We, the undersigned students of the MSW program at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), are writing to express our concerns and seek resolution regarding several issues affecting MSW students.

Our cohort has faced challenges related to many aspects of the program, including course scheduling, faculty assignments, and overall program management. We wanted to bring these issues to your attention, as many of us have wanted to address them but didn’t know where to start.

Course Scheduling and Availability

A recent email in Spring 2024 regarding schedule adjustments highlighted the need to balance class enrollments. We all carefully planned our schedules based on the limited options available. Last-minute changes communicated by the Interim Department Chair caused significant stress, especially since some courses are mandatory for specializations. The tone of the email was not appropriate, considering the burden was placed on the students to fix an administrative problem.

We believe that the university needs to provide clear, timely communication and support to avoid such disruptions.

Faculty Assignments and Hiring Delays

The delay in hiring new faculty and assigning them to classes has further compounded our scheduling challenges. As students, we need stability and assurance that our courses will be taught by qualified instructors. This uncertainty has affected our ability to plan and progress through the program. Many of us, if not all, are currently sitting in courses and were asked to move to courses with no professors currently occupying the course.

Lack of Support for Faculty

Our Program Director of Practicum Education is overwhelmed with responsibilities. Instead of hiring someone to help her with practicum, an adjunct professor was offered units or the latter. She opted for units to pay part of another professor for consulting, but this is insufficient. This position, which was once filled by three people, is now managed by just one person. This creates inconsistencies and challenges in finding proper support when we need it the most. She is also teaching, which adds to her workload on top of this job intended for multiple individuals. This is particularly concerning given the recent tuition increase. The suggestion to provide her with an assistant should be seriously considered to make sure she can effectively support students and manage her workload.

 “There are times where I have a concern with placement but I don’t email Professor **** because I know she won’t have time to reply to it. I feel like it prevents me from getting resources to help my challenges at internship.” - Student Quote

Leadership and Program Management

There is a growing concern about the effectiveness of our program's leadership. Specifically, the lack of a permanent, competent chairperson has resulted in administrative inefficiencies and communication breakdowns. The current Interim Department Chair does not hold an MSW, and this exception was applied for without the department's consent. We have come to understand that the Dean facilitated this arrangement, bypassing the department’s input. A previous chair, left due to the administration's treatment, which consistently undermined her contributions. This leadership gap has significantly impacted students in more ways than can be counted.

Comparative Analysis with Other Programs

When compared to other programs like CSUN, our administrative structure is notably lacking. At CSUN, the director oversees outreach and focus, supported by two assistant directors. Our program at CSUDH relies heavily on adjunct faculty to manage these tasks, and some faculty have stated that their workloads are impacted and overwhelming. This lack shows the need for a proper leadership and administration team at CSUDH to ensure students receive the necessary support and resources they are paying for.

Delays in Grading

Delays in grading until the end of the semester are problematic. Going an entire semester without feedback impacts our ability to learn from our mistakes and grow in an environment where we are currently learning. Getting feedback in a timely manner is imperative for our academic and professional development, and prolonged delays hinder our progress and understanding of the material. Sometimes this impacts our grades when future assignments are contingent upon previous assignments.

Support for Licensure Preparation

On Canvas, there is a way to include the necessary information and resources for us to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs). However, managing this section of Canvas requires resources and someone dedicated to keeping it updated and in compliance. Since we do not have someone able or willing to do this, students looking to become licensed have to seek additional education outside of graduation to meet licensure requirements, which feels counterproductive, especially since we offer the PPSC process.

How These Roles Not Being Filled Has Affected Students

The unfilled roles and administrative gaps have resulted in delayed responses to student concerns, if they’re addressed at all, as many of our concerns are not moved up the ladder, inadequate support for practicum placements, sometimes resulting in students being delayed graduation by a year, and overall inefficiencies that negatively impact our educational experience. By addressing these issues, the university can ensure a more stable, supportive, and effective learning environment for all MSW students.

To address these issues, we propose the following steps:

1. Improved Communication

   - Ensure that all communications regarding course changes, faculty assignments, and other important information are clear, concise, and timely.

   - Consider holding regular information sessions or meetings to address student concerns directly and provide updates on any changes or developments.

   - Develop a communication strategy to keep students informed and reduce confusion and anxiety about program logistics.

2. Administrative Support

   - Provide additional administrative support Director of Practicum Eduction to manage her workload and better assist students.

   - Reinstate the position to its previous structure, where multiple individuals supported the practicum process, ensuring that the workload is manageable and students receive timely support.

   - Evaluate the current administrative processes to identify and address any inefficiencies that may be contributing to the overwhelming workload.

3. Permanent Leadership

   - Expedite the search for a permanent chairperson who holds an MSW and is capable and committed to improving our program.

   - Ensure that the selection process for the chairperson involves input from faculty and students to ensure the chosen candidate has the support and confidence of the department.

   - Address the administrative gaps by hiring qualified individuals for leadership positions and ensuring that these roles are clearly defined and adequately supported.

4. Timely Grading

   - Implement policies to ensure that grades are provided in a timely manner, allowing students to understand their progress and make necessary adjustments before the end of the term.

   - Encourage faculty to provide feedback on assignments and exams throughout the semester, promoting a more continuous and supportive educational experience.

5. Support for Licensure Preparation

   - Allocate resources and staff to manage the Canvas section dedicated to licensure requirements, ensuring it is regularly updated and in compliance.

   - Provide clear guidelines and support for students to understand the steps needed to become LCSWs, integrating this information into the curriculum to prevent the need for additional education post-graduation.

6. Accountability and Follow-Up

   - Request clarity on how student concerns will be addressed and what follow-up actions will be taken by the department. This could involve establishing protocols for documenting and tracking student feedback and ensuring that appropriate follow-up measures are implemented in an appropriately timed manner.

Sign the petition if you support these changes and improvements to the CSUDH MSW Program.

 

NOTE DO NOT DONATE TO THE PETITION AS IT DOES NOT HELP THE STUDENTS, IT HELPS CHANGE.ORG GET MONEY. IF YOU WANT TO DONATE TO THE STUDENT ORGANIZATION, PLEASE DO SO HERE paypal.me/annonymousadvocate (All donations will be given directly to GASW (Graduate Association of Social Work) at CSUDH) 

 

GASW did not create this petition. I am but a fellow student looking to support my cohort.