Bachelor of Social Work Program IU Indianapolis Student Handbook Supplement 2025-2026

The Bachelor of Social Work Student Association (BSWSA) is the official student group for BSW students at IU Indianapolis. There are faculty members who help guide the group. The BSWSA provides support for BSW students in social and academic areas. They also plan fun activities for students to do together. The association helps students talk to faculty and the university about BSW program rules.

The BSWSA is part of the Registered Student Organization* at IU Indianapolis. They get money from student fees and fundraising. In the spring, they sell clothes to raise money. They use this money to support student projects all year. Some projects include representing IUSSW at the IU Indianapolis Regatta, helping students pay for graduation clothes, and giving to community service groups.

(The organization is a Registered Student Organization* with the IU Indianapolis Division of Student Affairs.)

BSW Student Association (BSWSA) is looking for new members and ideas for clubs and activities in the School of Social Work. If you want to be part of BSWSA, talk to a member today!

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is a big group of professional social workers. They have over 120,000 members all around the world. NASW helps social workers grow in their careers, follow professional rules, and support good social policies. When students join NASW, they get lots of benefits at a lower cost. These benefits include the Social Work Journal, a monthly newsletter, health and disability insurance, and discounts on specialty journals. If you’re a student in the BSW program, it’s a good idea to join NASW right after you start.  The National Association of Social Workers Indiana Chapter is at 1100 W. 42nd Street, Suite 226, Indianapolis, IN 46208. You can call them at (317) 923-9878.  Email naswin@naswin.org or visit the NASW website.

The National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) was created in May 1968 in San Francisco, California. Its goal is to help the Black community by promoting well-being, survival, and freedom. Anyone who is African American and works in social services or related fields can join. Even social work students can become members.

The organization has three main purposes:

1. Exchange Ideas: Black social workers, people in related social service jobs, and interested citizens can share ideas and skills to help the Black community and the larger community.
2. Support Projects: NABSW cooperates with or supports community projects that benefit the Black community and the larger community.
3. Improve Services: NABSW works to make sure that services are available to Black individuals, families, groups, and the community. They want to strengthen all human services related to the Black community.

For information about the Indianapolis chapter of NABSW, contact the National Association of Black Social Workers, Central Indiana Chapter, Inc. Their address is P.O. Box 20149, Indianapolis, IN 46220, and you can call them at (317) 767-5502, or visit the NABSW website.

The Child Welfare Scholars program helps BSW students in Indiana. It gives them special classes and practical experiences related to child welfare. After finishing the program, students can work as public child welfare workers. The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) supports students financially during the program. If you’re interested, apply during your junior year in the spring. If you’re selected, you’ll get free tuition and fees for your senior year. You’ll also receive a stipend. In return, you’ll work for DCS for 2 years after graduation. To qualify, maintain full-time status, a minimum 2.5 overall GPA, and a minimum 3.0 GPA in social work courses. For more information, contact Pat Howes, the Director of Child Welfare Education and Training Partnership at phowes@iu.edu.

At Indiana University, the School of Social Work offers a Child Abuse and Neglect Certificate on the IU Indianapolis campus. This certificate helps students learn about child welfare and how to help children and families who are at risk of abuse and neglect. If you’re studying any major at IU Indianapolis, you can join this program. It adds value to your education and makes you more marketable in your chosen field.

The Child Abuse and Neglect Certificate program at Indiana University School of Social Work covers important topics related to helping children. Here’s what it includes:

1. Human Diversity: This means understanding and respecting people from different backgrounds.
2. Human Growth and Development: Learning about how people change and grow throughout their lives.
3. Family Dynamics: Understanding how families work and interact.
4. Child Abuse and Neglect: Learning about signs of abuse and how to help children who are at risk.
5. Social Services: Knowing about public and private programs that support families.

If you’re interested, you can find more information about admission requirements, coursework, and the curriculum visit IUSSW BSW Program.

The Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center and IUSSW (Indiana University School of Social Work) have a great partnership. They offer placement opportunities through the Care Coordinator Pathway Program for IUSSW students. This program includes special courses to help students learn about mental health and substance use. After completing the program, students can become Licensed Bachelor Social Workers (LBSW). It’s a valuable opportunity for students who want to work in this field.

The Care Coordinator Pathway Program at the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center helps students learn important skills for working in mental health. Here’s what you need to know:

• Training and Experience: You’ll get training, supervision, and practical experience. This will help you become a Care Coordinator who provides treatment for people with dual diagnoses (mental health and substance use) in a community mental health setting.
• Payment: If you’re accepted, you’ll receive a bi-weekly payment of $17.68 per hour. You’ll work up to 560 hours (the minimum required for the practicum).
• Priority Interview: In the spring semester, you’ll have a priority interview for available Care Coordinator positions at the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center.
• Licensure Support: Once hired, you’ll receive weekly supervision to help you become licensed as a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) and a Licensed Addiction Counselor Associate (LACA).

