Advisory Council By-Laws

Mission

The Advisory Council connects the Department of Social Work and the community of social work practice and promotes program renewal and adherence to the Department’s mission.

Function

Some of the functions the Advisory Council may perform in order to support the Department of Social Work in fulfilling its mission include:

• keeping the Department aware of emerging social work issues and practices by providing opportunities for networking, research, field placements, and employment;
• assisting with assessment of the Department and BSW/MSW programs;
• participating in faculty recruitment;
• providing a forum for student participation and input;
• fundraising; and
• alumni support

Governance

The Advisory Council functions under the University and College’s governing policies and regulations.

Membership

Number:

Preferably the number of members is between fifteen and twenty-five, and the Council includes at least three student members, two BSW students and one or two MSW students.

Categories:

The membership may include, but is not limited, to the following categories:

• social workers who have worked or who currently work with students as field instructors;
• graduates of the Department practicing in the community;
• representatives from a variety of social service agencies in the community;
• social work practitioners from both baccalaureate and master levels; and
• students currently enrolled in the Department

Faculty Liaison:

The Faculty Liaison is a member of the faculty of the Department of Social Work and is the link between the Advisory Council and the Department. The Liaison is selected by the Department Head in consultation with the Advisory Council Chairperson.

Manner of Appointment

and Terms of Service:

Potential Advisory Council members are presented to the Faculty Liaison.  Potential members that are endorsed by the Faculty Liaison are presented to the Chairperson of the Advisory Council.  The Chairperson is responsible for contacting potential members and inviting them to join the Advisory Council.  Members are appointed for two-year, renewable terms.

Student membership is open to any MSW student and to any BSW student who has completed at least nine hours of social work courses.  Potential members submit an application, signed by a social work faculty member, to the Faculty Liaison.  Potential students who are endorsed by the Faculty Liaison are presented to the Chairperson.  The Chairperson is responsible for contacting potential members and inviting them to join the Advisory Council.  Students may serve on the Advisory Council until they graduate.

Members who have been unable to attend more than two meetings during an academic year will be asked to reassess their participation on the Council.

Officers and Duties

Selection:

Officers are elected by the Advisory Council for terms of two years.

Chairperson:

The role of the Chairperson is to provide leadership to the Council. The Chairperson calls regular and special meetings, presides at meetings, and appoints members to ad-hoc committees. The Chairperson consults with the Faculty Liaison prior to each Advisory Council meeting and represents the interests of the Advisory Council to the Department faculty.

Co-Chairperson:

The Co-Chairperson assumes the duties of the Chairperson in her/his absence.  The Co-Chairperson will, preferably, move into the role of Chairperson.

Field Advisory Liaison:

Potential Field Advisory Liaisons are identified with the input of the BSW and MSW Field Coordinators.

Committees

Ad-Hoc Committees:

The Chairperson, in consultation with the Faculty Liaison, may appoint an ad-hoc committee to undertake a special project for the Advisory Council. The Committee meets regularly outside the time scheduled for Council meetings and reports to the Council.

Student Representatives

Roles and Responsibilities:

Student Representatives provide a critical link from the Advisory Council to students in the MSW and BSW programs.  Responsibilities include:

• providing input to the Advisory Council through student representative reports and participation in Advisory Council meetings
• soliciting student participation in the Advisory Council;
• disseminating information to and from students;
• maintaining the Advisory Council roster;
• taking and distributing Advisory Council minutes; and
• sending Advisory Council meeting reminders, including directions to the meeting location.

Student Representation

on Committees:

A student may serve on any committee.

Revisions to the By-Laws

Revisions to the By-Laws can be prepared by an ad-hoc committee.  Revised By-Laws will be sent to Advisory Council members 30 days prior to the Advisory Council meeting where they will be voted on.

Meetings

The Advisory Council meets four times per year: September 10, 2008; November 5, 2008; January 2, 2009; and April 15, 2009