School of Social Work at Renison University College
Bachelor of Social Work Student Handbook
2024-2025
Table of Contents
Welcome Message
Mission Statements
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Renison University College
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School of Social Work
Culture of Respect
Academic Offences Policy
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Plagiarism
Renison University College Harassment and Discrimination Policy
School of Social Work BSW Faculty and Staff
Program Requirements
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The Undergraduate Calendar Course Descriptions index
Essays/Assignments
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General Information
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Essay Format
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Late Assignments
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Incomplete Grades and Promotion
Resources
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Assistance with Writing
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Students Accounts-Finance
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AccessAbility Services
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Health Insurance
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Counselling Services
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Housing and Residence
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UW Fitness
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Quest
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WATcard (UW Photo ID)
- UW Email Account
- Fee Assessment
- Confirmation of Enrollment
- University of Waterloo Undergrad Calendar
- Income Tax Receipts
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Parking
University of Waterloo Policies
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Ethical Behavior - Policy 33
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Student Petitions and Grievances - Policy 70
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Student Discipline - Policy 71
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Student Appeals - Policy 72
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Health and Safety - Policy 34
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Conflict of Interest - Policy 69
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Intellectual Property Rights - Policy 73
Academic Promotion Policies
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Voluntary Withdrawals from the School of Social Work
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Eligibility to Graduate
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Graduation and Convocation
Awards, Scholarships, and Bursaries
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OSAP
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Available Awards and Bursaries
Safety Regulations
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Security at Renison
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Safety and Security Tips:
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Off Campus Resources
Library Information
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Lusi Wong Library
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Hours of Operation
Student Resources
- Mental Health Support
- Assistance with Writing
- Student Accounts-Finance
- AccessAbility Services
Masters Program
Welcome Message
Welcome to the School of Social Work for the 2024-2025 academic year. We hope this will be a productive and rewarding year as you prepare for professional practice. We have a program that is noted for excellence in academic and field learning. We look forward to participating with you in all of the academic, social, and cultural events that occur throughout the year.
This BSW Student Handbook provides you with a guide to the resources, governance, policies and procedures of the School of Social Work, as well as those of Renison University College and the University of Waterloo that pertain to our BSW Program. Please read this carefully and find out more about: opportunities to become involved in committees and professional associations; scholarships, awards, and bursaries available to BSW students; important dates; resources, and other information about the school and the university.
Mission Statements
Renison University College
Renison University College provides outstanding opportunities for learning and scholarship through an interactive, inclusive environment that encourages intellectual curiosity, respect for diversity, understanding among people, and service to others.
Renison University College makes a valuable contribution to the greater University community by providing the setting that makes excellent undergraduate learning possible. Committed faculty, small classes, and a strong sense of community are among the elements that have made Renison a success.
School of Social Work
The School of Social Work prepares social work practitioners through an accessible and inclusive curriculum, at both baccalaureate and masters levels, in a learning environment that fosters caring and ethical social work practice within a local and global context. The School is committed to positive social change through the principles of justice, equity and respect for diversity. Objectives of the Bachelor of Social Work:
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To prepare students for ethical, critically reflective, anti-oppressive, competent and accountable social work practice
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To ensure academic excellence not only through small class sizes, regular curriculum and program reviews, but also by adherence to the accreditation standards set by the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work
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To create and maintain learning opportunities with a variety of communities through student field practice and collaborative initiatives.
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To promote academic accessibility through the development of on-line, distance education and part- time studies in addition to the regular full-time program
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To contribute to social work knowledge through research, publication, and other scholarly activities
Faculty and Staff at the School of Social Work are eagerly anticipating your arrival at the School.
All classes will be delivered on campus. There are no online courses in the full-time program; there are blended courses in the part time program.
Culture of Respect
Consistent with the mission, policies, and services of Renison University College and the University of Waterloo, the School of Social Work promotes a culture of respect for human diversity, equity, inclusion and decolonization as well as collegiality among faculty, students and staff. As a professional program, we view all aspects of the learning environment as contributing to the education of social workers for all levels of social work practice, characterized by competence, quality and dedication to the principles of social justice.
