Section 6: Field Policies and Procedures to Support Student Safety

Student safety in field education is a shared responsibility of everyone involved in the field learning experience. Our safety and security policies and procedures are designed to support the protection of students from undue occupational risk, and the protection of clients and constituents from privacy breaches and substandard psychosocial care. 

Safety policies have been extensively revised and updated to reflect the valuable lessons learned and experience gained from responding to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic. All students, faculty, staff, Field Instructors, and other stakeholders in field education should review these policies and procedures on a regular basis.

Prior to beginning field placement, all Berkeley MSW students are required to complete multiple online learning modules focused on safety, self-care, harassment, and legal/ethical requirements. Field education program safety policies, procedures and criteria are reviewed with all Field Instructors during the annual Field Instructor Training Institute, and reinforced by Field Consultant faculty communications and in-person site visits throughout the academic year. Field placement agency safety policies and procedures should be communicated to students during the orientation period and reinforced throughout the student’s field placement experience.