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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>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 <b>go directly to the professor first</b> 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).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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!!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thank you and best of luck in the remainder of the semester!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Brenda Moore, Dept. Head.<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>