About GSSW
Brave Ideas, Bold Action
The University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work is the place for people of purpose — diverse, creative educators, scholars and social workers who advance social justice through courageous ideas and action. Our work is guided by evidence, driven by our community and inspired by Colorado’s spirit of discovery, innovation and openness.
Upcoming Events
April 9 - May 14
Short Course in Mindful Self-Compassion
A 6-week adaptation of the empirically-supported 8-week Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program designed to begin the cultivation of the skills of self-compassion. The SC-MSC program draws on the skills of mindfulness and focuses on developing the resource of self-compassion to enhance our capacity for emotional wellbeing.
- 5:30 - 7 p.m. MDT
- Virtual
April 9 - 11
Group Therapy Expert Certification Course
Group therapy plays an influential role in behavioral health and recovery. Yet, current delivery methods often fail to engage patients or effectively build recovery skills necessary for success outside of the treatment space. This course will address a common problem across the behavioral health space relating to session objectives.
- 5 - 8:30 p.m. MDT
- In Person
RESCHEDULED: April 18, 2024
Artistic Practices and Social Work with Lia García
Join transgender activist Lia García for a free half day of conversation about artistic practice, social work and queer expression. Attendees can choose to attend one or both of the workshops, but are encouraged to stay for the entirety of the event.
- 4 p.m. MDT Presentation & 5:45 p.m. MDT Workshop
- Craig Hall Community Room
May 10, 2024
Western Colorado MSW Program 10th Anniversary
Join us for a special celebratory event marking the 10th Anniversary of the Western Colorado MSW Program at the Graduate School of Social Work. This milestone calls for a joyous occasion — an opportunity to elevate alumni impact stories, showcase program success and show gratitude for ongoing community partnerships.
- 4:30 - 7 p.m. MDT
- Hotel Colorado, 526 Pine St Glenwood Springs, CO
May 13, 2024
Refusing to Abandon Our Humanity and Each Other with Kelly Hayes
Kelly Hayes, co-author of the best selling book Let This Radicalize You, will talk about the work of social justice in the context of catastrophe and collapse.
- What does it mean to refuse to abandon one another in a culture that increasingly normalizes human disposability?
- How can we build movements grounded in solidarity and reciprocal care?
- How can we build relationships that will help us survive and heal during the trying times ahead?
- 4 - 5:30 p.m. MDT
- In Person & Virtual
May 17 - 18, 2024
Culturally Responsive Trauma Training | Spring
Join us for a transformative weekend of trauma training, designed to provide mental health clinicians with essential tools and insights for culturally-informed trauma treatment. This intensive, 10-hour workshop, led by Dr. Rohini Gupta, a seasoned clinical psychologist and trauma expert, will cover a wide range of critical topics in the field of trauma therapy.
- 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. MDT
- In Person
Responsive
When voters needed to know the potential impacts of a minimum wage increase, we responded with research. When the Colorado Legislature was considering new paid leave, our students got a real-time lesson in policymaking and its impacts. Learn how we are Influencing Policy.
Relevant
Through our Science for Action Series, we are bringing together leading scholars, policymakers and practitioners to tackle the Grand Challenges for Social Work. We’re working on some of society’s most intractable issues — including homelessness, decarceration and healthy youth development. Learn how we are Putting Science to Work.
Rigorous
Our faculty develop evidence-based practices such as Fostering Healthy FuturesⓇ. Through randomized controlled trials spanning more than a decade, Fostering Healthy FuturesⓇ has emerged as an evidence-based intervention that is changing the trajectory for youth at risk for mental health and behavior problems. Learn how we are Creating Tested Interventions.
We will continue our work with the individuals and groups disproportionately impacted by governmental policies and will also condemn and work to change policies that specifically discriminate.
Our Values
Social work’s guiding philosophy includes values that create a framework for social work education, research and community engagement.
Progressive Ideals
Equity and equality, social and economic justice, cultural diversity, and freedom
Systems Focus
Social work’s unique focus on systems and their impact on people as the central concept that shapes our curriculum, research and practice
Social Work Knowledge
Excellence in the development of social work knowledge and its dissemination to students, communities and policymakers
Social Change
Responsibility for promoting social change and leading the social work profession in this effort
Our Plan
At GSSW, we’re not waiting for social change; we’re making it happen. Guided by our community, we completed our Gather & Grow strategic plan in 2017. Along with the University’s DU Impact 2025 plan, Gather & Grow is our roadmap for the future. We will build and strengthen connections within GSSW and with our many communities, mobilize our unique assets to advance change, and move toward greater equity and a more diverse school.