Welcome to the University of Pittsburgh
School of Social Work
News, Events & Awards
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK SPEAKER SERIES SCHEDULE AVAILABLE NOW
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Spring Term 2011-2012 Class Schedules
View Spring Term 2011-2012 Course Descriptions
View/Print Enrollment Worksheet Form
MSW Information Session dates for 2011-2012
Pittsburgh Campus:
February 4, 2012 Saturday 10am – 1pm
March 31, 2012 Saturday 10am – 1pm
June 9, 2012 Saturday 10am - 1pm
Bradford Campus:
November 30, 2011 Wednesday 6pm – 8pm
July 10, 2012 Tuesday 6pm – 8pm
Johnstown Campus:
December 7, 2011 Wednesday 6pm – 8pm
July 12, 2012 Thursday 6pm – 8pm
UPCOMING EVENTS
01/28/2012 Barbara Shore's Farewell to Pittsburgh. Dr. Barbara Shore is leaving Pittsburgh to live near her son in Arizona, and invites her friends from the School of Social Work, past and present, to join her at a Farewell Luncheon at Rodef Shalom Temple (Fifth Avenue at Morewood – North Oakland). Temple Service: 10:30 am Farewell Luncheon: 12:00 pm (RSVP appreciated) Please RSVP to Monica Ceraso at the School of Social Work: mlc85@pitt.edu
01/28/2012 "Ten Steps to a Federal Job" hosted by the Office of Veteran Services. If you are interested in working for the federal government after graduation, please attend this session! All majors are welcome. 12:00pm until 2:00pm, McCarl Center, Fourth Floor Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Avenue. Refreshments will be served. RSVP to Arielle Juberg at arj25@pitt.edu or 412-624-0501.
02/08/2012 School of Social Work Speaker Series. “Consensus Organizing: Building Communities of Mutual Self-Interest” by Michael Eichler, Executive Director, Consensus Organizing Center San Diego State University. 12-1:30pm. 2017 Cathedral of Learning. Lunch is provided; registration is not required.
02/09/2012 Volunteer at the Pittsburgh Food Bank. A shuttle will leave from the Bigelow Boulevard side of the Soldiers and Sailors Parking Garage promptly at 3:30 pm (return is between 8:00-8:30 pm). Volunteer time is from 4:30 pm to about 7:30 pm.
If you are riding the shuttle, please notify Gwen Watkins at: gwatkins@pitt.edu or call 412-624-7702.
02/16/2012 Spring It On! Still undecided about your major? Learn about the advantages of getting your Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work. You can meet and talk with social work professionals and enjoy a free lunch and giveaways! 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. William Pitt Union. Details here.
IN THE NEWS
SSW Alum Al Condeluci, the longtime head of United Cerebral Palsy/Community Living and Support Services, is profiled in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette for his work in bringing people with disabilities into the community. Read more.
SSW alum Mark Rogalsky (BASW, MSW) was chosen as one of Social Work Today Magazine's 10 Dedicated and Deserving Social Workers. More>
The University of Pittsburgh ranked a Best Value in Public Higher Education. Read here.
Doctoral student and Doris Duke Fellow Lisa Schelbe was recently featured in the Doris Duke Fellowships Newsletter. Read here.
The Center on Race and Social Problems launches its Reed Smith Spring 2012 Speaker Series Jan. 25 with a noon lecture by Kathleen Short, research economist with the U.S. Census Bureau. More>
The Pitt Chronicle recognizes Community Leadership Award honoree Dean Larry Davis. More>
Assistant Professor Jeffrey James Shook writes about the importance of giving juvenile offenders a chance at rehabilitation in a letter to the editor in the latest issue of The New Yorker.
Associate Professor Aaron Mann was honored by the Iota Phi Foundation, an affiliate of the Pittsburgh-based Iota Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, with an Exemplary Service Award. Read more in The Pitt Chronicle.
The University Times writes about the Center on Race and Social Problems Speaker Series featuring Elizabeth Anderson. Anderson's lecture addressed racial justice and integration. More>
In the Face of Stark Environmental Health Disparities, Harnessing Youth Voices as Neighborhood Change Agents: an interview with doctoral student and Schweitzer Environmental Fellow Samantha Teixeira. Read here.
