What does Native Human Services mean?

The School of Native Human Services reflects the bicultural nature of the school, which means that both Native and mainstream perspectives are incorporated into the curriculum (Native Social Welfare and Native Social Work).

May I transfer courses from other post-secondary institutions?

If you are transferring from a CAAT (College of Applied Arts and Technology) the transfer courses are contingent upon successful completion of the diploma and the student’s GPA (grade point average) and program relevancy or compatibility with the School of Native Human Services.

Transfers from another university will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Transfers are determined in conjunction with the Office of Admissions. If you are transferring from another university and you have a degree, you would fall under the Second Degree Policy which would require a minimum of 11 six credit courses or 66 credits to complete the degree.

The timeframe to complete the program is determined by whether you choose full time (on campus) or part time (distance education).

Is the School of Native Human Services Honours Bachelor of Social Work program an accredited professional degree?

The School of Native Human Services Honours Bachelor of Social Work is accredited through the Canadian Association for Social Work Educators (CASWE) as are all other Schools of Social Work.

Can I register for the program if I am non-Native?

The program is open to any candidate who wants to be trained in Native social work practice, wants a professional degree or is currently an employee in the field of social work and wants to upgrade their credentials.

Are there job opportunities outside of reserves?

This program does not limit graduates to reserves. Graduates obtain employment in both urban and rural settings. Employment opportunities that are designated as Aboriginal positions will be filled by an aboriginal person.

What about distance education?

The program is completely available through distance education. The program is offered through the Centre for Continuing Education’s Envision Program and is only offered on a part-time basis. (web site address coming soon)

How long will it take to complete the degree through distance education?

The degree is only offered on a part-time basis. Therefore, it takes approximately two years to complete one year. If the student is enrolled every term (fall, winter, and spring/summer), it would take approximately eight years. The program takes four years to complete on campus when taken on a full time basis.

Would my past experience in the field of social work count toward program requirements?

In recognition of the student’s relevant employment experience, there is an Advanced Standing Course Challenge Policy. The policy states that the student must have a minimum of two years of paid relevant employment experience with an agency to be eligible to apply.

Courses that may be challenged are: NSWK 3605 Field Instruction I, in the third year. In the fourth year, there are two three-credit courses that can be challenged and the student’s work experience will determine which two can be challenged. (There are prerequisite regulations around course challenges, and it is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the regulations.)

Each course challenge is available at a cost. If a student fails the course challenge exam, they must take the course. The student does not formally register for the course.

Why do students enroll through the distance segment of the School of Native Human Services Honours Bachelor of Social Work Program? 

Some students are unable to relocate to the Sudbury campus on a full-time basis due to employment and family responsibilities. Through the Centre of Continuing Education’s Envision program, the students are able to meet their educational and professional development needs. (web site address coming soon)

Can I transfer from distance education to the on-campus program, or vice versa?

It is the student’s choice to be on or off campus. If the need arises to move from the on-campus program to the distance program, it is just a matter of speaking with your academic advisor and sending the information to the registrar.

Can graduates of the School of Native Human Services Honours Bachelor of Social Work register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers (OCSWSSW)?

Graduates of the School of Native Human Services Honours Bachelor of Social Work are eligible to register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), the college that governs social work practice.

In the future, many social service employees on and off reserve who receive provincial funding for the delivery of social services may be required to register with the college.

How do I apply to enter the Native Human Services HBSW?

If you are planning full-time on campus for the following September, you must apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC).

Check the site for application deadlines. You can apply online at: www.ouac.on.ca. This requires a credit card, and is much faster than mail.

If you have to go through mail, you would contact the Ontario Universities’Application Centre at: (519) 823-1940 and request an application. There is a non-refundable application fee. Check the site for current fees.

If you are planning part time studies on or off campus for the spring session or the academic year which begins September, you may go online directly to the Centre for Continuing Education: (website address coming soon)

When does the program begin?

You can either start the program in the spring or fall. These are the only two times to begin. However, it is recommended for new students to start in the fall for the academic year which runs from September to April. Spring session runs for only 11 weeks and therefore courses that normally run for 8 months are condensed into 11 weeks and are intense. The decision is always up to the student.