From the Director’s Corner
Dear BSW Students,
It is truly a privilege to walk alongside each of you as you pursue your journey toward becoming professional social workers. The Bachelor of Social Work program is more than coursework and practicum hours—it is a transformational experience that challenges you to grow academically, professionally, and personally.
Social work is rooted in service, advocacy, and a deep commitment to social justice. Each class you complete, each conversation you engage in, and each experience you gain prepares you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
We are incredibly proud of your dedication, resilience, and passion for helping others. Whether you are just beginning your journey or preparing to enter practicum placement, know that our faculty and staff are here to support you every step of the way.
I encourage you to stay engaged, seek out leadership and service opportunities, and continue to strive for excellence. Your voice matters, your work matters, and the profession needs compassionate and competent social workers like you.
Thank you for being a part of our BSW community. We look forward to celebrating your continued growth and success.
Warm regards,
Dr. Wilkes
Sherron Wilkes, DSW | Clinical Assistant Professor
Program Director, BSW Program
UA BSW Program
Mission: The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program prepares students at the baccalaureate level to become generalist social work professionals who are committed to the core values and professional ethics of the social work profession. Through rigorous education and community engagement, students develop proficiency in the knowledge, skills, and processes essential to professional practice that are anchored in the nine core social work competencies. Aligned with the profession’s purpose to promote human and community well-being, the program is guided by the person-in-environment framework, a social justice education framework, a global perspective, respect for human diversity, and knowledge grounded in scientific inquiry. This purpose is actualized through the program’s pursuit of social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, the creation of conditions that support human rights, the elimination of poverty, and the improvement of quality of life for all people, locally and globally. The program’s curriculum is embedded in the social work’s core values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. These values shape both the explicit and implicit learning environment and affirm the program’s commitment to respect, collaboration, and accountability. Students learn how to advocate for vulnerable and marginalized populations and to promote the well-being of individuals, families, groups, and communities.
To learn more about our BSW Program, click here BSW Program.
Meet the UA BSW Program Team!
BSW Student Spotlight
We are proud to celebrate Raegan NeSmith for her outstanding leadership, advocacy, and service. From her transformative experience in the UA D.C. Program to receiving the 2026 Johnson-Bailey Spirit of Social Work Award, Raegan continues to represent the very best of the BSW Program through her commitment to creating meaningful change in communities across Alabama.
Student Organizations
Undergraduate Social Work Organization (USWO)
Meet your USWO President, Reece Helmes. Reece is a traditional in-person BSW student graduating in 2027. Reece is passionate about many advocacy initiatives and is excited to apply them in the legal field.
We are so excited to announce the results of our Spring Special Election. The board of USWO will be as follows:
Reece Helms, President
Gracie Welch, Vice President
Maryann Lester, Secretary
Creasap Densmore, Treasurer
Thank you to everyone who applied, and we can’t wait to see what this semester has in store. Be on the lookout for details about our upcoming events. We hope to see everyone at a future USWO event soon!
Meet your 2025-2026 Student Government Association (SGA) BSW Senators.
Brianna Byrd – SGA Senator for the School of Social Work: A traditional, main campus BSW student graduating in Fall 2026. Brianna’s area of focus is juvenile delinquency/ forensic social work.
Raegan NeSmith – SGA Senator for the School of Social Work: A traditional, main campus BSW student, graduating in Spring 2026. Raegan’s area of focus is public policy and community management.
Congratulations to the 2026-2027 SGA Senators
Elisa Robinson and Emmi Luther
Stay tuned for more information.
For more information on the Student Government Association, click here Student Government Association.
March is Social Work Month
Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.
Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.
The 2026 Social Work Month theme celebrates the profession’s unwavering commitment to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and advocating for those most in need. As agents of change, social workers continue to make a lasting impact by promoting well-being, advancing social justice, and transforming lives every day. Click here to learn more about Social Work Month.
UA Social Work Month Events
Professional Program
The BSW Professional Program is for currently enrolled students majoring in social work who are ready to begin taking 400-level professional social work courses.
Who Can Apply?
Social Work majors who have earned 54 hours in core requirements (this does not include electives) with the required overall and social work GPAs. Students must seek admission to the BSW Professional Program through the School of Social Work.
The deadline for Fall 2026 applications is now closed. Applications are under review.
Undergraduate Research
Are you interested in engaging in undergraduate research? See resources below.