Research assistant professor Mary Elizabeth Rauktis urges people to treat animals humanely in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Doctoral student and Schweitzer Environmental Fellow Samantha Teixeira's work with environmental education in Homewood receives some very positive attention in the Pittsburgh Post- Gazette.
In the latest issue of Pitt Magazine read more about former Dean David Epperson (page 8) and alum Mark Rogalsky's innovative dance program (page 43).
Positive reaction to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette op-ed written by Dean Larry Davis. Read here.
In an opinion piece for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Dean Larry Davis writes "Don't blame the teachers for the racial achievement gap." Read it here.
The Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) writes about the two summer workshops hosted by the School of Social Work and the presentation by faculty members Drs. Katie Greeno, Shaun Eack, and John Wallace. More>
Attention for the new partnership between the Homewood Children's Village and Yale University's Dr. James Comer to implement the Yale School Development Program at the schools located in Pittsburgh's Homewood neighborhood. More>
Alumnus Kevin Corcoran, Ph.D., J. D. was inducted into the Brackenridge Circle in recognition of having made a planned gift to the Kevin Corcoran Endowed Fellowship and the Kevin Corcoran Dissertation Fund in the School of Social Work. More>
Dean Larry Davis talked to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about the toll the recession is taking on black families. Read it here.
Dean Larry Davis was honored with the Community Leadership Award at the 16th Annual Ronald H. Brown Leadership Dinner. More>
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW 2012 SEC OFFICERS:
PRESIDENT – Molly Ciscell
VICE PRESIDENT – Krystle Kilcrease
SECRETARY – Angie Howard
DIRECT PRACTICE REP. – Stephanie Myer
COSA REP. – Talia Hullum
DIVERSITY REP. – Jonathan Black
There are still 3 spots open (1 D.P. Rep, 1 COSA Rep. and Business Manager).
If you or if you know of someone interested, please contact the SEC at pitt.sec@gmail.com.
“The Imperative of Integration: Race and Education,” December 9th Lecture at the Center on Race and Social Problems. More>
Dr. Linda Lane, Superintendent of the Pittsburgh Public Schools, writes about joy of seeing the results of the collaboration between the PPS, the Homewood Children's Village and the School of Social Work. More>
Congratulations to SSW/GSPH graduate student Gary Sadler and SSW/GSPIA graduate student Kelly Wilkinson who have been chosen to sit on the newly created Allegheny County Department of Human Services LGBTQ Advisory Council. The Council will serve as a channel for communication between the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, the LGBTQ community, and the provider community. They are expected to meet for the first time in January 2012.
MSW student Reba Landry is already drawing attention for her work organizing
an advocacy group that will seek solutions to issues that affect students with disabilities. Read today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
The University Senate plenary session was dominated by social work topics. Keynote speaker SSW alumnus Kevin Jenkins of the Pittsburgh Foundation said “I am proud to call myself a social worker." Read here.
The School of Social Work is assisting Oakland Planning and Development Corp. (OPDC) with a new master plan for the Oakland neighborhood. Read about the latest developments in the University Times.
Adjunct faculty member Carl Redwood weighs in on the "Occupy" movement in the University Times.
The Pitt Chronicle writes about the 2011 New Pittsburgh Courier Men of Excellence Awards for Board of Visitor member Eric Springer and the late former Dean David Epperson. More>
University of Pittsburgh Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Robert Hill writes about the "Evolving the Image of African-American Males in American Media Summit" and the work presented by Dean Larry Davis in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Associate Professor Daniel Rosen talked to WTAE-TV about taxi discrimination in Pittsburgh. Watch here.
In keeping with a primary goal of the Race in America conference, the Center on Race and Social Problems now has online all seven reports on the topics discussed at the Conference: education, economics, criminal justice, race relations, health, mental health, and families, youth, and the elderly. More>
The Institute for Clinical Research Education's Graduate Spotlight on new SSW assistant professor Lovie Jackson. More>
The Erie Times-News examines the positive effects of the School of Social Work's research support for the crime reduction program Ceasefire. More>
Dean Larry Davis will receive the Community Leadership award at the Ronald H. Brown Leadership Gala hosted December 2nd by the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh.
