Education Providing Dynamic and Life-Changing Education to Prepare Future Social Work and Social Justice Leaders
The School of Social Work fosters a creative and transformative approach to education that reimagines social work training for the complex challenges of our time. By developing innovative teaching methods and a forward-thinking curriculum, the School is committed to preparing leaders equipped with essential skills like empathy, critical thinking, and the ability to bridge diverse perspectives. This educational vision goes beyond traditional learning models, focusing on creating accessible, inclusive programs that not only teach social work principles but also empower students to drive meaningful social change across various professional landscapes.
Building together, we will:
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Develop new educational programs and pedagogies to meet pressing needs
We will create new educational degrees and opportunities, broadening the reach of social work values into new settings and interdisciplinary and interprofessional fields.
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Make degree and non-degree programs more inclusive and accessible for all
We will work to develop creative approaches to address the cost of social work education and to increase access to all learners. This will include seeking alternative funding structures and continuing to innovate programs to make a Michigan social work education feasible for all students. We will also explore new models for academic advising and holistic support to enhance student success.
Underway
- Proposing a 30-credit MA in Social Impact Leadership
- Leading a state-wide consortium of universities to provide Title IV-E funding to support the costs of education for child welfare practitioners
Research Promoting Dynamic and Innovative Research to Address Complex Social Issues
The School of Social Work has long been a leader in research excellence that aims to address challenging social issues and create solutions to enhance the lives of people and the communities in which they live. Our faculty are leading ground-breaking research in communities locally and globally to tackle issues including poverty, mental health access, health equity, family well-being, and organizational and community change. Our faculty collaborate with community, agency, and policy partners to develop knowledge and drive new approaches. As we look to the future, we will build on this rich tradition and harness opportunities for pushing the limits of what social work research can achieve. We will continue to lead in dynamic, interdisciplinary and boundary-spanning research that tackles complex social issues.
Building together, we will:
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Elevate key areas of expertise and push into new social work research frontiers
We will build on and elevate current research expertise to contribute to evidence-based solutions while also examining new and emerging areas of social work. We will support research in new and underexplored areas, including emerging domains such as climate change, AI and technology, among others.
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Foster internal research synergy and connections
We will foster collaborative efforts within our research community by creating opportunities to learn from each other, share resources and leverage our collective knowledge to create impactful research projects.
Underway
- Monthly “Social Work Grand Rounds” speaker series addressing cutting-edge topics in social work research
- New faculty hires expanding key areas of social work, such as community-based intervention, computational data science, health equity and disability justice
Action Advancing and Accelerating Action for Public Good
The School of Social Work will be a leader in collaborating with communities to transform academic potential into tangible, real-world impact by actively working for social change. By strategically connecting teaching, research and service, the school will offer a dynamic ecosystem where students, staff, faculty and alumni can partner with the community to create powerful solutions to address pressing societal challenges.
Building together, we will:
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Deepen community partnerships
We will create and strengthen partnerships with community and policy leaders to tackle critical issues at the local, state, national, and global levels. This will include deepening relationships with alumni, field agencies, the social sector and other community partners.
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Translate knowledge into action to create meaningful community change
We will boost the impact of our research and practice models by ensuring findings are accessible to a non-academic audience. We will create resources that transform social work, influence policy and share best practices with a wider audience. This will include disseminating knowledge through open source and public forums, opinion pieces, policy briefs, continuing education, and toolkits, among others.
Underway
- Piloting a community and policy action hub to translate and communicate research findings to inform policy and community actions
- Continuing with initiatives such as the Democracy is Social Work events which brought together students, staff and faculty to engage in get-out-the-vote events on campus and in the community
School Culture Fostering a Vibrant and Inclusive Community
Our culture is the environment through which all ideas will be nurtured. This vision seeks to build a true sense of belonging where every member—students, staff and faculty—can contribute authentically and feel genuinely supported in their professional and personal development. By prioritizing a culture of mutual respect and collaborative growth, the School of Social Work will transform traditional academic environments into dynamic spaces where differences are actively appreciated as sources of innovation and understanding.
Building together, we will:
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Value our people, foster authentic and meaningful relationships
We will create a community where everyone is appreciated for their unique contributions—one that fosters relationships, belonging, and teamwork. We will actively support work-life balance and professional development, promote wellness and celebrate achievements. We will strive for a culture where all members can flourish.
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Embrace differences and unique perspectives
A diverse community does not always agree. Embracing differences and challenging ideas leads to growth. We will be a community that recognizes the importance of listening to understand and adopting a "both/and" culture that recognizes there is not always one correct approach or one right solution.
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Build trust through transparency and open communication
We will create new opportunities for information sharing by soliciting feedback and open dialogue. We will promote an environment that embraces and engages in productive conversations, even if those discussions may be challenging, and we will embed these practices into all aspects of our work. Throughout, we will examine our policies, practices and structures to advance transparency and efficiency.
Underway
- Staff Engagement Committee organizes events to bring the community together and celebrate staff contributions
- Community Conversations supports students, staff and faculty in developing skills for dialogue with others on challenging topics and critical issues