the development of non-traditional settings. Each arrangement needs to be documented on the “Co-Instruction Documentation” form and submitted to the Field Education Office, to be included in the student’s file.
Education Coordinator: An agency-based individual designated by the agency executive to assume administrative responsibility for student placement assignments, preparing and processing affiliation agreements and keeping records of fee waiver usage by agency personnel.
Faculty Advisor: A faculty advisor is assigned by the BSSW or MSW Program Office to assist students in planning their overall course of study and in clarifying career goals and educational objectives.
Faculty Field Liaison: A school-based faculty member or professional assigned to assist students and field instructors in obtaining and maintaining quality learning experiences in field practicum.
Community Engagement Conference: Structured workshops and seminars conducted by the field education director for the purpose of preparing agency-based field instructors for field practicum student supervision.
