Welcome to the start of the Summer Session 2009. Although a dark cloud of economic uncertainty is currently commanding much of our attention, hopeful signs of progressive social change and civic engagement are emerging and re-energizing our society. The theme of hope in the face of challenge that is beginning to characterize our nation also depicts the attitude and posture of the Department of Social Work.
We are pleased to welcome three new ternure-track faculty members to our department starting in the Fall semester. The applicant pool for these positions was large, diverse, and included an array of promising scholars. We are pleased with our final selection of candidates.
At the start of the Spring semester, the department implemented a pilot program to enhance faculty research and scholarly output. The department’s Program for the Promotion of Research and Scholarship is designed to provide faculty assigned time, fiscal, and technical support for scholarly endeavors.
Work has begun on the department’s Telecommunication Center. When opened, this center will significantly expand and improve college and departmental video conferencing capabilities with dispersed cohorts of students, and professional colleagues.
The department continues to explore development of new and novel relationships with community partners that contribute to the provision of high quality, ethnic sensitive social services. Compatible with the general tenor of the country right now, the Department of Social Work’s Spring activities will reflect a recommitment and dedication to a pledge of social justice and societal improvement.
My personal best wishes for an enjoyable and productive Summer.
John Oliver, Ph.D.
CSWE Reaffirmation News
In February 2009, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation voted to reaffirm our programs' accreditation for the maximum eight years, ending February 2017. Congratulations to our director, administrators, faculty, staff, and our students for an outstanding reaffirmation process.
