The following standards, distinguished from academic standards, describe the physical, cognitive, emotional and character requirements to provide reasonable assurance that students can complete the entire course of study and participate fully in all aspects of social work education and practice. Acquisition of competence as a social worker is a lengthy and complex process that will be undermined by significant limitations of the student’s ability to participate in the full spectrum of the experiences and the requirements of the curriculum.

Students in the Columbia University School of Social Work are expected to possess the following abilities and attributes at a level appropriate to their year in the program. They are expected to meet these standards in the classroom, in their practica, and elsewhere. Attention to these standards will be part of evaluations made by faculty responsible for evaluating applications for admission as well as by faculty responsible for evaluating students’ classroom and practicum performance.

Communication Skills

The social work student must communicate effectively and sensitively with other students, faculty, staff, clients and other professionals. Students must express their ideas and feelings clearly and demonstrate a willingness and ability to listen to others. They must have sufficient skills in spoken and written English to understand the content presented in the program.

Self-Awareness

The social work student must know how his/her values, attitudes, beliefs, emotions and past experiences affect his/her thinking, behavior and relationships. The student must be willing to examine and change his/her behavior when it interferes with his/her working with clients and other professionals and must be able to work effectively with others in subordinate positions as well as with those in authority.

Professional Commitment

The social work student must have a strong commitment to the goals of social work and to the ethical standards of the profession. The student must be committed to the essential values of social work which are the dignity and worth of every individual and his/her right to a just share of society’s resources.

Knowledge Base for Social Work Practice

The professional activities of social work students must be grounded in relevant social, behavioral and biological science knowledge and research. This includes knowledge and skills in relationship-building, data-gathering, assessment, interventions and evaluation of practice.

Objectivity

The social work student must be sufficiently objective enough to systematically evaluate clients and their situations in an unbiased, factual way.

Empathy

The social work student must endeavor to seek to comprehend another individual’s way of life and values. He/she must be able to communicate this empathy and support to the client as a basis for a productive professional relationship.

Energy

The social work student must be resistant to the undesirable effects of stress, exercising appropriate self-care and developing cooperative and facilitative relationships with colleagues and peers.

Acceptance of Diversity

The social work student must appreciate the value of human diversity. He/she must serve in an appropriate manner all persons in need of assistance, regardless of the person’s age, class, race, ethnicity, religious affiliation (or lack thereof), gender, ability, sexual orientation and value system.

Interpersonal Skills

The social work student must demonstrate the interpersonal skills needed to relate effectively to other students, faculty, staff, clients and other professionals. These include compassion, altruism, integrity, and the demonstration of respect for and consideration of others.

Professional Behavior

The social work student must behave professionally by knowing and practicing within the scope of social work, adhering the profession’s code of ethics, respecting others, being punctual and dependable, prioritizing responsibilities, and completing assignments on time.