Denver Campus Fall 2023 GSSW Journeys Orientation

Orientation is a combination of asynchronous work (work done on your own prior to orientation), live sessions (both in-person and on Zoom) 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.

Async content: Async 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: Virtual live zoom sessions are designed to maximize access (live transcripts) for all students.
- These sessions allow us to meet our learning goals effectively, provide equal access and promote universal learning design, while supporting students who are actively relocating to Denver.
In-person sessions: The final day of orientation is designed to be in-person so students can explore campus, learn about resources and build community.

Orientation Agenda: September 6 through September 8

Virtual Speaker Sessions: Wednesday, September 6, 2023

The Future of Social Work: 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. MDT

This session will include a welcome from orientation hosts, remarks from Interim Dean Lisa Reyes Mason, and Q&A session with Interim Dean Lisa Reyes Mason and Denver Campus MSW Program Director Kate Ross.

Orientation Hosts:  
- Assistant Dean for Students Deana Ahmad 
- Denver Campus MSW Program Director Kate Ross
- Denver Campus MSW Program Assistant Director Courtney Weinstein
- Student Engagement Coordinator Hope Lowry
Join The Zoom Session
Creating an Inclusive Learning Community: 2:00 — 2:45 p.m. MDT

Associate Dean for DEI and Associate Professor Michele Hanna will share ways to create inclusive learning communities.

Asynchronous Pre-Work: to prepare for this session, please review Module 2: GSSW Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Canvas.

Join The Zoom Session
Welcome and Graduate Student Expectations: 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. MDT

Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Stephanie George will cover graduate student expectations and current campus access protocol.

Asynchronous Pre-Work: to prepare for this session, please review the Module 3: Graduate Student Expectations in Canvas. 

Join the Zoom Session
OPTIONAL: Advanced Standing Pathway Drop-In Session: 3:45 — 4:30 p.m. MDT

AS students are invited to join Denver Campus Program Director, Kate Ross, and Program Assistant Director, Courtney Weinstein for a drop-in session to answer questions around pathways.

Join The Zoom Session

Virtual Sessions: Thursday, September 7, 2023

Field Session: 9:00 — 9:45 a.m. MDT

This session will include a field overview from field faculty member Emily Saltzman and Associate Director of Field Education Jessica Zalsav.

Asynchronous Pre-Work: to prepare for this session, please review Module 6: GSSW Field in Canvas.

Join the Zoom Session
Advising Overview: 10:00 — 10:30 a.m. MDT

This session will include an advising overview from Denver Campus Director Kate Ross and breakout room discussions with students and faculty.

Join the Zoom Session
Faculty Meet and Greet: 10:30 — 11:15 a.m. MDT

This session will include an advising overview from Denver Campus MSW Program Director Kate Ross and breakout room discussions with students and faculty.

Join the Zoom Session
Lunch On Your Own: 11:30 a.m. —12:30 p.m. MDT

Enjoy lunch!
Aligning Your Career Workshop: 12:30 — 1:30 p.m. MDT

Career Development Advisor Stacy Said will provide an overview on career services and share actions you can take while in graduate school to prepare for your career and build your network.

Asynchronous Pre-Work: to prepare for this session, please review Module 4c: GSSW Career Services in Canvas. 

Join the Zoom Session
Student Panel: 1:45 — 2:15 p.m. MDT

GSSW students will share their experiences and answer questions about the MSW program, DU, Denver, work-life balance, and more!

Join the Zoom Session
GSSW Closing: 2:15 — 2:45 p.m. MDT

Join the Zoom Session
OPTIONAL: Financial Aid Office Hours: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. MDT

Sign up for a 15-minute appointment with a member of the financial aid team.

Register

In-Person Sessions: Friday, September 8, 2023

OPTIONAL: Campus Tour with Assistant Dean for Students: 9:00 — 10:00 a.m. MDT

Join us for a one-hour group tour of Craig Hall, home of the Graduate School of Social Work, and the surrounding University of Denver campus! Please RSVP for the campus tour by September 1, 2023.

RSVP
Resource Fair (in-person, come and go): 10:00 — 11:00 a.m. MDT

Join us in the Craig Hall Community Room and Patio for an in-person resource fair.
- Student Services
- Field Education
- Pathways, Certificates and Stipends
- New Era Voter Registration
- Courtyard Games and Peer Connection
Asynchronous Pre-Work: to prepare for this session, please review Module 4: GSSW Student Services in Canvas.
Student Mixer: 11:00 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. MDT

Enjoy getting to know your fellow classmates, staff, and faculty! Lunch will be served.