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March 2, 2021 - 5:00pm to 6:30pm

Join us a for a panel discussion and mixer with CASC Minor alumni. Panelists will share their stories and journey engaging in social justice and change work. Learn more about their academic career as undergraduate students, experience in the minor, and the challenges, and lessons learned about applications of social justice "in the real world".

Email cascminor@umich.edu to register to attend.

Interested in learning about social justice in the "real world" from CASC alumni

PodCASC

Alumni Panelists Hoai An Pham (she/her)

Hoai An Pham is an organizer based in Ann Arbor, MI, where she was born and raised as a first generation Vietnamese American. As a queer disabled abolitionist, she has worked in movements around immigration, labor, climate, prisons, and racial justice, with the goal of building long-term, welcoming community. She is currently the Digital Organizer for We the People-MI and also the manager of her twenty-six Sims.

Julia Magas (she/her)

I am pursuing my MSW in geriatric social work. I hope to use my degree to shape an adaptive program for older adults with disabilities. I notice that a lot of adaptive programming is available for young people with disabilities; however, there seems to be a disparity of programs for older adults. I hope to be an advocate for older adults with disabilities and ensure that they have programming that supports and enriches their quality of life.

Brandon Bond (he/him/his)

Brandon Bond is a first-year dual master's student in the School of Public Health and Social Work with a certificate in Injury Science from Belleville, Michigan. His focuses pertain to how global and cultural conceptualizations of mental health influence the acknowledgment and treatment of this health field. He was a 2020 graduate from the University of Michigan where he studied Biopsychology, Cognition, Neuroscience, and International Studies: Global Environment & Health with a minor in Community Action Social Change. In his free time, he loves to listen to and play music, try new foods and drinks, travel to new spaces, and watch tv/movies//stand-up shows.

March 2, 2021 - 5:00pm to 6:30pm

Join us a for a panel discussion and mixer with CASC Minor alumni. Panelists will share their stories and journey engaging in social justice and change work. Learn more about their academic career as undergraduate students, experience in the minor, and the challenges, and lessons learned about applications of social justice "in the real world".

Email cascminor@umich.edu to register to attend.

Interested in learning about social justice in the "real world" from CASC alumni?

PodCASC

Moderator Elizabeth González (she/her)

Elizabeth González MSW, LMSW, CYT is a bilingual (Spanish-English) licensed Clinical Social Worker.For the last 17 years, she has been dedicated to working in the fields of social work and education. She has worked at the intersection of these two fields in community mental health, nonprofits and university settings. In 2017, she founded a group private practice called Amplify Colectivo, which is a collective of therapists of color that provides culturally sensitive mental health services, supervision of early career social workers, and consults with state and local organizations to amplify mental health knowledge. González also serves as the Education & Training Program Manager at U-M’s Spectrum Center where she facilitates LGBTQ+ allyhood development trainings and consults with campus partners about inclusive practices.González has specialized training in eating concerns, gender identity and trauma. She works with clients through a holistic health lens that emphasizes the inseparable connection between our health, mental health and the environment. Her approach to therapy is client-centered and rooted in cultural humility and multicultural counseling.

Alumni Panelists Ashley Elliston-Cowher (she/her)

I graduated from undergrad at UM with majors in Psychology and Spanish and minors in CASC and IGR. After graduating, I attended the University of Michigan School of Social Work and graduated with my MSW in 2018. During the MSW program, I had a focus of Aging Adults in Society and Management of Human Services which landed me in a field placement at the Alzheimer's Association. After graduating, I was hired as a social worker/ program coordinator at the Alzheimer's Association where I worked for more than a year before transition into a Research Administration role back at University of Michigan with LSA. My long-term goals involve non-profit management and work with foundations and grants, so my current position is helping me build the skills I need to better understand concepts in finance and grant funding. My recent volunteer experiences include being a delivery driver with Meals on Wheels, build days with Habitat for Humanity, and most recently phone backing with MI Dems.

Victoria (Vi) Thach (she/her)

Victoria (Vi) Thach is currently serving her second year at J.W. Sexton High School as the college adviser. As an alumna of J.W. Sexton and inspired by her own college adviser at Sexton, she is excited to give back to her community by serving-low income, first-generation, and underrepresented students through Michigan College Advising Corps at UM: Center for Educational Outreach. As a Vietnamese American and proud first-generation student herself, the issue of equity within education was something that stayed with her as she made her way through the public education system. Victoria holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and two minors: Community, Action, and Social Change and Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies

Brittney Williams (she/her)

Brittney Williams is a 2017 MSW graduate of the University of Michigan School of Social Work, where she studied Interpersonal Practice with a focus on Aging in Families and Society. During her studies, she was a member of the Geriatric Scholarship Program cohort, and received the Vivian A. and James L. Curtis Endowed Scholarship for Geriatric Social Work. She is currently a Medical Case Manager at Health Emergency Lifeline Programs (HELP), a social service agency which serves people living with HIV. In her work at HELP, Brittney has been a strong advocate for the unique needs of people aging with HIV, and has utilized her tailored skill set to assist colleagues outside of case management who are also serving older adult clients. Her hope is that with continued advocacy and a substantial amount of hard work, the voices of older adults will be elevated, and their needs will no longer be treated as burdensome, or an afterthought.

Leontine Wallace (she/her)

I am a Registered Nurse. I started my education at Mott Community College and transferred in to the University of Michigan School of Nursing as a Sophomore. I received my BSN and CASC minor in 2015. I had wonderful experiences providing service during my education in Southfield and Hamtramck, Michigan and Quito, Ecuador. These experiences strengthened my passion for home/community based health initiatives. After graduating I worked as a New Graduate Float Nurse at the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids. Before becoming a nurse I was a Doula and attended to a woman in labor for the first time when I was 18. For the past 12 years I have attended to women in hospitals around the lower peninsula as a Doula. In 2017 I worked as the Lactation Counselor/RN for Pediatric Care Corner in West Bloomfield. Recently, I opened my own business, Mother Strong Maternal Infant Health Program, LLC. Mother Strong MIHP is a home visiting program for pregnant women and infants eligible for Medicaid in Genesee and Shiawassee counties that provides parenting education, birth education, breastfeeding support, free transportation to and from medical/WIC appointments, mental health support, and connections to community resources.

March 3, 2021 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Congratulations! Newly admitted MSW Students can connect virtually with Current MSW students regarding the MSW program!

What's the program really like? Where is your field placement? What do social work students do for fun? What is Ann Arbor like in the Winter? Join an MSW student as well as other admitted MSW students for a live webchat about the School of Social Work.  Our MSW students are excited to answer any questions that you have and share their feedback about the program. 

Click here to RSVP »

March 3, 2021 - 5:30pm to 7:30pm

The Certificate in Integrated Behavioral Health and Primary Care - Dual Track is designed for clinicians -- such as social workers, nurses, care managers, psychologists, and physicians -- who are interested in the distinct considerations for providing integrated care to both pediatric and adult populations. Participants will gain assessment, intervention, and consultation skills; will learn strategies to apply these skills in the workplace; and will link with a peer distance learning community to practice new skills and discuss ideas...

Registration for this course is closed. Visit the CE Course Catalog for more offerings.

March 3, 2021 - 6:00pm to 7:00pm

The Certificate in Integrated Behavioral Health and Primary Care - Pediatric Track is designed for direct practitioners -- social workers, nurses, care managers, psychologists and physicians -- who provide services in an integrated health care setting serving children, youth, adolescents and families, or those interested in providing care in a pediatric integrated health care setting. Participants will gain the knowledge and skills associated with providing consultation, screening, assessment, and interventions in primary care settings that serve the distinct developmental and systems of care needs for the pediatric population...

