Public Engagement

Actively Involved in Outreach and Public Engagement

The University of Connecticut School of Social Work holds active involvement in social work as a pillar of its foundation, to extend far beyond academics and theory, to be involved in the doing and developing of social work practice, to benefit our communities at-large, and close-at-hand. To that end we are engaged – at the local, regional, state and national levels. Here are a few of the ways UConn School of Social Work works with individuals, groups and organizations:

Far-Reaching Faculty Engagement

UConn School of Social Work faculty are vitally involved in social work academic, professional, and service organizations, helping to guide the practice and scholarship of social workers. Appointments and affiliations include involvement with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the Urban Affairs Association, and the State of Connecticut Commission on Health Equity among others. Faculty share expert knowledge and insights in diverse settings ranging from professional conferences and community workshops to legislative hearings. For a sampling of these endeavors click here.

Collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS)

In collaboration with Connecticut Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS) – a nationally recognized research leader among state mental health and substance abuse agencies, University of Connecticut School of Social Work conducts innovative research to inform policy and practice in the mental health and addictions fields. Read about our work with DMHAS.

Expert Counsel & Partner in State Social Services Development, Training and Delivery

Through its affiliation with the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), the University of Connecticut School of Social Work provides expert staff training; organization development advice; and timely education; based on best practice standards to foster organizational development initiatives to enable Connecticut DSS to fulfill its mission to provide a continuum of core services to meet the basic needs of food, shelter, economic support and health care; to promote and support the choice to live with dignity in one’s own home and community; and in achieving economic viability in the workforce. Read about our work with Connecticut DSS.

Professional Development for Social Workers

Our STEP Professional Development Program offers social work professionals the opportunity to stay current with new ideas and methods being introduced into practice, from a Post-Master’s Certificate Program – Clinical Issues in Adoption, to courses and seminars designed to address specific issues.

Addressing Contemporary Issues

Five specialized Centers, I nstitutes, and Projects at UConn SSW address a range of contemporary issues and professional challenges, hosting open conferences, workshops, and other educational opportunities throughout the year. The Centers, I Institutes, and Projects are: The Black Studies Project, Center for International Social Work Studies, Institute for Violence Prevention and Reduction, Nancy A. Humphreys Institute for Political Social Work, and the Puerto Rican and Latin@ Studies Project.

Students Reaching Out – and Within the School Community

The Student Organization, along with nine student sub-organizations that focus on the issues of an identified population within the student body, bring events, seminars and guest speakers onto the campus. Our Building Bridges program pairs returning students with new students to serve as a one-on-one resource and peer ambassador to help incoming students become engaged more quickly to the School community. Students routinely serve in national board appointments such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and the National Association of Black Social Workers, to name a few.

UConn Undergrads Get Involved in the Urban Semester Program

Through the Urban Semester Program at UConn undergraduates from diverse majors learn, work and experience living in an urban setting in Hartford. Helping to solve social problems, students intern in school-related programs, shelters, advocacy organizations, political offices, state and local government settings and learn from community leader guest speakers and relevant field trips.

The Community’s Involvement at UConn SSW

We gain valuable insight from community individuals’ and organizations’ involvement and interaction at the School – from featured guests and speakers to members of various School advisory boards. UConn School of Social Work advisory boards include the Dean’s Advisory Board, STEP Advisory Committee, Field Advisory Committee, and an advisory committee for each of our Centers, Institutes and Projects.

Invested in Public Engagement – Locally and Globally

The UConn School of Social Work and the University of Connecticut as a whole recognizes, supports, and encourages service, outreach, and public engagement through a wide variety of activities and programs. Members of the UConn community collaborate with business and community partners to impact every aspect of daily life in towns and cities throughout the Northeast, across the country, and around the world. Read more about the University’s public engagement.

UConn Recognized by Carnegie Foundation for Community Engagement

UConn is one of 311 institutions to earn the The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching’s prestigious “Community Engagement” distinction. Created in 2006, this elite Carnegie Foundation designation has been awarded to fewer than ten percent of colleges and universities in the U.S.

The Synergistic Benefits of Field Education

UConn School of Social Work places nearly 350 MSW students in 250 agencies annually for field education throughout the state. In the synergy of this arrangement, the School, the agencies, field instructors and students benefit from this rich collaboration. Agencies and field instructors provide UConn students with an invaluable field experience. Agencies benefit from the latest perspectives students bring to the agency. And students enrich the classroom interchange drawing on new insights gained through their field work.

UConn Provost’s Awards for Excellence in Public Engagement

Each year the UConn Office of Public Engagement honors members in the UConn community for public engagement. The School of Social Work has been honored with awards for work by students, faculty, staff, alumni, centers and programs. Here are the recent awards:

2011 Awards

Robin McHaelen
Alumni Award
For her contributions to public engagement through her sustained and exemplary leadership working tirelessly to promote social and economic justice and human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) youth, adults, families and communities

Nicole Fink
Graduate Student Award
For her leadership in academic and community service

Puerto Rican & Latin@ Studies Project
Program Award
For its contributions to public engagement through education and training, student recruitment, retention and mentorship, advances in Latin@ scholarship, research and partnerships
To see a complete list of Public Engagement Awards click here.