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School of Social Work
College of Health and Human Sciences

Social Work Commitment to Access and Success

Colorado State University's Land Grant Mission

Inspired by Colorado State University’s land-grant heritage and mission, we in the School of Social Work are committed to excellence, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service, and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.

CSU’s School of Social Work acknowledges and embraces the myriad characteristics that make each of us exceptional, within an atmosphere that promotes and celebrates individual and collective achievement. The School respects, honors, and values individual differences and ideas. Using a lens of intersectionality, and in alignment with the values and principles stated in the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, each person is treated with dignity, care, and respect.

BSW students at fall picnic 2017 standing together and smiling

Teaching

SOWK 130 - Identity, Power, and Social Justice

We are proud to offer this AUCC-1C course to students across campus to share social work ethics and values with students from all majors.

This course teaches students about the historic atrocities and injustices that continue to shape socialization, perpetuating oppression and normalizing power based on identity. There is discussion around identity, privilege, oppression, intersectionality, and social location applied to different individuals and groups. Students apply their learning to advocate for equity and inclusion of all people.

SOWK 330 - Dismantling Privilege and Oppression

Knowledge and skill in deconstructing one’s own identity, privilege, and oppression to apply that process of understanding to a client’s unique intersecting identities creating culturally sensitive social work practices.

SOWK 352 - Indigenous Women, Children, and Tribes

Historical and contemporary lives of women, children, and tribal communities.

SOWK 530 - Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice

Developing anti-oppressive practice with a focus on multiculturalism and social justice advocacy. Critically evaluate personal traits, attitudes, and values regarding diversity and identity formation while exploring theoretical frameworks for understanding oppression. Analyze the relationships among power, privilege, and oppression. Acquiring strategies for combating injustice.

Student Stories

First-generation student experience – Anahi Orozco

Anahi Orozco is a first-generation student in the School of Social Work at Colorado State University. Through support from family, friends, and various CSU programs, Orozco has excelled during her time at CSU. After her studies, Orozco’s career goal is to help give the youth a voice.

Colorado State University Social Work student Anahi Orozco smiles on CSU's campus.

Outstanding School of Social Work graduate sets up success for future students

Alex Diggs, a recent graduate from the School of Social Work at Colorado State University, has dedicated himself to change-making efforts during his time as a student. Through creating a new undergraduate position at the Student Disability Center to help fellow undergraduates, Diggs has spearheaded numerous community-building efforts at CSU.

Colorado State University Social Work student Alex Diggs smiles on CSU's campus.

Outstanding School of Social Work graduate champions support for veterans

Inez Jackson, a recent graduate from the School of Social Work at Colorado State University, discovered her passion for helping veterans through the lens of social work. Since Jackson’s start at CSU, she has immersed herself in opportunities to become a change agent.

Colorado State University Social Work student Inez Jackson smiles on CSU's campus.

Outstanding School of Social Work graduate balances life, service, and growth

Eric Benson is a recent graduate of the Master of Social Work Program in the School of Social Work at Colorado State University. Through his time in the program, Benson was determined to not lose sight of his life’s pieces that made him whole.

Colorado State University Social Work student Eric Benson smiles on CSU's campus.

Outreach

The Center for Lifelong Learning, Outreach, and Education – CLOE aims to provide research-based professional development opportunities for social workers and social service providers throughout the state of Colorado.

Center for Lifelong Learning, Outreach, and Education - CLOE
Graduates on the Oval

Research

Reducing social isolation among young adults living with advanced cancer

Jen Currin-McCulloch, assistant professor, through funding from The American Cancer Society, investigated factors that facilitate and hinder hope among young adults diagnosed with advanced cancers. Through her study, she discovered the devastating impacts of cancer treatment on young adults’ physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. Her current work focuses on the role of group intervention in reducing social isolation, depression, anxiety, despair, and internalized stigma.

Jennifer Currin-McCulloch

Exploring ways to expand the effectiveness of a youth violence prevention program

Anne Williford, associate professor and Ph.D. program director, and Jamie Yoder, associate professor received a Spencer Foundation Small Research Grant to examine the post-high school effects of a high school-based prevention program. In collaboration with faculty from Human Development and Family Studies, the researchers will use the funding to evaluate the impact of “Sources of Strength,” a prevention program that aims to use peer social networks to change school culture. It is designed to help high school students enhance healthy coping skills, develop help-seeking habits, and form positive relationships with other youth and adults.

Colorado State University School of Social Work associate professor Anne Williford smiles on CSU's campus.

Addressing rights, policies, and well-being among immigrants in the U.S.

Combined with existing barriers to citizenship, attitudes towards immigrants can negatively impact their overall well-being, says Assistant Professor Elizabeth Kiehne. “Ambivalent attitudes toward immigrants in the U.S. have long guided immigration policy, resulting in a large and socially undervalued immigrant population that is partially integrated but not legally recognized,” said Kiehne, noting how the nation’s increase in federal immigration enforcement has led to violations of internationally recognized human rights and “core social work values.” Kiehne is leading two community-based participatory action research studies that aim to improve macro-oriented social work practice among immigrant populations in the U.S.

csu school of social work assistant professor elizabeth kiehne

Get Involved

We value and encourage participation by students of all backgrounds in our school activities. Check out these opportunities for ways you can get involved.

Committee for Social Justice

The Committee for Social Justice is a group of faculty and student leaders who recognize the need to welcome and honor people of all races, genders, creeds, cultures, and sexual orientations, while valuing intellectual curiosity and integrity. To learn more, please contact Sofia Gentry or Rachel Selby.

Student Association of Social Workers

The Student Association of Social Workers (SASW) was created to give voice to students from all degree programs at School Council (meetings where important decisions about the school are made). Students are encouraged to participate in advocating for what they believe is best for the student body and the school. Learn more about SASW and how to get involved.

Queer Umbrella

Queer Umbrella creates space for queer folx and allies from across degree programs to come together for support, community, and connection. For more information, please contact Jen Currin-McCulloch.

 

 

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  • 39% First-Generation Students
  • 33% Racially Minoritized Students
  • 21% Nontraditional Students