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April 18, 2024 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Join the Office of Global Activities and the Global Social Work Pathway for an alumni panel focused on global social work careers! During the panel, U-M MSW graduates will share information about their current jobs, the job search process, and their advice for current students. Time will be included for Q&A with the panelists. This year's panel will feature:

Sebastian Vidal, MSW
Program Officer for Community Engagement- Children's Services
Church World Service
New York City, New York

Kaity Nicastri, LMSW
Social Services Manager
Freedom House Detroit
Detroit, Michigan

Third panelist TBA.

Click Here to Register

April 18, 2024 - 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Our society has discussed reparations for Black Americans due to their enslavement, exploitation, and intergenerational oppression for a long time, but not much has manifested. As we become a more race-conscious society, examining and finally accepting the ways in which institutionalized discrimination has disseminated wealth, education, health outcomes, and other quality of life indicators for so many of our marginalized communities, we don’t talk enough about the free enslaved labor of Black people that built this country into one of the most powerful and rich  democracies in the world - laying the foundations of capitalism and its view of human bodies as “units of production.”

With so many Black Americans continuing to be left behind in wealth and educational attainment - how do we make amends? How do we repay the many families who have paid the price, intergenerationally, for the rest of Americans to prosper? Join us for a virtual discussion on the need and movement for reparations for Black Americans, and local exploratory efforts happening both in Detroit and Washtenaw County. Speakers include:

Chris Watson, Ann Arbor City Council Member

Cynthia Harrison, Ann Arbor City Council Member

Lauren Hood, Assistant Professor at the Taubman College for Architecture & Urban Planning and former Co-Chair of Detroit’s Reparations Task Force

Michael Steinberg, Professor and Director of the Civil Rights Litigation Initiative at the University of Michigan Law School, Justice InDEED, and the Washtenaw County Advisory Council on Reparations 

Stacey Deering, Political Science Department at Eastern Michigan University 

University of Michigan’s Mellon Foundation- funded project on reparations, “Crafting Democratic Futures,” will also be discussed. 

Click Here to RSVP

April 19, 2024 - 11:00am to 1:00pm

Visit the SSW meeting calendar for full schedule information.

April 19, 2024 - 12:30pm to 1:30pm

The School of Social Work Curtis Center for Health Equity Research and Training is hosting a creative Art for Equity Contest for undergraduate students to showcase what health equity means to them. The goal of the contest is to engage undergraduate students across the University of Michigan in thinking about health equity in a meaningful and creative way. The Curtis Center Art for Equity Contest will educate and increase engagement with health equity, but also highlight how individuals define it in their own context. 

We held an initial webinar to introduce the contest, explain the submission process and criteria, and serve as a Q & A session. A video recording of this session is available in this folder, which contains resources and information for contestants.

Undergraduate students are invited to submit a piece of art in the medium of their choice (video, poem, audio, photobook, painting, graphics, comic, etc.) that showcases what health equity means to them, by Monday, April 1st, 2024. Submissions will be accepted from both individuals and pairs. Along with their submission, students will be asked to provide a brief explanation of their piece and how it represents what health equity means to them. More information, as well as a recording of the information session, is available here.

At the Healthcare Equity Month event on Friday, April 19th from 12:30 - 1:30 pm the Director of the Curtis Center will define health equity in the context of Curtis Center research and training, as well as announce the top 3 winners! $1000 cash prizes will also be rewarded to the top 3 submissions. The deadline to register for this event is April 11th, 2024.

Click Here to Register

April 19, 2024 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm

This in-person session at the School of Social Work will provide the opportunity to learn more about the University of Michigan School of Social Work MSW program. Topics covered will include: On Campus Program, Online Program, Curriculum Options, Application Process, Financial Aid, and more!

Click here to register »

April 19, 2024 - 3:00pm to 4:30pm

How does abolitionist praxis, an engagement in full cycles of action, reflexivity and critical theory, allow us to challenge institutionalized carceral practices and work for institutional change? This event, generously sponsored by Conversations Across Social Disciplines Joseph Veroff and Katherine Luke Fund and the Social Justice Impact Fund, brings together abolitionist scholars in the fields of Social Work and Education to discuss the ways that they apply abolitionist praxis in relation to the institutions and systems in which they conduct research - the child welfare system, the higher education system and the financial/banking system. They will share strategies and tactics we gain from employing an abolitionist perspective to institutional and system change, and offer ideas on how we can work towards creating and sustaining liberatory spaces and structures.

