SSW DEI Strategic Plan

The School of Social Work's 5-year DEI strategy (2016-2021) seeks to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion to benefit and bring together all members of the SSW community.

Plan Summary

Beginning in September 2015, the School of Social Work (SSW) engaged in a seven-month planning activity to improve diversity, equity and inclusion at the School in the context of the School’s vision, mission and goals. The social work profession and code of ethics mandate that the School works for justice and to reduce the inequities of poverty, exclusion, exploitation, violence, powerlessness and the dominance of particular cultural norms and values. Thus, the SSW has attended to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion over time. Because the mission of social work and its emphasis on field experience (the social work “signature pedagogy”) involve communities outside U-M, students and faculty undertake research and training on many issues, as well as an examination of our own institutional practices. In this plan, we identify areas where we need to consolidate and maintain, as well as key priorities for intensive work towards new or renewed goals related to diversity, equity and inclusion.

DEI Climate Survey Results and Discussions

The 2021-22 academic year marked the conclusion of the university’s initial Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Five-Year Plan, known as DEI 1.0. After a year of evaluation, the university has released climate surveys, which were conducted across all schools and units, and will help guide the planning process for the next strategic plan, DEI 2.0. Linked below are the climate surveys for the School of Social Work:

• Students
• Faculty
• Special Faculty
• Staff

This content is complex and confusing. We are discussing the survey findings within the various constituency groups. Faculty reviewed and discussed this information at their Faculty Meeting on October 12. Upcoming conversations include:

• Thursday, November 17, 12-2 PM — DEI Climate Survey Presentation to Staff 
• Tuesday, December 6, 12-2 PM — Student Town Hall
• Monday, December 12, 5-6:30 PM — A discussion for those covered in the Special Faculty Report (Lecturers, Postdocs, Field Faculty)* 

We strongly encourage you to discuss these surveys and share your reactions on the SSW Forum. These reports help us recognize where we are, where we have been and where we need to go. We encourage you to attend one of these presentations and participate in the discussion — in person or on the forum. All voices are necessary and valued. 

*If you are unsure you are part of this group, please contact Dillion Cathro: acathro@umich.edu.

Summary of DEI 1.0 Strategic Plan Implementation

• DEI 1.0 Summary Report

Plan Highlights

• SSW DEI Year 4 Highlights

Plans

• SSW DEI Year 5 Plan
• SSW DEI Year 4 Plan
• SSW DEI Year 3 Plan
• SSW DEI Year 2 Plan
• Full Strategic Plan

Partners

These offices are among the many we work with to support and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion:

School of Social Work

University of Michigan