- Undergraduate Research & Creative Activity Conference (URCA)
- Student in Research Collaborative Action Training (SIR CAT) SIR CAT
For more research information, contact Dr. Nicole Ruggiano at nruggiano@ua.edu
Dr. Hyunjune Lee, Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at The University of Alabama, is conducting a research study and invites you to participate in the online survey. The purpose of this study is to understand better how college students in social science fields learn about and engage with artificial intelligence (AI). The survey includes questions about your knowledge, experiences, and ethical considerations related to AI. It is self-paced, typically takes 15–20 minutes to complete, and can be completed from any location using your own device. Participants who complete the survey will receive a $20 digital gift card. To be eligible, you must be a current undergraduate or graduate student at UA, enrolled in a social science major (e.g., social work, psychology, sociology, education, anthropology, political science). Please see the flyer for additional details, including the QR code and URL to participate. When you scan the QR code, you will be asked to enter your UA email address to verify your university affiliation. Once your affiliation is verified, you will receive the survey link via email. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact:
Dr. Hyunjune Lee (Principal Investigator)
School of Social Work, The University of Alabama
BSW Freshman-Sophomore Year Experience
Freshman-Sophomore Year Experience (FSYE) Our FSYE program is focused on our first- and second-year BSW students. This group is a great opportunity to explore the various pathways in social work, connect with experienced professionals, and build relationships with your peers. Join us to discover the many opportunities available in your BSW program and beyond, while also making valuable connections that will support your academic and professional journey.
Are you interested in attending the next Spring FSYE Lunch & Learn series on Tuesday, April 7th? Join us for A Heart for Social Work: Pathways to Purpose, an engaging opportunity to explore your passion for social work and your future in the field. If you’re interested, please scan the QR code on the flyer and complete the survey by Thursday, April 2nd. We look forward to learning more about your plans to become a professional social worker and how we can support your journey toward success.
Check out highlights from some of our FSYE Lunch & Learn Series.
BSW Honors Day
BSW Honors Day Luncheon
- We are pleased to recognize our BSW Honors students at the BSW Honors’ Day Luncheon on March 31, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will be held on the third floor of Little Hall.
- If you are a BSW Honors student or honors-eligible and available, we would be delighted for you to attend. Please scan the QR code on the flyer if you plan on attending. We look forward to celebrating your achievements and hope to see you there.
2026 Honors Day Ceremony
SAVE THE DATE!!!!
APRIL 1, 2026
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!!!!
BSW Scholarship
- Students are encouraged to seek internal and external scholarship opportunities to help fund their graduate education. The BSW Program staff will intermittently reach out to admitted students to inform them of funding opportunities they may be eligible for. Students can also review this list of potential funding opportunities to explore.
- Please note the application requirements and deadlines for each scholarship and fellowship. This resource will be periodically updated throughout the academic year.
- School of Social Work Financial Aid – Social Work
Student Resources
UA ONLINE: University of Alabama Online
- Your Academic Success Coach: Derrico’ Carr – Engineering, Interdisciplinary Studies (graduate), Human Environmental Sciences, Social Work
- Your Career Advisor: Susan Cowles – Undergraduate and Graduate Career Advisor Schedule an Appointment Phone: 205-348-6220 Text: 205-953-4880 Email: susanc.bama@ua.edu
Interested in being a part of UA FIRST-GENS?
Click here UA First-Gen Programs.
BSW Practicum Education Program
Starting your practicum is a rewarding experience. As a student in our Experiential Programs, you’ll work with seasoned social work professionals to develop a responsible, analytical approach to social work practice and discover areas you’re passionate about serving to help others. Click here to learn more about our BSW Practicum Education Program.
Washington, DC Fly-In
The Washington, DC Fly-In Launched in 2017, the Washington, DC Policy and Advocacy Fly-In is part of the UA School of Social Work’s Washington, D.C. Experiential Learning Program. The Fly-In is a two-day, in-depth experience in policy research, analysis, and advocacy. Students are trained in policy analysis and advocacy by experts from a variety of policy and advocacy organizations, including the National Association of Social Workers, the Council on Social Work Education, the Child Welfare League of America, and many others. Each student has two scheduled meetings with members of Congress to advocate for specific legislation.
- Click here to learn more about the Washington, DC Fly-in. Washington DC Fly-In
Take a look at some highlights from the 2025 DC Fly-In!
Suggestions for the BSW Newsletter?
Let’s celebrate our BSW community! ❤️
We encourage BSW students, faculty, and staff to contribute to this newsletter by sharing upcoming events, student accomplishments, and shout-outs for faculty, staff, or classmates who are making an impact in our School of Social Work community.
Submissions are welcome from everyone! Just email your contributions to renee.bell@ua.edu.