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April 22, 2024 - 11:00am to 12:00pm

Visit the SSW meeting calendar for full schedule information.

April 22, 2024 - 12:00pm to 2:00pm

The SSW Award for Impact in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion seeks to recognize outstanding individuals or groups in the School of Social Work who have demonstrated their commitment to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion at the School and/or in the community. These awards are open to all current SSW students, faculty, staff, groups, and registered student organizations, and may be awarded to up to three individuals or groups.

Award recipients embody the following characteristics:

Demonstrates a high level of commitment to personal growth and development around DEI topics (including confronting own implicit bias, exploring structural and systemic oppression, etc.)

Displays commitment to valuing DEI above and beyond assigned job responsibilities

Exhibits a true commitment to the promotion and prioritization of anti-racism

Facilitates opportunities to bring people in the school together across positionalities, to promote understanding and to celebrate diversity

Builds lasting and meaningful partnerships with organizations and communities beyond SSW

Invests in student development around DEI (teaching and mentorship of students of diverse backgrounds, developing student services [academic support, mentorship, etc.], programming, curriculum development, enhancement of free exchange of ideas around controversial issues, development of more inclusive and interactive teaching methods, etc.)

Participates in, creates, and publicizes programs or events that promote DEI

Implements creative and inclusive work policies and initiatives to support the needs of a diverse staff

Advocates for DEI practices, helping to develop appropriate DEI practices, resources, and tools, and mentoring colleagues seeking to contribute to DEI efforts

Engages in research and scholarship to advance DEI consciousness

Join us in celebrating their achievements and contributions to our field!

Click Here to Register

April 22, 2024 (all day)

April 22, 2024 - 5:00pm to 6:30pm

This webinar is for all incoming Fall 2024 MSW students. This webinar will be held online via Zoom.

Register Now

April 23, 2024 - 12:00pm to 1:30pm

Want to know what your colleagues are working on? 

Want to help them refine their research ideas?

Want to be more engaged and help build community?

Come to the Half-Baked Brown Bag lunch series. 

The associate dean for research is hosting a series for faculty and doctoral students to share their early stage ideas with peers for feedback. Come and contribute to a lively discussion that will benefit the research happening here at the School – it may even help shape how you think about your own work. 

The format will include a brief presentation from faculty members or doctoral students about their research. Each presentation will be approximately 15 minutes, followed by a 20-30 minute discussion. There will be two participants for each event.

To keep the discussions more cozy, space is limited to 20 attendees. Pizza and drinks are provided. 

Click Here to Register

Want to share your work?

Contact Matthew Smith at mattjsmi@umich.edu.

April 24, 2024 (all day)

April 29, 2024 - 3:00pm to 4:00pm

This online session will provide the opportunity to learn more about the University of Michigan School of Social Work MSW program. Topics covered will include: Online Program, On-Campus Program, Curriculum Options, Application Process, Financial Aid, and more!

All registered attendees will receive a recording of the session.

Click here to register »

May 3, 2024 - 9:00am to 12:15pm

This comprehensive course delves into the intricate dynamics of child abuse and various forms of violence through an intergenerational lifecourse lens. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the multifaceted factors that contribute to these issues, along with effective assessment and intervention strategies for child welfare workers. With a strong commitment to creating positive change, this course equips learners with the knowledge and tools to make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families.

To ensure a thorough understanding of the course material, participants will be evaluated through a combination of assessments, including case studies and scenario-based assessments that require the application of knowledge and skills in real-life situations. Group discussions will encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and commitment.

Visit the CE Course Catalog »

May 3, 2024 - 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Non-profits should engage in a diverse funding model. Grants often are a part of a diversified strategy. That said, many non-profits do not have the resources for a dedicated grant writer, therefore these responsibilities fall within other roles. This presentation allows social workers to begin to understand what type of grant funding is available and to learn the first steps required to initiate an application.

Visit the CE Course Catalog »

May 4, 2024 - 1:30pm

The School of Social Work Spring Commencement for Master of Social Work students will be held in person at the Power Center and livestreamed on the SSW website. The Power Center doors will open for guests and graduates starting at 12:30pm.

