2014-72

Arizona State University
University Senate
Spring 2014

Senate Motion #2014-72

Motion Introduced by: Curriculum and Academic Programs Committee, Eduardo Pagan, Chair
 
Date of First Reading: April 28, 2014
 
Date of Second Reading: Via e-mail on 9/11/14

Title of Motion: Request from the College of Public Programs – School of Social Work– for the establishment of a graduate certificate – Criminal Sentencing and Sentencing Advocacy

Action Requested: The Curriculum and Academic Programs Committee recommends University Senate approval of a proposal submitted by the College of Public Programs – School of Social Work-for the establishment of a graduate certificate– Criminal Sentencing and Sentencing Advocacy
 
Rationale: Social workers and other criminal justice professionals perform a number of roles in the disposition and sentencing of various offenders and in the provision of services to victims. There are no specialized higher educational programs in Arizona, or the nation at large, which are providing certificates for social workers and related human service professionals on addressing sentencing matters, as well as on how to translate such specialized knowledge into effective forms of practice.

The certificate will provide social workers with the kinds of knowledge and skills required to practice as mitigation specialists. This is a burgeoning area of practice in the field of social work. It also will provide criminal justice majors with exposure to classes on topics dealing with treatment alternatives and knowledge of mental health concerns that are not currently available to students in many traditional criminal justice program.