If you’re interested in this amazing opportunity, please email Reneé Betts at rsturner@iu.edu with any questions.

The IU Indianapolis Career Services Council Annual Spring Career Fair takes place in April on the Indianapolis campus. It’s a great chance for students to:

1. Meet Professionals: You can talk to people who work in different fields.
2. Explore Job Opportunities: Learn about jobs in various disciplines and majors.

If you want to learn more about this amazing opportunity, you can visit the IU Indianapolis Spring Career Fair page.

IUSSW Career Services and Alumni Relations invites a well-known presenter and trainer for licensing preparation. This expert helps students learn how to take the national board exam. They share valuable tips and resources to make sure students are well-prepared.

The Chancellor’s Scholar Award is given every year to an exceptional undergraduate student in each of IU Indianapolis’ twenty academic units, including the School of Social Work. These students have achieved the highest academic performance while working toward their degree. We formally recognize the Chancellor’s Scholars during the Spring semester at the Chancellor’s Academic Honors Convocation.

Every year, IU Indianapolis celebrates the achievements of its top 100 junior and senior students. The IU Indianapolis Alumni Association asks for nominations from faculty, staff, and student organizations. To be eligible, nominees must have completed at least 24 credit hours at the Indianapolis Campus. Additionally, Top 100 nominees should actively participate in at least five or more clubs or activities on campus.

Phi Alpha is a national Social Work Honor Society. Its purpose is to bring social work students closer together and promote humanitarian goals. Phi Alpha sets high standards for education in social work. They invite students who excel in scholarship and achievement to become members. In 2001, the Indiana University School of Social Work joined Phi Alpha. Each year, they invite the top 35% of BSW Junior and Senior students to become members.

The William M. Plater Civic Engagement Medallion is a special award given by IU Indianapolis to honor college seniors who have done an outstanding job helping their communities. This could be through different kinds of work like volunteering, fighting for social issues, working in community jobs, or being involved in politics.

To win this award, students must show that they have grown personally and intellectually, and that they have made a positive difference in their community because of their involvement. They should have taken part in many different community activities, showing a strong and varied commitment, and they should have dedicated a lot of time and effort to at least one of these activities.

For students in their last year of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, there are a bunch of awards they can try to get. Every February, they can either put their own name in or suggest someone else for these awards. Here’s what they can win:

• Outstanding BSW Service and Leadership Award: For students who lead and help others in a big way.
• Excellence in BSW Scholarship Award: For students who do really well in their studies.
• Excellence in BSW Research Award: For students who do great research work.
• BSW Student Award for Commitment to Social Justice and Human Rights: For students who work hard to make things fair and protect people’s rights.
• Spirit of IUSSW BSW Award: For students who show what the IU School of Social Work is all about.
• Outstanding BSW Student of the Year: For the student who stands out the most over the year.

Taylor Hall (UC), Room 100
815 W. Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 274-3241
Video phone: (317) 278-2052
aes@iu.edu

• Accessible Educational Services, or AES, is the disability services office for students at IU Indianapolis, IU Columbus, and IU Fort Wayne.
• AES coordinates support services and academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities.
• The goal is to ensure that these students have equal opportunities to pursue a university education while maintaining a high level of academic integrity.

How Does AES Help?

• AES provides expert advice and technical assistance to professors, instructors, and university staff.
• They work to maximize potential and minimize disability for students with disabilities.
• AES acts as a liaison office when there are disagreements about equal access between students, faculty, and administration.
• They help students and the IU Indianapolis community understand and promote important legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Services Provided by AES:

• AES offers a variety of accommodations to students with documented disabilities.
• However, it’s important to note that AES services are not automatic; students must request
• To find out which services AES provides, you can contact them at aes@iu.edu or call (317) 274-3241.

IU Indianapolis Athletics Department

250 University Blvd.

Indianapolis, IN  46202

(317) 278-5247

IU Indianapolis Sports Program:

• The sports program at IU Indianapolis operates under the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
• These are the two main accrediting bodies for intercollegiate athletics in the United States.
• Full-time undergraduates who meet the eligibility requirements of the university and the NCAA can participate in sport teams.