A light reception will be held in the Power Center Lobby immediately following commencement.

Additional instructions and information will be added to this page as commencement approaches.

Have questions? Contact: ssw.graduation@umich.edu

Accessibility Information »

Important Information for Graduates »

May 5, 2024 - 10:00am to 12:00pm

Please join us in the graduation of the Class of 2024 from the Jewish Communal Leadership Program at the University of Michigan School of Social Work. Brunch from Zingermans will be served.

May 7, 2024 (all day)

May 7, 2024 - 10:00am to May 8, 2024 4:30pm

Building Healthy, Strong Communities is a professional development program presented by the School of Social Work's Office of Development and Alumni Relations and the Professional Development Committee of the Alumni Board.

Registration for individual sessions is not required - By registering for the conference you will have access to all the sessions.

Times will vary - See schedule below.

Click Here to Register

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 10-11:30 am - Restorative Practices in Social Work

Barb Hiltz, LMSW, PhD

1-2:30 pm - Get Out the Vote: A Social Work Call to Action

Justin Hodge, LMSW

Social workers have an ethical obligation to engage in social and political action to advance social justice. Expanding and safeguarding the right to vote is critical in achieving that. As we approach a hugely consequential election, all social workers need to be prepared to empower those around them to exercise their right to vote. 

2-3:30 pm - Centering Social Justice in Non-Public Behavioral Health Care Part 1: Foundations of Centering Social Justice

Daicia Price, LMSW, PhD

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 10-11:30 am - Centering Social Justice in Non-Public Behavioral Health Care Part 2: Practice Strategies

Daicia Price, LMSW, PhD

1-2:30 pm - Trauma-Informed Programs and Practices (TIPPS) for Schools: A Research-Based Model for Systems Change

Todd Herrenkohl, LMSW, PhD and Allyson Andrews, MSW Student

3-4:30 pm - Generative AI in Social Work: Navigating New Frontiers

Brian Perron, MSW, PhD

May 9, 2024 - 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Join us for a hybrid celebration of Lorraine M. Gutiérrez's retirement!

Click Here to Register

May 10, 2024 - 2:00pm to 5:00pm

This course challenges learners to explore their personal values, beliefs and judgements related to issues of sexuality. Interpersonal practice tools will be offered to assist clients in holding personal beliefs and values and remaining present to client's sexual self, needs, beliefs. Lecture and discussion will examine how implicit bias can limit services and harm clients, particular limits to sexually diverse populations. Sexual health will be considered as a social justice issue.

This course has been developed to meet the Michigan implicit bias training requirements for health professionals.

Visit the CE Course Catalog »

May 13, 2024 - 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Visit the SSW meeting calendar for full schedule information.

May 13, 2024 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm

We invite you to become a Community Conversations facilitator! We extend this opportunity to all SSW staff, students, and faculty.

There will be a two-session Community Conversations facilitator training, held on Zoom on May 13th and May 20th from 5-7 pm. Both sessions are required, along with pre-work to be completed before the first session on May 13th. The training will equip you with intergroup and restorative dialogue skills, which include a strong anti-racist history and deeply embed PODS into their structure and approach. These skills are applicable in micro-, mezzo-, and macro- social work practice and help to develop all of the nine social work competencies.

Community Conversations bring us together in dialogues in which we are all teachers and learners, and which help create an environment of compassion, understanding, and change. These conversations help us to broaden our perspectives and to discover collective meaning.

We hope to see many of you on May 13th and May 20th!

Click Here to Register

May 17, 2024 - 9:00am to 12:00pm

Suicide is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States and worldwide. Nearly 50% of individuals who end life by suicide see a primary care provider within a month of death, yet suicide risk assessment and treatment is consistently difficult in practice. With the majority of mental health services in the US being delivered by social workers, it is imperative that risk assessment and safety planning knowledge and skills are in place for our work with clients with the ultimate goal being to prevent premature suicidal death.

This webinar will discuss and present on suicide as public health issue in the US, risk and protective factors, warning signs, barriers to help-seeking, risk assessment process and risk formulation, safety planning, and cultural humility in risk assessment with use of a clinical case. This workshop is also focused on the adult population.

Visit the CE Course Catalog »

May 20, 2024 (all day)

May 28, 2024 - 5:00pm

All students currently enrolled in field (SW515 or SW691) for Spring Summer 2024 must turn in the Field Placement Verification form by this deadline. This form is considered complete after your Field Instructor signs off on it.

