Orientation for Field Instructors

Welcome to the Boston University School of Social Work Online orientation for field instructors.  This orientation includes:

  • three narrated PowerPoint presentations
  • a video vignette of a first meeting between a field instructor and a student
  • a link to additional information and resources about the Field Education program

We hope you find this information helpful as you plan for your student’s arrival and first weeks in the placement.

1) Getting Started in the Field

This presentation provides an overview of our field education program, basic requirements, and supports for field instructors. Also included are recommendations for orienting your student to the internship.

2) CSWE Competencies

This presentation introduces the nine competencies that social work students are expected to develop and demonstrate in the MSW program. Also included are models that conceptualize competence and essential supervisory approaches that support student learning.

3) Program Tracks and Campuses

This presentation provides an overview of the specific programs and platforms at BUSSW.


Field Instruction: Take One

This 10-minute video vignette presents a first meeting between a field instructor and an advanced student concentrating in clinical practice. The video demonstrates the process of beginning to develop a supervisory relationship and some of the issues and information included in a typical first interaction.

Thank you for watching our orientation videos. To find more resources and information about working with the field education department, please return to bu.edu/ssw/information-for/agencies/.