Registration for this course is closed. Visit the CE Course Catalog for more offerings.

March 3, 2021 - 6:00pm to 7:00pm

The Certificate in Integrated Behavioral Health and Primary Care - Adult Track is designed for clinicians -- such as social workers, nurses, care managers, psychologists, and physicians -- who deliver or plan to deliver integrated health services, and who serve populations often presenting with complex needs in physical health, mental health, and substance use. Participants will gain assessment, intervention, and consultation skills; will learn strategies to apply these skills in the workplace; and will link with a peer distance learning community to practice new skills and discuss ideas...

Registration for this course is closed. Visit the CE Course Catalog for more offerings.

March 4, 2021 - 12:00pm to 1:30pm

From the fight for a fair wage, to business closures during a pandemic, to a historic lack of job opportunities for specifically Black individuals in Detroit - race-based economic and social suppression was systemically and strategically created in Detroit. This special virtual discussion focuses on the work of Detroit activists and leaders who have dedicated their lives to helping create a more economically just and mobile city.

Special guests include the Michigan Executive Director of Mother Justice, Eboni Taylor; Executive Director of the Economic Justice Alliance of Michigan (EJAM), DeWayne Wells; and Dr. Alicia Farris, Chief Operations Officer of the Restaurant Opportunities Center (ROC). 

Field credit is offered to students attending this session. Students should check with their field faculty supervisors for more information.

Event Recording

Presentation Slides

March 4, 2021 - 5:00pm to 6:30pm

Join us a for a panel discussion and mixer with CASC Minor alumni. Panelists will share their stories and journey engaging in social justice and change work. Learn more about their academic career as undergraduate students, experience in the minor, and the challenges, and lessons learned about applications of social justice "in the real world".

March 5, 2021 - 12:30pm to 1:30pm

Matthew A. Solit, LMSW, Director of Psychotherapy Services with Lansing Institute of Behavioral Medicine will present about clinical social work and opportunities for a post-MSW fellowship at his organization.

Zoom meeting information has been emailed to the community. Contact Michelle Woods for more information.

March 9, 2021 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm

What's the program really like? Where is your field placement? What do social work students do for fun? Join an MSW student as well as other prospective MSW students for a live webchat about the School of Social Work.  Our MSW students are excited to answer any questions that you have and share their feedback about the program. 

Click here to RSVP »

March 9, 2021 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Interested in learning more about the Community Action and Social Change minor? Join an info session to learn more.

These informationals provide an opportunity to learn more about the minor, requirements, course offerings, the msw prefered admissions program, and other opportunities to get involved in programs, events, and other experiences in the minor. We invite you to join us for a virtual presentation Tuesday, March 9th, from 12 - 1PM. 

In order to join, complete the RSVP below. The zoom link and official invitation will be sent the day before the event, via email.

We look forward to meeting you!

RSVP

March 10, 2021 - 5:00pm to 6:30pm

Join us a for a panel discussion and mixer with CASC Minor alumni. Panelists will share their stories and journey engaging in social justice and change work. Learn more about their academic career as undergraduate students, experience in the minor, and the challenges, and lessons learned about applications of social justice "in the real world", moderated by danny alvarez.

March 10, 2021 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

An admissions representative will be attending the LSA Opportunity Hub Grad School Fair to share information about U-M's MSW and PhD programs.

March 11, 2021 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Note: This course is available for free to U-M SSW alumni as part of our Alumni Webinar Series, which features invited alumni speakers. Please know that non-alumni participants are welcome to register as well!

Nationally, 2% of youth who have experienced foster care graduate with a bachelor's degree despite 80% reporting they have aspirations to attend college. Further, over 60,000 people identify as homeless on the FAFSA each year but are also underrepresented at graduation. Facilitators will share the unique needs of this student population and how family privilege impacts success in college. Participants will learn strategies for being a supportive adult and how to positively impact the campus culture for students from foster care or homelessness.

