Masters Student Handbook

Policies & Procedures for Student Performance

The policies and procedures for the evaluation of student performance are consistent with University policy: the faculty has final responsibility for all decisions about student performance. At the same time, as members of the academic community, students have a voice in decisions that affect them.

It is the responsibility of the instructor to determine whether or not the student has met the requirements of the course.
The instructor is responsible for informing students about the course objectives and requirements. The instructor is also responsible for defining the criteria that will be used to assess whether the student has met the course requirements and for informing students about the criteria. Course performance expectations may apply to performance on examinations, papers, class participation and performance in the field, among other evaluative criteria.

Evaluation Procedures for students (rev. 3/6/2009)

Grading Scale
The SP2 letter grade evaluation system is consistent with that used by the M.A. and Ph.D. programs at the University. That system consists of grades of A, B, C, D, and F with pluses and minuses possible for A, B, or C.

Grade Point Averages (GPAs) are tabulated at the end of each semester and on a cumulative basis. GPAs are established on the following scale:

A plus: 4.0
A: 4.0
A minus: 3.7
B plus: 3.3
B: 3.0
B minus: 2.7
C plus: 2.3
C: 2.0
C minus: 1.7
D: 1.0
F: 0
I: Incomplete

Faculty of the School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) are at liberty to use the full range of the grading system, that is, from 'A' to 'F'. Grade categories used in SP2 follow those of the Graduate Division of the University of Pennsylvania: A, excellent; B, good; C, fair; D, poor but passing; and F, failure. The use of a plus or minus (+ or -) with a letter grade is at the discretion of the instructor. If a student's work is failing, he/she is to be given an F. All other grade categories are considered to be passing grades.

Evaluation of Field Instruction / Mentorship
Field instructor evaluations for students in the MSW program use the following grading system: Pass/Satisfactory, Marginal Pass or Fail/Unsatisfactory. The core practice instructor has final responsibility to assign a letter grade for the course.

In the MSSP and NPL programs, the Supervisor/Mentor’s feedback will be descriptive and is used primarily for the student’s learning.

Course Failure
Each program within SP2 has designated several courses in which a minimum grade must be obtained by students enrolled in their program. They are:

MSW program
The required courses are SW 601, 602, 603, 604, 611, 612, 613, 614, 704 or 708, 714 or 718, 715, and at least one research option. A student in good standing who receives a grade lower than a B- in any of these courses must retake the course(s). If the course is a pre-requisite for another course, the student cannot proceed to the next course in the sequence until a grade no lower than a B- is earned in the pre-requisite course. If the student obtains a grade lower than a B- in one of the above-listed courses, he or she may retake that course once as long as his or her non-academic performance (see subsequent section) is acceptable.

NPL program
The required NPL core courses are NPLD 786, 787, 788, 790 and 792. A student in good standing who receives a grade less than a C- in any of these courses must retake the course(s) to graduate.

MSSP program
The required MSSP courses (as of Spring 2009) are SW 715, SP 628, SP 629, SP 630, SP 631, SP 968, and SP 632. As of fall 2009, required MSSP courses are expected to be SP 629, SP 630, SP 631, SP 968, SP 632, and a new course, SP xxx (Applied Linear Modeling, course number to come). A student in good standing who receives a grade lower than a B- in any of these courses must retake the course(s). If the course is a pre-requisite for another course, the student cannot proceed to the next course in the sequence until a grade no lower than a B- is earned in the pre-requisite course. If the student obtains a grade lower than a B- in one of the above-listed courses, he or she may retake that course once, as long as his or her non-academic performance (see subsequent section) is acceptable.

Grade of Incomplete
If a student cannot complete the work for a course by the end of the semester, she/he may request an Incomplete ('I') from the instructor if the student's work in the course is of passing quality up to that point. The grade of 'I' allows the student, with the permission of the professor, to finish a small amount of work that has not been done by the end of the semester. In accordance with the policy of the Graduate Division, the instructor may permit an extension of up to one year for completion of the course; the instructor is not required to grant a one-year extension and may specify an earlier deadline.

When a student takes an 'I', she/he must complete the work within the time specified by the instructor. An 'I' that is not finished by the deadline specified by the instructor automatically becomes an 'F'. The instructor may change the 'F' to another grade when the work is finished.

If a student has an 'I' for a course that is a prerequisite for a subsequent class, the 'I' must be changed to an acceptable letter grade before the start date of the subsequent class.

Notification of Failure to Meet Course Expectations
A student or an instructor may request at any time a meeting between them to discuss student performance. When an instructor discerns that a student is not meeting course expectations, he or she should notify the student in writing. The instructor should use the electronic Courses In Touch system to send a Course Problem Notice to the student. The Course Problem Notice generates an email to the student, with a copy of the email automatically sent to the Educational Advisor. The Educational Advisor should also create a note in the Advisor in Touch system, which becomes part of the students record. A printed copy of the email should also be placed in the students paper file by the Academic Advisor. The exception to this policy is if the student's failure to meet course requirements occurs as a result of performance on a final examination or final assignment.

