Online MSW Admitted Students

View this video to see how to backpack a course in Wolverine access.

View this video to see how to register and how to drop a course from your student center.

View this video to see where you can find your academic advisor and enrollment or as we call a registration appointment in the student center within Wolverine access.

The simple answer is YES, you can do this. However, there are a few things you should consider before making this decision:

• Taking more credits than the CPW indicates in one term, and then less in another is totally fine. From an overall tuition standpoint, this will level back out.

  • For example, if your CPW says to take 6 credits in winter and 6 in spring/summer (12 credits), you can take 4 in the winter and 8 in the spring/summer (also 12 credits) and the overall tuition you pay still balances in the end (you are paying for 12 credits).
  • You can contact the University Office of

We developed a comprehensive resource that was sent out before the SW590/Orientation Weekend: Online MSW Student Welcome Guide. Review the guide to find:

• Content regarding the online program in general
• Information about courses and course planning
• Field education information and schedule
• Links to resources in the SSW and U-M overall

Just when you get into a rhythm with work and classes, you will need to roll in a field placement. Students love field, because it's where the class material really comes alive. A few practical things to think about early:

• You will need to do 16 hours/week in your field placement. Most people do this over two full days, though other configurations might be possible.
• Many agencies want field students in the daytime hours. We do our best to accommodate evening and weekend placements, but depending on where you live, this could be limited. If you work days, you might want to talk to your

The answer to this is going to be different for different students, and may even differ depending on the class. Some things to consider:

• You are moving through the program at a slower pace. Residential students move fast and are often solely focused on school.
• Residential students enter field sooner. If you're not yet in field, you may find it hard to relate to the things they are talking about.
• Classes are designed for students who are in Ann Arbor. Groups may need to meet together, and sometimes classes do community based projects that would be difficult for you.
• Access to faculty

The upside of a big school is that we also have a lot of resources.

• The SSW has our own writing specialist, Betsy Williams ([email protected]). Not only can that office help you with general learning about the mechanics of writing, they will also proofread and edit your papers. You can connect with the writing center here.
• Often, instructors expect students to follow APA writing, formatting and citation guidelines in papers. Learn more about APA formatting here.
• The U-M has an extensive library system with librarians ready and waiting to help you. They can assist with literature searches, teach

U-M SSW is a big place, and U-M itself is huge. With a big (huge!) campus, comes big (huge!) bureaucracy. Expecting this can actually help you as you maneuver through it.

• View your faculty advisor as a partner to help you navigate your way. They may not always know the answer, but they can sure help you find one. Let them know if/when you're feeling overwhelmed by it all. They can help.
• Your technical advisor (Antuan) is here to help with anything course related. Petitions problems, independent study questions, substitutions... these can all go to your TA.
• Be sure to rely on each other

We all have ebbs and flows in our lives. Those of us in part-time, online programs are often balancing a lot of competing demands. Sometimes something has got to give! Some considerations:

• Learn the art of the skim. Some readings will be more meaningful to you than others. Consider skimming some of it. Here is a great article from UNC about how to skim.
• Prioritize the things you will do (and not do). As adult learners, we are in control of our education. Making strategic decisions about setting some work aside might actually help us do better at what we take on.
• Remind yourself this is ok