Frequently asked questions

 
 

When is your next community event?

Happy New Year, Titans! MSWA is hard at work planning our events for the Spring 2024 semester. To make sure you don’t miss out, keep an eye out for MSWA emails, follow us on Instagram, and check back here soon :)

Where can I find details about MSWA events?

The best way to stay updated is to follow us on Instagram (@mswacsuf)! We also will post event details on this website and add them to the MSWA calendar (see Events page). We work with the department to send out mass emails about upcoming events and ask board members to share info on cohort-specific channels (e.g., GroupMe, Discord, etc.) whenever possible. 

Do I need to be a member to attend community events?

Nope! MSWA aims to create a community for all MSW students at CSUF. While some MSWA programs require membership, we welcome anyone in the MSW program to join community events. If we ever have an event with limited capacity, such as professional development events, RSVP will open to members first. Check our Events page for details on our next event!

What are the membership requirements?

MSWA membership requires the following: 

  1. Completing our MSWA 2023-2024 membership sign-up (click here!)

  2. Paying membership dues ($40 lifetime — adjustment and accommodation available — see our Membership, Contact, and FAQ pages) 

  3. Participating in our virtual asynchronous meetings via Google Form (1-4 per semester)

  4. Attending at least 1 event or participate in 1 community service program (e.g., can food drive) per semester

While we encourage you to participate in our community service events/programs, community service is NO LONGER REQUIRED for MSWA membership. Participating in community service programs counts as attending an event for membership requirements if you cannot go to an event.

What are the benefits of membership?

There are several benefits to becoming an MSWA member: 

  • Students with at least 2 semesters of membership will receive a graduation cord

  • Members will have access to MSWA programs and resources, including: 

    • Peer Mentor Program (apply here)

    • Cohort Representative Program (apply here)

    • MSWA Discord 

    • Early RSVP for professional development events

    • Access to MSWA Resource Drives

  • Show on your resume that you connected with your campus community and engaged in professional development

What if I apply to MSWA and don’t get in?

Impossible! Anyone who completes the membership form will be accepted into MSWA. Maintaining membership and good standing is contingent on meeting membership requirements. The competitiveness when applying to board positions or other programs will vary based on the applicant pool. 

Do I need to be an active member to participate in programs or receive a cord?

You must be in good standing (i.e., complete the required forms and pay dues) or communicate a plan to achieve good standing to join MSWA programs. Active membership (i.e., no owed fees, attending MSWA events) is required to continue participating in MSWA programs. However, you do not need to be an MSWA member to attend events!

You must have at least 2 semesters of membership to receive a cord. The two semesters do not need to be consecutive, but we encourage you to be involved every semester!

How can I pay membership fees?

For now, you can coordinate with one of the MSWA board members to provide dues in person (see the Team Page to see board members and the Contact Page to reach us) or bring your fees to the next event you attend. As long as you pay before the end of the semester, that semester will count as active.

We are working to set up a cash drop box in the social work department office where you can leave your payment and information. Please let us know when you drop off your fees so we can follow up promptly.

If none of the above options are feasible for you, please get in touch with us.

What if I cannot afford membership fees?

In particular circumstances, we can arrange financial accommodations. Please get in touch with us if you require accommodations. 

What if I paid membership fees last year before the changes?

If you already purchased a lifetime membership at the previous rate, you will be grandfathered in and maintain your lifetime membership. If you purchased semester membership(s), your lifetime payment will be prorated so that you only pay the remaining balance. For example, if you purchased two semester memberships last year ($15 x 2 = $30), you will only need to pay the remaining $10 for the lifetime membership.

What if I didn’t join MSWA before but want to join now? I don’t want to pay the full lifetime fee if I’m only going to be here for 1 more year.

Because this is the first year we are switching to a single lifetime payment, any advanced standing students (i.e., 2nd year full-time students or 2nd/3rd-year flex students) will only need to pay 50% of the previous lifetime rate ($50/2 = $25). You may also contact us to discuss financial accommodations.

Where do my membership fees go?

Membership fees provide graduation cords, develop MSWA merchandise, host training, create resources, and pay for events when possible. 

How and where are meetings held?

Meetings are delivered via Google Forms that will be shared via department email, social media, and other platforms. Participation is recorded through the submission of Google Forms.

How can I contact MSWA? How can I share ideas, concerns, or feedback?

Our Contact page on the website has a submission form for questions and comments. That page also lists our MSWA email and social media. Feel free to email, message, or DM us whenever! If you do not receive a response within 1-2 weeks, we likely missed your message, so please feel free to follow up! Occasionally, we will send our feedback surveys to solicit feedback. 

I want to become a board member/cohort representative/mentor/etc. How do I do that?

Applications for different programs and opportunities are sent out independently throughout the school year. 

Mentorship and Cohort Representative applications are typically sent out early in the fall semester. The board application will be sent out late in the spring semester. The incoming board traditionally hosts the last meeting of the academic year. Students who serve as Cohort Representatives will be strongly considered for board positions, given their prior experience working with the executive board. 

I have concerns with my MSWA mentor/mentee. What should I do? 

While we encourage you to communicate directly with your mentor/mentee, we understand this is not always feasible. Please get in touch with the MSWA board as needed.