Seminar Training in Field Instruction (SIFI)
All field instructors are required to complete the Seminar in Field Instruction in order to supervise a practicum 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 practicum student unless discussed prior and agreed upon otherwise. Those supervising CSSW interns will be prioritized.
Orientation
A virtual orientation will be held on September 15th, 2023 from 11:30-2:30pm EST prior to the start of the course which is a required component of the certification process, CEU’s will only be provided for those who attend the live session. If you cannot participate live you will be asked to watch a recording and submit a one page response.
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
Series I
- Fred Shack – Friday 9:00 – 10:00am
- September 21, 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27 November 3, 10, 17, December 1, 8, 15
- Anna Hedrick – Monday 3:00-4:00pm
- September 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, 27, Dec 4, 11
- Josephine Ilarazza – Tuesday 6:00- 7:00pm
- September 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21, 28 December 5, 12
- Fred Shack – Friday 9:00 – 10:00am
- September 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27 November 3, 10, 17, 24 December 1, 8, 15
- Liz Creel – Friday 12:00 – 1:00pm
- September 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27 November 3, 10, 17 December 1, 8, 15
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
- Maria Zuluaga- Thursday 5:00 – 6:00pm
- October 12, 19, 26
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.
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.