University of Pittsburgh basketball player and SSW student Dante Taylor talks about why social work is his major in the Tribune Review. Read here.
Board of Visitor member Eric Springer will be the 2011 Legacy Honoree at the 50 Men of Excellence awards dinner. More>
Read about the dozens of scholarships sponsored by the Nationality Rooms Committees that give undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to spend the summer studying abroad. More>
Dr. Linda Lane discussed educational equity at the Center on Race and Social Problems. Read the University Times article here.
The Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Area Agency on Aging was awarded the 2011 Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education Leadership Award for Outstanding Community Partner in recognition of their work with the Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education here at the School of Social Work. More>
Dean Larry Davis spoke about the effects that that negative media images have on African-American males as part of a daylong conference- “Evolving the Image of the African American Male in American Media,”- hosted by Pitt’s Office of Public Affairs and supported by a grant from the Heinz Endowments. Read the University Times and the New Pittsburgh Courier coverage.
Associate Professor and Philip Hallen Chair in Community Health and Social Justice John M. Wallace's lecture titled “Making Pittsburgh ‘Most Livable’ for All: Lessons Being Learned From the Homewood Children’s Village.” was covered by the Pitt Chronicle.
Many SSW Faculty and Doctoral Students presented at the 2011 Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Program Meeting. Details here.
Tracy Soska, COSA Chair and Continuing Education Director, has been named to next editorial team for the Journal of Community Practice.
Congratulations to the four SSW students who competed and won in the Allegheny County Department of Human Services 2011 Case Competition
1st place- Samantha Mangino
2nd place- Elizabeth Sielen
3rd place- Ke Yan
4th place- Beatrice Lors
See their winning presentations online.
SSW and Child Welfare Training program student Justin Lee testified about the benefits of foster kids "aging out" at 21. Read here.
Dean Larry Davis spoke about the harmful psychological effects negative media portrayals have on African American Males at a Symposium sponsored by University Public Affairs and the Heinz Endowments. Read the Tribune Review article here.
SSW alum Gina Jones is honored as one of Pittsburgh's 40 Under 40. Read more.
The Race and Social Problems journal has successfully completed its third year, and is now available online.
SSW alumna Thelma Lovette ('72) to have Hill District YMCA named after her in honor of her years of community service. Read more.
The late Dr. David Epperson is recognized as a man "who made a difference" by the New Pittsburgh Courier.
Several people connected with the School of Social Work will be honored among the New Pittsburgh Courier's 50 Men of Excellence for 2011: Board of Visitors member Eric Springer is the Legacy Honoree; former faculty member Dr. Grady Roberts; and Dean and Professor Emeritus David Epperson will be listed in memoriam. The awards reception will be held on October 27th at the Fairmount Pittsburgh Hotel from 6:00-8:30 p.m. More details.
Watch the complete video of Dean Larry Davis' talk “The Status of Black Males in America: Implications for Higher Education” here.
Be sure to visit the iTunes U University of Pittsburgh page for School of Social Work lectures. Now available: Dean Larry Davis talks about “The Status of Black Males in America: Implications for Higher Education”
The Legacy Laureate program honored Dr. Edward Sites (PhD ’76 School of Education & MSW ’64 School of Social Work). The longest-serving faculty member in the history of the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. More>
Dean Larry Davis will speak at the one-day summit at the University of Pittsburgh Nov. 1st titled “Evolving the Image of the African American Male in American Media.” More>
Dean Larry Davis participated in an October 1st community panel discussion about David Mamet’s play Race. More> You can watch the panel discussion here.
MSW Alum ('95) Casey Harris, executive director of A+ Schools and a strong advocate for excellence in education, is profiled by Pop City. More>
Lecturer Beth Mulvaney explains why Pittsburgh is a great place for older residents. More>
Associate Professor and the Philip Hallen Chair in Community Health and Social Justice John Wallace discusses the impact of vacant houses on the neighborhood of Homewood in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Dean Larry E. Davis was part of the panel discussion on the "Power of Social Innovation" at the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work’s 75th anniversary celebration. More>
Social Work graduate Nan Van Der Bergh (1981) has been named Social Worker of the Year by the Miami Dade National Association of Social Workers.
2003 MSW Alum Jaime Hively is featured in a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette story about women and the craft beer industry here.