Taylor Hall, Second Floor
815 W. Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 274-4818

ucolblc@iu.edu

• The Bepko Learning Center helps undergraduate students achieve their educational goals.
• It does this by providing guidance from experienced, successful student peers.
• Collaborative learning, role modeling, and peer interaction are important parts of this process.
• The center has three offices:
  • Office of Academic Enrichment
  • Office of Academic Mentoring
  • Office of Tutorial Support

So, if you need any academic assistance, don’t hesitate to visit the Bepko Learning Center!

IU Indianapolis Bookstore (Follett)
Campus Center, Suite 155
420 University Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 261-6366

University Tower, Suite 202
911 W North Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
ccas@iu.edu

Campus Career and Advising Services (CCAS) at IU Indianapolis:

• CCAS collaborates with IU Indianapolis’ schools, colleges, and campus councils.
• Their goal is to integrate academic planning and career planning.
• Career services are available through multiple offices on campus.
• These offices serve different groups of students and alumni.
• They offer resources to help employers find candidates.

Handshake is a key resource for students:

• It’s a job posting system where IU Indianapolis students can search for part-time opportunities.
• To access Handshake, students must be enrolled in courses at IU Indianapolis.
• Once granted access, they can sign in using their IU login.
• Handshake also has a mobile app called “Handshake Jobs & Career”.
• Students can use it on iPhone or Android
• For more part-time job resources, visit the Student Employment website.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

LD 120
(317) 274-6753
mhcenter@iu.edu

The Clinical Psychology Mental Health Center provides therapy, health education, relaxation, and mindfulness training. They also do psychological assessments. If you’re an IU Indianapolis student, you can get 6 free sessions. After that, each session costs $10. For more information about fees and services, visit the Mental Health Center.

IU Indianapolis Campus Center, CE 250
(317) 274-4162

Financial aid at IU Indianapolis helps students who need it. The Office of Student Financial Aid handles money from different sources: the government, the state, the university, and private organizations. They offer scholarships, grants, fee remission, loans, and part-time jobs. If the office hours don’t work for you, you can email or call using the contact information above. For financial aid questions, reach out to Angelina Reid at gradaid@iu.edu.

Lockefield Village, first floor, 980 Indiana Ave., (317) 274-8214
Healthsv@iu.edu

IU Indianapolis Campus Health provides different medical services for IU Indianapolis students. You can find them at Lockefield Village, first floor. If you need more information or want to make an appointment, contact Student Health at (317) 274-8214.

Campus Center, Suite 350, (317) 274-4431
To have an advocate reach out to you, visit go.iu.edu/refer2osas.
Walk-in office hours are available

If you need immediate help from local resources, call 211. For medical or safety emergencies, dial 911.

The Registry of Options And Resources is a place where IU Indianapolis students can find more assistance. It’s a good starting point. If you can’t find what you need on their website, reach out to the Office of Student Advocacy and Support by emailing stuadvoc@iu.edu or talking to a team member during their office hours.

Office of Housing and Residence Life
415 Porto Alegre Street, Suite 150
(317) 274-7200
Reslife@iu.edu

At IU Indianapolis, our Housing and Residence Life team is here to help you during your time on campus. Although things might be a bit different, we’re committed to making sure all students living on campus have a great experience. As IU Indianapolis adapts to these unique circumstances, we’re excited to be part of your college journey!

The CrimsonCard serves as the official photo ID for IU Indianapolis students, faculty, and staff. With it, you can access important services like secure building entry, printing, university libraries, dining points, and sports facilities. Plus, it’s accepted for payment both on and off campus. For more details, visit crimsoncard.iu.edu.

All students can use the libraries, but undergraduates often prefer the University Library. We have an interlibrary loan service that connects IU Indianapolis libraries with others across the country. You can search for literature online, reserve study rooms, and more. If you need books from other libraries, the University Library staff can help. Just remember that lending rules may vary slightly between different libraries. For specific subjects like Social Work, we even have a dedicated Subject Librarian. Feel free to contact them here University Library: Social Work. Our IU Indianapolis library system includes several libraries, which you can explore at IU Indianapolis University Library.

University Library
755 West Michigan St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 274-0462

School of Dentistry Library
1121 West Michigan St., DS 128
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 274-7204

Herron School of Art Library
735 West New York St., HR 117
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 278-9484

Ruth Lilly Medical Library
975 Walnut Street, Building, IB100
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
(317) 274-7182

Ruth Lilly Law Library
530 West New York Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
(317) 274-4028

The Math Assistance Center (MAC) offers free one-on-one tutoring for math courses like MATH 163, 164, 221, and 222. You can find the MAC in the basement of the Taylor Hall at 815 W. Michigan Street, UC B001, or call (317)274-7898. For writing help, visit the University Writing Center online, at uwc@iu.edu or call (317) 274-2049. Other departments can assist with finding paid tutors, and the Resource Center has more information on available tutors.

