Shawnieka E. Pope, MSW, LISW-S, LCSW is an Assistant Professor Educator, Director of the BSW Distance Learning Program, and Director of the Social Work in Schools Graduate Certificate Program. With over two decades of clinical experience, Shawnieka has served in diverse roles across the social work profession. She spent a decade as a school-based therapist and crisis clinician, followed by nearly ten years as a school social worker in both elementary and secondary education settings. She was appointed team lead for a district-wide school crisis response team.
Shawnieka’s expertise spans the lifespan. She served as Director of Social Services for a long-term care facility and was the first social worker appointed to a county probate court, where she launched the court’s first social work internship program. As Guardianship Director, she developed a wellness initiative for individuals under guardianship and created supportive services for court-appointed guardians. She also served as project manager for a local ADAMHS Board, overseeing trauma-informed services for communities impacted by crisis. Shawnieka draws from this experience in her role as a social work educator, preparing the future of social work.
At the School of Social Work, we are committed to ensuring your time in the academic program is both pleasant and successful. The Student Success Coordinator at UC Online will be available to help with any non-academic questions you may have. Your Program Coordinator will help answer any academic-related questions as well as assist you with the course and career planning. UC Online and the School of Social Work are here to support and guide you throughout your time in the program.
Prior to beginning your first semester, you will be enrolled and required to complete an Online Orientation. The Orientation will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in an online program. Additionally, an online Community Board will be available to you and includes links to various academic support resources such as the UC Writing Center and the UC Career Center.
Students outside the Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky area will work with the program Field Director to identify a suitable placement. This process is open to input, but suggested sites must be vetted before being approved.
Yes, the vast majority of our students work throughout their time in the academic program. In the senior year, students are also expected to attend their field placement for 16 hours each week, typically during normal business hours. It is important to assess course load and financial aid to understand how to balance school and work.
Additional resources to support you from start to finish.
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