Registration for this course is closed. Visit the CE Course Catalog for more offerings.

March 11, 2021 - 3:00pm to 4:30pm

Todd Herrenkohl, Marion Elizabeth Blue Professor of Children and Families announces a new lecture series, Advances in Child Maltreatment Prevention. This is an annual lecture that focuses on global child maltreatment prevention.

The Advances in Child Maltreatment Prevention speaker series features the work of leading prevention and child welfare scholars engaged in efforts to strengthen and reform child‑serving systems. The series provides a forum for new and emerging knowledge from the social sciences and the helping professions that can improve the health and well-being of vulnerable children and their families.

March 11, 2021 - 5:30pm to 7:00pm

In the passion we have about our professional goals, there may be times when we miss out on unanticipated opportunities and new directions that we may never have considered. A panel of UM SSW graduates will provide tips to help MSW students seize new and unexpected opportunities and develop practice and employment readiness NOW.

March 11, 2021 - 6:00pm to 7:00pm

What's the program really like? Where is your field placement? What do social work students do for fun? Join an MSW student as well as other prospective MSW students for a live webchat about the School of Social Work.  Our MSW students are excited to answer any questions that you have and share their feedback about the program. 

Click here to RSVP »

March 12, 2021 - 9:00am to 12:15pm

This webinar will offer a working definition of terms, including Transgender, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Intersex, Gender Nonconforming, Non-Binary, Intersex, Gender Transition, and Ally. Language and terminology will be examined with emphasis on using affirming language and avoiding offensive terminology...

Registration for this course is closed. Visit the CE Course Catalog for more offerings.

March 12, 2021 - 12:00pm to 1:30pm

MSW Virtual Open House is focused on providing information for students admitted to or applying for the MSW program. 

This online session will address many questions that students have before starting the MSW program. Faculty, staff, and students of the MSW program will be available to discuss the curriculum, field placement, career services, the student experience, and more. There will be an opportunity to ask questions during the session. Join us!

Click here to view recording »

 

Session Slides »

Question & Answer Log »

 

March 12, 2021 - 6:00pm to 7:00pm

We invite you to a community conversation about feelings of burnout within the MSW program. We have heard from some students that they are experiencing higher levels of stress and feelings of burnout. This is a time for conversation - ask questions, raise concerns, and talk together as a school community. To aid the conversation, space will be limited. (We know it's coming up soon, so if you miss it, don't fear! If there is a lot of interest in this topic, we can hold another session soon.)

About the Format

A few students and faculty have decided to try something different - smaller community conversations. Our hope is that this can take topics that lend themselves better to verbal dialogue off of email and into a face-to-face (or screen-to-screen!) environment. We will draw heavily on practices from intergroup dialogue and restorative justice

Zoom link will be sent out the day of the event. Please RSVP below to receive the link:

RSVP here »

March 15, 2021 - 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Join us while Dr. William Darity and Kirsten Mullen discuss their book, "From Here to Equality: Reparations for Black Americans in the Twenty-First Century" followed by a discussion and Q&A with Professor Trina Shanks and Dr. Earl Lewis.

March 15, 2021 - 6:00pm to 7:00pm

What's the program really like? Where is your field placement? What do social work students do for fun? Join an MSW student as well as other prospective MSW students for a live webchat about the School of Social Work.  Our MSW students are excited to answer any questions that you have and share their feedback about the program. 

Click here to RSVP »

March 16, 2021 - 8:30am to March 18, 2021 5:00pm

This three-day summit focuses on anti-racism, advocacy and how to support BIPOC communities. 

Please be aware that email addresses will be shared with SWHelper, the summit cohost. 

Past SWHelper events have been the target of "zoom bombing" so please take precautions with the email address with which you register.

