Hello, 

I hope this newsletter finds you well motivated to make a difference in the world through social work. In this newsletter #4, I want to share updates about applying to the program and the importance of field education.  Let’s dive in!

First, please remember the upcoming application deadlines. Applications are due by July 1^st. That gives you about two more weeks to complete your applications. Keep working on getting your references ready to submit. We covered some of the suggestions on securing great recommendations in Newsletter, #2. If you didn’t get a copy of that newsletter, you can email me at bbarr@samuelmerritt.edu and I can forward a copy to you. 

We have now started admitting students on a rolling basis and it is clear that we will have a very interesting and diverse student body in the MSW program at Samuel Merritt University. I hope you will join us in this exciting process of building a dedicated learning community. Remember that we will continue to hold Q&A sessions every Tuesday evening to answer your questions on applying to the program. There are also webinars with more in-depth details about the program offered every other Saturday morning. The Zoom links to both sessions are available on our website: https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/college-health-sciences/master-social-work

Getting your MSW is an exciting and crucial step towards pursuing your passion for helping others and creating positive change in society. Here at Samuel Merritt University, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive education that combines theory and practice to prepare you for a successful career in social work. 

The Importance of Practicums: Learning in the Community

Practicums are an integral part of social work education and provide invaluable hands-on experience in real-world healthcare and nonprofit settings. We are pleased to welcome Sergio Serna, LCSW to Samuel Merritt as our new Social Work Practicum Director. Sergio has previously served as a field instructor at UCLA’s and UC Berkeley’s schools of social work. We are excited about the expertise he will bring to our program. Here is a short interview of Sergio discussing Latinx social work education at UC Berkeley: https://socialwelfare.berkeley.edu/news/celebrating-latinidad-qa-field-consultant-sergio-r-serna-lcsw

Practicums allow you to bridge the gap between theory and practice, develop essential skills, and build confidence in your abilities. Here are a few reasons why field placements are so important:

1. Applied Learning: Field placements offer you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-life situations. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with clients, work in partnership with experienced professionals, while you contribute to the well-being of our community members. 
2. Exploration and specialization: Field placements offer a chance to explore various social work settings and work with different populations. They are designed to help you discover your interest and potential career paths within social work. 
3. Networking and mentoring: Field placements build your professional networks. Your supervisors and colleagues become mentors, guides and supporters on your social work journey.  

Samuel Merritt is developing memos of understanding (MOUs) with local health providers on the development of our practicum placements. Don’t panic about finding your first placement, we have a year to work with you on securing your best placement. Internships will begin for most students in the second year of the program. At Samuel Merritt we will prioritize developing quality placements that will ensure you have meaningful and impactful learning experiences in the community. 

Come and join us in creating this exciting new learning community in Oakland. Remember we will be here to support you in submitting your applications. Please reach out if you have questions or hit any roadblocks in your application process. Calendly applications for one-on-one sessions are available with me at https://calendly.com/bbarr-gce/smumasterofsocialwork?month=2023-06

Warm regards, 

Ben

Ben-David Barr, PhD, MSW

MSW Department Chair Samuel Merritt University