Seminar Training in Field Instruction (SIFI)
All field instructors are required to complete the Seminar in Field Instruction in order to supervise a field student. We offer several options depending on supervisory experiences. All sections are offered virtually via ZOOM. No other coursework can be used to supplement SIFI. There is no fee for the seminar, however, you must be supervising a Columbia School of Social Work student to participate in the seminar. The Application for the Fall ‘23 offerings is now open. Please see the details listed below..
Eligibility Requirements
SIFI Participants must have at least 3 years post MSW experience in order to sit for the course. For CSSW graduates there is a 2 year post graduation requirement. In addition, SIFI participants must be supervising a CSSW field student unless discussed prior and agreed upon otherwise. Those supervising CSSW interns will be prioritized.
Available Sections
All 12 Session Seminar in Field Instruction courses are identical. The registration process is now open and take the time to review the session that works best for your schedule. Please complete the online form at your earliest convenience.
Fall course registration is currently open. Sections fill on a first come first serve basis. Please complete the Registration from via the link below:
12 Sessions Fall ‘23 is taking applications
- SIFI Registration is now closed. If you have a CSSW student assigned please follow up with the corresponding Associate Director of Practicum Learning.
Online via Zoom
An Abbreviated 3 Session Course is also available for instructors who are outside of the Tri-State (NY, NJ, CT) area or who have five or more years of supervision experience.
Fall course registration is currently open. Sections fill on a first come first serve basis. Please complete the Registration from via the link below:
Abbreviated 3 Sessions Fall ‘23 is taking applications
- SIFI Registration is now closed. If you have a CSSW student assigned please follow up with the corresponding Associate Director of Practicum Learning.
FALL ‘23 Application
The Fall 2023 application is now open.
Completing the application does not guarantee enrollment in the Fall SIFI Course. Enrollment is only finalized after a CSSW intern is formally assigned and accepted for the school year.
SIFI Registration is now closed. If you have a CSSW student assigned please follow up with the corresponding Associate Director of Practicum Learning.
Limited space is occasionally available for instructors supervising students from other schools. If you will be supervising a Non-Columbia student and would like to take CSSW SIFI we cannot guarantee a seat.
More information on policies and procedures at CSSW can be found in our website along with the student handbook and in an FAQ format here. Please email swsifi@columbia.edu with any questions.
For past participants CSSW does not keep records on SIFI courses for the past 5 years.
