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Social Work and Human Services
ufv.ca/swhs

Social Services diploma — First Nations option

This 62-credit program is designed to prepare Indigenous students, or those with strong ties to Indigenous communities, to work with Indigenous peoples to enhance self-reliance of Indigenous peoples and communities, both on and off reserves. Working from a Stó:lõ perspective, graduates of the First Nations option will work with individuals and groups on issues of concern to Indigenous communities, including child and sexual abuse, substance abuse, family violence, wellness issues, and economic development. As Indigenous peoples assume more responsibility for their child welfare, health care, and education services, the demand will grow for Indigenous social service workers to provide services to the community in a culturally appropriate way.

This program will provide students with direct employment-related skills while at the same time allowing them to earn up to one and a half years of credit towards a BSW at UFV. Thus a student who is interested in becoming a professional social worker will be able to develop skills and seek employment as an Indigenous social service worker before going on to a professional degree.

Emphasis in the program will be on providing specific skills and knowledge for working with Indigenous communities on issues of concern to Indigenous peoples and at the same time providing a working knowledge of the larger social scene. Since many of the First Nations option courses are also offered in the Social Services diploma program, students will be taking these courses together.

Given the nature of employment in this field, it is expected that the program will be of interest to mature students who bring with them a wealth of life experience. Prior learning assessment will be available to facilitate turning learning derived from experience into academic credit.

Entrance requirements

1. Secondary school graduation or equivalent (ABE Provincial, Advanced, or GED), or satisfactory demonstration in terms of undertaking university-level work. Students 19 or older who have completed at least three university-level credits that apply to the program at the time of application do not require a high school transcript.

2. Be physically and emotionally prepared to undertake a program of studies.

4. Meet the prerequisites for CMNS 155 or ENGL 105.

5. Complete and include all documentation (see How to apply below). 

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall semester only. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Submit the application fee along with your UFV application for admission form to the Office of the Registrar (OReg). You can apply online or download an application form at ufv.ca/admissions/admissions/apply. Application forms are also available from any OReg or Student Services office.

Additional documents required for a complete application:
• Proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent (see Entrance requirements).
• Evidence of having met the pre-requisite for CMNS 155 or ENGL 105.
• Official transcript (or interim transcript) from all other previous post-secondary institutions showing grade/course achievement. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
• An additional application information form detailing all your past work and volunteer experience and education (include social services related and other).
• A personal statement indicating why you want to enter the program and what has brought you to this career choice. Please refer to the kinds of experiences you have had in this field, either paid or volunteer. This should be not less than 250 words and not more than 500 words.
• Two recent satisfactory letters of references from past employers, teachers, or volunteer supervisors who can comment on your suitability to work with people in the social services field should be included with your application package. These must be on reference forms available from the SWHS department either online or in person at UFV.

2. Upon admission to the program, you will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required when you register (see the Fees and Other Costs section). This money will be applied toward your tuition fees. Final payment of all course fees is due the end of the second week of classes.

Note: Students interested in this option should apply to the Chilliwack campus.

Basis for admission decision

1. All complete applications received by January 31 will be reviewed. Applications received after this date will be reviewed if space permits.

2. Personal suitability of applicants will be assessed using a point rating system. Points are awarded for past academic education, all work or volunteer experience (social services or other), demonstrated writing ability, reference letters, and a personal statement. Admission will be granted on a first-qualified, first-served basis.

3. Only those who submit complete applications and score the minimum required points will be considered. Every effort will be made to give an admissions decision within two months of the application deadline.

If the program is full, qualified students will be placed on a temporary waitlist. If you meet the entrance requirements and a space becomes available before September 1, you will be contacted. After September 1, the waitlist is void.

In cases where interim transcripts are submitted, an admissions decision may be made conditional upon completion of academic requirements. Proof of completion of entrance requirements is due the end of the first week in August.

Note: Acceptance into the program does not guarantee practicum placement. A criminal record check completed through the Ministry of Justice is required prior to practicum placement.

Program outline

The following courses are required, although the order and timing may vary.

First year

Semester I

Semester II

Second year

Semester III

Semester IV

Third year

Summer Semester

Semester V

Semester VI

Note on electives: Students will take one philosophy course and four electives in their diploma program. The electives are divided into three groups: (1) Philosophy requirement; (2) Group A: data manipulation requirement; and (3) Group B: other electives.

Electives

Please see this section of the Social Services diploma for lists of eligible elective courses.

Certificate in Extended Studies in Social Services — First Nations option

The certificate in extended studies is designed for students who:

a) have previously graduated with a diploma in Social Services, Substance Abuse, or Criminal Justice, or a bachelor degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Adult Education, General Studies, or equivalent;
   and
b) wish to complete the equivalent of the First Nations option of the Social Services diploma.

For details about entrance requirements and program requirements, please contact the School of Social Work and Human Services.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.