COVID-19 Social Work Updates
Together, we are stopping the spread.
The School of Social Work cares deeply about the health and academic progress of our students, as well as the safety of our faculty, staff and their families. We are committed to supporting the SSW community, while working together to take the necessary precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We ask that you be kind, communicate what you need and take care of yourself.
Latest on coronavirus
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Face Coverings on Campus and University Provided Masks
- A face covering must be worn at all times including outdoor spaces on UB’s campuses, to further reduce the risk of transmission as people travel from place to place.
Mandatory Health Screenings
The university has instituted mandatory health screenings for students, faculty and staff, and, invited visitors (e.g., on-campus tour groups). Individuals will be required to attest to:
- COVID-19 symptoms in past 10 days
- Positive SARS-CoV-2 test in past 10 days, and/or
- Close or proximate contact with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case in past 14 days when both parties were not wearing masks.
The Daily Health Verification is NOT required for employees working remotely at home or at a non-UB location.
*Currently employees are asked to complete the Daily Health Verification on the online form. Coming Soon: Life Link chatbot tool will allow the UB commuity to quickly and easily submit Daily Health Verifications on your phone or from any browser.
Source: Human Resources
Guidance for Admissions and Newly Accepted Students
Newly Accepted Student FAQ (updated 06/30/2020)
To all UBSSW prospective students – despite the current situation surrounding COVID-19, our application process for 2021 continues without interruption, and we welcome your application.
BSW grade changes and field hour reduction
- BSW students receiving “Passing” or “Satisfactory” marks rather than a letter grade will be considered to have met our minimal grade requirements in our Advanced Standing eligibility policy.
- We support the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) decision permitting reduction of field hours for successful completion of bachelor and master level field placements. Any BSW student who completed their field placement with reduced field hours and also received a “Passing” grade will be considered to have successfully met that requirement for the purpose of eligibility for our Advanced Standing MSW program.
- Additionally, should you be graduating from a BSW program with a CSWE approved reduced hour field placement, please be assured that as an MSW student with the UB School of Social Work, there will be no requirement for you to complete additional foundation field hours to receive your MSW degree – you will be all set.
A message from Dean Nancy Smyth to newly accepted students and applicants [2:31 min]
Guidance for Continuing Education
inSocialWork Podcast Update
The University at Buffalo School of Social Work’s inSocialWork Podcast will be taking a hiatus due to COVID-19 and our need to prioritize distance education. We will keep you posted on when we will return. Be kind to one another, and stay safe and healthy.
Student Emergency Funds
Some of our most vulnerable students—those who rely on the university for food, income or housing—are experiencing significant hardship due to the current crisis. Student emergency funds are available to help ensure these basic needs are met.