The OSU COLLEGE OF SOCIAL The OSU COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKWORK

William (Bill) MeezanWilliam (Bill) MeezanDean and ProfessorDean and Professor

Presentation to the Council of DeansPresentation to the Council of DeansMarch 25, 2008March 25, 2008

Increasing Demand for Social Increasing Demand for Social WorkersWorkers

The demand for professional social work practitioners is greatThe demand for professional social work practitioners is great– The majority of mental health, child welfare, and family services in the The majority of mental health, child welfare, and family services in the

US are provided by social workers US are provided by social workers – Social workers are an integral component of interdisciplinary teams in Social workers are an integral component of interdisciplinary teams in

education, health care, and gerontology education, health care, and gerontology – One finds trained social workers in the fields of substance abuse, One finds trained social workers in the fields of substance abuse,

corrections, juvenile justice, economic security, and employee corrections, juvenile justice, economic security, and employee assistance assistance

– Substantial numbers of social workers provide counseling and Substantial numbers of social workers provide counseling and psychotherapy through private practicespsychotherapy through private practices

Data from national studies indicate that the demand for Data from national studies indicate that the demand for masters-level prepared social workers will increase significantly masters-level prepared social workers will increase significantly in the coming years in the coming years – The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an 18 to 26 percent increase in The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an 18 to 26 percent increase in

the demand for new social workers by the year 2014 the demand for new social workers by the year 2014 – The Wall Street Journal named social work a “best career” for the futureThe Wall Street Journal named social work a “best career” for the future

Barriers to Meeting Demand/Barriers to Meeting Demand/Recruitment to the ProfessionRecruitment to the Profession

Salaries, both starting and ongoing Salaries, both starting and ongoing – For early career social workersFor early career social workers

BSSW median salaries -- $32,115BSSW median salaries -- $32,115

MSW median salaries -- $43,241 MSW median salaries -- $43,241

Debt load of studentsDebt load of students

Need for better match between providers with those who utilize Need for better match between providers with those who utilize service service – Issues of minority recruitment and diversityIssues of minority recruitment and diversity

Difficulty of workDifficulty of work– Nature of presenting problems and available, proven, evidence-Nature of presenting problems and available, proven, evidence-

based interventionsbased interventions– Nature of the work environment leading to high turnoverNature of the work environment leading to high turnover– Lack of commitment to the welfare state and institutional supportsLack of commitment to the welfare state and institutional supports

Barriers to Meeting Barriers to Meeting Demand/Demand/

Recruitment to the Recruitment to the ProfessionProfessionGraying of professionalsGraying of professionals

Despite number of educational programs, educational pipeline Despite number of educational programs, educational pipeline is insufficient to meet demandis insufficient to meet demand– Large number of small programsLarge number of small programs– 12% of faculty positions go unfilled; small programs still hiring MSWs12% of faculty positions go unfilled; small programs still hiring MSWs

Social Work is a female-dominated professionSocial Work is a female-dominated profession– Significant salary gap between men and women (>$7000 controlling Significant salary gap between men and women (>$7000 controlling

for other vars.)for other vars.)– Differential working patterns of women (child rearing; work patterns in Differential working patterns of women (child rearing; work patterns in

later years)later years)

Image (welfare; child protective services, etc.) Image (welfare; child protective services, etc.) – Social Work Image Campaign currently under waySocial Work Image Campaign currently under way– Social Work Reinvestment Act just introduced into CongressSocial Work Reinvestment Act just introduced into Congress– Patterning our efforts on the successful transition of nursingPatterning our efforts on the successful transition of nursing

Context of Social Work Context of Social Work EducationEducation

NationallyNationally– 482 Bachelors Programs482 Bachelors Programs– 212 Masters Programs212 Masters Programs– 81 Doctoral Program81 Doctoral Program

In OhioIn Ohio– 25 Bachelors Programs25 Bachelors Programs– 8 Masters Programs8 Masters Programs– 2 Doctoral Programs2 Doctoral Programs

Few “national” programsFew “national” programs

Bifurcation of Professional Bifurcation of Professional EducationEducation

Education at the bachelors and masters levels is Education at the bachelors and masters levels is focused on training practitionersfocused on training practitioners

Education at the doctoral level is (usually) focused on Education at the doctoral level is (usually) focused on training for knowledge developmenttraining for knowledge development

Bachelors and masters programs are accredited by Bachelors and masters programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; no doctoral the Council on Social Work Education; no doctoral program accreditationprogram accreditation

Doctoral programs in social work vary tremendously Doctoral programs in social work vary tremendously one from another one from another – Most require students who have been trained for professional Most require students who have been trained for professional

practice to make a number of transitions to become scholars practice to make a number of transitions to become scholars who will have the dual roles of advancing social work who will have the dual roles of advancing social work knowledge and training professional practitioners. knowledge and training professional practitioners.