Grade Point Average Minimum Requirement

To be in good academic standing in the School and the University, students in SP2 must maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or above. If not, the student will be placed on academic probation. A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or above is required for graduation.

Academic Probation Procedure
A student will be placed on academic probation if she or he has:

a semester (including summer session) GPA below 3.0, or
a cumulative GPA below 3.0, or
a grade below the established minimum in a program-designated course (see "Course Failure" section above), or
an 'F' in any course.

A student on Academic Probation is expected to meet with his or her Educational Advisor to design a performance improvement plan. If the student achieves a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above at the end of the subsequent semester and/or retakes a course and receives a grade above the specified minimum, the student will be removed from academic probation. If the student does not achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and/or a grade above the specified minimum in a course that is retaken at the end of the subsequent semester, the student is subject to dismissal from the program. Notice of the beginning and ending of each academic probation period will be made in writing to the student by an Associate Dean.

Grade Appeal Procedure
In accordance with University policy, faculty members have the authority to make academic judgments in relation to their students. A student who believes he/she was graded unfairly should proceed according to the following steps:

Step 1. Review the concern with the appropriate instructor(s). If this review does not result in resolution,
Step 2. Review the concern with the Educational Advisor. If this review does not result in resolution,

Step 2a. NPL and MSSP students: Review the concern with the Faculty Director of your program. If this review does not result in resolution,

Step 3. Review the concern with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will make the final determination about the student’s appeal.

Non-academic Performance
Students are expected to comply with University policies and regulations outlined in the Penn Book, the University Code of Student Conduct, the Code of Academic Integrity, and the Master's Student Handbook. Students are expected to incorporate the highest standard of ethics in every element of their work and to manifest in their behaviors and demonstrate knowledge, skills, maturity and emotional stability necessary to function as a professional.

Examples of non-academic performance and conduct that will subject the student to disciplinary action or dismissal from the program include:

Violations of the University Code of Academic Integrity (e.g., plagiarism).
Behavior determined to be a violation of University or School policies or regulations.
Behavior determined to be a violation of the profession's ethics (e.g., NASW Code of Ethics in the case of social work).
Inability to secure, sustain, or perform satisfactorily in a field placement.
Behaviors that do not meet professional expectations and standards, which include generally accepted standards of professional conduct, personal integrity or emotional stability for professional practice.
Behaviors determined to be unprofessional conduct towards colleagues, faculty or staff .

Standards and procedures for student non-academic performance are particular to specific professional standards or academic programs. Therefore, additional procedures that operationalize these standards and action steps in response to violations can be found in the policies for specific programs.

Alleged violations of the University’s Code of Student Conduct, Code of Academic Integrity, and other applicable policies regarding student behavior may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct (OSC). The OSC is responsible for acting on behalf of the University in matters of student discipline. The OSC deals with alleged instances of academic dishonesty and other student misconduct, in order to determine how best to resolve these allegations consistent with the goals and mission of the University as an educational and intellectual community. For more information on the OSC see: http://www.upenn.edu/osc.

Dismissal Appeal Procedure
A student may appeal the decision to be dismissed from the program by sending a letter stating the specific grounds for his/her appeal to the Dean within two (2) weeks from the date of the written dismissal notice. The Dean will then convene the Faculty Committee on Academic Standing (FCAS) to review the circumstances. The FCAS will make the final decision and notify the student in writing. Copies of the decision will be sent to the student, the Dean, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, and the student record (see section above regarding electronic notices).

Professional Performance Standards (MSW Program)
All students must meet required standards of behavior for professional social work practice. The following standards, along with related skill areas and required behaviors for each, are delineated in the SP2 Student Handbook.

