FAQs
What is the role of my advisor?
Your Advisor serves as the primary resource of educational support throughout your time at the School. S/he is the “point person” to advisees for general academic and field issues, deciding on a practice method and field of practice for your second year, and addressing problems that may potentially impact your academic performance.
How was I assigned to my advisor?
First-year students are assigned to an advisor based on their T7100 section (Foundations of Social Work Practice.) Therefore, all the students in the same foundations class have the same advisor.
Second-year students are assigned to an advisor based on their practice method. For example, policy students have an advisor who has experience in policy practice.
How often do I see my advisor?
First-year students: First year advisors make two field site visits per year and hold monthly advisory meetings. Also, each first year student will meet with his/her advisor individually to discuss their 4 methods and 7 fields of practice selections.
Second-year Students: Second Year advisors make one field site visit per year (others will be made if deemed necessary). They also hold monthly advisory meetings with the exception of January and April.
I am having concerns at my field placement and I am not sure how to address them. Who do I turn to for advice? You should always consult your advisor when having any concerns at your field placement.
I am having concerns about my classes and am becoming concerned about my grades. Who do I turn to for advice?
You should speak to your advisor who can help you explore your options and help you make decisions regarding issues affecting academic performance.
I am overwhelmed and getting really stressed out. I have two papers due on the same day. I am behind on my process recordings. I stopped reading for classes and haven’t gotten barely any sleep over the last week. Help me!
YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED TO INFORM YOUR ADVISOR. It is your responsibility as the student to reach out for support.
So basically you are saying I need to keep my advisor in the loop regarding all issues involving school and field.
You got it!
Who should I see if I want to plan out my courses for the next semester?
While you can consult your advisor regarding courses that help meet your educational goals you should make an appointment with Walter Vega to discuss required courses, choose electives and to do short and long-term academic planning.
What is a minor and whom should I go to for more information about it?
The School’s minor programs provide students with an opportunity to combine their required social work studies with a concentration in a second discipline at another Columbia Graduate School. These courses count as part of the elective requirement of the CUSSW M.S. Program. Minor programs are available in Business, International Social Welfare, Law, and Public Policy and Administration. For more information about minor programs please make an appointment to see Walter Vega.
What is an independent study and whom do I go to for more information about it?
An independent study offers students an opportunity to study content not offered in the regular program. Students wishing to register for an independent study arrange the tutorial with a full-time faculty member who agrees to serve as instructor for the independent study. The faculty member and the student’s advisor must sign an Independent Study Form, which is submitted to the Associate Dean for approval. For more information about doing an independent Study please see Walter Vega.
Other than doing academic planning are there other issues that Walter Vega can help me address?
You can see Walter Vega to talk about your experience at CUSSW. Address specific issues you and your advisor feel require more attention. And discuss larger issues that could be affecting my status at CUSSW.
I’m not sure if I can do school next semester. What are my options?
Students who are in good standing academically both in class and in field education may request a leave of absence because of personal reasons or medical reasons. Students who are interested in taking a leave of absence must meet first with their advisor and the Director of Advising, Walter Vega.
Withdrawal is an option for students who do not wish to continue in the program. Students who withdraw from the School must meet with their advisor and Director of Advising, Walter Vega, to arrange for an exit interview. Students who withdraw from the School must apply for readmission to the School.
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