Karen Bensen
Contact:
Clinical Assistant Professor
Director of Student Services
MSW, University of Denver
Craig Hall, Room 375
Telephone: 303-871-3709
E-mail: Karen.Bensen@du.edu
Areas of interest:
- student advising/mentoring
- social justice
- diversity and multiculturalism
- Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender (GLBT) issues and awareness
- community building
Prof. Karen Bensen is GSSW's Director of Student Services, responsible for coordinating support services that include academic advising, accommodations for students with disabilities and referrals for students with personal problems. She has many years of professional experience as a social worker, school-based counselor and program director.
Prior to joining the GSSW faculty, Prof. Bensen served as Director of the University's Partners in Learning program, where she created numerous opportunities for students to engage with faculty outside the classroom. Prior to that, she was the Director of GLBT Student Services at three post-secondary educational institutions located on Denver's Auraria campus. Prof. Bensen has conducted hundreds of professional presentations on topics that include diversity in education, faculty involvement in student life, "safe zone" training and GLBT awareness. She has won numerous awards including the "Outstanding Staff Award" from the University"s Center for Multicultural Excellence in 2005-06.
"By seeking out leadership roles within student organizations, attending workshops & special speakers, and connecting with faculty and staff outside the classroom, students will maximize their graduate education experience and develop a close knit community of peers."
