The School of Social Work launched its new strategic plan in May 2022. This five-year plan follows the four goals outlined by the university and serves as our roadmap for current and future decisions.
SSW Strategic Plan (Unanimously approved by the Faculty on May 4, 2022)
More than $200,000 awarded to students through scholarships in 2023-2024 academic year!
GOAL 1 – EDUCATION
Offer distinctive curricular programs that provide our students with an exceptional learning experience to prepare them as global citizens.
Objective 1
Structure and support all academic programs to attract and retain quality students and produce graduates who are committed to advancing social justice and providing quality, strengths-based, evidence-based services.
Objective 2
Provide more resources and opportunities to help faculty and instructors who are interested in improving their teaching skills
Objective 3
Provide more opportunities for student engagement and innovative, evidence-based practical experience
2023-2024 Highlights
- >60% increase in applications for the MSW Program
- 33% increase for BSW admits
- 9 BSW students and 2 MSW students presented at conferences
- 7 MSW students worked on research projects with faculty
- SSW awarded more than $208,000 in scholarships
9 BSW students and 2 MSW students presented at conferences
7 MSW students worked on research projects with faculty
$5,485,384 in funded projects led by SSW faculty
GOAL 2 – RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP
Cultivate interdisciplinary, community-engaged, research-based knowledge to address social problems, transform lives and develop solutions & future researchers that change our world for the better.
Objective 1
Increase the School of Social Work’s faculty research efforts across Alabama and the globe
Objective 2
Disseminate and publicize our faculty, staff and student research activities and scholarship through digital venues (newsletter, social media, research website)
Objective 3
Disseminate and publicize our faculty, staff and student research activities and scholarship through digital venues (newsletter, social media, research website)
Objective 4
Continue recruitment of research faculty with active research agendas
2023-2024 Highlights
- 100% of Tenure Track Assistant Professors submitted grants/contracts
- 86% Tenure Track Assistant Professors with funding external to the School of Social Work as Principal Investigator (PI)
- $5,485,384 in funded projects led by SSW faculty (lead PI in SSW)
- 100 peer-reviewed articles published or submitted by faculty
- 114 conference presentations done by faculty
- Faculty conducted funded research in 5 international locations, including Spain, Korea, Uganda, Philippines, and Scotland
The School of Social Work hosted our 35th annual Ethel Hall Annual Celebration in February 2024.
GOAL 3 – CULTURE & COMMUNITY
Promote a healthy, inclusive environment to support the contributions of leaders with distinctive ideas within the discipline and to promote the overall wellbeing of our faculty, staff and students.
Objective 1
Find ways to enhance and coordinate inclusion efforts within the school
Objective 2
Provide resources that focus on faculty, staff and student wellness and mental wellbeing
Objective 3
Establish a healthy work culture through initiatives that promote professional development
and improve infrastructure
2023-2024 Highlights
- 111 First-generation students across our four SSW programs
- 13 international students across our SSW programs
The School of Social Work celebrated Social Work Month in March 2024 where the theme was "Empowering Social Workers."
GOAL 4 – COMMUNITY SERVICE & OUTREACH
Become leaders of social justice and progressive change through partnerships with local, national and global organizations.
Objective 1
Increase local, national and regional community awareness of UA SSW
Objective 2
Increase alumni engagement
Objective 3
Increase number of certification and continuing education programs offered to alumni and
regional social workers
Objective 4
Connect students to donors & alumni to provide students with fundraising experience &
opportunities and provide donors/alumni with a more personal connection with the school
2023-2024 Highlights
- Overall Economic Impact of the labor of the Practicum experience was $4,471,080
- (BSW $973,080 and MSW $3,498,000)
- SSW has expanded practicum sites throughout the state and nationally, with 73% of the additional sites offering stipend placements
- 12 students were assigned global practicum placements in Ghana, Australia, South Africa, India, and Spain.
- Noontime Knowledge webinars offered across the nation for continuing education credit (10 webinars, 5,352 registrants, 3,270 attendees)
Thank you for reading our updates for 2023-2024. We look forward to bringing you more news in the upcoming years!