Attendance at classes, field practicum, and meetings is viewed as a professional responsibility. We count on each other to keep appointments, to be on time for classes, participate in on campus classroom settings, communicate in a respectful professional manner, to be respectful in listening to diverse perspectives, and to be clear and sensitive in communications. The School of Social Work's mission statement provides further insight into our values as an academic and professional setting. Students who choose to participate in the governance of the School and Renison University College are expected to fulfill their commitments and be accountable for their involvement. When students cannot keep their commitments or need accommodation, we expect timely notification and, in many instances, documentation. The School of Social Work’s Professional Conduct Policy is included in this manual and the Practicum Manual.
Students are advised to be aware of and abide by the Renison University College/University of Waterloo's Student Code of Academic Conduct and Student Code of Non-academic Conduct (See the University of Waterloo Undergraduate Calendar, 2023-2024 University of Waterloo Policies and Guidelines Policy 71. Students should be familiar with the School of Social Work’s Policy for Assessing Conduct for Students in the Bachelor of Social Work Program.
Students should be familiar with and abide by the Code of Ethics of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (2005). These ethical principles and standards of conduct set out the collective responsibility for professional competence. The Code is on the CASW Website.
As an accredited program of the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (2000, 2002, 2007, 2014, 2018 – 2022, 2024) The School of Social Work operates according to the standards and requirements of the Association.
Policy for Assessing Conduct for Students in the Bachelor of Social Work Program
Accreditation Standard: SB/M 1.3.2 The academic unit describes how it informs students, faculty members, field education personnel, sessional instructors, and professional and administrative staff of existing academic unit and university policies and procedures including but not limited to accessibility; assessment; appeals; codes of conduct; confidentiality; data storage; disability accommodation; equity; harassment; liability coverage; professional readiness and suitability; and use of social media.
General Standards of student conduct are defined by this policy statement. This policy pertains to professional conduct and applies to any social work course or related learning environment including the practicum within the Bachelor of Social Work Program. It is an attempt to balance the commitment of the School of Social Work to support and assist students in becoming professional social workers, with the need to protect the safety and well-being of all students, staff and faculty as well as vulnerable individuals, families, groups and communities.
Policy Statement
The School of Social Work holds the expectation that its students will adhere to recognized ethical obligations and professional standards including, but not limited to, the CASW Code of Ethics (2005), Social Work Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice adopted by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and/or the Code of Ethics of the provincial social work association/college in which the practicum takes place. The School has an obligation to take action when a student acts in an unethical or unprofessional manner.
The purpose of this policy is to provide examples of conduct that may require a review and to provide guidelines for a process of review. The School of Social Work will undertake to resolve any concerns in a fair, timely, reasonable and effective manner.
Guidelines
It is important that students review and become familiar with:
- The Canadian Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Ethical Practice
- The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice provided by the Regulatory/Governing bodies in the student’s province or territory.
- The Academic Policies, Procedures and Regulations of the School of Social Work at Renison University College and the University of Waterloo
- The policies, regulations, and procedures of the Practicum Setting
The major values and principles as included in the Social Work Code of Ethics that guide professional social work practice are:
- Respecting the Dignity and Worth of All People
- Promoting Social Justice
- Pursuing Truth and Reconciliation
- Valuing Human Relationships
- Preserving Integrity in Professional Practice
- Maintaining Privacy and Confidentiality
- Providing Competent Professional Services
Limits of Confidentiality
The School of Social Work recognizes that the safety and confidentiality of students or others who have been subject to unprofessional conduct under this Policy must be an important priority. The School of Social Work must balance the need for confidentiality against its duty to protect present and future students or persons, who might otherwise be placed in jeopardy by a student, who is acting in an unprofessional or unethical manner. Information disclosed during meetings with instructors, Field Education Coordinators and Field Consultants, or the BSW Program Manager, will not be kept confidential if the information raises concerns about the student’s capacity to assume the professional responsibilities of social work practice. Instructors and/or Field Education
Coordinators and/or the BSW Program Manager will share pertinent information with each other in a respectful and professional manner, for the purpose of identifying student issues and enhancing problem-solving about the concerns. The School of Social Work reserves the right to share information with the University or third parties as required by law and University regulations.
