Institute for Clinical Social Work Student Handbook

Mission

The mission of the Institute for Clinical Social Work, an institution of higher education, is to prepare scholars and practitioners to advance the knowledge and quality of practice in the fields of clinical social work and counseling and to serve diverse communities through professional and academic contributions.

Vision

As a highly‐respected institute, to become well‐known for diverse and accessible psychodynamic educational programming.

Values

In keeping with our roots in social work and our commitment to social justice, we develop psychodynamically informed professionals who recognize and celebrate diversity, practice compassionately, and have the knowledge and skills to empower people to lead meaningful lives.

Diversity Statement

The Institute for Clinical Social Work is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The Institution does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.

Welcome

Dear Students:

Welcome to the Institute for Clinical Social Work! As the Institute for Clinical Social Work’s eighth president, it is my pleasure to greet you.

Personal growth, professional education, and career development are important aspects of the student experience. For over forty years, the Institute for Clinical Social Work has been committed to preparing scholars and practitioners to advance knowledge and quality of practice in the fields of clinical social work and clinical counseling and psychotherapy. Throughout our history, great strides have been made at the Institute for Clinical Social Work in the areas of student success, expanding academic programs, increasing access to psychodynamic training through community partnerships, and offering advanced training through continuing education and advanced certification programs.

As a student, you are the heart of our academic community. I want you to know that we are committed to continuous improvement through fulfilling our mission and living up to our core values of social justice, diversity, compassionate practice, and empowering people to live meaningful lives.

As a member of this community, you are a part of an institution founded by educational pioneers in psychodynamic programming and clinical social work. As a leader in psychodynamic graduate studies, it is important that you have a positive student experience while pursuing your graduate degree. Recent student and alumni surveys indicate that student satisfaction, graduation rates, job placement, and licensure post‐graduation remain high. We will continue to prioritize the student experience by providing intimate classroom settings, ongoing mentorship throughout your program of study, and providing access to workshops and trainings that enhance your in‐class learning experiences.

Additionally, we are committed to ensuring that all master‐level students have a field placement each semester and that all doctoral candidates receive personal mentoring. These aforementioned programmatic components and institutional commitments are what contribute to the unique and meaningful student experiences in our graduate programs.

The entire faculty and staff wish you the most rewarding academic experience in route to earning your MA or PhD. I encourage you to take full advantage of all of the opportunities available to you during your academic career at the Institute for Clinical Social Work. I am extremely honored to serve as your president. If I can be of any assistance to you feel free to reach out to me in the office of the president, via e‐mail, or telephone.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michelle Curtain Stewart President