I am incredibly pleased to share our strategic vision for the School of Social Work, “Building Tomorrow Together,” created to align with the University of Michigan’s priorities. Our vision represents over a year of collective engagement and features the voices of our broad social work community, including hours of participatory sessions with undergraduate and graduate students, staff, faculty, field instructors, community members, and alumni. Through multiple workshops, interactive activities, small group discussions, and reflection events, we worked together to craft a vision for the School of Social Work’s future.
The title intentionally reflects the need for all of our community—students, alumni, supporters, community partners, staff, and faculty—to work together to achieve our vision. The act of building tomorrow asks all of us to see ourselves as creators and participants in building the future of the School.
The vision is meant to be a compass rather than a detailed map or a specific blueprint and will help guide annual planning efforts at the school level.
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Education:
Providing Dynamic and Life-Changing Education to Prepare Future Social Work and Social Justice Leaders -
Research:
Promoting Dynamic and Innovative Research to Address Complex Social Issues -
Action:
Advancing and Accelerating Action for Public Good -
School Culture:
Fostering a Vibrant and Inclusive Community
I would like to thank the School’s Strategic Vision Advisory Task Force for their work in guiding the process, with a special thanks to its leader, Katie Richards-Schuster, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Strategic Initiatives.
For over 100 years, the School of Social Work has been a leader in reaching out, raising hope, and changing society. Now more than ever, our School has an important role to play in shaping the future. We hope you will join us as we shape the future and build tomorrow together.
Go Blue!
Beth Angell
Dean and Phillip Fellin Collegiate Professor of Social Work