Trauma Informed Programs and Practices for Schools (TIPPS) Scholars Program at the University of Michigan School of Social Work is intended for students highly interested in a school-based social work approach that helps schools become trauma-informed. TIPPS provides school and district leaders, teachers, and other professional staff with background information on adversity, trauma, resilience and practices that support safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning communities. TIPPS is guided by a comprehensive framework that rests on 10 core principles, each representing a pillar of system change. The TIPPS framework is grounded in research on the signs and symptoms of trauma, trauma triggers, and building blocks of a trauma-informed response. Using the TIPPS framework in work with schools throughout the state of Michigan, our intent is to motivate lasting changes in schools so that all children have the chance to succeed and thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
TIPPS Scholars Program Funding
- $6,000 per term (3 terms for 45-credit / 4 terms for 60-credit MSW program)
Specialized Courses
It is recommended, but not required, that TIPPS Scholars take the following courses during their MSW program to pursue the School Social Work Specialization in our MSW program:
- SW 626 School Social Worker Assessments
- SW 628 School Social Worker Interventions
- SW 540 Trauma Informed Practice
Special Field Placement Requirement
TIPPS Scholars will complete their field placements in person at one of various designated schools that offer opportunities in collaboration with this program. TIPPS Scholars will only be placed in school settings. Note: students must have their own transportation to and from their field placement site(s). Students will need to interview and be accepted by one of the designated schools for field placement. As with all school-based field placements, during Winter term, students will be required to stay past April until early June when the school year for k-12 ends.
Program Requirements
- On Campus MSW students in the 20-month, 12-month (Advanced Standing, UM-Dearborn Human Services & SW, U-M Sociology & SW, MasterTrack MSW, or SW Essentials MSW), or part-time track
- UM-Dearborn Human Services & SW, U-M Sociology & SW, MasterTrack MSW, or SW Essentials MSW must enroll in a modified schedule [Fall, Winter, and a second Fall term]
- Highly interested and motivated to learn about and implement trauma-informed practices in school settings
- Students must be in one of the following pathways to be eligible:
- Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse
- Management and Leadership
- Program Evaluation and Applied Research
- Welfare of Children and Families
- Field Placement in a School that works with TIPPS Scholars (see Special Field Placement Requirement above)
- During semesters that the student is enrolled in field placement, students must attend a seminar with their cohort which meets 5 times per semester in a group format (on campus or virtually) led by TIPPS faculty. The seminar will include training, discussions and a project to help students learn to apply the TIPPS framework in their field placement.
- Due to course and field requirements, dual MSW/MPH students are not eligible to participate in this program.
Application
- Application deadlines for Fall 2025 applicants: December 1, 2024 (early application), February 1, 2025 (priority), March 1, 2025. Selection of applicants will be made from all dates with priority given to applicants that meet the first two deadlines.
- Deferred admits planning to enroll in Fall 2025 must submit their special program application by November 1, 2024.
- Financial need will be considered in the review of special program applications.
- Your MSW application must be completed by the scholarship deadline.
- Students must indicate their interest for this program on their field application.
- If you would like to apply for the TIPPS Scholars Program, then please answer “yes” to the question, “Do you plan to apply to a SSW Special Program?” found on the Financial Assistance page of the MSW online application and select the TIPPS Scholars Program checkbox. The TIPPS Scholars application page will be added to the end of your MSW application.
- Be sure to include your name and “TIPPS Scholars Program Statement” in the upper corner of your statement before you upload it to your application.
- All potential MSW applicants who meet eligibility requirements and are interested in school social work and trauma-informed practice are welcome to apply.
TIPPS Scholars Program Leadership
- Coordinator: Todd Herrenkohl
- Co-Coordinator/Field Faculty Lead: Christina Dadswell
For more information about the TIPPS Scholars Program, contact the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management at (734) 936-0961 or [email protected].