Applicants should be aware of the following important policies of the University of Washington and the School of Social Work, and are urged to read these policies carefully before completing the application packet.

Academic Performance and Conduct Which May Result in a Review and Possible Dismissal from the School of Social Work

Students may be terminated from the University of Washington School of Social Work for any of the following:

  • Failure to meet or maintain academic grade-point requirements as established by the University of Washington and the School of Social Work. (This is automatic and may take place without a review or further procedure.)
  • Academic cheating, lying, or plagiarism
  • Behavior judged to be in violation of the NASW Code of Ethics or unprofessional conduct as specified by RCW 18.130.180, Unprofessional Conduct, set down in the Regulation of Health Professions—Uniform Disciplinary Act
  • Documented evidence of conviction of a criminal act occurring during the course of study, or which occurred prior to admission to the School of Social Work and became known after admission
  • Failure to meet the standards for essential abilities and attributes for admission and continuance in the School of Social Work.

Washington State RCW 18.130.180, Unprofessional Conduct

You will find the complete text of this law at https://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.130.180

Other Important Policies

Our School is an academic community dedicated to the ideals of social justice. As part of that commitment, our School is working to ensure an environment in which discriminatory and harassing behavior does not occur to any person or property, based upon race, color, religion, sexual orientation, political orientation, gender, disability, or national origin. Procedures in the School and the University are designed to prevent and eliminate harassing and discriminatory behavior.

University of Washington Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment

Sex discrimination in the form of sexual harassment is a violation of the University of Washington human rights policy (UW Handbook, Vol. IV). Sexual harassment is defined as the use of one’s authority and power, either explicitly or implicitly, to coerce another into sexual relations or to punish another for their refusal. It is also the creation by a member of the University community of an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment through verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

University of Washington Policy Against Discrimination

As a standing policy, the University of Washington does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran. Any discriminatory action can be a cause for disciplinary action. This policy applies to all University programs and facilities, including but not limited to admissions, educational programs, employment, and patient and hospital services. Such discrimination is prohibited by Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination in Employment Act Amendments of 1978, Vietnam-Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, other federal and state statutes and regulations, and University policy.

Coordination of the compliance efforts of the University with respect to all of these laws and regulations is under the direction of the Equal Employment Officer, Dr. Helen Remick, 126 Brooklyn Building, 4045 Brooklyn Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105-6021, 206-543-1830.

Major Principles of the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics
The NASW is the major professional organization for social workers. Students in our School’s professional programs are expected to adhere to major principles of the NASW Code of Ethics. This code is available on our School website and the NASW website.

University of Washington Policies and Laws Regarding Working with Minors

There are several policies and laws regarding working with youth and children including internet use and reporting neglect or abuse. More information on full policies and June 2017 update.