Gasson Hall
Dear SSW students,
We have been monitoring and assessing the national and local COVID rates to project what the next few months will be like during this public health crisis. Coupled with the pandemic, we are also evaluating the compounding impact of the flu season between now and March. We have also watched the COVID-19 numbers begin to rise in our communities and are well aware that our field agencies, supervisors, and SSW students need to be nimble to respond to the rapid changes in the field.
Given these complexities, we came to the conclusion that the most consistent plan for learning would be to continue online classes at BC SSW for the spring 2021 semester. This is disappointing, but at the same time we also want to ensure that we provide the full complement of courses in a way that accommodates these unusual conditions. Factored into this decision is the knowledge that our graduate students live in many different communities in the Commonwealth as well as in New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, and we cannot provide our students any assurance that everyone is in a “bubble” within our large community. The pedagogy of social work education is field education and the priority is to learn alongside the communities working with individuals and families, which is paramount to our educational focus.
At the SSW, we are trying to be intentional now so that you have the time to be prepared for the spring. We know that as adult learners many of you are balancing jobs, family responsibilities, online learning for children, and care for elders, all on top of being vigilant about your personal health. Registration for the spring semester is November at 7 p.m. and we know that you may need time to plan for the spring in balancing your responsibilities.
If you would like to speak to me about a curriculum change or modification, feel free to email me about different ways to move forward in the program.
As you can imagine, this has been a heart-wrenching decision. We are committed to continuing to provide opportunities for connection and community. We will continue the Learning Communities in the spring, advising pods for part-time students, and monthly advising seminars for full-time students. The administration, faculty, and staff are committed to providing a top tier education to educate and graduate well-trained MSW students.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.
Teresa Touhey Schirmer, LICSWAssociate Dean, Student Experience
T:617.552.4762
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
teresa.schirmer@bc.edu