Populations at risk must be reflected in the educational
policy statement. The social work curriculum requires all
of its students to develop cultural competence with a
strong knowledge base

1. The proposed EPAS document is drastically different from the present curriculum educational policy
and accreditation standards. The question that arises is why? Why did the social work accrediting body
redefine social work and the standards for carrying out the curriculum, rather than build on what was
already defined? The members of the Association need to understand how these decisions were
reached by the power brokers. Coupled with those questions were studies conducted on the proposed
areas of change by CSWE that influenced the recommendation? We fully understand that dialog will
occur after every posting of the draft.

BPD strongly recommends a dialog, which includes deans/directors of masters programs, with
program chairs and directors of undergraduate programs. It is vitally important that a schism
not occur between masters and baccalaureate programs. We firmly believe that distrust of the
leadership by its members will occur without an opportunity to hear each other's voices. Also,
we concur that the present curriculum policy and accreditation standards have strengthened
baccalaureate education and should not be tampered with, but built upon.

2. Members reject the idea of a Ph.D. as a requirement for program directors. Parity simply does not
exist between deans/directors of masters programs and baccalaureate program directors. Coupled with
the complex demands of administrative issues and reports to our accrediting body, BPD program
directors are also requested to teach a heavy load in some universities. It is not fiscally sound or
feasible to require a Ph.D. for the program director now. Nor is there evidence that those with Ph.D. are
more prepared than those with MSW to direct BSW programs. It is important to retain qualified program
directors for baccalaureate programs that have the necessary skills to be effective in a multi-task
position.

BPD strongly suggests that a study be conducted by CSWE to determine the feasibility and
practicality of requiring program directors to have a Ph.D. We also concur that at this present
time the Ph.D. should not be required for program directors.

3. Members strongly request a minimum of 25% release time for program directors and field
coordinators with financial support for summer coverage. The members list a myriad of reasons why this
must be reinstated in the new document. After reading all of the comments, the conclusion was reached
by the Executive Committee of BPD that release time, as well as summer coverage will disappear
during these fiscally lean times in universities if not specified in our standards. Other disciplines use
social work as a model, not because we have this release time, but the results from the release time
uplift the department standards which result in a professionally run academic department. Social work
departments take leadership in establishing and advancing the institutional values, ethics, and mission
of the University.

BPD strongly recommends that release time and summer coverage be spelled out in the EPAS
document with a minimum of 25% for program directors and field coordinators with summer
support.

4. Students also are required to develop skills that assist the clients we serve to overcome the
obstacles and barriers that our society imposes on vulnerable and oppressed groups.

BPD strongly recommends that populations at risk be reinstated in the educational policy.

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