Student Awards

Each spring, the Department of Social Work recognizes three Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) students and three Master of Social Work (MSW) Program students with the Social Justice Advocate Awards, Social Work Leadership Awards, and Social Work Scholar Awards. Students are nominated for these awards by faculty and fellow students, with decisions made by a committee of departmental faculty and staff.

Social Justice Advocate Award

The Social Justice Advocate Award recognizes a student who has made a significant contribution in the advancement of human rights, peace, justice, or equality within the university, local or global communities. This award acknowledges students’ contributions towards the alleviation of social inequalities for marginalized communities, particularly based on race, class, sexuality, gender, ability status, and nationality. Each year, one award will be granted to a BSSW student and one award will be granted to an MSW student.

Social Work Leadership Award

The Social Work Leadership Award recognizes a student who has made a significant contribution to the Department of Social Work, as well as potentially, to the college, university, and/or local or global communities. Each year, one award will be granted to a BSSW student and one award will be granted to an MSW student.

Social Work Scholar Award

The Social Work Scholar Award recognizes a student who demonstrates excellence in research and writing. Each year, one award will be granted to a BSSW student and one award will be granted to an MSW student.

Faculty of the Year Awards

Each spring, the Department of Social Work recognizes faculty in both the Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) Program and the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program as well as advisors for their excellence in teaching and guiding our students. Faculty and advisors are nominated by students in the program and the awards are facilitated by the Phi Alpha Honor Society.

Capstone Project Recognition

The MSW Program Capstone course gives students the opportunity to integrate and apply foundational social work knowledge and skills by proposing and then conducting a meaningful field-based evaluation project.