About

Communication is defined as the transfer and exchange of messages in all modalities, which can include verbal and non-verbal forms of communication (Matsumoto et. al., 2013). The form of communication used must first and foremost serve to engage with clients and constituents (i.e. practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities). Students must prepare to learn and apply the following:

• A capacity to convey empathy and self-reflection within all aspects of social work practice.
• A capacity to express feelings and ideas that contribute to learning transfer and integration.
• A capacity to suspend judgment when listening to others.
• Be proficient in the verbal and written English language. English is the language by which course content, classroom discussions, and assignments are articulated at Seattle University.

Interpersonal skills involve the application of behaviors and types of communication to effectively interact with others. In social work practice, interpersonal skills are integral to achieving the overall wellbeing of client systems (i.e. individuals, families, groups, and/or communities). Students must prepare to learn and apply the following:

• An ability to interact with diverse clients and constituents, including colleagues (students and field agency staff), faculty, and organizational leadership.
• Recognize the importance of exercising empathy as an acknowledgement of the multivariate lived experiences of others.
• Understand the importance of operating within established channels to resolve conflicts and affect change towards the overall wellbeing of clients and constituents.
• An ability to apply problem-solving skills that respond to personal and academic challenges.

Seattle University prohibits discrimination and/or harassment based on an individual’s lived experience and social/cultural identities. The Social Work Program promotes an equitable and inclusive learning environment within classroom and field practicum settings. Students must prepare to learn and apply the following:

• An appreciation for diversity and inclusion of people’s lived experiences and social and cultural identities.
• Commitment to increasing awareness of one’s own personal biases and how they impact the learning and demonstration of social work practice.
• Receptivity to acknowledging structural and systemic inequities that marginalize and disenfranchise diverse populations.
• A capacity to respond to inequities and foster inclusive practices in the learning environment and through practice in the field.

When learning new information and skills, particularly those that are challenging to take in, students may experience a stress response (Sue, 2013). Managing personal stress is demonstrated through an ability to be aware of how stress impacts emotions when interacting with others (MacCann et al., 2011; Goleman, 2006). The ability to manage personal stress is imperative for effective social work learning and practice. Students must prepare to learn and apply the following:

• Exercise organizational and time management skills to consistently prepare for and be punctual to class and field practicum.
• Meet due dates, keep appointments, and proactively plan for the unexpected when preparing for course and field education requirements.
• Navigate transportation and travel to and from field practicum.
• When needed, identify supports and strategies to manage personal stress.

Self-awareness is an active and continuous process of understanding ourselves, how we make decisions, and being conscious of how we behave in different situations (Trevithick, 2018). Self-awareness and interoceptive awareness skills increase one’s capacity for emotional understanding and the ability to have attention and tolerance for the physical sensations, feelings, and thoughts experienced between individuals in the present moment. The ability to exercise these skills helps social workers maintain attention on growth and restoration during practice (Porges, 2011). Students must prepare to learn and apply the following:

• A commitment to examining one’s own values, beliefs, biases, prejudices and how they impact behavior and interaction with others.
• A commitment to critically examining one’s lived experiences and beliefs.
• A capacity for applying critical thinking skills in their knowledge and skill development of social work practice.
• The ability to accept constructive feedback and use resources (i.e. supervision) to facilitate learning and skill development. 

Acceptance to and continuance in the Social Work Program is contingent upon students upholding the academic requirements necessary for completion of degree requirements at Seattle University. Applicants must attest to the accuracy and authenticity of all items in their application package. Upon admission, students are expected to uphold the technical standards. Students must also adhere to the ethical standards of the NASW Code of Ethics, Seattle University’s Professional Conduct Policy: Appeal Procedures and Code of Student Conduct.