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California University of Pennsylvania

The California University of Pennsylvania (CALU) Rural Aging Initiatives in Social Work Education Committee in the Department of Social Work, comprised of eight faculty members with an interest in issues related to aging, coordinated experiential learning activities in a total of four undergraduate courses. Two student groups for social work majors only, the Baccalaureate Social Work Student Association (BSWA) and the Phi Alpha Honor Society, also coordinated and participated in specific gero experiential activities. Each semester undergraduate students conducted hours of social work interviews with senior adult volunteer interviewees [SAVIs] from a rural multi-purpose center for 3000 older adults from 90 communities from 5 counties in the CALU region. As mentors, SAVIs shared expertise as lifelong learners introduced students to the cultural, spiritual, ethical values and beliefs of older adults in rural and small town settings. At the end of each semester, students along with SAVIs shared a congregate luncheon celebrating seminal life events; participated in a policy forum addressing the needs of growing aging populations in rural settings; developed skills for gero advocacy issues; and honored SAVI participants with special awards.

Courses that Included Experiential Activity:

  • Social Welfare Policy
  • Practice with Individuals
  • Social Work with Aging Populations

Gero Practice Behaviors:

  • Assess and address values and biases regarding aging.
  • Respect and promote older adult clients’ right to dignity and self-determination.
  • Address the cultural, spiritual, and ethnic values and beliefs of older adults and families.