MSW Enrollment Guide
2022 Western Colorado MSW Program
At the Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW), we are committed to community—the community within our school and the communities with whom we partner to create individual and collective impact.
We're excited to welcome you! Although we hail from diverse personal and professional backgrounds and have a wide variety of research, scholarship and career interests, our faculty, staff and students all share one thing in common: We are champions for social justice who are leading the charge for social change.
You are embarking on an incredible educational journey. You will graduate with the knowledge, skills and commitment to create a more just and equitable world for all. We look forward to sharing this journey with you.
Questions?
Please read through this page in its entirety, as it will answer many of the questions you have as a new student. If you have additional questions, your primary points of contact is Erin Leazer (Erin.Leazer@du.edu) and Sue Horn (Susan.Horn@du.edu).
Quick Links
CLIMB Stipend
The Collaborative Learning and Innovative Educational Models of Behavioral Health Program (CLIMB) provides 50 MSW students in their concentration year a $10,000 stipend and specialized behavioral health training.
Application Deadline: July 1, 2022
Learn More & ApplyTitle IV-E Child Welfare Stipend
In partnership with the Butler Institute for Families and the Colorado Department of Human Services, we offer 20 child welfare stipends ranging from $12,000 -$14,000 so you can effectively serve families who use public child welfare services.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2022
Eligibility: two-year and advanced-standing MSW students in the Child Welfare concentration.
Learn More & ApplyGWEP Stipend
In partnership with the Health Resources and Services Administration, we offer four $10,000 Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) stipends to students who are passionate about a career working with older adults who may have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Application Deadline: June 1, 2022
Learn More & ApplyAcademic Planning
Explore your curriculum plan and your first-quarter requirements.
Want to learn more about your courses? Check out the course descriptions.
Prepare for registration.
Find registration FAQs on the Registration Toolkit page. Your curriculum plan outlines the courses you will take in your first term. Registration begins April 27, 2022. More information about registration is forthcoming.
Attend orientation.
Approximately one month before your scheduled start date, you will receive an invitation for the mandatory orientation. Orientation is July 6 and July 12, 2022.
You will have two days of programming:
- July 6, 2022 (you do NOT need to attend the additional orientation sessions July 7 or July 8, 2022)
- July 12, 2022 (virtual zooom meeting from 3:00–3:45 p.m. MT)
Start your first term!
Classes start July 13, 2022, and the quarter ends on Aug. 16. You'll meet with Western Colorado faculty and staff during your first quarter to plan out your future academic terms.
COVID Protocols
Due to high COVID levels in Colorado and across the nation, DU will require the following for campus access in 2022:
- COVID-19 vaccine and booster (if you are eligible for a booster per CDC recommendations) Exemptions must be registered.
- A negative COVID test within a week of starting in-person events and classes
Additional information around COVID protocols will be determined closer to the start date of classes. Visit the DU COVID-19 website for more information.
Student Life
Enrolling in graduate school is a big step, and we’ll be there for you, from your first day of orientation through your job search after graduation and your career as an alumnus. We’re dedicated to supporting students in developing and enhancing their academic and professional skills while also ensuring that resources—such as accommodation for learning differences and disabilities, health and counseling—are available and accessible.
Meet our Student and Career Services Team
Faculty
GSSW is home to a courageous community of faculty members whose work is advancing social justice and social work practice. Their research and scholarship spans areas such as public policy, addiction, child welfare and youth development, homelessness, and issues including ableism, sexism, racism and intersectional lived experiences. Get to know our faculty and their research, and feel free to introduce yourself and ask questions!
Technology Resources
PioneerWeb
Check your PioneerWeb portal for important documents, registration info and other student essentials.
Canvas
Access our online learning-management system to find syllabi, assignments, deadlines and more.
Portfolio
Find electronic profiles of students, faculty, staff, alumni and organizations across campus.
Office 365
Access your email account, Microsoft Word, OneDrive and other resources that can help you complete your schoolwork.
Discover Western Colorado
Arts & Culture
Campus is surrounded by art and culture in the various mountain towns in the Roaring Fork Valley. Visit the world-class arts and music venues in Aspen or the Carbondale Arts community art center. Join the Glenwood Springs Art Council for some art education and celebration.
Food
The Glenwood-area food scene has a variety of flavors and experiences to enjoy, including locally sourced and sustainable food and drink options. Some of our local favorites are Marble Distilling Company, Silo and Batch Provisions. Carbondale has an array of dining experiences, public gardens and farms to enjoy, places including The Pioneer Garden, Sustainable Settings and Smiling Goat Ranch.
Sports & Recreation
You don't have to travel far for adventure. Check out the local ski resorts around the Roaring Fork Valley, including Vail, Aspen and Sunlight Mountain. There are a number of activities, parks and trails offered by the Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation. Don't miss out on the Crown Mountain bike district and Glenwood Hot Springs.
Fighting Weight Stigma
Assistant Professor Erin Harrop advances awareness of weight stigma and discrimination in social work.
Healing through Storytelling
Associate Professor Ramona Beltrán highlights the role of storytelling in articulating creative responses to pressing issues, including historical trauma and healing.