The OSU College of Social The OSU College of Social WorkWork

First accredited in 1929, The College of Social Work at OSU is the First accredited in 1929, The College of Social Work at OSU is the nation's oldest continuingly accredited social work program in a nation's oldest continuingly accredited social work program in a public university. public university.

USNWR ranked 15USNWR ranked 15thth among publics; 24 among publics; 24thth among all programs among all programs

Rankings are reputational; not part of the NRC; Professional Rankings are reputational; not part of the NRC; Professional organization of deans is attempting to benchmark schools based organization of deans is attempting to benchmark schools based on objective criteria since NRC refused our request to be includedon objective criteria since NRC refused our request to be included– Ranked only every four years; next rankings are due out shortlyRanked only every four years; next rankings are due out shortly– Rankings are supposedly of MSW programs, but in reality are not; Rankings are supposedly of MSW programs, but in reality are not;

dominated by large programs; oldest programs in private universities; and dominated by large programs; oldest programs in private universities; and “free standing” schools/colleges“free standing” schools/colleges

– Mix in rankings between “research” schools and “practice” schoolsMix in rankings between “research” schools and “practice” schools– In last 12 years, few changes in reputational rankings among top 15 In last 12 years, few changes in reputational rankings among top 15

programsprograms– Small changes in reputational scores make for large gains/losses in rankingsSmall changes in reputational scores make for large gains/losses in rankings

Vision/MissionVision/MissionVISION VISION

Embrace Difference. Seek Justice. Be the Change.Embrace Difference. Seek Justice. Be the Change.

MISSION (pending final approval)MISSION (pending final approval)The College of Social Work, through excellence in teaching, The College of Social Work, through excellence in teaching, research, and service, prepares leaders who enhance individual research, and service, prepares leaders who enhance individual and community well-being, celebrate difference, and promote and community well-being, celebrate difference, and promote social and economic justice for vulnerable populations. The College social and economic justice for vulnerable populations. The College fosters social change through collaboration with individuals, fosters social change through collaboration with individuals, families, communities, and other change agents to build strengths families, communities, and other change agents to build strengths and resolve complex individual and social problems. As an and resolve complex individual and social problems. As an internationally recognized College, we build and apply knowledge internationally recognized College, we build and apply knowledge that positively impacts Ohio, the nation, and the world. that positively impacts Ohio, the nation, and the world.

  

CORE VALUESCORE VALUES

Dignity and worth of the person.Dignity and worth of the person.

Importance of human relationships.Importance of human relationships.

Building knowledge through open Building knowledge through open inquiry.inquiry.

Competence.Competence.

Integrity.Integrity.

Social Justice.Social Justice.

Service.Service.(Derived from the NASW Code of Ethics)(Derived from the NASW Code of Ethics)

COLLEGE IS MODERATE SIZE FOR SOCIAL COLLEGE IS MODERATE SIZE FOR SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM BUT A SMALL UNIT FOR WORK PROGRAM BUT A SMALL UNIT FOR

CAMPUSCAMPUS250 Undergraduates250 Undergraduates– 100 freshmen and sophomores (pre-social work majors); 150 majors 100 freshmen and sophomores (pre-social work majors); 150 majors – 27% non-white; 87% women27% non-white; 87% women

450 Masters’ students -- full-, part-time, and advanced 450 Masters’ students -- full-, part-time, and advanced standing programstanding program– 23% non-white; 85% women23% non-white; 85% women

45 Doctoral students45 Doctoral students– 35% non-white; 80% women35% non-white; 80% women

29 Tenure Line Faculty29 Tenure Line Faculty– 24% non-white; 69% women24% non-white; 69% women

5 Field Faculty (Soon move to clinical)5 Field Faculty (Soon move to clinical)– 20% non-white; 100% women20% non-white; 100% women

  

Four Strategic AreasFour Strategic Areas

Renew the College’s educational Renew the College’s educational programs programs

Enhance the research infrastructure Enhance the research infrastructure of the college and the research of the college and the research productivity of the facultyproductivity of the faculty

Review and enhance the Review and enhance the administrative infrastructure at the administrative infrastructure at the collegecollege

Enhance the diversity of students, Enhance the diversity of students, faculty, and staff at the collegefaculty, and staff at the college

Educational Programs: The BSSWEducational Programs: The BSSWOffers a generalist curriculum that prepares graduates to work in Offers a generalist curriculum that prepares graduates to work in any social welfare agencies or institution.  any social welfare agencies or institution. 

