Dean's Message

For the first time this fall we have produced our GSSW newsletter entirely online. We, like many other Graduate Schools of Social Work, were concerned about possible enrollment shortfalls as the economic recession deepened. However, at the time of this Newsletter, I am happy to announce that we have exceeded our enrollment goals for fall 2009. I was faced with the positive problem of having to find additional faculty this fall to meet the number of new sections that had to be opened in August. Naturally, this was due to the excellent work of our Assistant Dean of Recruitment, Admissions and Marketing Felicia L. Townsend as well as our MSW Admissions Recruiter Rolanda McClinton. The GSSW faculty should be commended as well for reviewing a “mountain” of applications for the fall semester. Congratulations to all on a job well done!

As a result of the increase in student enrollments, our Director of Field Placement Jesse Munoz is working tirelessly to secure field placements for our new and returning students. In addition to placing students domestically, we are continuing to place students abroad in international field placements. Students are in the process of choosing their country and field internship settings at this time. Initial interest is in placement with our international partner schools/agencies in India, Latvia, Kenya and the Philippines. Upon their return in April 2010, we will once again host the student presentations of their field-work experiences. Please mark your calendars to come to campus for the presentations on Wednesday, April 21 and Thursday, April 22. The GSSW will also host the 2nd Annual Domestic Field Placement Workshops in April.
 
We will continue to provide continuing education programs that are centered on a timely theme. During the 2008-2009 academic year, we focused on trauma and disaster recovery and for the 2009-2010 academic year the Center for Professional Excellence (CPE) has developed a series of trainings and presentations on refugees and migrants. 

By the time this newsletter is live the third volume of the Journal of Global Social Work Practice will be available. The November/December 2009 issue promises to be timely in its focus on global practice with articles from social work practitioners and educators from around the globe.
 
Lastly, on March 24, 2010 the GSSW will host the 3rd Annual African American and Latino Social Work Symposium. Its theme is “Building on the Strengths of the African American and Latino Communities through Economic and Community Development.” The keynote speaker will be Stedman Graham, Chairman and CEO of S. Graham & Associates.  He will start the Symposium with a presentation entitled  “The Nine Steps Success Process to Building Your Identity.”  Please be sure to join us for Mr. Graham’s presentation, book signing and subsequent panel discussion of economic and community experts as well as undergraduate and graduate research presentations.

As you can see, Dominican University’s GSSW is involved in some very exciting and ground-breaking programs. Please come join us as we move through this academic year. We promise to continue to challenge you to change the world.



Dr. Mark E. Rodgers
Dean & Professor