School of Social Work Our Shared Goals
Research
Conduct high impact interdisciplinary research, which incorporates principles of social, economic, and environmental justice and seeks to improve lives and well-being for all.
- Maintain the highest standards of ethical scientific integrity and inquiry.
- Advance the social work knowledge base regarding diverse populations by conducting culturally responsive research.
- Move the social work field of practice forward through increasing peer reviewed, research-based publications, presentations, and student mentoring.
- Increase interdisciplinary research and grant activities to enhance theoretical innovation, scientific methodology, and outcomes.
- Conduct translational research responsive to Social Work Grand Challenges and emerging trends impacting social work practice and policy.
Teaching, Mentoring, and Advising
Through exemplary teaching, mentoring, and advising, prepare students with critical-thinking and practice skills to generate change that advances social, economic, and environmental justice and improves human well-being.
- Maintain high retention and graduation rates through exemplary advising, teaching, and mentoring.
- Provide high-impact, experiential learning opportunities such as field education, practicums, service learning, study abroad, and community engagement.
- Advise and mentor students for leadership, professional development and lifelong learning.
- Create a culture of challenging academic standards and expectations based on theoretically informed scientific inquiry and best practices.
- Infuse cultural diversity and inclusion across the curriculum and the learning environment.
- Educate students to apply critical thinking to analyze current systems, formulate interventions and advocate for improved human rights and well-being.
Outreach, Service, and Engagement
The School of Social Work will lead engagement between the University and communities to promote life-long learning and advance social, economic, and environmental justice.
- Actively engage with local and global communities to promote enhanced service quality and equity for all persons.
- Engage in academic-community partnerships to conduct and disseminate research that informs community-based programs and services.
- Expand student opportunities for engagement with local and global communities to learn and practice cultural humility.
- Provide opportunities for social action and advocate for human rights and environmental justice at all system levels.
Diversity
As recognized leaders, the School will utilize critical lenses to promote diversity, equity, social justice, human rights, and inclusive excellence through culturally responsive education, research, and outreach.
- Educate about the systemic effects of race, racism, and the mechanisms of power and privilege as they perpetuate oppression and marginalization.
- Develop a culturally inclusive School environment and activities that promote self-awareness, cultural humility, respect, and appreciation for the dignity and worth of all people.
- Increase diversity among students, faculty, and staff.
- Increase faculty and student participation in multi-cultural curriculum projects and pedagogical training in diversity and cultural responsiveness.
- Cultivate a student body that respects diversity and addresses inequities through education, research, and outreach.
- Increase faculty engagement and leadership in opportunities to promote inclusive excellence across local, regional, and global communities.
Resources
The School will provide the administrative support and resources necessary to accomplish identified goals.
- Acquire and maintain appropriate technology to support the needs of faculty, staff, and students.
- Identify funding for building revitalization.
- Create funding base for supporting students through increasing scholarships and research/teaching assistantships.
- Provide resources for faculty and staff professional development.
- Increase number of faculty.
- Allocate sufficient resources to allow for effective and efficient school functioning.
- Establish class sizes that allow for engaged learning.