The Career Acceleration Plan (CAP) permits a limited number of The Career Acceleration Plan (CAP) permits a limited number of students to complete the BSSW in one year (four quarters)students to complete the BSSW in one year (four quarters)

Newly revitalized Honors ProgramNewly revitalized Honors Program

Future PlansFuture Plans– Revitalization of the curriculum in preparation for CSWE accreditation in 2010Revitalization of the curriculum in preparation for CSWE accreditation in 2010– Increase pre-social work program to 150; increase undergraduate majors to Increase pre-social work program to 150; increase undergraduate majors to

200 on Columbus Campus200 on Columbus Campus– Potentially bring undergraduate major to three regional campuses (Mansfield, Potentially bring undergraduate major to three regional campuses (Mansfield,

Lima, Marion)Lima, Marion)– Develop and offer minorsDevelop and offer minors

Addictions Studies Addictions Studies

Social JusticeSocial Justice

– Offer additional undergraduate courses available to all undergraduatesOffer additional undergraduate courses available to all undergraduates

Educational ProgramsEducational ProgramsThe MSW The MSW

Offers specializations in direct social work practice and Offers specializations in direct social work practice and social administration. social administration.

Has significant course offerings in the fields of health, Has significant course offerings in the fields of health, mental health, behavioral health, child welfare, mental health, behavioral health, child welfare, developmental disabilities, aging, and correctionsdevelopmental disabilities, aging, and corrections

Offers MSW program at three regional campuses Offers MSW program at three regional campuses (Mansfield, Newark and Lima(Mansfield, Newark and Lima

Offers two additional off campus programs (FCCS and Offers two additional off campus programs (FCCS and Wright State)Wright State)– Potential program with ADAMH Board and its agenciesPotential program with ADAMH Board and its agencies

Offers dual degrees with Public Policy and Management; Offers dual degrees with Public Policy and Management; City and Regional Planning; Public Health City and Regional Planning; Public Health

The MSWThe MSWOther Significant Program Other Significant Program

FeaturesFeaturesOne of two programs in the state that trains and certifies One of two programs in the state that trains and certifies school social workersschool social workers

Participates the interdisciplinary graduate programs in aging, Participates the interdisciplinary graduate programs in aging, women’s studies, disability studies, sexuality studies, women’s studies, disability studies, sexuality studies, interprofessional practiceinterprofessional practice

Allows minor in African American studies Allows minor in African American studies

Offers certificate in AIDS careOffers certificate in AIDS care– Additional certificates under consideration: Additional certificates under consideration: Non-profit management; The Non-profit management; The

addictions; Jewish Communal Servicesaddictions; Jewish Communal Services

Emerging Commitment to InternationalizationEmerging Commitment to Internationalization– New course in Comparative Social Welfare (2008)New course in Comparative Social Welfare (2008)– Study abroad programs for students in Poland and India (current)Study abroad programs for students in Poland and India (current)– Plans for study abroad programs to Ghana (2009), Plans for study abroad programs to Ghana (2009),

and Mexico (2010). and Mexico (2010).

MSW – Plans for FutureMSW – Plans for Future

Revitalization/renewal of the curriculum in Revitalization/renewal of the curriculum in preparation for CSWE accreditation in 2010preparation for CSWE accreditation in 2010

Determine multiple measures for assessment of Determine multiple measures for assessment of student competencies and program performance.student competencies and program performance.

Develop benchmarks for student and program Develop benchmarks for student and program performance.performance.

Establish protocol for using data to review and Establish protocol for using data to review and enhance curriculumenhance curriculum

Initiate annual performance reports to the college Initiate annual performance reports to the college community.community.

BSSW and MSW Field BSSW and MSW Field EducationEducation

The College, through its office of field education, The College, through its office of field education, places over 600 students per year in over 500 social places over 600 students per year in over 500 social service agencies.service agencies.

Total number of volunteer hours provided to social Total number of volunteer hours provided to social service agencies through internships is service agencies through internships is approximately approximately 251,200 251,200 hours.hours.

DirectionsDirections– Define and implement “best practices” in field educationDefine and implement “best practices” in field education– Certify students on standardized field competenciesCertify students on standardized field competencies– Certify field instructors beyond basic requirementsCertify field instructors beyond basic requirements– Assess possibility for international field placements Assess possibility for international field placements – Assess possibility of alternative (including block) field Assess possibility of alternative (including block) field

placementsplacements

The Ph.D. ProgramThe Ph.D. ProgramOnly Ph.D. program in a public university in the stateOnly Ph.D. program in a public university in the state

Interdisciplinary in nature Interdisciplinary in nature

Currently provides full- and part-time optionsCurrently provides full- and part-time options

Very selectively admits students to the combined MSW-Ph.D. Very selectively admits students to the combined MSW-Ph.D.

