Among the greatest strengths of our school are its more than 400 students. They come from across the nation and around the world, bringing with them a wide variety of academic, cultural and social work practice experiences. This diversity leads to interactions that provide valuable educational experiences.
Our shared commitment
GSSW is committed to recruiting a multicultural student body, faculty and staff. As an admitted student, you are expected to respect diversity, consistent with the ideals of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). You must demonstrate acceptance of human diversity as you interact with others. And you must serve clients without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic situation, national origin, disability, value system and religions affiliation or lack thereof.
Translating commitment into action
GSSW students express their commitment to diversity both as individuals and through the activities of student groups like the Multicultural Social Justice Student Organization, Queer Equality Alliance and Shades of Brown Alliance.
The Advisory Council on Racial Diversity (ACORD) is a standing committee of the school that advises the dean, faculty, staff and students on planning, implementing and evaluating efforts to improve the environment and climate of GSSW relative to racial diversity. Members of the committee include the dean, faculty members, community representatives and a student representative.
In 2006, students organized a Diversity Forum that brought students, faculty, alumni and staff together to develop strategies for diversity-friendly school culture. A Diversity Pledge developed by the group hangs in Craig Hall's lobby as a permanent reminder of our ongoing commitment to transforming our minds, our systems and our institutions of learning.
