Dr. Sherron Wilkes, faculty at UA SSW, envisioned and implemented Noontime Knowledge in August 2020 as part of a study on the benefits, challenges, and experiences of a virtual learning series. Dr. Wilkes’s research, UA IRB approved, focuses on “A Qualitative Inquiry into the Use of a Virtual Platform during a Crisis to Boost Social Work Competencies.” Noontime Knowledge virtual learning series was launched in response to COVID in March 2020 and the resulting restrictions on in-person continuing education. It is offered as a monthly series, where current and emerging social work-related topics are addressed and facilitated by social work practitioners and subject matter experts. Noontime Knowledge is offered throughout the academic year (September – April), with additional series during Social Work Month (March). Its virtual format allows anyone with an internet connection to register and attend these series for continuing education units at no cost.
To learn more about the Noontime Knowledge study, visit the University of Alabama Institutional Repository: A Qualitative Inquiry into the Use of a Virtual Platform during a Crisis to Boost Social Work Competencies (p.16 – 28 and Appendix).
Sessions and Topics
- Understanding Autism: Perspectives and Practices in Social Work (April 23, 2025) Register
- Celebrating Social Work Month! (Mar. 19, 2025) Register
- Balancing Compassion and Boundaries: Exploring the Ethics of Self-Care in Social Work (Jan. 22, 2025) Register
- Money Matters: Exploring the Integration of Financial Education in Social Work Practice (Nov. 20, 2024) Register
- The Crucial Role of Trauma-Informed Social Work: Empowering, Healing, and Resilience (Oct. 23, 2024) Register
- Across State Lines: Navigating the Social Work Licensure Compact (Sep.25, 2024)
- World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit (Dec. 1, 2023)
- Social Workers’ Response to Intimate Partner Violence (Nov. 15, 2023)
- Let’s Talk MEDS: Mental Health, Ethics, and Diagnosis in Social Work (Oct. 11, 2023)
- The Power of Collaboration: When Social Workers Bridge the Gaps (Sep. 13, 2023)
- Social Workers as First Responders in Mental Health (Apr. 12, 2023)
- Social Work Breaks Barriers to Harness Technology for Social Good: Amplifying your Voice in a Digital Space (Mar. 29, 2023)
- Social Work Breaks Barriers to Close the Health Gap: Assuring Better Maternal Health Outcomes for Women (Mar. 22, 2023)
- Social Work Breaks Barriers to Promote Smart Decarceration (Mar. 8, 2023)
- Kicking off Social Work Month: Social Work Breaks Barriers to GO GRANDER (Mar. 2, 2023)
- The Importance of Self Care: Honoring Ourselves and the NASW Code of Ethics (Jan. 18, 2023)
- World AIDS Day: Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV (Dec. 1, 2022)
- Social Work is Social Justice: Disparities with the ASWB Licensing Exam (Oct. 12, 2022)
- Ethics and Leadership (Sep. 14, 2022)
- Social Work in LGBTQIA+ Communities (Apr. 20, 2022)
- Social Work is Political (Mar. 30, 2022)
- March Madness: Sports in Social Work (Mar. 23, 2022)
- The Conversation about Juvenile Justice with Alabama Department of Youth Services Institute (Mar. 9, 2022)
- Self-care, Resilience, and Healing in Social Work (Jan. 26, 2022)
- World AIDS Day (Dec. 1, 2021)
- Juvenile Justice (Nov. 10, 2021)
- Domestic Violence Awareness (Oct. 13, 2021)
- Introduction to the UA School of Social Work Dean’s Office (Sep. 8, 2021)
- Men in Social Work are Essential (Mar. 31, 2021)
- Macro Social Workers are Essential (Mar. 24, 2021)
- Social Work in HIV is Essential (Mar. 10, 2021)
All previously recorded sessions can be found at University of Alabama School of Social Work – YouTube. Recordings from the 2023-2024 academic year can be found at University of Alabama School of Social Work – Vimeo.