Denver Campus Early-Start Summer 2026 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. Students who have elected into the Early-Start Summer programs will be required to attend Virtual orientation on June 10, 2026 and In-person orientation July 9, 2026. 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.
Virtual sessions: Zoom
In-person sessions: Orientation is designed to be in-person so students can explore campus, learn about resources and build community.
- Craig Hall: 2148 S. High Street, Denver, CO 80208 (view on Google maps)

Quick Links

Early-Start Summer Orientation - June 10, 2026

Orientation Zoom Link

Welcome and Orientation Kickoff - 10:00 - 10:10 a.m. MDT:

Welcome from Denver Campus Program Director Amity Good, LCSW, Assistant Director Anthony Jones, LCSW, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Stephanie George, EdD, MSW and Assistant Dean for Students Deana Ahmad. This will be an overview of the mini-orientation and preview of the full orientation.
What to Expect - 10:10 - 10:25 a.m. MDT:

Overview of first-week expectations, Canvas course structure, participation, workload, and how to prepare for class with Amity Good.
Interactive Technology and Systems Overview - 10:25 - 10:45 a.m. MDT:

Students will follow along with Amity Good while navigating key systems including the student resource portal, MyDU, Canvas learning platforms, and degree planning tools.
GSSW Curriculum and Expectations - 10:45 - 11:05 a.m. MDT:

High-level overview of first-term enrollment expectations, competencies, creating an inclusive learning environment, curriculum structure, and steps to take if concerns or needs arise with Stephanie George.
Break - 11:05 - 11:15 a.m. MDT:
Academic Advising at GSSW - 11:15 - 11:35 a.m. MDT:

Learn about the GSSW Advising Program, ways to engage with Faculty Academic Advisors and to lean into building supporting relationships with Amity Good
Student Services, Campus Resources & Financial Aid - 11:35 - 11:50 a.m. MDT:

This session will introduce students to Student Services and essential campus resources that may include technical support, financial aid, registrar, parking and ID badging office with Deana Ahmad.
Next Steps and Q&A - 11:50 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MDT:

Learn about upcoming required orientation sessions, advising opportunities, important dates, and student questions with Amity Good and Anthony Jones.

Summer Orientation - July 9, 2026

In-Person Session: Thursday, July 9, 2026

Campus Arrival and Check-In - 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. MDT:

Coffee, tea and breakfast snacks provided.
The Future of Social Work - 8:30 – 8:45 a.m. MDT:

This session will include a welcome from your orientation hosts and Morris Endowed Dean Henrika McCoy.
Orientation Hosts:  
- Denver Campus MSW Program Director Amity Good, LCSW
- Denver Campus MSW Program Assistant Director Anthony Jones, LCSW
Social Work Competencies Presentation - 8:45 - 9:15 a.m. MDT

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 Stephanie George, EdD, MSW.
Creating an Inclusive Learning Community - 9:15 - 10:00 a.m. MDT

Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity (CREO) serve the DU community by fostering an environment of equal opportunity, equity and anti-discrimination. In small breakout groups, students will self-facilitate conversations about how values such as respect, fairness, responsibility, safety, and opportunity can shape a welcoming learning community.
Break - 10:00 – 10:15 a.m. MDT
Advising and Curriculum Overview - 10:15 – 10:30 a.m. MDT:

This interactive session will include an advising overview from Denver Campus Director Amity Good. Bring your laptop, tablet or something you can write with so you can follow along.
Dual Degree, Certificates, & Scholarship Opportunities - 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. MDT:

Students will learn about academic and funding options that can complement their MSW experience. Presenters will share overviews of dual degree pathways, certificate opportunities, and scholarship resources, as well as information about next steps and how students can follow up if they are interested in exploring any of these options.
Denver Campus MSW students can specialize their degrees with a certificate:
Career Services – 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MDT:

In this session, you’ll meet our Career Services team and learn about available resources, potential career pathways, and how to effectively communicate your academic and field experience when applying for post-graduate roles.
Student Resources Q&A Panel - 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. MDT:

This session will include an introduction to our various student support teams including Career Services, Graduate Advising, Registrar, Student Engagement, Financial Aid, and other DU resources. You will learn how these teams can help you navigate your student experience.
Lunch - 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. MDT:

Enjoy a casual lunch while connecting with your cohort. Members of the Field Education Office and faculty advisors will be present at each table. This is an opportunity to build relationships, ask questions, and learn more about ways to get involved in the GSSW community.

Required Follow-Up Sessions

Career Services & Academic Planning Workshop (Virtual) - Friday, July 17 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MDT:

You will then meet with Denver Campus Director Amity Good, who will walk you through how to review your Degree Audit, confirm your academic plan, discuss course selection, and prepare for registration.

Join the Zoom
Field Orientation - Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MDT:

This session will help prepare you for a successful field education experience. You’ll meet members of the Field Education team, connect with fellow students, participate in interactive activities, and receive practical guidance for success at your internship placement. We’ll also review the structure of the internship course, key policies and timelines, professional expectations, and strategies for making the most of your field experience.

Optional Follow-Up Sessions

Monday, July 20 (In-Person)| Pop-Up Advising Session in the Margaret Page Library - 12:00-1:00 p.m. MDT:

This is a built-in opportunity for students to meet with an academic advisor to review their Degree Audit, confirm their academic plan, discuss course selection, and prepare for registration. It is a chance to ask questions and make informed decisions before enrolling in classes.
Wednesday, July 22 (Virtual) | Pop-Up Advising Session - 12:00-1:00 p.m. MDT:

This is a built-in opportunity for students to meet with an academic advisor to review their Degree Audit, confirm their academic plan, discuss course selection, and prepare for registration. It is a chance to ask questions and make informed decisions before enrolling in classes.

Join the Zoom
GSSW Personalized Financial Aid Sessions

Individual financial aid appointments are available for incoming GSSW students to discuss their financial aid package and questions about financial options. Schedule an appointment to meeting with a member of our enrollment team.
Please note that all appointments are conducted via Zoom and times listed are Mountain Time.

Schedule an Appointment