Criteria for Assessment
Offences include but are not limited to the following:
- Concealment of relevant information or providing false information on the Application for Admission to the School of Social Work, Renison University College, University of Waterloo;
- Persistent and/or serious breaches of the CASW Code of Ethics (2024) including, but not limited to:
- Evidence that a student cannot effectively exercise judgment or function effectively within a professional social work context;
- Persistent substance abuse (e.g., alcoholism, drug addiction, use of illegal drugs) that interferes with one’s ability to function within a professional social work context;
- Charges or convictions of a criminal offense involving violent or abusive behavior (e.g. physical assault, sexual assault);
- Persistent and/or serious conduct that contravenes the policies of the field practicum setting;
- Evidence that student has shared, disclosed or breached confidential information of agencies, clients, service users without explicit consent.
- Speech or behavior that contravenes the provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code (e.g., discrimination or harassment because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, gender, age, socio-economic status, political affiliation, disability or diagnosis) in the classroom, field, or in discussions with colleagues, that may interfere with the provision of professional services to the client, may cause harm to clients/colleagues/the profession or with the provision and maintenance of an environment conducive to learning;
- Persistent and/or serious inability to form a professional, helping relationship.
Academic Offences Policy
Students in the School of Social Work are expected to carry out their academic work in an ethical manner by knowing what constitutes an academic offence and by avoiding such offences. Students should take note of the Renison University College/University of Waterloo policy on plagiarism (Policy #71 entitled Student Academic Discipline) as approved by Academic Council and published in the University Undergraduate Calendar. Student Academic Discipline Policy provides examples of academic offences (e.g. infringing unreasonably on the work of others, cheating, plagiarism), descriptions of disciplinary penalties (e.g. failing grade, probation, suspension), and information about the appeal procedure.
The School of Social Work reserves the right, at any point during the academic year, to remove a student from a field practicum and/or suspend him or her from the School of Social Work where the student is in violation of the University Of Waterloo Student Code Of Conduct or the Canadian Association of Social Workers' Code of Ethics.
Plagiarism
Any undocumented use of another writer's words, any paraphrasing or summarizing of his/her words, or even any undocumented reference to his/her ideas, is plagiarism. So is direct copying from, paraphrasing or summarizing of commercially available study guides or notes, or the use of another student's work, or the submission of material from essay banks, research services, or editors.
One of the most common academic offences is plagiarism. Source material must be fully and properly acknowledged. Even unintentional plagiarism is an academic offence. Students are directed to information on Arts Faculty Web page, “How to Avoid Plagiarism and Other Written Offences: A Guide for Students and Instructors:”
Students are advised that they may be asked to demonstrate their familiarity with the content of all assignments submitted for course credit in the BSW Program. Students should also note that plagiarism is taken seriously by the School of Social Work. Not only is it contrary to the Code of Conduct of both Renison University College and the University of Waterloo, but it is also conduct contrary to the Canadian Association of Social Workers' Code of Ethics. Students are advised to check with their instructors if they are not sure about rules of documentation in written assignments.
Assignments
Religious Holidays/Accommodations
Renison University College acknowledges that, due to the pluralistic nature of the University community, some students may, on religious grounds, require alternative times to write papers or complete assignments. Accordingly, a student who requires an alternative due date based on religious grounds should consult with the Instructor and the Director of the School of Social Work regarding alternative arrangements. Such a request should be made within one week of the announcement of the due date.
Students who require alternate arrangements for assignments or examinations are encouraged to contact the AccessAbility Services in Room 1401 of Needles Hall on the UW campus.