May 31, 2024 (all day)

This will apply to all students currently enrolled in field.

May 31, 2024 - 5:00pm

June 3, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Part 1: This program area will welcome participants to the MMR CE program and introduce mixed methods research. We will begin by covering theoretical frameworks and the advantages of using theory for mixed methods research and practice in social work. This program area will also cover the basics of how to design a mixed methods research study. We will begin by discussing how to develop research questions, then we will cover mixed methods language and notation, and then we will discuss choosing a mixed methods design. Participants will be guided through how to develop a research question based on their phenomenon of interest. This is important because researchers make decisions about whether they will use qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods after finalizing their research question. Communicating research designs throughout various stages of the planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting of the project will also be covered. Then, this program area will cover transformative mixed methods...

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June 7, 2024 - 9:00am to 12:00pm

Technology and social media shape the identities and worldviews of today’s teens. Adolescent sexuality and relationships are interwoven with cell phones and social media. Many caregivers and professionals are left wondering: what does it all mean? This workshop will start from the ground up, beginning with definitions and a roadmap of technology commonly used by young people. From there, we will examine how technology influences teen sexuality and relationships – for better or for worse. We will discuss teen relationship abuse and technology, as well as the way teen relationships and identity can be strengthened by technology. Finally, the class will focus on how to work with and relate to teens through the lens of technology.

Visit the CE Course Catalog »

June 10, 2024 - 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Visit the SSW meeting calendar for full schedule information.

June 11, 2024 - 5:00pm

This will apply to all students currently enrolled in field. Students should select and save an Assignment for each competency.  Students should not be submitting the Educational Agreement to their field instructor at this time, that will happen at the end of the term.

June 14, 2024 - 9:00am to 12:00pm

This webinar will challenge practitioners to reflect on their current practices and identify opportunities to incorporate anti-racist practices. Participants will learn important definitions and strategies to identify one's own biases and how bias impacts those whom we serve. Social work standards concerning diversity will be examined, along with one's professional obligations and responsibilities.

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June 14, 2024 - 2:00pm to 5:00pm

This workshop will start with an orientation webinar on Friday June 14 from 2-5pm provided over Zoom. The remainder of the course, which is primarily experiential, will meet at the instructor's farm in Dexter, Michigan on Saturday, June 15. Participants must attend both days to receive CE credit...

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June 26, 2024 - 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Understanding and supporting athletes and their overall health and welfare has been a prominent specialty service area that social workers have formally and informally navigated for decades. And today, the need for sports social workers with advanced training has never been more requested across sport settings (youth, collegiate, professional, and geriatric). Research currently suggests that: (1) athletes engage in sport across the lifespan to foster a greater sense of belonging and social connection; (2) athlete mental health needs are increasing and licensed, mental health providers are needed to meet this growing demand; and (3) athletes are using their platform to address social injustices and bring awareness to longstanding disparities across our country. As established agents of change, social workers uphold the profession's mission and core values, while having an expansive scope of practice to improve outcomes for individuals, communities, and the larger society...

Visit the CE Course Catalog »

June 26, 2024 - 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Understanding and supporting athletes and their overall health and welfare has been a prominent specialty service area that social workers have formally and informally navigated for decades. And today, the need for sports social workers with advanced training has never been more requested across sport settings (youth, collegiate, professional, and geriatric). Research currently suggests that: (1) athletes engage in sport across the lifespan to foster a greater sense of belonging and social connection; (2) athlete mental health needs are increasing and licensed, mental health providers are needed to meet this growing demand; and (3) athletes are using their platform to address social injustices and bring awareness to longstanding disparities across our country. As established agents of change, social workers uphold the profession's mission and core values, while having an expansive scope of practice to improve outcomes for individuals, communities, and the larger society...

Visit the CE Course Catalog »

June 26, 2024 - 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Understanding and supporting athletes and their overall health and welfare has been a prominent specialty service area that social workers have formally and informally navigated for decades. And today, the need for sports social workers with advanced training has never been more requested across sport settings (youth, collegiate, professional, and geriatric). Research currently suggests that: (1) athletes engage in sport across the lifespan to foster a greater sense of belonging and social connection; (2) athlete mental health needs are increasing and licensed, mental health providers are needed to meet this growing demand; and (3) athletes are using their platform to address social injustices and bring awareness to longstanding disparities across our country. As established agents of change, social workers uphold the profession's mission and core values, while having an expansive scope of practice to improve outcomes for individuals, communities, and the larger society...