Profile of MSW alumna Lindsay Lege, an Allegheny County Scholar in Local Government. More>
2010 BASW alum Michelle McGowan gives books--and hope--to the women behind bars at Rikers Island. Read the New York Daily News piece here.
Pitt News article celebrates new faculty member James Cox's tenure as Director of Pitt Counseling Center. More>
Jim Cunningham, Professor Emeritus of Community Organizing, and alumni Rick Swartz and Carl Redwood commended for their work as community advocates in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. More>
Dean Larry Davis quoted in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in an article about the lack of diversity in the Pittsburgh region. More>
The University Times covers the new people and things here at the School of Social Work.
The Pittsburgh Quarterly examines the efforts of Professor John Wallace and the Homewood Children's Village to improve their community. More>
For more information please contact Dr. Azadeh Masalehdan Block at agm6@pitt.edu
KDKA radio interviewed Professor Jeffery Shook about the decision to try Jordan Brown as a
Juvenile. Listen here.
MSW student Nasra Bube reaches out to fellow Somali refugees to help ease their transition. Read more in the Tribune Review.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recognizes SSW student interns who are volunteering in Homewood to help make the the new Academy at Westinghouse a success. More>
BASW and MSW alum Linda Marker has used music to help her face challenges, and reach out to others. More>
Dr. Marlo Perry has joined the Child Welfare Education and Research Programs as a Research Assistant Professor.
Dr. Azadeh Block has been named the new BASW Program Director.
Faculty members Valire Carr Copeland and Cynthia Bradley-King arehonorees. More>
CRSP Summer Institute on Black males and education covered by the New Pittsburgh Courier. More>
School of Social Work’s Child Welfare Program hosts annual retreat for teens in foster care. More>
Dean Larry Davis's participation in the Community Empowerment Association’s Black Male Day of Solidarity in The New Pittsburgh Courier.
Dr. Lovie Jackson will join the School of Social Work this September as the new Assistant Professor in Health and Social Work.
SSW graduates Oronde Sharif ('97) and Latika Davis-Jones ('07)were recognized as a few of The New Pittsburgh Courier’s annual FAB 40--for contributions to their professions and their communities. More>
Center on Race and Social Problems Associate Director Ralph Bangs speaks at the “Reducing Youth Violence; Models for Success” symposium. More>
Assistant Professor Fengyan Tang wins Manners award for her project, “Retirement Transition, Volunteer Engagement and Physical
Health.” More>
Our condolences go out to the friends and family of
Dr. David E. Epperson, Dean Emeritus who passed away June 20, 2011. He will be missed. Read more about his life and work in the Post Gazette and Tribune Review.
Read about 2009 Doctoral program graduate Jonathan Singer's research on cyberbullying on page 12
Social worker salaries on the rise in the Pittsburgh region, according to new Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program research. More>
2011 MSW graduate Kelie Darbouze, First Generation College Bound participant, was honored for her accomplishments. More>
The School of Social Work would like to welcome new
members of our full-time faculty-- James A. Cox, Jr. and Beth Mulvaney
Provost Patricia Beeson has approved an Undergraduate Certificate in Behavioral Health Case Management. The Certificate will be offered and administered through the School of Social Work, in collaboration with the Department of Psychology in the School of Arts and Sciences. Check our page for future details.
Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education Fellow Qiyi Zhang received the Amdur Fellowship this summer. The Amdur Fellowship in Palliative Care provides an intensive, one-month internship in palliative care social work under the guidance of one of the nation’s leading academic palliative care programs. More>
COSA Chair and Continuing Education Director Tracy Soska in the Tribune Review's Newsmakers here.
Front page coverage of the Center on Race and Social Problems seminar on Black Unemployment in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
The Center on Race and Social Problems is attracting attention for their Summer Institute addressing black males and gun violence in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and New Pittsburgh Courier.
Assistant Professor Shaun M. Eack discusses the need for programs to support Autistic individuals in college in this Tribune Review article.
