Denver Campus Fall 2025 GSSW Journeys Orientation

Orientation is a combination of asynchronous work (work done on your own prior to orientation), live sessions in person and optional office hours. Participation in all sessions is mandatory unless otherwise stated. 

Orientation has been designed intentionally across multiple formats to support effective learning and to maximize the success of your adjustment to graduate school. 

  • Asynchronous content: Asynchronous content is designed for you to digest and absorb the material at your own pace and will prepare you for virtual live zoom sessions. 
    • You’ll maintain access to Canvas and can refer to this content in the future. 
    • Much of what we cover is important for the duration of your program. 
  • In-person sessions: Orientation is designed to be in-person so students can explore campus, learn about resources and build community.

Fall 2025 Orientation Agenda

Virtual Session: Wednesday, September 3, 2025

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    Waiting Room Arrival and Check in: 1:00 - 1:15 p.m. MDT

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    Welcome and Introduction: 1:15 - 1:45 p.m. MDT

    This session will include a welcome from your orientation hosts and Dean Henrika McCoy.

     

    Orientation Hosts:

    • Denver Campus MSW Program Director, Amity Good, LCSW

    • Denver Campus MSW Program Assistant Director, Anthony Jones, LSW

    • Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Stephanie George

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    Advising Overview and Faculty Advisors Meet & Greet: 1:45 - 3:00 p.m. MDT

    This session will include an advising overview from Denver Campus Program Director Amity Good and breakout discussions with students and Faculty Advisors.

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    Career Workshop: 3:00 - 3:45 p.m. MDT

    In this session, you'll meet our Career Services team. This time aims to help students learn about available career resources, connect pathways to career aspirations, and articulate what they have learned from academic and field experiences when applying for post-graduate career opportunities.

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    Wrap-Up: 3:45 – 4:00 p.m. MDT

In-Person Session: Thursday, September 4, 2025

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    Arrival and Check-in: 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. MST:

    Coffee, Tea and Breakfast snacks will be provided.

     

    Orientation Hosts:   

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    Social Work Competencies: 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. MST

    This session will include an overview of the 9 Core EPAS Competencies that you will be learning while at GSSW, led by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Stephanie George.

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    GSSW Field Education Program Presentation: 9:30 - 10:20 a.m. MST

    This session, led by Clinical Assistant Professor Emily Saltzman, will include important information related to foundation field internships from Denver Campus Associate Director of Field Education and other members of the Field Education office.

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    Break: 10:20 - 10:30 a.m. MST

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    Creating an Inclusive Learning Community: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. MST

    Associate Dean for DEI and Professor, Colleen M. Fisher, will present to you ways to foster an inclusive learning community, trust, graduate school expectations, and our shared social work values while at GSSW.

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    Lunch: 11:30 – 12:30 p.m. MST 

    Enjoy a boxed lunch provided by GSSW.

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    Student Resources Panel - Q&A: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. MST

    This session will include an introduction to our various student support teams. Get to know your Assistant Dean for Students, as well as Career Services, Graduate Advising, GSSW Registrar, Student Engagement, Financial Aid, and other DU resources, and learn how these teams can help you navigate your student experience. 

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    Student Panel - Q&A: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. MST

    Hear directly from our current students about their experiences at the GSSW. This is a forum where you can ask questions and receive answers from the student perspective.

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    Wrap Up: 2:30-2:45 p.m. MST

In-Person Session: Friday, September 5, 2025

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    Arrival and Check-in: 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. MST

    Orientation Hosts:

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    Student Resource Fair: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. MST

    We are excited to host a Resource Fair to introduce you to information about dual-degree programs, certificates, available stipends, fellowships, student organizations, and other student services available at the GSSW. You will also be able to connect with Academic Affairs, Denver Campus Program Directors, Student Affairs teams, and the Field Office.

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    Graduate Student Orientation: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. MST

    Please visit the University of Denver’s Graduate Student Orientation, where you can learn more about campus-wide resources. View your du.edu email for more information.

Virtual Office Hours Sessions