Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Events

February 24, 2025 - 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM ET

Join us for the Black Excellence Celebration! Members of the Social Work community will be recognized for the work they have done that uplifts the Black Community. Cuppy's Best soul food dinner will be provided!

This event will be held in person.

Register here »

February 25, 2025 - 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM ET

Join Student Government Officers, in collaboration with School leadership and the DEI Office, for an informational session on immigration rights, immigration policy updates, and a community Q&A with the Michigan Immigration Rights Center.  Food will be offered for in-person attendees. 

This event is a hybrid option and will be held in person and over Zoom. The Zoom link will be shared prior to the event.

Register here »

February 26, 2025 - 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM ET

Join us in building a supportive and empowering community for BIPOC and international students, staff, and faculty at the School of Social Work!

We know that networking and mentorship seem daunting, especially with so much going on in the world. This is a space designed for you, where your voice is centered, your experiences are valued, and meaningful connections can begin.

This gathering is an informal icebreaker—a chance to meet others, share experiences, and explore opportunities for intergenerational mentorship and networking. Your input will also help us shape future programming that truly reflects the needs of our community.

Click Here to Register

February 27, 2025 - 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM ET

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. No matter what role you play here at SSW, you are always welcome and encouraged to come to Undoing Racism meetings.

Click here to RSVP

March 13, 2025 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET

Safety is subjective and context dependent, and as such, a structured physical safety training program tailored to empower social workers enables social workers from all different backgrounds and life experiences to protect themselves. And, by equipping social workers with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate various safety challenges, we can ensure a more comprehensive and responsive approach to service delivery in both micro and macro social work settings.

Physical Safety Training for Social Workers will provide participants with tools to appropriately address work-place physical safety risks through practice of verbal boundary setting and physical self-defense skills. The skills taught in this course are intended to be easy to use and easy to remember; and are meant to be accessible for a range of physical abilities, and adaptations will be taught as needed.

Visit the CE Course Catalog »

March 17, 2025 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

Kick off the Macro-Pathway Career Fair with an engaging panel discussion with seasoned SSW Macro faculty exploring the question, “What happened to the Macro in Social Work?” Bring your questions for an interactive Q&A session to start the week with inspiration and guidance! 

Partners/Sponsors: Community Change pathway, Management Leadership pathway, Policy & Political pathway, Program Evaluation and Applied Research pathway, SSW Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and SSW Career Services.

Click Here to Register

March 18, 2025 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

Connect with leading employers in macro social work! This career fair allows students to explore internships and job openings, network with hiring professionals, and learn about macro roles in diverse organizations. The Field Office and Macro Pathway Leads will also be present to discuss field placement opportunities.

Partners/Sponsors: Community Change pathway, Management Leadership pathway, Policy & Political pathway, Program Evaluation and Applied Research pathway, SSW Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and SSW Career Services.

Click Here to Register

March 20, 2025 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

Hear from social work alumni who have successfully built careers in macro practice. This panel will provide real-world advice on job searching, skill-building, and career growth in policy, advocacy, and leadership roles. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from those who have been in your shoes!

Partners/Sponsors: Community Change pathway, Management Leadership pathway, Policy & Political pathway, Program Evaluation and Applied Research pathway, SSW Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, SSW Career Services, and Common Roots. 

Click Here to Register

March 21, 2025 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

Wrap up the Macro-Pathway Career Fair week with a networking lunch featuring social work leaders, faculty, and peers. Engage in meaningful conversations, exchange contact information, and take home valuable resources to support your career journey. Enjoy light refreshments and connect with professionals who share your passion for macro practice.

Partners/Sponsors: Community Change pathway, Management Leadership pathway, Policy & Political pathway, Program Evaluation and Applied Research pathway, SSW Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, SSW Career Services, and Common Roots. 

Click Here to Register

March 27, 2025 - 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM ET

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. No matter what role you play here at SSW, you are always welcome and encouraged to come to Undoing Racism meetings. 

Click here to RSVP

April 17, 2025 - 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM ET

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. No matter what role you play here at SSW, you are always welcome and encouraged to come to Undoing Racism meetings. 

Click here to RSVP

February 17, 2025 - 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM ET

The Unity in Diversity Dinner event is back for the Winter 2025 Term!

Co-sponsored by the Office of Global Activities, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and the Global Social Work Practice Pathway, this event aims to bring together all members of the SSW community who are interested in engaging in conversations about social justice from a global lens. Join us to connect with the SSW global community, discuss ways that social justice issues manifest in our different home communities, and enjoy foods that tell stories about diverse cultural backgrounds.

The event will feature small-group discussion tables and participants will choose which topic they would like to engage with. Participants will have the opportunity to rotate to different tables to discuss more than one theme. Please use the form below to indicate which topics you are most interested in discussing.

Light refreshments representing a variety of global cuisines will be served at the event!

Kindly note that the deadline to fill out this RSVP form is Friday, February 14 at 12:00 PM.