Admits a very select group of students without the MSW Admits a very select group of students without the MSW

FutureFuture– Total curriculum renewal to prepare students to be placed in the best Total curriculum renewal to prepare students to be placed in the best

of the social work programsof the social work programs– Continued conversion of GAA to GRA positions; Increased number of Continued conversion of GAA to GRA positions; Increased number of

College funded GRA positionsCollege funded GRA positions– Develop paid research internships in communityDevelop paid research internships in community– Provide additional mechanisms for Ph.D. student publicationsProvide additional mechanisms for Ph.D. student publications– Potential partnership with Ohio UniversityPotential partnership with Ohio University

Build Research Agenda and Build Research Agenda and ProductivityProductivity

Concentrate in three broad areasConcentrate in three broad areas– Families and childrenFamilies and children– Health and behavioral healthHealth and behavioral health– AgingAging

To date:To date:– Appointed an Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Appointed an Associate Dean for Research and Faculty

DevelopmentDevelopment– Provided support staff to research office Provided support staff to research office – Reduced teaching loadReduced teaching load– Established Research Advisory Committee Established Research Advisory Committee – Instituted “seed grant” competition for facultyInstituted “seed grant” competition for faculty– Submitted capital budget proposal, which is now being costed, for Submitted capital budget proposal, which is now being costed, for

funds to (among other things) remodel the second floor of old funds to (among other things) remodel the second floor of old Stillman Hall to create a Research Center. Stillman Hall to create a Research Center.

Build Research Agenda and Build Research Agenda and ProductivityProductivity

To DateTo Date– Instituted a monthly research brown bag series. Instituted a monthly research brown bag series. – Instituted “statistics/technical assistance” brown bags.Instituted “statistics/technical assistance” brown bags.– Four College-supported GAAs, have redeployed for faculty use as Four College-supported GAAs, have redeployed for faculty use as

GRAs GRAs – Contracted for statistical consultation for faculty Contracted for statistical consultation for faculty – Contracted for ongoing consultation from an outside experts to help Contracted for ongoing consultation from an outside experts to help

with issues regarding research infrastructure development, proposal with issues regarding research infrastructure development, proposal review, and federal grant submissions.review, and federal grant submissions.

– Increased formal interaction with leading scholars dealing with cutting Increased formal interaction with leading scholars dealing with cutting edge issues such as translational research and the development, edge issues such as translational research and the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence based interventions implementation, and evaluation of evidence based interventions

The FutureThe Future– Greater exploration/achievement of interdisciplinary workGreater exploration/achievement of interdisciplinary work– Partnerships with more established units on campusPartnerships with more established units on campus

Research AccomplishmentsResearch Accomplishments

Current research portfolio is @$2 million; >100% Current research portfolio is @$2 million; >100% increase in three years; most from state and other increase in three years; most from state and other social service agencies social service agencies

More funded research projects this year than in More funded research projects this year than in any previous yearsany previous years

50% of faculty now have funded research; goal is 50% of faculty now have funded research; goal is 75% 75%

More IDC recovery now than in past; not “steady” More IDC recovery now than in past; not “steady” and therefore not included in budgeting PBAand therefore not included in budgeting PBA

Many more submissions in response to Many more submissions in response to FederalFederal RFA/RFPs than ever before in the College’s history. RFA/RFPs than ever before in the College’s history.

StaffingStaffing

Currently undergoing HR position Currently undergoing HR position auditaudit

Must meet demands for staffing in:Must meet demands for staffing in:– Alumni AffairsAlumni Affairs– CommunicationsCommunications– RecruitmentRecruitment– IT HelpdeskIT Helpdesk– Grants coordinationGrants coordination

Enhancing DiversityEnhancing Diversity

While one of the most diverse units on campus, there is a While one of the most diverse units on campus, there is a need to continue to improve in this area given the field and need to continue to improve in this area given the field and those it serves.those it serves.– StudentsStudents

Increase student recruitment effortsIncrease student recruitment efforts

Move toward offering evening/weekend coursesMove toward offering evening/weekend courses

Development of articulation agreements with junior/technical Development of articulation agreements with junior/technical collegescolleges

Develop mentoring network at the collegeDevelop mentoring network at the college

Establish “immersion” course dealing with minority groups and Establish “immersion” course dealing with minority groups and perspectivesperspectives

– FacultyFacultyAppointed racial minority faculty member to lead searches for Appointed racial minority faculty member to lead searches for facultyfaculty

Establish “pipeline” to minority students in high quality PhD Establish “pipeline” to minority students in high quality PhD programs programs

QUESTIONS?