Field Manual for 2013-2014 - University of Maryland School of ...

E. Procedures for Resolution of Field Problems
The following procedure should be followed in the event of a problem in the field:
1) The student and Field Instructor should attempt to resolve the problem together. If this is unsuccessful, they
are to inform each other of their intention to seek additional help and should contact the Faculty Field Liaison
immediately. The Liaison has the authority and responsibility to mediate the problem and is expected to meet
with both the student and the Field Instructor before recommending a re-placement.
2) It is the expectation that, through this mediation, the problem will be resolved. It is important for
the presenting problem to be seen as an opportunity for the student to learn more about his/her own
presentation of self, learning style, and interpersonal skills.
3) Every effort will be made to maintain the placement. It is, however, occasionally necessary to remove a
student from a particular field placement. The reasons for this action range from the lack of a qualified social
worker at the agency to a violation of the Code of Ethics on the part of the student. It is the responsibility of
the Faculty Field Liaison to report such a situation to the Office of Field Education.
4) The Field Education Office faculty will make a decision in consultation with the Faculty Field Liaison.
Depending on the nature of the problem, the action taken by the School could range from reassigning the
student to another agency to referring the student to the Student Review Committee and/or to assigning the
student a failing grade for Field Education.
5) The agency has the right to ask for a student’s removal because of improper or unethical behavior
on the part of the student, or the student’s inability to function within the agency’s structure and rules.
Documentation of the request for removal, with appropriate reasons, should be forwarded to the School
through the Faculty Field Liaison. This may result in a referral of the student to the Student Review Committee.
6) In this process it is important that open communication be maintained. The Field Instructor and student
share responsibility for identifying and dealing with problems as soon as they become evident.
7) Reassignments: When a student is reassigned to a new agency, a new learning contract must be completed
within the first month of placement. If this is the second semester of a student’s Foundation or Advanced
Practicum, a mid-semester evaluation is also required.
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