Dear BSW, Gero, MSW, MSW/JD, MSW/MPH, and Ph.D. students:
Welcome back to the Spring semester! We know these first few weeks are a busy time with everyone getting settled in.
We have an exciting Spring that is full of many different events for you to take advantage of. Here are some important dates to remember:
- February 2:
Trauma Workshop, 9—11am at Scripps Cottage (thanks to MSW student Dominique Hale for organizing this!)
- March 2:
All School Day, 8:30—12 at Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center
This is a required event for MSW students. Those who are normally in Field on Fridays will get credit hours. All other students are invited to attend. Our theme is “Social Work on the Border” and our keynote speaker is Dean Luis Zayas of the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Dean Zayas is an expert on the mental health effects of detention and deportation and its impacts on children. We have a terrific local panel as well, with some alumni and a current student.
- March 11-12:
Social Work Lobby Days in Sacramento. This is an exciting time to join other social work students from across the state to learn about and then actually lobby our legislators. The event is sponsored by the CA National Association of Social Workers. If you want more info, contact Student Action Committee Tom Armstrong at armstrongt479@gmail.com. Fundraising to cover student costs is occurring throughout the semester and on the STRIVE website.
- March TBD:
A workshop in Design Thinking will be held for all MSW students in conjunction with the Idea Lab at SDSU. This is cutting edge social work! For more information, contact Prof. Steve Hornberger, at shornberger@sdsu.edu.
- April TBD:
Our Annual Executive Summit is for all of our students! Every year members of the School’s Advisory Board come together to make presentations and discuss current issues in social work, jobs, policies, etc. See our Advisory Board. This is a great opportunity to meet the social service leaders in San Diego.
- April TBD:
Prof Hornberger will be recruiting in-coming second year MSW students for our Board Fellows Program. This innovative program pairs MSW students with MBA students to learn about serving on a Board. Students work with a board member on a project over two semesters. Open to both Admin and DP students. Stay on the lookout for an email or write him directly at shornberger@sdsu.edu.
- April TBD:
Keep an eye out for the email asking you to fill out the Student Engagement Survey. We give this survey annually to get your feedback about how we are doing as a program.
- May 11:
Commencement!
- June 14-15:
SDSU SSW will be hosting a national conference on campus: The Network for Social Work Management. If you are interested in volunteering to work the conference and receive free or reduced registration, please let Dr. Hohman know.
The Director’s Open House/Coffees will be held on 2/14, 3/19, and 4/17 from 9:30—11 in HH119. I know it is difficult to make those times for some, so please know that I have an open door policy and welcome you to drop in at your convenience. I look forward to chatting with you and hearing about your experiences in the School.
We know that this is a difficult time in our country, especially for some of our students. As always, know that Dr. Min, the faculty, and I are here to support you. Please seek one of us out as well as utilize the many terrific resources on our campus.
I wish you all a successful semester!
Warm regards,
Mindy Hohman
Director and Professor