Students should discuss any particular learning needs they may have with the instructor at the beginning of the semester.
Renison University College Harassment and Discrimination Policy
We strive to foster a respectful living and learning environment for all. To that end it is important to be aware of our policies on Harassment and Discrimination. We believe prevention through education is key to fostering a respectful environment for all.
Renison University College Harassment & Discrimination Policy
School of Social Work BSW Faculty and Staff
|
Title |
Name |
Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Trish Van Katwyk | 519-884-4404 x 28681 |
| BSW Program Manager & FT Field Education Coordinator | Bianca Bitsakakis | 519-884-4404 x 28656 |
| PT Field Education Coordinator | Daana Wright MSW, RSW | 519-884-4404 x 28699 |
| Administration & Student Services Manager, Coordinator of BSW PT Program | Keri Raif Sura | 519-884-4404 x 28698 |
| Assistant to the School of Social Work | Brenda Maciel | 519-884-4404 x 28609 |
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Academic Advisors |
|
|---|---|
| Full-time Program | Bianca Bitsakakis, BSW, MSW, RSW |
| Part-time Program | Keri Raif Sura BA, MA |
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Field Consultants |
|---|
| Patrice Butts, MSW RSW |
| Debashis Dutta, BA, BSW, MSW, PhD |
| Shani Ellis, BA, MSW, RSW |
| Sandy Jardine, MSW, RSW |
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Teaching Faculty |
|---|
| Susan Cadell, MSW, PhD |
| Sam Clarke MSW PhD |
| Andrea Daley, BSW, MSW, PhD |
| Margaret Gibson BA, MSW, PhD |
| Colleen McMillan, BSc, MSW, PhD |
| Edwin Ng, BSW, MSW, PhD |
| Brenda Polar MSW PhD candidate |
| Alice Schmidt Hanbidge, BA, MSW, PhD |
| Manaal Syed Fahim PhD |
| Trish Van Katwyk, BA, MSW, PhD |
Program Requirements
To graduate from the Honours Bachelor of Social Work Program students must successfully complete the following academic course unit equivalents with a cumulative overall average of at least 75%.
Please note that BSW students may ONLY take SWREN courses throughout the BSW program.
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Students must also complete a field practicum |
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| SWREN 441R: Practicum 1 |
| SWREN 442R: Practicum 2 |
| SWREN 443R: Practicum 3 |
NOTE: Full time students are block enrolled in their courses through the Renison Registrar’s Office and may not choose their section or instructor.
Essays / Assignments
General Information
Students who require alternate arrangements for assignments, tests or practicum are encouraged to contact AccessAbility Services in Room 1401 of Needles Hall on the UW campus.
Students should discuss any particular learning needs they may have with the instructor at the beginning of the semester.
Social Work course assignments are to be submitted directly to the course instructor on the due date. It is imperative that students retain a copy of all assignments for their own records. If a paper does not reach the instructor, it is the responsibility of the student to resubmit a copy of the assignment. Students must communicate with course Instructor any need for accommodation and/or to discuss late submission of assignments.
Essay Format
Unless otherwise specified, students are required to follow the essay format guidelines as defined in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA)(6th edition). All assignments must be typewritten and double spaced.
Late Assignments
If a request for an extension is required, the student should discuss the matter with the instructor before the due date. A request for an extended deadline for an assignment will be granted only on medical or compassionate grounds. Failure to negotiate an extended deadline could result in a zero grade for that assignment. Individual instructors may require other arrangements. Check with your instructor and read your course outlines carefully.
Incomplete Grades and Promotion
Incomplete grades must be negotiated with the instructor and will be given only under special circumstances. Any incomplete grade must be cleared by January 31 for the Fall Term courses, April 30 for Winter Term, and July 15 for BSW Spring Term in order to graduate.
All assignments are to be completed and submitted.