Tuesday-Thursday, 3/16-18, 2021

RSVP

March 16, 2021 - 5:00pm

We invite you to a community conversation about fall semester. As you know, the University President has announced "a responsible return to in-person education and a residential fall." This is a time for conversation - ask questions, raise concerns, and talk together as a school community. To aid the conversation, space will be limited. (We know it's coming up soon, so if you miss it, don't fear!  If there is a lot of interest in this topic, we can hold another session soon.)

About the format. A few students and faculty have decided to try something different - smaller community conversations. Our hope is that this can take topics that lend themselves better to verbal dialogue off of email and into a face-to-face (or screen-to-screen!) environment. We will draw heavily on practices from intergroup dialogue and restorative justice.

RSVP here »

March 17, 2021 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm

What's the program really like? Where is your field placement? What do social work students do for fun? Join an MSW student as well as other prospective MSW students for a live webchat about the School of Social Work.  Our MSW students are excited to answer any questions that you have and share their feedback about the program. 

Click here to RSVP »

March 18, 2021 - 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Join us for our March meeting to build community collaboration and continue the conversation about anti-racist practice and actions. 

Undoing Racism is a community collective of students, staff, and faculty in the School of Social Work dedicated to fighting white supremacy at individual, school and structural levels. This workgroup was established in 2019 after the community took part in the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond Undoing Racism workshops, and builds on their anti-racist community organizing model. Our work has been largely focused on building collective community and emphasizes the role that white members of our community must take on to dismantle and undo white supremacist structures. 

We know there are many important efforts going on at SSW; Undoing Racism will amplify all these efforts, including the advocacy sparked by MSW and Doctoral students. No matter what role you play here at SSW, you are always welcome and encouraged to come to Undoing Racism meetings.

RSVP Here »

March 18, 2021 - 6:30pm to 9:00pm

Join the Jewish Communal Leadership Program (JCLP) for a panel discussion about the transformative potential of interfaith work.

In the wake of a year shaped by a global pandemic, protests for racial justice, extreme political polarization, and more, so many in and outside the Jewish community are facing personal crises and family tragedies. Through it all, we have seen communities respond to those in need by forming and expanding mutual aid networks, advocating for comprehensive safety protocols and transparency, highlighting inequalities, and finding ways to stay connected in the midst of so much physical isolation. Faith-based and interfaith organizations have been uniquely positioned to offer support in this time.

We are so excited to explore this subject with five distinguished interfaith professionals:

Aziza Hazan
Executive Director of NewGround: A Muslim Jewish Partnership for Change

Reverend Amanda Henderson
Director of the Institute of Religion, Politics & Culture at the Iliff School of Theology, Former Executive Director of the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado

Pastor Aramis Hinds
Executive Director of the Bethel Community Transformation Center and lead pastor at Breakers Covenant Church in Detroit

Rabbi Andrea London
Rabbi at Beth Emet in Chicago, Former Co-Chair of JCUA's Jewish-Muslim Community Building Initiative Advisory Committee

Rabbi Samuel L. Spector
Rabbi at Congregation Kol Ami in Salt Lake City

Event Recording

March 19, 2021 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Congratulations! Newly admitted MSW Students can connect virtually with Current MSW students regarding the MSW program!

What's the program really like? Where is your field placement? What do social work students do for fun? What is Ann Arbor like in the Winter? Join an MSW student as well as other admitted MSW students for a live webchat about the School of Social Work.  Our MSW students are excited to answer any questions that you have and share their feedback about the program. 

Click here to RSVP »

March 19, 2021 - 2:00pm to 3:30pm

The Child Welfare Association alongside the SSW Student Union are proud to present:

This presentation is an overview suggesting the expansion of Clinical Social Workers' scope of practice to include Mind-Body-Spirit studies and techniques for the sake of achieving better therapeutic outcomes.

We encourage our audience to take time to watch Dr. Nadine Buke Harris's Ted Talk: How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime. Dr. Burke's Ted Talk provides viewers a better understanding of how high ACE Scores can impact the nervous system. This will help to give you an understanding of the importance of Mind Body Studies and the benefits that this practice can bring individuals.

