“Ask Your Expert!” Board If you haven’t submitted a question through the FAQ Board form on the SSW Student Portal, you can do so at any time! You’re also welcome to browse questions that have already been asked – yours might already be answered below. Check Out Questions Other Students Have Asked Who can I contact about my program requirements and course selection? Your PPL Advisor is here to support you throughout your academic journey. They provide Academic Advising and help connect you to the right campus resources. Academic Advising includes: Helping you understand your program requirements Assisting with course selection, scheduling, and academic planning Explaining college policies and procedures Supporting you with program changes, withdrawals, credit transfers, equivalencies, program audits, and pathways to graduation Your PPL Advisor also supports you by: Assisting if you’re experiencing academic or personal challenges Guiding you to campus services like tutoring, mental health support, or financial aid Developing academic success plans or interventions to help you stay on track Being a helpful first stop if you have a question or aren’t sure where to go You can contact your PPL Advisor by email at ppladvising@durhamcollege.ca. Can I take a break from the program if needed? Yes, part-time learning is designed to offer flexibility. If you need to pause your studies, you don’t need to formally withdraw from the entire program - just don’t register for a term. However, be mindful of how long you’ve been in the program, as completion timelines may apply. Where can I find resources to stay on track with my studies online? Student Academic Learning Services (SALS) offers a variety of supports to help you succeed, including both asynchronous and live (synchronous) workshops, one-on-one appointments, peer tutoring, and course-specific tutorials. Academic Integrity Academic Reading & Writing Time Management Avoiding Procrastination Organization You can access SALS services both online and in person, making it easy to get the support you need, wherever you are. To learn more about how SALS can support your academic success, watch this short video. We also invite you to join a special online workshop designed specifically for PPL students on September 23 from 12 - 1 PM. It’s a great opportunity to explore available resources and ask questions in a supportive space. How do I navigate my course on D2L? Watch this helpful video for a quick guide If you're having trouble navigating DC Connect, a dedicated module is available to assist you. Visit the Academic Success Toolkit webpage and click on "Navigating DC Connect module" here: Durham College Academic Success Toolkit You don't need to read the entire module. Instead, focus on the sections most relevant to your needs. For example, if you want to learn about Account Settings, Notifications, and Profile, go directly to the page covering that information. The "Navigating DC Connect" module covers various topics, including: Assignments Bookmarks Class Progress Course Content Quizzes Discussions Grades Meeting Platforms And more. What is the difference between a Social Worker and a Social Service Worker? It's a question the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) hears all the time: what exactly is the difference between a social worker and a social service worker? While both professions are dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities, there are distinct differences in their education, scope of practice, and typical work settings. Both social workers and social service workers are especially important in assisting individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and communities in specific settings. Both strive to enhance social functioning, reduce systemic barriers, and promote equity, inclusion, and belonging for all. However, understanding their unique roles is crucial. The Key Differences Between a Social Worker and Social Service Worker Let's break down the primary distinctions: 1. Education and Training Requirements: The most significant difference is in the educational path. Social Workers: Typically hold a university degree (either a Bachelor or Master of Social Work) from an accredited program. Social Service Workers: Generally complete a two-year diploma in social service work through an approved college program. 2. Scope of Practice: Social Workers have a broader scope of practice. They are authorized to provide a very thorough clinical assessment of a client's situation. Social Service Workers focus primarily on tangible supports. They are the boots-on-the-ground professionals helping clients navigate essential services like employment, housing, and financial assistance. 3. Teaching and Mentorship: Social Workers have the flexibility to teach and supervise students from both social work and social service work programs. Social Service Workers provide educational services and practicum supervision specifically for SSW students. 4. Where They Work: Social Workers are found in diverse settings including hospitals, schools, and community centers. They are also uniquely qualified to operate in private practice. Social Service Workers are vital to the front-line operations of group homes, shelters, youth programs, and income maintenance offices. You can find more detailed information on entry-to-practice requirements for both professions on the College's website here: https://www.ocswssw.org/2023/08/20/social-workers-and-social-service-workers-whats-the-difference/ If you would like to discuss more or have more questions please reach out to me directly at: miranda.mccormack@durhamcollege.ca What is a bridging program, do I have access to them, and how do I access them from my Social Service Worker program? Right now you are in the thick of your Social Service Worker (SSW) diploma at Durham College. You’ve been learning the ropes of counselling, crisis intervention, and community advocacy. But as you look toward the future, you might be asking yourself: "Is my diploma enough, or should I go for my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)?" If you’re considering the university route, you’ve likely heard the term bridging or pathways tossed around the (virtual) halls. But what does that actually mean for an SSW student? Let’s break down how you can turn your two-year DC diploma into a four-year degree without actually spending six years in school. What is a Bridging Program? Think of a bridging program as a "connector." Normally, a university degree takes four years. However, because the SSW program at DC is so rigorous, many universities recognize that you’ve already mastered the fundamentals. A bridging pathway allows you to bridge the gap between your college diploma and a university degree by giving you advanced standing. This means you can often skip the first one or two years of a degree program and jump straight into the upper years. Your Top SSW Pathway Options at DC Durham College has specific agreements with several universities to make this transition seamless. Take a look at the following link to see all the bridging programs that are available from Durham College’s SSW program: Durham College Transfer Services & Pathways Why Should You Consider Bridging? Take a look at the previous FAQ about the difference between Social Workers and Social Service Workers to learn more and make an informed decision for you! Where to Connect and Learn More If you have questions in general about Social Service Work or Social Work as a field, you can always contact your Student Engagement Liaison for SSW to learn more. You can email Miranda directly at: miranda.mccormack@durhamcollege.ca If you have questions about Pathways in particular, you can always contact: pathways@durhamcollege.ca with your questions!
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