PhD student Samantha Teixeira has been chosen as an Albert Schweitzer Environmental Fellow! Teixeira will work to address the environmental health hazards posed by vacant buildings and abandoned lots in Pittsburgh’s Homewood area. More>
Alum Dr. Carole B. Faulk (
MSW ’71, PhD ’88) has been appointed to the Jamestown, NY Community College board of trustees. More>
Professor Jeff Shook argues against harsh juvenile sentencing patterns in a moving opinion piece for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Read it here.
The James J. and Noel W. Browne $2 million endowed chair is highlighted in a Tribune-Review article about renewed interest in corporate ethics. More>
Clinical Assistant Professor Liz Winter is quoted in today's Tribune Review discussing the dangers of familial drug abuse. More>
MSW Alum Jennifer Craig's book I am Brilliant is helping children accept their differences. More>
James J. and Noel W. Browne donate $2 Million to establish a chair in the School of Social Work. More>
Alumnus Dr. Robert L. Hewitt spoke at Bluffton University graduation. More>
Former professor Margaret M. "Margo" Wynne passed away this week. Read her obituary here.
Questions about your LSW Test? Once you apply to take the test, you will receive a letter giving you days, times and locations for the test. For more information call ASWB at 1-800-225-6880.
MSW Alum Breanna Jay's work with the homeless is profiled in a moving article in the Tribune Review.
Director of Career Services and Alumni Affairs and Lecturer Keith Caldwell is recognized in the New Pittsburgh Courier for his role as Event Chair for the Program To Aid Citizen Enterprise.
Our condolences go out to the friends and family of Anne Rose Jones, professor emerita of the School of Social Work. Her obituaries are available from the Tribune Review and Post Gazette.
Doctoral candidate Lisa Schelbe was recognized for receiving one of the Doris Duke Fellowships for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. Read the Tribune Review profile here.
Wonderful recognition of School of Social Work students and graduates, and their work as "guardian angels" to help transplant candidates and their families called in for potential surgeries. Read the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article here.
The Race in America Conference videos are being released. You can watch the first series: Economics here.
Tracy Soska, COSA Chair and Continuing Education Director, appeared on Comcast Newsmakers to discuss his work with Community Human Services. Tracy will receive the 2011 Community Ally Award May 19th for dedication to community improvement. Watch here>
Jim Cunningham, Professor Emeritus of Community Organizing, School of Social Work wrote an article that was published on Friday, March 25, 2011 in the Pittsburgh Catholic. Read here.
Faculty member Sara Goodkind was a member of the post-screening discussion panel for Me Facing Life: Cyntoia's Story on Pittsburgh's Community Cinema at WQED . This documentary presents the story of Cyntoia Brown, who is serving a life sentence for murder at the age of 16. Listen here.
Dean Larry Davis "People of the Times" profile from the University Times here.
2010 graduate Chevette L. Davis' work for the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force profiled in a New Pittsburgh Courier article.
School of Social Work Recognized For Its Work in Helping Problem Gamblers More>
Newsmaker: Alum Tara Sherry-Torres is helping Oakland Planning and Development Corp spearhead the official Oakland Plan Kick-Off Party on March 24th. For more details>
Newsmaker: Associate Professor Rafael Engel is accepting the Special Recognition Award from the Council of Compulsive Gambling in Pennsylvania on behalf of the University of Pittsburgh's School of Social Work More>
Harlem Globetrotter Alum Chris “Handles” Franklin strives to be a role model for kids. More>
Research Assistant Professor Mary E. Rauktis addresses the
issue of racial disproportionality
in a Letter to the Editor. More>
COSA Alum Whitney Brady named Beaver's first female borough manager. More>
SSW Alum and music therapist Deborah Benkovitz profiled in Pitt Magazine (page 42).
Release of Dean Larry Davis and Professor Rafael Engels' book Measuring Race and Ethnicity (Springer 2011) attracts attention. More>
Dean Larry Davis wrote an Editorial for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette in honor of Martin Luther King Day. Read it here!
COSA Chair and Continuing Education Director Tracy Soska "People of the Times" profile from the University Times here.
Pitt News covers SSW Speaker Series featuring Stanford professors Hazel Markus and Paula Moya “Doing Race: 21 Essays for the 21st Century” More>
Alum and current Field Instructor Mark Rogalsky is helping to change the way kids think about themselves--and each other--with an innovative program called "Dancing Classrooms" Learn more>