Click here to register

February 12, 2025 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

Join us as we commemorate Black Love Day, observed annually on February 13th. This day is dedicated to celebrating love, forgiveness, and acceptance within Black communities.

We are honored to welcome Dr. Natalie Malone, a counseling psychologist trainee, researcher, and yoga instructor, whose work centers on the sexual, spiritual, and holistic wellness of Black women. Dr. Malone’s intentional integration of social justice, embodied healing, and holistic wellness offers an inspiring approach to fostering love and healing within ourselves and our communities.

Come connect, reflect, and uplift as we celebrate the beauty and power of Black love.

This event is virtual and the Zoom link will be shared prior to the event. 

Click Here to Register

February 3, 2025 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

As we dive into the new semester, we are excited to invite you to our Winter Writing Retreat—a perfect opportunity to kickstart your writing projects, applications, and assignments with support and camaraderie.

Our retreat is open to students, staff, and faculty, offering a relaxed environment to make progress on your individual writing endeavors. Whether you’re crafting a research paper, working on your application for a Global Independent Study (due March 2nd), polishing up your resume, or simply looking to carve out focused writing time, this event is for you!

Here's what you can expect:

One-on-One Consultations: Meet with our Writing & Study Skills Coordinator, Betsy Williams from Career Services feedback and guidance.

Quiet Writing Spaces: Enjoy designated areas for focused writing.

Community Support: Connect with fellow writers, share progress, and stay motivated.

Refreshments: Complimentary snacks and beverages to keep you energized.

Held in collaboration with the Office of Global Activities, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Career Services. 

Register here »

January 21, 2025 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

The National Day of Racial Healing – always held the Tuesday after Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – centers around experiences rooted in truth-telling, offering people, organizations and communities a day set aside for racial healing, bringing people together to take collective action for a more just and equitable world.

This event is a hybrid option and will be held in person and over Zoom.

Register here »

January 16, 2025 - 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM ET

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. No matter what role you play here at SSW, you are always welcome and encouraged to come to Undoing Racism meetings. 

Click here to RSVP

December 10, 2024 - 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM ET

Join us for an engaging workshop on "Bridging Perspectives: Social Work and Lived Experience in Incarceration," where we aim to facilitate understanding and collaboration between social work professionals and individuals with lived experience in incarceration.

This workshop offers a unique opportunity to delve into the intersection of social work and incarceration, focusing on the importance of acknowledging and incorporating the perspectives of those who have been incarcerated into social work practice.

Throughout the session, participants will engage in interactive discussions, personal narratives, and skill-building activities designed to foster empathy, understanding, and effective intervention strategies.

Register here »

December 5, 2024 - 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM ET

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. No matter what role you play here at SSW, you are always welcome and encouraged to come to Undoing Racism meetings.

Click Here to Register

December 5, 2024 - 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET

Join us for a lively coffee and tea hour as we celebrate International Human Rights Day. Don't miss this chance to connect and learn in a relaxed and friendly setting!

November 21, 2024 - 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM ET

Join us for our monthly Coffee Hour, an event for social work students to come together, socialize, and engage in meaningful conversations. Don't miss this chance to connect and learn in a relaxed and friendly setting!

November 19, 2024 - 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET

Join us for a screening and panel discussion of the documentary Warrior Lawyers: Defenders of Sacred Justice.

Our panelists, including Audrey Geyer, film director, and Matthew Fletcher from the University of Michigan Law School, will explore the film's themes of Indigenous legal activism and the fight to protect sacred lands and treaty rights. The event will start with watching the movie and then a hybrid discussion will take place starting at 7:25 pm.

This event, is being hosted by the DEI Office in collaboration with the LatinX and Indigenous Social Work Alliance.

All are welcome to attend this important discussion, and we encourage students, staff, and faculty to participate.

Register here »

November 18, 2024 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM ET

Panel discussion to commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance. 

Register here »

November 10, 2024 - 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM ET

The purpose of the Electoral Wellness (Civic Engagement & Mental/Emotional Wellbeing) series is to invite the SSW DEI community into an ongoing conversation about power and hope during the Fall 2024 election cycle in a way that is meant to build trust and self-awareness. This experiential series will allow SSW students, faculty, and staff to build relationships in a setting that is grounded in restorative justice practices such as trust-building and active listening. This calendar of three sessions will use interactive activities to support participants in engaging in mindfulness and collective visioning as tools to protect hopefulness and plan for a socially just future in the face of uncertainty and political unrest.

Outcomes: Participants will

Experience Restorative Justice values in practice 

Engage in self-awareness by naming feelings through the use of art

Examine power checks and balances within National and State Governments

Explore electoral hopes and fears

Discuss practices for discussing the election with clients

Practice grounding tools in the space that can be used with clients in the field

Engage in a collective visioning exercise

Process emotions following the 2024 election

This 3 part series will conclude on zoom with a post-election collective visioning session and an election processing space.

Click Here to Register