Field Instruction

“I am not a teacher, but an awakener.”
― Robert Frost

This quote by Robert Frost defines the core reason why dedicated individuals in the social work field agree to supervise a social work student for their internships ... to ignite passion in their students to address and advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice for those individuals, families, groups and communities that they serve.

Field Orientation Sessions

A "Field Orientation Session" is where students learn about what is required prior to and during the social work field experience/internship. This is required for all undergraduate social work students prior to doing the field experience/internship in the senior year of your program.

Students can attend a field orientation session anytime it is offered. It is recommended students attend a field orientation session 2 semesters prior to their internship semester. Students must attend at least one semester before they complete the field experience/internship (offered each fall, spring and summer semesters). Once attended, students do not have to attend another one.

Contact Jenny Becker, Director of Field Instruction, at jennifer.becker@uni.edu, (319) 273-7881 or Sabin 247 with any questions about field orientation sessions and content.

Field Orientation Powerpoint August 2022

Required BSW Field Hours

11 credit-hours translate into 440 clock-hours. (minimum requirement, Spring, Summer or Fall semester)
12 credit-hours translate into 480 clock-hours. (Spring, Summer or Fall semester)
13 credit-hours translates into 520 clock-hours. (Spring or Fall)
14 credit-hours translates into 560 clock-hours. (Spring or Fall)
15 credit-hours translates into 600 clock-hours. (Spring or Fall)

NOTE: 400 hour minimum Accreditation Standard 2.2.5

Field Placement Options

Intern Placement Tracking: Use your account information provided at field orientation.
Field Placement Sites in the Cedar Valley
Field Placement Sites in the State of Iowa
Field Placement Sites Out of State

Note:The field program does not grant social work course credit or field hours for life experience or previous social work related experience. The field hours can only be completed through the field instruction course. (Accreditation Standard 3.1.5)

Agency Instructor Tools

Agency Instructor Orientation

*Required modules include Module 1, Module 2, Field Experience Module specific to your student, Module 6, Module 7 (approx 48 minutes total)

Agency Instructor Orientation Powerpoint All Modules
Module 1: UNI Social Work Program (10:47 minutes)
Module 2: Roles and Responsibilities (8:35 minutes)
Module 3: Undergraduate Program (5:26 minutes)
Module 4: MSW Foundation Program (5:58 minutes)
Module 5: MSW Specialization Program (5:57 minutes)
Module 6: Social Work Supervision (9:32 minutes)
Module 7: Social Work Ethics (11:47 minutes)
Intern Placement Tracking Guidance
Learning Plan and Field Evaluation Guide for Students and Agency Instructors/Supervisors
Supervisory Agenda Templates (#1) (#2)
Agency Instructor Lunch and Learn Material (June 2016) - Agenda, Best Supervision Practices, Orientation Checklist
Other Field Resources: Field Jeopardy; Causes of Internship Disruption; What Field Students Want Agency Instructors to Know
Field Supervisor Video Feedback (April 2021)

[video:https://youtu.be/V2VfiAELQy0 width:500]

Other

Field Program Data 2021-2022
Field Education Committee Minutes: 10/3/2022