Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Events

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! 

This will be a hybrid event.

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 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 19, 2025 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

ACLU will be hosting a ‘Know your Rights’ session tackling how the recent executive orders affect international students. This will be an informative session followed by space for questions and comments. 

In collaboration with the International Center, explore macro social work opportunities beyond the U.S. This session will feature discussions on global social work careers, challenges, and strategies for international 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 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 25, 2025 - 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM ET

Join us on March 25, 2025, from 12-1:30 pm in Blau Colloquium for an interdisciplinary conversation hosted by the Office of DEI for the School of Social Work and the Office of DEI at Ross. This event will bring together participants interested in the intersection of social work and business. All participants will engage in open dialogue about how these two disciplines connect and share common themes promoting wellness, leadership, and problem-solving. 

This dialogue session will use the World Café Model featuring rotating small-group discussions. 

Lunch is provided.

RSVP deadline is March 21st.

Register here »

March 27, 2025 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

Coalitions have long been powerful tools for driving change, uniting individuals and organizations around shared goals that extend beyond the capacity of any single entity. From information sharing to advocacy for major policy shifts, coalition-building is essential for fostering collaboration and impact.

This peer-led teach-in will provide foundational knowledge, tools, and skills to help students and organizations start or strengthen a coalition. Through interactive discussions and activities, participants will explore key aspects of coalition building, including defining its importance, understanding the steps involved, identifying necessary skills, and strategizing ways to overcome challenges.

To bring theory into action, the session will conclude with a creative advocacy sign-making activity. Participants will design and craft signs that amplify the messages of their causes, practicing coalition-building strategies in real time through collective advocacy.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Define coalition and its significance in advocacy and social change

Understand the steps involved in building a coalition

Identify key skills necessary for coalition-building

Recognize challenges and develop strategies to navigate them

Reflect on ways to enhance coalition-building efforts in their own communities

Join us for this engaging and hands-on session where we will learn, strategize, and create together!

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 7, 2025 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

The IMPACT Awards honors outstanding students, faculty, staff, and student organizations who have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts within the School of Social Work and/or the broader community. Up to three individuals and one group may receive this award.

Open to all current SSW students, faculty, staff, and registered student organizations.

Individuals may self-nominate or be nominated by another person or group.

Submission Deadline: Friday, March 21, 2025

Nomination Form

We encourage you to submit a nomination and help us celebrate the impactful work of our community!

This is a hybrid event. The Zoom link will be shared prior to the event. 

Click Here to Register

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 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

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 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 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 21, 2025 - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET

The mission of Building Power is to center community knowledge in the fight against white extremism. Often in academic spaces, we do not learn from the activists, community leaders and organizers doing the work in our communities. We want to flip this narrative and provide a space for community leaders to be the teachers, and for students to engage in this type of learning in an accessible way.

Register here »

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!