Philosophy and Purpose
Since 1976, the social work program at Saint Leo University has sought to build upon the liberal arts foundation of the University in its development of a program to prepare the beginning social work professional for practice within a generalist framework. The curriculum represents a sustained endeavor on the part of the faculty to continually develop and refine an educational program which is interrelated and comprehensive in design; relevant to social work practice at the entry level; and flexible, where possible, in meeting individual student needs. In pursuit of this goal and in view of the University's geographical setting, the social work program prepares students to work within both rural and urban settings.
In keeping with the above-mentioned goal, the program developed an advisory board during the 1982-1983 academic year. This board is composed of students, alumni, and human service professionals with the primary purpose to strengthen the relationship between the practice and educational components of the social work program. The scope and function of the Advisory Board is program-wide and seeks to assure quality, relevance, and currency in all aspects of the curriculum. In addition to overseeing the curriculum, the board addresses manpower needs in the Saint Leo University service area and the program's relationship to human service agencies.