The University of Michigan has a long and respected history of involvement in global social work research and education. The Office of Global Activities (OGA) was created in 2003 as a part of the efforts of the School's international task force. The goal of the task force was to develop a vision and comprehensive agenda to internationalize the School's activities, emphasizing principles of co-learning and partnership-a diversion from the Western-centered, top-down approach. As a result, the office's main purpose is to connect MSW students to international social work opportunities through funding, special programs, academic resources, internationalized curriculum, and arranging faculty and student exchanges at partner institutions. The office has the following agenda:
- To promote the U-M SSW's leadership role in global social work education and research
- To increase students' competencies in global social work practice
- To foster an environment conducive to global social work education and research