One of the strengths of Department of Social Work at Ball State is the investment the faculty have in you as a student. All full time social work faculty members serve as advisors/mentors to social work majors.  During your sophomore year, or at the point of your transfer into the university, you are assigned a faculty advisor. Your advisor reviews with you your academic progress and your professional development as well as assists you in academic planning.

How and when do I get a social work advisor?

This varies depending on when you declare social work as your major:

Freshmen | Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors | Transfer Students

Can I choose my social work advisor?

Sure. You really can approach any full time faculty member to advise or assist you.  You'll also be asked at the point of formal admission if you would like to change the advisor who was initially assigned to you.  Often students will gravitate to a faculty member with a professional interest similar to their own.              

How do I get the most out of my advisor?

You can use your advisor to:

• discuss your academic plan and/or concerns
• bounce off ideas regarding your career interests
• discuss courses you need and could take that support your career interests
• discuss possible senior field practicum (internship) opportunities
• discuss your long range career goals including graduate school
• request a reference for an internship, graduate school, or a job

You are encouraged to develop a relationship with your advisor by:

• getting to know your advisor including their career background and interests
• setting an appointment early on with your advisor just to get acquainted
• allowing a half hour each time you set an appointment with your advisor
• sharing with your advisor what your interests in social work are
• keeping your advisor informed about your academic successes and challenges

When should I meet with my advisor?

You can meet with your advisor at any time.  You will do so to:

• review your academic plans before permission/ registration time begins
• discuss questions about your career options
• develop a plan for addressing academic performance concerns
• keep your advisor informed of life changes or crises that are or may potentially impact your academic life

The times advisors are available are posted in the social work office on the front counter.  You can call or email your advisor to see if they are available at other times as well.  

What's an academic plan and how do I develop one?

An academic plan is just what it suggests, a plan for completing all graduation requirements in a timely way.  Developing a plan of what courses you will take which semester ensures you won't get caught short a course or two when graduation time rolls around.  You can develop an academic plan with your advisor at any time on the Plan of Study Form used by the department. When you develop a plan, you will be given a copy and a copy will be put in your file.   

If, at the time of your formal admission to the major, you have not already developed an academic plan, you will do so with the admissions coordinator. Formal admission usually occurs after you have completed all of the 100 and 200 level social work courses. 

When should I review my academic plan?

Referring back to your academic plan each semester is a good idea.  Many students do this right before requesting courses.  You may find you need to alter your plan because a course isn't offered a particular semester, or isn't offered at a convenient time.  You may find you need to take courses at a slower pace, or can take more courses than you originally thought.   Maybe you are interested in adding or dropping a minor.

Reviewing changes ahead of time with your advisor is a good idea even if it is only by email.  She/he can alert you to ramifications of changes that you may not have thought about.  Your advisor will also note changes to your academic plan in your record.

Who are the social work advisors and how do I set an appointment with mine?

Most students email their advisor to set up an appointment time or catch them in person when in the office.  Here is contact information for each advisor.

Forgot who your advisor is?

Your official advisor is listed on your DAPR in the right hand corner.  You can also call or email Alison Gillespie and she can look up your advisor for you.