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Social work students include traditional
age students primarily from South Dakota and the four
states surrounding it. There are also international students
and others who come from a greater distance to USF. Generally,
one third of the social work students are of non-traditional
age (25 years or older) who are usually from the immediate
geographical area.
Students state that their motivation
to help others comes from a variety of sources.
Their Christian commitment, their experience as a peer
helper, their wish to contribute to the community, and
to reflect the helping they have received are a few of
the motivations heard from students. Most plan to
work in the region and are open to serving people in a
variety of agency settings, but interest in working with
children, adolescents, families and elders are
mentioned often.
Social work students are likely to be
involved in activities on campus or in the community.
Many have volunteered before coming to USF and choose
to continue to volunteer, if time permits. Course
assignments sometimes require an individual or group volunteer
experience to expand the students' knowledge of the agencies
in Sioux Falls which are similar to agencies in other
communities.
Most social work students work while attending
college. Many jobs are available which provide an
opportunity to gain experience working with people. Social
work faculty assist students in locating employment in
social agencies, if requested.
Social Work Club/SWAT
(Social Workers Accomplishing Together)
The purpose of SWAT is
to organize the social work students, arming them as
leaders on our campus who will work together with their
student peers in serving the social needs of the community
of Sioux Falls and beyond. Student members are able
to explore career interests through participation in
campus and community activities. Students work
closely with each other, social workers, other community
professionals, and faculty to develop a clearer
understanding of the social work profession.
Phi Alpha
National Honor Society for Social Work Students
Phi Alpha is a national honor society for social work
students. The USF chapter of Phi Alpha (Lambda Chi Chapter) was begun in
2003 and inducts new members annually. The purpose of the honor
society is to provide a closer bond among students of social work and to
promote humanitarian goals and ideals. Phi Alpha fosters high
standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those
who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work.
"Through knowledge--the challenge to serve" describes the society.
Eligible students must be social work majors and have achieved sophomore or
upper division status, completed eight semester hours of required social
work courses, achieved an overall grade point average of 3.0, and achieved
a 3.25 grade point average in required social work courses.
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In
the world and at home, you have the opportunity and
the responsibility to help make the choices which will
determine the greatness of this nation. . .
You live in the most privileged nation on earth. You
are the most privileged citizens of that privileged
nation; for you have been given the opportunity to study
and learn. . .
You can use your enormous privilege and opportunity
to seek purely private pleasure and gain. But history
will judge you, and as the years pass, you will ultimately
judge yourself, on the extent to which you have used
your gifts to lighten and enrich the lives of your fellow
man.
In your hands, not with presidents or leaders,
is the future of your world and the fulfillment of the
best qualities of your own spirit.
Robert
F. Kennedy, Speech to Students of the University of
California, 10/23/66
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