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 29
Subversive Meaning Making: Research, Magic & Authentic Self
In this intimate, embodied research experience, Associate Professor Ramona Beltrán will lead us through her journey through the obstacles and triumphs of designing and implementing community-centered social work research. In the feminist spirit of disrupting mainstream research norms, we will engage multiple forms of storytelling and witnessing to explore community experiences of healing, reclamation, and hope.
- 4 p.m. MDT
- Craig Hall Community Room 120
May 7
Discovery and Humanity in the Classroom: Reflections from Clinical Professor Michael Talamantes
Clinical Professor Michael Talamantes will discuss concepts important for successful teaching & learning experiences in the classroom. Discovery of self, identity, motivations & goals are foundational, as is the importance of being open to new discovery from each student and/or from each class that you teach. Elements of humanity such as vulnerability, awareness, accountability and acceptance will also be discussed as he shares his faculty journey from teaching over 100 classes over the years.
- 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. MDT
- Craig Hall Community Room 120 & Virtual
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.
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
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