Denver Campus Summer 2025 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. 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. 
• 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)

Orientation Agenda: July 10

In-Person Session: Thursday, July 10, 2025

• 

  Campus Arrival and Check-In - 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. MDT

  Coffee, Tea and Breakfast snacks will be provided.

• 

  The Future of Social Work - 9:00 – 9:10 a.m. MDT

  This session will include a welcome from your orientation hosts and Dean Henrika McCoy.

  Orientation Hosts:   

  • Denver Campus MSW Program Director Amity Good, LCSW

  • Denver Campus MSW Program Assistant Director Anthony Jones, LSW

  • Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Stephanie George

   

• 

  Social Work Competencies Presentation - 9:10-9:40 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.

• 

  Advising and Curriculum Overview - 9:40 – 10:10 a.m. MDT:

  This session will include an advising overview from Denver Campus Director Amity Good.

• 

  Break - 10:10 – 10:20 a.m. MDT

• 

  Certificate/Stipend/Dual Degrees - 10:20 – 10:50 a.m. MDT:

  Denver Campus MSW students can specialize their degrees with a certificate. 

  • Mental Health for Ecological Resilience and Adaptation
  • Human–Animal–Environment Interactions
  • School Social Work
  • Global Social Work
  • Latinx Social Work
• 

  Faculty Advisor Meet and Greet Discussion 10:50 – 11:20 a.m. MDT: 

  Breakout discussions with students and Faculty Advisors.

• GSSW Field Education Program Presentation – 11:20 – 11:50 a.m. MDT:

  This session, led by Assistant Professor of the Practice of Social Work Emily Saltzman, will include important information related to foundation field internships from Denver Campus Associate Director of Field Education and other members of the Field Education office.

• 

  Lunch - 11:50 a.m. -12:50 p.m. MDT: 

  Take this opportunity to get to know your cohort for a provided casual lunch.

• 

  Creating an Inclusive Learning Community - 12:50 - 1:50 p.m. MDT:

  Associate Dean for DEI and Professor Michele Hanna will lead a discussion about ways to foster an inclusive learning community, trust, graduate school expectations and our shared social work values while at GSSW.

Virtual Session: Friday, July 11, 2025 - 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

• 

  Tools to Help Navigate GSSW/DU – 9:00 – 9:50 a.m. MDT:

  This session will include an introduction to our Student Services teams. Get to know your Assistant Dean for Students, as well as Career Services, GSSW Registrar, Professional Advising, Financial Aid and other DU resources and supports and learn how these teams will support you throughout your student experience.

• 

  10-Minute Break

• 

  Stipends/Dual-Degree Panel - 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. MDT:

  GSSW offers multiple stipend, fellowship and research assistantship opportunities to help supplement the cost of your education. This session will cover application information, course requirements and more.

• 

  Career Workshop - 10:45 – 11:30 a.m. MDT:

  In this session, you will meet Stacy Said, who will introduce you to the GSSW Career Services. This service aims to help students learn about available career resources, connect pathways to career aspirations, and articulate what they have learned from academic and field experiences when applying for post-graduate career opportunities.

Office Hours (optional)

• 

  • Academic Affairs and Advising Office Hours - 11:30-12:30 p.m. MDT: Via Zoom

  • Field Education Office Hours – 11:30 – 12:30 p.m. MDT: Via Zoom 

  • Financial Aid Office Hours - 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. MDT: Register for a 15 min time slot