The Western Michigan University School of Social Work offers research-driven professional programs that work closely with students and the community, focusing on social change, social justice and service transformation. Its graduate and undergraduate programs stress the need to:
- Recognize and fight discrimination in its many forms.
- Speak out against injustice.
- Promote human rights and a more equitable distribution of resources and power.
The school seeks to create a learning environment that is responsive to students' professional development, promoting community and a sense of individual and collective responsibility among and between students. Meaningful interaction among students, faculty and field instructors supports self-examination, expression and innovation.
News and announcements
Graduate Research Assistant wanted!
Drs. Weller and Diaconu, at Western Michigan University School of Social Work, are hiring one graduate research assistant (GRA) to work on two research projects during the fall semester, 2018. The first project focuses on adolescent mental health and social work practice. The second project focuses on grant writing, program development and evaluation/s. This position is open to all MSW students. However, preference may be given to individuals in the extended-study program. The position will begin in August 2018. Learn more.
Congratulations, Dr. Jennifer Harrison! Celebrating global engagement
Congratulations to our very own Dr. Jennifer Harrison, Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work. Dr. Harrison was a 2018 recipient of the WMU Global Engagement Award.
Dr. Yvonne Unrau and Brandon Youngblood accept the 2017 Beacon Award presented by the Michigan College Access Network.
Fostering Success Michigan honored
Western Michigan University's Fostering Success Michigan initiative has been recognized for its leadership in the college access and success field. Dr. Yvonne Unrau, School of Social Work professor and director of the Center for Fostering Success, and Brandon Youngblood, BSW student and Student Ambassador, accepted the award at the Michigan College Access Network Awards dinner in Lansing.
Front row: Becky Mullins, Kaley Cieslak. Back row: Katelyn Root, Lehanna Hardy, Christina Smith. Not pictured: Natalie Kyles, Erika Miller
Graduate students published in Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare
WMU School of Social Work graduate students Kaley Cieslak, Lehanna Hardy, Natalie Kyles, Erika Miller, Becky Mullins, Katelyn Root, and Christina Smith were recently published in the prestigious Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare. Their first professional paper, "An Environmental Scan of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on University and College Campuses," was part of their original research project in Dr. Rick Grinnell's Evaluation of Social Work Practice course.
Get your buttons and posters today!
Advocacy Buttons and Posters available!
Support your Hooding and Pinning Ceremony by purchasing an advocacy button or poster! Proudly wear your advocacy button, or use it to honor a friend, classmate, field instructor, or professor who you feel is committed to advocating for social work values. Four different buttons feature advocacy for communities together, recovery and resiliency, equity for all, and social justice. Take a picture as you wear or share your button or poster - and share it with us on Facebook or Twitter. Buttons are $3 each, or 4/$10; posters are $10. Both are available in the School of Social Work office, Mon.-Fri. from 8-5. Get yours today!
Children's Alexithymia Measure (CAM)
The Children's Alexithymia Measure (CAM) research project at the WMU School of Social Work was funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in 2003 (SAMHSA #5 U79 SM56207) through a grant awarded to the Southwest Michigan Children's Trauma Assessment Center (Western Michigan University) as part of the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative's Collaborative Response to Traumatized Children. The CAM was developed by the authors and does not necessarily represent the views of SAMHSA or the NCTSN.
Office of Admissions and Student Services hold open office hours
During open office hours, staff will be available to meet with students in person, over the phone or by chatting via our Facebook page.
OASS office hours are available to all students, whether you're taking classes in Benton Harbor, Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo. We can answer your questions about admissions and student services. If you have questions about your specific program plan, course scheduling or degree requirements, you are strongly encouraged to reach out to your advisor.
Open Office Hours:
- Monday - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - available for walk-ins and phone calls
- Tuesday - 3 to 5 p.m. - available for walk-ins, phone calls, or online chat through our Facebook page
- Friday - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - available for online chat through our Facebook page
NEW licensing requirements
Changes to the Michigan Social Work General Rules - January 2017
Information sessions
Join us to learn more about the Master of Social Work (MSW) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs at Western Michigan University. For both programs, attendees will receive relevant information about our programs, our faculty research, and the unique qualities of WMU.
Kalamazoo
MSW Info Sessions BSW Info Sessions