If an incomplete grade is not cleared within one term, the student automatically receives an FTC (failure to complete), which is the equivalent to a grade of 32.
BSW students with an overall grade point average (GPA) of less than 75% are in conditional standing for one term, after which they are failed and required to withdraw.
Resources
Assistance with Writing
Students who would like assistance with writing should contact the Writing Centre on UW Campus.
Students Accounts-Finance
For information regarding finance or finance related questions, please visit Student Awards and Finance Aid.
AccessAbility Services
Accessability Services office is located on main campus in Needles Hall, Room 1401.
Health Insurance
Health Insurance is offered to the undergraduate students, which is covered by the University. The Health and Dental Plan office is located at the Health Services building across from the Student Life Centre. Please visit the Health Services website.
Counselling Services
University experience can become challenging at times. Counselling Services provides strategies to help you cope and do your best to help you succeed.
Housing and Residence
Some students who plan to live away from home may be interested in applying for Residence.
UW Fitness
UW Fitness is one of the recreational facilities offered by the University to help the students stay healthy.
QUEST
QUEST is the University of Waterloo's student information system. You can use QUEST to:
- Update your contact information.
- View your tuition fees and account summary.
- Link to online banking institutions to pay your fees - new.
- View your financial aid, awards, scholarships, and bursaries.
- Link to myHRinfo to view your pay cheque earnings, if applicable
- View your term grades.
- View your unofficial transcript.
- View your class schedule.
- View your weekly schedule in a grid-based format.
- View the UW course catalog and Schedule of Classes
Need to create your Quest/WatIAM account?
If you haven't used Quest yet, you'll need to request your Quest/WatIAM user ID & password
The Quest/WatIAM user ID and password are then used to create your Nexus and email accounts. If you have any trouble, visit the IST service desk
Forgot your Quest/WatIAM password?
Bring Photo ID to the WatCard service counter within The Centre in Needles Hall.
WATcard (UW Photo ID)
The WATcard is your one card to access many facilities and services both on and off campus. The WATcard office service counter is now located within The Centre, in Needles Hall (NH). Our office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
(Part-time Students - if this is not possible, please contact Keri Raif at (519) 884-4404 ext. 28626 to make alternative arrangements.)
UW Email Account
As a BSW student you receive a Nexus account (which includes access to Nexus lab computers across campus and personal disk space for saving files), a Nexus (WatIAM) email account, and personal web space. For more information about the Waterloo Nexus network, see the Waterloo Nexus User’s Guide.
Fee Assessment
The finance page on Quest includes links to on-line banking institutions, UW financial forms, payment instructions, financial aid information, and a help page for other inquiries.
Confirmation of Enrollment
In keeping with the UW policy, we will be advising Renison students to contact the School of Social Work Administration and Student Services Manager or BSW Program Manager for Confirmation of enrollment letters.
University of Waterloo Undergraduate Calendar
Undergraduate Calendar 2024-2025
Income Tax Receipts
For tuition paid in the 2024-2025 calendar year. Income tax receipts will be accessible through your Quest account for tuition paid and funding received in the previous calendar year.
Parking
Parking at Renison and information about parking can be found on our Renison University College Parking
University of Waterloo Policies
The following University of Waterloo policies are important to read and understand. These policies may come into play during the course of your studies and are important to be aware of. Please follow these links to review the policies in detail.
Student Petitions and Grievances - Policy 70
Student Discipline - Policy 71
Conflict of Interest - Policy 69
Intellectual Property Rights - Policy 73
The School of Social Work and Renison University College are committed to the view that when a problem or disagreement arises between a faculty member, field instructor, field education representative or practicum agency and a student, every effort should be made to resolve the problem through mutual and respectful negotiation. Most issues are resolved by a student/faculty or field education representative meeting to discuss differences of opinion. It is only after this stage that a student initiates a grievance.
Academic Promotion Policies
The School of Social Work Academic Promotion is based on successful completion of courses from semester to semester.
Students must maintain a minimum “75 %” average in each semester.
