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The BSW Learning Circles provides opportunities for undergraduate social work education for Alberta students in rural, remote, and Aboriginal communities. In order to register in the BSW Learning Circles route, students must be available to attend course offerings in selected rural, remote, and Aboriginal communities.

New applicants should refer to A.2 Admission Requirements in the Undergraduate Admissions section of this Calendar for regulations regarding University admission requirements.

The BSW Virtual Learning Circles program delivers the curriculum through a blended learning approach, integrating online learning with some face-to-face classes in Calgary. For more information on the BSW Virtual Learning Circles program consult the Student Services Office or the Faculty's web page: http://fsw.ucalgary.ca.

The BSW Learning Circles and Virtual Learning Circles programs both provide an undergraduate curriculum that is culturally and geographically relevant to communities outside urban areas. Course content is innovative and aligned with traditional philosophies and knowledge systems. Community collaboration and flexible delivery methods are key features of these programs.

Core content has been grouped into four theme areas: Generalist Practice in Context; Research in Context; Diversity and Oppression; and Social Work Methods. These form the basis for courses that are listed as Social Work 300-level courses (Social Work 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, and 307). Courses related to local practicum placements are listed as Social Work 400-level courses (Social Work 410, 412). Social work option courses for Learning Circles and Virtual Learning Circles students have the same 500-level designation as option courses for the students in Calgary, Edmonton, and Lethbridge.

Note: Social Work 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, and 307 cannot be taken by students in Calgary, Edmonton, and Lethbridge.

Each theme area is comprised of 3 half-course equivalents, including one theme course (full course) and one additional half course. One theme area is offered in each Fall and Winter Term. The same theme area is offered in each site location in any given term. Students can complete the four theme areas over two academic years. Practicum and integrative seminar courses will be taken after all four Social Work theme areas and all non-Social Work courses have been completed. The theme areas do not have to be taken in a particular sequence.

Social Work option courses may be taken at any time in the program. Option offerings in block format will be available in Spring and Summer Terms.

Admission

University Transfer students are admitted to the third year of their program. Therefore, by the end of the Winter Term preceding the Fall Term for which entry is sought, applicants will have completed 19 University Transfer half-course equivalent non-Social Work courses and Social Work 201 or equivalent.

Spring and Summer courses taken in the term immediately preceding admission will not be used in the calculation of the GPA for admission purposes. Applicants are evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Grade Point Average. The grade point average is calculated on the last 10 half-course equivalents completed. Refer to the general admissions section for detailed information on the calculation of the GPA;

2. Relevant work/volunteer experience;

3. Admission essay;

4. Two letters of reference. One of these should be from an academic source (e.g., previous instructor). The other should be from a professional (e.g., a former employer or supervisor) who is qualified to comment on the applicant's suitability for undergraduate studies in social work.

Learning Circles Program Requirements for University Transfer Students

Upon admission to the BSW Learning Circles program, University Transfer Students are required to complete a total of twenty (20) half-course equivalents in the following configuration:

• 18 half-course equivalents of Social Work required courses, including: Social Work 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 410, 411, 412, 413; and
• 2 half-course equivalents of Social Work elective courses at the 500 level.
  

Note: All required 300-level Social Work courses must be completed prior to registering in Social Work 410 or 412.

Admission

Students who will have completed a Social Work Diploma at an approved Alberta Community College or university may apply for admission to the BSW Learning Circles Alberta Social Work Diploma route. Such applicants must also meet basic University admission requirements. Applicants not meeting University basic admission requirements cannot be admitted to the Faculty.

Applicants to the BSW Learning Circles Alberta Social Work Diploma route will receive credit for 20 half-course equivalents from their Diploma program. In order to be considered for admission, students must also have completed 8 university-transfer non-Social Work half-course equivalents during their Diploma.

Applicants are evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Grade Point Average. The cumulative grade point average achieved on the Alberta Social Work Diploma will be used;

2. One letter of reference from the faculty liaison, that is, from the instructor who submitted your grade for the final practicum placement;

3. Admission essay;

4. A recommendation from the chair/director of the social work program that the student attended;

5. Relevant volunteer/work experience.

Note: Students who graduated with an Alberta Social Work Diploma more than five years prior to applying to the University of Calgary, will need to provide two letters of reference and are not required to supply the recommendation from the chair/director of the social work program that the student attended or a letter of reference from the faculty liaison.

Requirements

Upon admission to the BSW Learning Circles program, Alberta Social Work Diploma Students are required to complete a total of 20 half-course equivalents in the following configuration:

• 15 half-course equivalents of social work required courses, including: Social Work 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 412, 413; and
• 5 half-course equivalents of non-Social Work courses.

Note: All required 300-level Social Work courses and non-Social Work courses must be completed prior to registering in Social Work 412.

Note: All required non-Social Work courses will normally be completed prior to registering in Social Work 410 or 412.