Join us and feel free to share the attached flyer and email far and wide.

Click here to register »

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Please note the zoom link has changed from the original flyer. For questions regarding the event, please contact the Child Welfare Student Association Board at CWSA-Board@umich.edu. Thank you!

March 19, 2021 - 5:00pm to 6:00pm

Join us to heal, process, and grieve the recent killings of Asian American women in Atlanta, as well as the general rising anti-Asian American sentiment in and hate crimes targeting our communities. Discuss and learn how to report discrimination, deescalate hate (if you want these), and how we can hold space for each other during this time.

RSVP here »

March 22, 2021 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm

What's the program really like? Where is your field placement? What do social work students do for fun? Join an MSW student as well as other prospective MSW students for a live webchat about the School of Social Work.  Our MSW students are excited to answer any questions that you have and share their feedback about the program. 

Click here to RSVP »

March 22, 2021 - 4:30pm

We invite you to a community conversation about fall semester. As you know, the University President has announced "a responsible return to in-person education and a residential fall." This is a time for conversation - ask questions, raise concerns, and talk together as a school community. To aid the conversation, space will be limited. (We know it's coming up soon, so if you miss it, don't fear!  If there is a lot of interest in this topic, we can hold another session soon.)

About the format. A few students and faculty have decided to try something different - smaller community conversations. Our hope is that this can take topics that lend themselves better to verbal dialogue off of email and into a face-to-face (or screen-to-screen!) environment. We will draw heavily on practices from intergroup dialogue and restorative justice.

RSVP here »

March 23, 2021

March 23, 2021 - 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.

Click here to RSVP »

March 24, 2021 - 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Congratulations! Newly admitted MSW Students can connect virtually with Current MSW students regarding the MSW program!

What's the program really like? Where is your field placement? What do social work students do for fun? What is Ann Arbor like in the Winter? Join an MSW student as well as other admitted MSW students for a live webchat about the School of Social Work.  Our MSW students are excited to answer any questions that you have and share their feedback about the program. 

Click here to RSVP »

March 25, 2021 - 9:00am to 12:15pm

Note: This training is available for free to MDHHS-affiliated child welfare workers.

This webinar encourages participants to define and identify oppressive ideas and behaviors and their impact on marginalized populations. Participants will work collaboratively to examine individual biases and develop a plan to actively change individual and systematic oppressive actions.

Attendees will participate in lecture and small group discussions to be introduced, develop an increased awareness, and identify methods to disrupt practices of systematic oppression and their outcomes.

Registration for this course is closed. Visit the CE Course Catalog for more offerings.

March 25, 2021 - 12:00pm to 1:30pm

Homelessness and housing insecurity is an epidemic in our country, especially among Black and other communities of color. During a pandemic, these individuals end up being our most vulnerable. Linked to so many other systems of oppression, homelessness and housing insecurity is something as social workers that we are obligated to understand. Join us for this special virtual discussion featuring panelists who work on the frontline of Detroit’s housing insecurity to discuss how this issue has been exacerbated during the pandemic. Featured panelists include Lead Mobility Coach of Creating Opportunities to Succeed (COTS), Project Manager and Community Improvement Advisor for Built for Zero Nationals, Amber Elliott; and Courtney Smith, Executive Director of Detroit Phoenix Center.

Field credit is offered to students attending this session. Students should check with their field faculty supervisors for more information.

Event Recording

Presentation Slides

March 25, 2021 - 4:30pm to 5:30pm

The School of Social Work Alumni Relations Committee & Student Union Present:

Celebrating Social Work - Social Workers are Essential

Alumni and students come together to discuss how to learn and best practice social work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join us for breakout room discussions lead by members of the Alumni Relations Committee. Each breakout room will be dedicated to a specific topic suggested by the Student Union. Alumni will provide feedback, advice, and experience to students and each other in their breakout rooms.

Click to register »