The Ryerson BSW program requires students to complete 2 field placements in order to graduate. Many students welcome the learning experience of the placements. However, many students have established careers in social work, do not need field placement experience, and prefer to take additional courses instead. This is a social justice concern for students. Ryerson should provide the students with the option of (1) field placements, (2) additional courses, or (3) externship program. Please take a look at the petition letter written to the management at the Faculty of Social Work. Thank you for your time.

We, the undersigned, have a concern about the field placement requirement of the BSW program.

Many students look forward to the 2 placements to gain field experience in social work. However, many students have established careers in social work and do not feel the placement experience is necessary to further their overall education or career. Also, they may not be able to take time off work to fulfill the placement hours due to employer or financial restrictions.

Social work students believe that Ryerson should povide a clear alternative to the placement requirement. The first alternative is taking additional courses instead of the 2 placements. This is greatly beneficial for students who work during the day and cannot take time off for the placements. The second alternative is writing a thesis instead of the placements. This could be an independent research project. The third alternative is an externship program. This is a post-graduate program for BSW graduates. This program is for students who graduated with the "no placement" option or students who want more field placement experience.
Ryerson prides itself on being a progressive, social justice untiversity. We are asking the management of Ryerson to listen to our educational needs. The BSW program should provide the option of doing the 2 placements or additional course work. This is the democratic approach to meeting the education needs of the students. The students would welcome an opportunity to consult with management to bring about positive and creative changes to the BSW program of the 21st century.

We thank you for taking the time to listen to our expressed concerns.