The social work profession is committed to reducing human suffering, enhancing quality of life, and confronting the causes of social injustice. This commitment compels social workers to develop skills that promote change on various levels. Social workers are trained to provide direct services to individuals, families, groups, and communities. They learn to confront and change the forces that cause injustice, discrimination, and oppression.
Social work education trains students in the analysis of social structures and in the practice of techniques that promote individual, group, organizational, and community development and growth. Advocacy strategies are used for the empowerment of individuals, groups, and communities.
WMU's programs stress the need to recognize and fight discrimination in its many forms, including discrimination based upon class, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, and physical abilities. Through instruction, research, and community involvement, the School of Social Work at WMU speaks out against social injustice while promoting human rights and a more equitable distribution of resources and power.
In seeking to create a learning environment that is responsive to students' professional development, the School promotes community and a sense of individual and collective responsibility for each other's growth. An environment that supports self-examination, expression, and experimentation is enhanced by meaningful interaction among students, faculty, and field instructors.
Social work graduate assistant honored as WMU student employee of the year
Congratulations to Demetria Jones, a graduate assistant in the School of Social Work field education office who has been selected from among 66 nominees and over 3,900 student employees as the 2012-13 Western Michigan University Student Employee of the Year.
Whitney Young Scholars Program features students and public policy CEO
On Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m., the WMU School of Social Work will hold the 2013 Whitney Young Jr. Scholars Program in Room 4010 of the Health and Human Services Building. The event will feature Whitney Young student scholar award recipients and keynote speaker Gilda Jacobs. It is free and open to the public, and free parking will be available in lot #104.
Health and Human Services Building Atrium
March 15, 2013
12 to 1:30 p.m.
Share in research and scholarship in social work. Student and faculty research and scholarship posters may include:
