[Msw] Procedures for handling class issues

[Brenda Moore]

Dear Students - I just wanted to take this opportunity to clarify
(especially for students in their first or second semesters) the
department's policies and procedures for handling concerns you may have
about your MSW classes.  Consistent with the NASW code of ethics, our
department has always encouraged students who have issues or concerns
about a class to go directly to the professor first with your concerns,
demonstrating professional courtesy and respect in the process. (IF the
response from the professor is unsatisfactory and the issues cannot be
resolved between you and the professor, then it is acceptable to bring
the concern to the MSW Director, Dr. Linda Openshaw).

 

When students do not share their concerns with faculty, but instead go
directly to the MSW Director and/or myself as Department Head, it does
not allow faculty to  respond directly, with professional courtesy and
respect, to the student.  We know that often students feel "vulnerable"
and fear retribution if they voice concerns directly to their professors
- however, that discounts the integrity and professionalism of our
faculty.  

 

When I have had situations in which students were unhappy about
something in my class, I have always appreciated the opportunity to
respond directly to them.  It never made me feel defensive and often I
was grateful to know that "something wasn't working" for them and/or I
needed to use a different approach. And, we also know that we can't
always teach to such diverse styles in such as way that works for
everyone - wish we could!!

 

We value our students' input and desire to learn.  As faculty, we have
ALL been in your shoes and clearly remember some of the challenges you
face as your progress through the MSW program.  If there are areas of
weaknesses or needed improvements, we will do everything we can to work
towards the betterment of the program. 

 

Thank you and best of luck in the remainder of the semester!

 

Brenda Moore, Dept. Head.

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://mailman.tamuc.edu/pipermail/msw/attachments/20120320/e66bc0c0/attachment.htm