Education/Social Work Building, Room ES 2126
902 W. New York Street
(317) 274-7000

The Office of International Affairs at IU Indianapolis offers services for international students. If you’re interested in joining our global community, visit our website or email oia@iu.edu.

Campus Center 350
(317) 274-4431
stuadvoc@iu.edu

The Office of Student Advocacy can assist you in many ways. When you’re unsure where to go or how to get help, they’re here for you. You can drop in during their Zoom hours or schedule an appointment. They’ll guide you through campus rules and help you solve any school-related problems. They focus on emergency resources, food, clothing services, and addressing interpersonal violence.  Think of them as your champions!  Visit the Student Advocacy page for more information.

Campus Center 130
jagsfood@iu.edu

If you want to get free food and personal hygiene products from Paws’ Pantry or free work appropriate clothing for students needing items for work experiences, interviewing, and career events from Hire Attire (formerly Paws’ Closet), you need to make an appointment ahead of time. Appointments must be made 24 hours in advance. Each appointment gives you 15 minutes to shop. The appointment form opens on Fridays at 10 a.m. and closes on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Remember, all appointments must be made online at least 24 hours before your visit.

South Garage, 1004 West Vermont Street, (317) 274-4232.

Visit IU Indianapolis Parking and Transportation Services to learn about new parking improvements. The campus shuttle runs between parking lots and the center of campus. If it gets dark, you can use the escort service until midnight. And if you lock your keys in your car, the IU Indianapolis Police Department can help!

The Division of Student Affairs at IU Indianapolis helps students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community. They offer services, programs, and learning experiences. You can find them in the IU Indianapolis Campus Center.

Engineering Science and Technology Building SL070
723 W. Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202

(317) 274-6916

The IU Indianapolis Testing Center helps students by administering tests. They offer placement tests for English, math, and reading, as well as foreign language placement, CLEP, SAT, and other assessments. To schedule a test, call the IU Indianapolis Testing Center between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., or 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

If you’re an IU Indianapolis student, you can get free tutoring in math from the Department of Mathematical Sciences or writing help from the University Writing Center. Other departments might offer tutoring too. To find out, contact the department that teaches the course you’re struggling with. Paid tutors might also be an option.

For tutoring availability, visit Bepko Learning Center Tutoring. The website has an updated list of free tutoring services across campus, as well as courses where the Bepko Learning Center provides paid tutors. You’ll need your campus username and password to access the website.

420 University Blvd, Room 386, Suite J
usg@iu.edu

Student Government at IU Indianapolis has three branches: the Undergraduate Student Government, Graduate and Professional Student Government, and Supreme Court. They help manage campus events, create new campus rules, and collaborate with faculty, staff, and administrators for positive changes. The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) encourages student involvement and teaches about social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Members are elected by students or chosen from student organizations.

If you’re interested in being a USG representative, now’s your chance! All registered student organizations with undergraduate members should have a USG senator. Depending on your organization, you might be voted in or appointed to the Senate. As a senator, you’ll attend weekly meetings, vote on important matters, and contribute to projects and events at IU Indianapolis. The Senate also appoints executive board members, committee directors, and other leadership positions.

ICTC 126
UITS
Phone: (317) 274-4357
Chat: IT Help Live
Email: ithelp@iu.edu
Online: Knowledge Base

University Information Technology Services (UITS) takes care of campus technology. They’re your go-to for computers, phones, and media services. You can find free handouts and brochures in public learning centers all over campus. These centers have both DOS/Windows and Macintosh computers. Students can use mainframe computers and microcomputer apps like word processing, databases, and spreadsheets. If you need help, consultants are there to assist. The learning centers are open during the week, with different hours depending on where they are. For walk-in support, visit ICTC 126 or the Campus Center Information Desk. To learn more, call (317) 274-4357 or check out  UITS Help.

UITS IT Training offers hands-on workshops where students can learn about technology.  To learn more visit the IT Training Student Guide for resources and support covering many areas of technology, or call (317) 274-7383.

Cavanaugh Hall 427
University Library 2125
(317) 274-2049

The University Writing Center (UWC) has two physical locations and an online option. The consultants and UWC programs are the same at both places. We offer sessions during regular business hours and evenings to fit student schedules. You can also make online appointments.

Students can bring any writing project to the center when they need help with topics, organization, writing, revising, or overcoming writer’s block. For more details, visit the University Writing Center.

If you’re interested in an extra writing course, check out English W320, Writing in the Arts and Sciences, which focuses on writing in the arts and sciences. Additionally, consider using Pearson Writer, a helpful writing app for social workers.