Denver Campus Winter 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: January 3

In-Person Sessions: Friday, January 3, 2025

• 

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

  Coffee, Tea and Breakfast snacks will be provided

• 

  The Future of Social Work: 9:00 – 9:15 a.m. MST

  This session will include a welcome from orientation hosts, remarks from Dean Henrika McCoy.

   

  Orientation Hosts:   

  • Denver Campus MSW Program Director Amity Good  

  • Denver Campus MSW Program Assistant Director Anthony Jones

  • Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Stephanie George 

   

• 

  Social Work Competencies: 9:15 – 9:45 a.m. MST

  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.

   

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

   

• 

  Break - 9:45 - 10:00 a.m. MST 

• 

  Advising and Curriculum Overview - 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. MST

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

   

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

   

• 

  GSSW Field Education Program Presentation – 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. MST

  This session, led by Associate Director of Field Jessica Zaslav and other team members, will include important information related to foundation field internships.

• 

  Break – 11:00 - 11:15 a.m. MST 

• 

  Career Workshop – 11:15 - 12:00 p.m. MST

  In this session, you will meet Senior Student & Career Services Advisor 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. 

• 

  Lunch - 12:00-1:00 p.m. MST

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

• 

  Creating an Inclusive Learning Community - 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. MST

  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.

• 

  Break - 2:00 - 2:10 a.m. MST 

• 

  Faculty Advisor Meet and Greet Discussion 2:10 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. MST

  Breakout discussions with students and Faculty Advisors. 

• 

  Tools to Help Navigate GSSW/DU - 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. MST

  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.