Student Organization

The Student Organization serves as the umbrella organization for the student sub-organizations, concentration committees, and representatives to various school-wide committees. It provides and approves funding for these sub-organization and concentration committee activities; sponsors individual students to attend social work related conferences; and provides funding for school-wide activities such as guest speakers and special events.

Student Organization is composed of all matriculated students at the School of Social Work. Those students who choose to be active in Student Organization may serve as officers and/or members of Student Organization (the umbrella organization), the sub-organizations, concentration committees, or other various school-wide committees. The level of student involvement and the strength of its active members generally determine the agenda for the year.

The Student Organization serves as the channel through which students voice their concerns. Students are encouraged to bring issues to the meetings where they may: a) be given clarification through discussion with other students or the dean, b) be directed to a pre-existing committee appropriate for handling the concern, and/or c) formulate an alternative action plan to solve the issue. Student Organization is recognized by the faculty and administration as the voice of the student body and an appropriate channel for communication and change.

Coordination and leadership of the Student Organization shall be done by a steering committee comprised of not less than five and not more than seventeen students. Each spring and/or fall, students volunteer to serve as officers of the organization. If more than one student volunteeers for a position, an election is held. The steering committee, composed of new and continuing students, coordinates the planning of educational, social and cultural events and facilitates the administrative functions of the organization for the academic year. The organization is advised by the Director of Student Services.

Sub-organizations operate under the umbrella of Student Organization. Each of these groups is concerned with significant issues of an identified population within the student body.