Standards	Skill Areas	Required Student Behavior
Professional Ethics:
Conduct conforms to values and ethics of the social work profession as codified in the NASW Code of Ethics	Adheres to legal and ethical standards in all practice and academic roles and settings. Demonstrates integrity in all dealings with clients, agency and collateral staff, faculty, and student colleagues. Understands and follows all laws pertaining to client confidentiality. Demonstrates willingness to work with and advocate on behalf of vulnerable populations. Demonstrates awareness and respect for diversity	Does not engage in social relationships with clients; maintains appropriate boundaries with clients. Makes appropriate use of supervision and refers client when needed services are beyond his/her competence. Keeps commitments to clients, colleagues, and faculty. Disguises clients’ identity in class discussions and academic papers. Accepts responsibility for working with vulnerable populations, and participates in advocacy activities on behalf of clients. Willingly accepts and works with a diverse client caseload.
Professional Comportment and Conduct:
Demonstrates responsible, accountable professional behavior, protecting peers, colleagues, clients and others from the adverse consequences of personal performance problems and misconduct.	Explores and identifies strengths and weaknesses related to professional practice. Solicits and makes use of feedback regarding performance. Works to correct performance problems through the development of goals and strategies for professional growth.	Makes productive use of supervision sessions and/or other forms of professional and academic advising and mentorship. Actively participates in field supervision. Seeks professional mental help and self improvement services and consultation when necessary.
Professional Relationships:
All professional interactions reflect respect, integrity, collaboration and accountability, as well as awareness of appropriate professional role, authority and boundaries.	Develops and maintains solid professional working alliances with clients, colleagues, superiors, peers, students, agency personnel, faculty, school staff, advisors, and field educators. Actively and constructively participles in academic and agency affairs. Engages, sustains and appropriately ends professional relationships with clients and colleagues.	Provides feedback and constructive criticism to field instructor and other agency personnel that is respectful and in accordance with agency protocol. Informs field instructor, field liaison and academic adviser of problems that arise in field and works in a professional, way to address these issues. Follows through on verbal and written agreements. Ends services responsibly with clients and field agency, including proper notification of all relevant parties (clients, field instructor, field liaison and/or practice faculty).
Communication:
Verbal, non-verbal and written communications with client, faculty, colleagues and others encountered in student role conform to established legal and professional standards.	Receives and responds appropriately to verbal, non-verbal and written forms of communication with a wide range of client systems and persons regardless of differences related to class, age, culture, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and physical or mental abilities. Demonstrates timely response to, and documentation of communication with school and agency contacts.	Verbal, non-verbal and written communications to clients, colleagues, faculty, school staff, field staff, students and others are delivered with in a respectful, sensitive manner.. Follows agency rules and protocols for record keeping. Responds in a timely manner to all correspondence from clients, agency staff, faculty, and others encountered in student role.

Professional Performance Standards: Procedures for Corrective Action (MSW Program)
As outlined in the SP2 Student Handbook, the Corrective Action Plan is a written document that describes how the student’s professional behavior violates one or more Core Professional Performance Standards, and identifies corrective action to be taken and time frame for completion. The problematic behaviors must be behaviorally described, using examples.
Procedures:

Depending on the nature of the problem(s), the academic advisor or field liaison develops the Corrective Action Plan.
The Corrective Action Plan is submitted to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs for review and signature. The Associate Dean fro Student Affairs returns the signed form to the originating individual (academic advisor or field liaison).
It is the responsibility of the academic advisor or field liaison to closely monitor the student’s performance and evaluate the student’s compliance at the end of the specified period.
If the student satisfactorily improves, the plan is signed by all respective parties at the end of the specified period and forwarded to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
The Associate Dean for Student Affairs may arrange a consultation with the academic advisor or field liaison and student before rendering a recommendation regarding the student’s continued matriculation in the program. It is the responsibility of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs to ensure that the student has had access to due process throughout the review process.
The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs reviews the recommendation, makes a determination and informs the Associate Dean for Student Affairs of the decision.
It is the responsibility of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs to ensure that all related documents are made a part of the student’s file.

Exceptions to the Corrective Action Plan Procedure (rev. 3/16/2009)

A student may be dismissed from the program without having first engaged in the corrective action plan in the event that:

The student’s behavior poses an imminent danger to clients, other students, faculty/staff, and/or self and others (e.g., abuse of clients and/or colleagues, violence or threat of violence).
The student’s behavior represents an egregious breach of core performance standards and ethics (e.g., drugs on the premises, theft, bizarre, dishonest, unethical, and/or disruptive behavior)
The student fails to receive the minimum acceptable grade (B-) in a required course, after the second attempt. In such cases the policy governing dismissal from the program for failure to meet academic requirements supersedes the corrective action plan procedure.
The University decides to place the student on an involuntary leave of absence with conditions specified for return to the program, according to the conditions and procedures described in the Pennbook. The University may place a student on an involuntary leave of absence or require conditions for continued attendance under the following circumstances when the student exhibits behavior resulting from a psychological, psychiatric, or other medical condition that: harms or threatens to harm the health or safety of the student or others; causes or threatens to cause significant property damage; or significantly disrupts the educational and other activities of the University community.

Procedure for Termination as a Result of Failure to Meet Professional Performance Standards
When the student fails to improve satisfactorily after implementation of the corrective action plan, the following procedures are followed to determine if the student may continue matriculating in the program. It is the responsibility of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs to ensure that the student has had access to due process throughout the review process.

The Associate Dean for Student Affairs arranges a consultation with the student, educational advisor, field faculty, and current teaching faculty. Based on the outcome of the meeting, the educational advisor forwards a recommendation regarding the student’s continued enrollment to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs reviews the recommendation, makes a determination and informs the Associate Dean for Student Affairs of the decision.
It is the responsibility of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs to inform the student of the determination in writing and to ensure that all related documents are made a part of the student’s file.

Masters Student Handbook

Program-Specific Policies

Masters Student Handbook

Policies & Procedures for Student Performance

Evaluation Procedures for students (rev. 3/6/2009)