Becoming a CSWE Accreditation Volunteer

Becoming a CSWE Accreditation Volunteer

CSWE accreditation is a rigorous peer-review process that can only be accomplished with the help of our dedicated volunteers. There are three types of accreditation volunteers: Board of Accreditation Members, Site Visitors, and Fellowship Review Committee Members. Applications are now closed.
 

Board of Accreditation Members

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA) is the accrediting body for social work education. BOA members are full- time social work faculty members at CSWE-accredited social work programs with site visitor experience. As the accreditor, the BOA is responsible for both formulating accreditation standards and determining the criteria and process for evaluating these standards. In addition, BOA members conduct candidacy visits for baccalaureate, master’s, and practice doctorate programs seeking initial accreditation. 

• For a full description of BOA responsibilities, eligibility and application process, review the BOA Info Sheet. 
• To stay up-to-date on applications or information sessions please complete the BOA Interest Form.
• Review the BOA Volunteer Information Session Slide Deck.

Site Visitors 

Site visitors conduct visits to baccalaureate and master’s programs seeking reaffirmation (practice doctorate visits in future). Site visitors are full- or part-time social work faculty members at a CSWE-accredited or candidate social work programs. Site visitors operate under the authority of the CSWE-BOA and visit accredited social work programs to gather information related to the accreditation standards based on questions provided by the BOA. 

• For a full description of site visitor responsibilities, eligibility and application process, review the Site Visitor Info Sheet. 
• To stay up-to-date on applications or information sessions please complete the Site Visitor Interest Form.
• Review the Site Visitor Information Session Slide Deck.

 

Fellowship Review Committee  

The Fellowship Review Committee (FRC) serves as the primary review body for post-master’s social work fellowship programs seeking initial or continued accreditation and is responsible for making accreditation decision recommendations to the BOA.The BOA considers FRC recommendations and ratifies accreditation decisions. As post-master’s social work fellowship programs are practice-based and not degree programs at universities or colleges, the FRC is comprised of social work educators and practitioners which ensures a peer-review based accreditation process for these practice-based programs.  

• For a full description of FRC responsibilities, eligibility and application process, review the Fellowship Review Committee (FRC) Info Sheet.
• To stay up-to-date on applications or information sessions please complete the FRC Interest Form.
• Review the FRC Volunteer Information Session Slide Deck. 
   

Perks of Becoming an Accreditation Volunteer:

• Engage in esteemed volunteer service and professional development

• Enhance your own accreditation expertise and technical discussion and writing skills to contribute to your own social work program's accreditation efforts

• Learn about new, innovative, and promising social work education practices

• Have a network of peers and fellow volunteers with expertise in accreditation 

• Receive annual letters of recognition for services, that may be used for promotions 

• Join the annual volunteer celebration at CSWE Annual Conference.

• Contribute to the overall improvement of the social work profession and educational community