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
February 13, 2023
Balancing Intention and Chance: Welcoming Unplanned Possibilities and Flexibility in Research
In this Jeffery Jenson Research Award address, Professor Jennifer Bellamy will discuss how researchers can embrace the unexpected along a scholarly journey, while still maintaining a steadfast commitment to the rigor that research demands and the ultimate goals of their work. She will share her perspectives on how preparing for and embracing the unforeseen can lead to richer, and more dynamic work. Bellamy will discuss lessons learned from her own research experiences, focusing on developing interventions to better engage fathers in child and family serving systems.
Cost: Free
- 1 - 2:30 p.m. MST
- Virtual & In-person
February 8, 2023
Catalyst Series for Social Justice: A Talk with ALOK
"None of us have simple stories. We are as complex as all of the things that have been done to us." Alok Vaid-Menon
On February 8th, 2023 the Graduate School of Social Work welcomes Alok Vaid-Menon as our next speaker in our Catalyst Series for Social Justice. ALOK (they/them) is an internationally acclaimed author, poet, comedian, and public speaker. As a mixed-media artist their work explores themes of trauma, belonging, and the human condition, and they are the author of Femme in Public (2017), Beyond the Gender Binary (2020), and Your Wound/My Garden (2021). Their writing and experience living at the intersection of joyous expression and deeply targeted hate will be the foundation of their talk, followed by a Q&A with audience submitted questions.
Cost: Free
- 4-5:30 p.m. MST
- Virtual
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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