Visit the CE Course Catalog »

June 30, 2024 - 5:00pm

If you are an August graduate, your final field evaluation is due June 30th. You have registered for six credits of field in the Fall and six credits of field in the Winter.  You do not register for field in Spring/Summer term.

If you are a 20-month student, your evaluation is due June 30th.  You will return to the same field site in the Fall. 

If you are a 20-month student, you need to complete 912 hours of fieldwork.  If you are an advanced standing student, your number of fieldwork hours is 684.  Once you complete your required number of hours, you may register for up to six credits of elective field.  Many students placed in schools earn extra hours due to the extended year.  Each additional 57 hours in the field is equal to 1 credit of 691

July 8, 2024 - 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Visit the SSW meeting calendar for full schedule information.

July 12, 2024 - 8:00am to 4:00pm

This workshop will focus on the process and procedures needed to establish a consistent school/district-wide approach to behavioral threat assessment and management. The roles and responsibilities of a multidisciplinary team following best practices established by the United States Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center and United States Department of Education will be taught. In addition, current statistics, legal cases, post-incident reviews, early identification of warning signs, primary prevention strategies to "break the code of silence”; screening and assessment procedures; and strategies for interventions, postventions, and working with difficult parents will be integrated. Case study examples and forms will also be shared to illustrate the process. This workshop accompanies the book authored by Dr. Reeves titled Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management: K-12 Schools. https://ncyi.org/shop/landingpages/15-minute-focus-series/

Visit the CE Course Catalog »

July 16, 2024 - 5:00pm

This applies to all students currently enrolled in field.

July 30, 2024 - 5:00pm

This will apply to all students currently enrolled in field.

August 10, 2024 - 10:00am

The School of Social Work Summer Commencement for Master of Social Work students will be held in person at Hill Auditorium and livestreamed on the SSW website. Hill Auditorium doors will open for guests and graduates starting at 9:00am.

A light reception will be held at the School of Social Work in the lower level atrium immediately following commencement.

Additional instructions and information will be added to this page as commencement approaches.

Have questions? Contact: ssw.graduation@umich.edu

August 13, 2024 (all day)

August 26, 2024 (all day)

Fall 2024 SSW International Student Orientation will be held on Monday, August 26 and will provide information for incoming MSW international students. At this time, we are planning for an in-person orientation to be held at the U-M School of Social Work.

Details and an agenda will be available at a later date.

Please note that all incoming MSW students are expected to attend Fall SEED Orientation. Various sessions will be held each day on August 27, 28, 29, and 30.

August 27, 2024 to August 30, 2024

SEED Orientation will be held Tuesday, August 26 - Friday, August 30, 2024

Share, Explore, Engage, Discover (SEED) is the School of Social Work's fall orientation experience for incoming on-campus MSW students. All incoming on-campus MSW students should plan to join SEED Orientation Week activities. Various activities are scheduled each day during Fall SEED Orientation Week (8/26 - 8/30).

It is important to note that the first class session of SW590 will be held during SEED Orientation Week.

A SEED Orientation schedule will be available soon.

September 10, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Working towards social justice requires the intentional development of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture by intervening at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. The Certificate in Dismantling Oppression is designed for individuals in all areas of practice. Individuals and organizations that have a commitment to challenging social injustices will apply core concepts and strategies to disrupt oppression at interpersonal and institutional levels. Participants will learn how oppression interferes with achieving social justice within the United States, increase knowledge of anti-oppressive practices, and obtain tools to dismantle oppression using common agreements...

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September 13, 2024 - 9:00am to 12:00pm

The objective of this training is to help mental health professionals develop confidence and a skill set for discussing sexual identity, health/wellness, and intimacy with their clients. Fundamentals of sex therapy from a biopsychosocial approach will be covered to ensure that participants feel well-equipped to incorporate sexual functioning into their core approach to assessment and treatment. The learner will understand the ramifications of relegating this topic to a "specialized" treatment approach and feel skilled and capable in addressing sex therapy topics as a foundational approach to assessment and treatment.

Visit the CE Course Catalog »