No degree will be granted to a student who does not complete the program requirements, including the cumulative overall GPA of 75%.
Voluntary Withdrawals from the School of Social Work
If a student needs to withdraw from the BSW Program or transition to the Part time BSW program, the student should discuss this with the BSW Program Manager.
To initiate withdrawal from the BSW Program, the student must request a Notice of Withdrawal from the Registrar's Office at Renison. This notice must be submitted before the last day of lectures and may entitle the student to a refund of tuition fees. For further information, go to the Undergraduate Studies Forms website.
In order to re-enter the Program at a later date, the student must re-apply to the Registrar's Office. Re-admission is not guaranteed.
Eligibility to Graduate
Students requiring a proof of enrollment request letter and/or their eligibility to graduate can obtain one from the Administration and Student Services Manager at the School of Social Work.
Graduation and Convocation
Students who anticipate graduating in June & October are required to complete an Application to Graduate four months in advance of convocation to allow for the preparation of diplomas and convocation programs. It is important for graduating students to check, during the term prior to graduation, that all their academic work is completed, grades have been submitted, and they have a clear financial record in Quest6 , (i.e., all tuition is paid and there are no overdue library books or outstanding library fines). Students will receive information about the convocation ceremony in the month they graduate. The Application to Graduate Form must be completed and submitted regardless if the student plans to attend the convocation ceremony.
Awards, Scholarships, and Bursaries
All available Renison Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries are now listed on the website. Please refer to the website for application deadlines and instructions.
There are also a number of external scholarships, awards and bursaries for which students may be eligible to apply. For more information about these awards, please contact the Student Awards Office in Needles Hall at (519) 888-4567 ext. 36042 or check the Student Awards and Financial Aid website.
OSAP
Students in the BSW program are eligible to apply for OSAP for their 43 week study period - September - June.
The BSW program will be listed on the OSAP online application under the University of Waterloo to allow students to choose the correct program.
If you have any questions concerning applying for OSAP, please call the University of Waterloo Student Awards & Financial Aid Office at 519-888-4567 ext. 33583.
Please see the OSAP website. Bursary / Award Application forms.
Safety Regulations
Security at Renison
Renison and the University of Waterloo work hard to promote a safe environment for students, staff, and faculty. We encourage students to co-operate with one another for safety's sake.
The University of Waterloo Security & Safety Office for emergencies and safety escort service is located at the Commissary on the main campus (519-888- 4911). This office is also the location for Lost and Found articles, although the Moose Trax Commissary at Renison University College also has a Lost and Found.
Safety and Security Tips:
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519-888-4911 is the Emergency Telephone Number at Renison College/University of Waterloo. Do Not Hesitate to use it if you feel you are in immediate danger.
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Campus Pay Telephones and Emergency Help Lines both have an Emergency button for emergencies. These are Free calls.
Help Lines (look for the blue light at night) are located all over campus
- On the walkway between Renison University College and St. Jerome's
- On the walkway to Ron Eydt Village
- In car parking lots on campus
Here are additional suggestions for your safety
- Please use a "buddy" system in isolated or dark areas of the campus.
- Please speak to the Director, BSW Program Manager, the Administration & Student Services Manager, any faculty member, or Campus Security officers, if you have concerns about your personal safety.
- Please co-operate with University security officers when a valid Renison University College/University of Waterloo ID is requested. Security carries out ID checks throughout the academic year as a proactive measure to help reduce incidents of crime.
- Remember that there is a 24-hour study area located in the Student Life Centre on campus patrolled by security officers.
- Walk or study anywhere on campus in pairs.
- Always close doors behind you. Leaving doors propped open around campus offers easy access for vandalism, theft, etc.
