As our Social Work Internships team, we have been fielding inquires and concerns from students and agencies about possible disruptions to internships based on the changes coming from the current administration. Our office has begun planning for possible disruptions by sharing information that we'd developed during COVID. Here is the information referenced in our Field Manual that we're using to guide strategies:
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MSU Denver Field Education Plan for Interruption of Internship Due to National or Local Events
MSU Denver has developed a plan to address temporary disruption to students' social work Internships due to national or local events such as communicable diseases, natural disasters, and/or civil unrest.
If students are advised by their agencies and agency supervisors, and/or government to not attend their internships, or if safety concerns warrant a temporary disruption in internships, students should immediately consult with BOTH their MSU Denver Faculty Field Liaison and their Field Supervisor(s) (Task Supervisor and/or Field Instructor).
In efforts to fulfill the intern's hour requirements and educational competencies during temporary internship stoppages, we are providing alternative field learning activities that can be completed off-site.
This policy is meant to address short term internship disruptions, with a maximum of 30 days. If the internship stoppage continues beyond a 30-day period, a review will be conducted by the MSU Denver Office of Field Education to determine the most appropriate response to support students in completing their internship requirements.
In many cases, students may be able to continue portions of internship work remotely using technology. See Section IV. B. 9. "Confidentiality and the Use of Technology" for more information.
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Alternate Learning Activities
A student's FFL and/or Agency Supervisor(s) may assign student's alternative field learning activities that the student may complete in the event of a temporary field disruption. FFLs are encouraged to consult with the Office of Field Education for a comprehensive list of alternative field learning activities that build upon current student learning.
This is accompanied by an internal archive of learning activities that students may complete remotely or with other agencies.
I appreciate this continued conversation and sharing of resources during these challenging times.
In solidarity,
Amanda
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Amanda Campbell
Associate Director of Field Education
Metropolitan State University of Denver
+1 (303) 615-1835
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Original Message:
Sent: Jan 30, 2025 11:31
From: Joyce Kraus
Subject: Agency and practicum response to federal funding freeze
Thanks for starting this conversation. I have experienced murmurings of how administrative "orders" may impact our area agencies so, I think it is wise to prepare.
I would also be willing to share our policy from COVID which is what I will be using in the event agencies are impacted.
Is there a repository for this?
Joyce Kraus DSW LCSW ACSW (she/her)
Director of Field Education/Assistant Professor
Department of Social Work
Co-Chair Diversity Council 23/24 and 24/25 AY
815-740-3412
stfrancis.edu
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere", -Martin Luther King Jr.
Original Message:
Sent: 1/30/2025 10:30:00 AM
From: Nancy "Nan" Askeland
Subject: RE: Agency and practicum response to federal funding freeze
Hello,
Thank you for posting your concerns, and what many of us are probably thinking about. I think this is a great idea and would be happy to share what we have from COVID shut down, and emergency pulls from placement in the last hours needed for completion of Practicum.
I am wondering if there might be a specific folder that we could share these to and allow us to have the resources in one place. Maybe this is already in place, and I am unaware with the transition of moving, learning curve, and being a caregiver as well.
I look forward to learning and sharing more!!!
Joy for your day,
Nan Askeland, LICSW
Director of Field Education
nancy.askeland@smsu.edu
direct office line 507-537-6543
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Nancy "Nan" Askeland
Director of Field Education
+1 (507) 537-6543
Original Message:
Sent: Jan 29, 2025 10:24
From: Sara Lien
Subject: Agency and practicum response to federal funding freeze
Hello community,
Like many of you, I assume, I'm starting to plan for potential agency and/or program shut downs related to this federal funding freeze. Our leadership has asked the practicum team to start creating alternative learning opportunities and assignments so we can ensure that students graduate with the required experiences and hours. Are others doing the same? I think it would be helpful for us to organize and perhaps have shared resources and activities if possible. Would people be willing to share ideas, plans, and activities they are giving to students?
Peace to you at this time,
Sara
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Sara Lien
MSW Practicum Director
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Duluth MN
218-726-8353
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