- Please alert Security at 519-888-4911 x22222 to report a theft or if you observe any suspicious activity
Off Campus Resources:
Waterloo Regional Police - 519-570-9777
St. Mary's Hospital - 519-744-3311
Grand River Hospital (KW) - 519-742-3611
Human Rights Commission - 1-800-387-9080
Here 24/7 - 1-844-437-3247
Telecare Distress Line - 519-658-5455
Sexual Assault Support Centre Waterloo Region -519-741-8633
Waterloo Region Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Treatment Centre - 519-749-6994
Women's Crisis Service: Crisis Line - 519-742-5894
University of Waterloo Sexual Violence Response - 519-888-4567 ext. 46869
Library Information
Lusi Wong Library
In the 4,300 square foot Lusi Wong Library, opened in the Summer 2006, students have access to two group study rooms in addition to more than thirty other study spaces; computer workstations will provide full Internet access as well as connection to the university's large academic computing network. Wireless access for laptop computers is available in the library, along with wired access at each of the study spaces. The Library is located on the first floor of the Academic Centre.
The Renison University College Library is part of the Tri University Group of Libraries (TUG) system, a partnership of the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and the University of Guelph. Trellis is the online catalogue of TUG and includes the resources of all its member libraries. Renison students have access to circulating materials at all of the TUG libraries. Other library resources and services are readily accessible through the University of Waterloo Library's home page.
The Librarian is available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4.00 p.m. to assist with reference/research needs. Contact information is:
Tammy Kavanaugh Tel: (519) 884-4404 ext. 28646
Hours of Operation
Fall & Winter Terms:
Monday to Thursday - 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Friday - 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Saturday - 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Sunday - Closed
Spring Term:
Monday to Thursday - 9:15 am-4:30 pm
Friday - 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday - Closed
Hours are subject to change. Please confirm with the Library.
*Students also have full access to other University of Waterloo libraries*
Student Resources
Mental Health Support
All of us need a support system. The faculty and staff in Arts encourage students to seek out mental health supports if they are needed.
On Campus
- Counselling Services: 519-888-4567 X 32655
- MATES: Mates is a service focused on supporting student well-being. Our service offers one-on-one peer support appointments for students looking to talk to someone in a confidential space. Our in-person office also has a wellness lounge, where students can drop-by and participate in wellness activities.
- Health Services Emergency service: located across the creek form Student Life Centre
Off campus, 24/7
- Good2Talk: Free confidential help line for post-secondary students. Phone: 1-866-925-5454
- Grand River Hospital: Emergency care for mental health crisis. Phone: 519-749-433 ext. 6880
- Here 24/7: Mental Health and Crisis Service Team. Phone: 1-844-437-3247
- OK2BME: set of support services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning teens in Waterloo. Phone: 519-884-0000 extension 213
- https://uwaterloo.ca/campus-wellness/get-mental-health-support-when-you-need-it Download the WatSafe app to your phone to quickly access mental health support information
Assistance with Writing
Writing and Communication Centre: The University of Waterloo Writing and Communication Centre is a hub of communication and writing practice, support, and research on campus.
Students Accounts-Finance
For information regarding finance or finance related questions, please visit Student Financial Services or call 519-888-4567 X38466
AccessAbility Services
The University of Waterloo is committed to ensuring you can access, and meaningfully participate in, your education. AccessAbility Services is the University’s centralized office for the management of academic accommodations for all students with a known or unknown disability, illness, or condition.
At AccessAbility Services, we design and facilitate your academic accommodation plan by removing barriers and building your capacity for personal success.
Masters Programs
Graduate programs in Social Work can be found at the following Canadian universities:
University of British Columbia
First Nations University of Canada
King’s University College (University of Western Ontario)
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Toronto Metropolitan University
University of Northern British Columbia
Although Graduate School can be very costly it is important to know that there is funding available. The Federal government has numerous scholarships and bursaries. The important thing to note about this funding is that usually applications must be submitted ONE FULL YEAR prior to entering the graduate program. Therefore, if you are planning on entering a master’s program immediately following your BSW you must complete the applications immediately upon entering your BSW year.
The best advice you will receive from this manual is to do your research!
Do your research and apply early!!!