Community Engagement

The School of Social Work’s core values include equality and social justice. We foster an environment that encourages everyone to flourish through mutual respect, understanding, and trust.

The following examples demonstrate the School’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Anti-Sexual Violence Statement

The UNC Charlotte School of Social Work expresses our strong solidarity with survivors of all forms of sexual violence, including molestation, harassment, sexual assault, and rape, and supports efforts to hold those who perpetrate sexual violence accountable for their actions. Members of the UNC Charlotte School of Social Work unanimously approved an anti-sexual violence statement which can be viewed in it’s entirety.

Clubs & Organizations

Advocates for Change

Advocates for Change is a student-led, student organization, comprised of MSW students and individuals across disciplines who are committed to providing services to the UNC Charlotte campus and community. The goal of Advocates for Change is to enhance the well-being of oppressed and vulnerable populations through advocacy, human services delivery, and research.

Bachelor of Social Work Club

The UNC Charlotte Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Club is a chartered campus organization open to all undergraduates. The BSW Club promotes the social work profession by providing an opportunity to connect, collaborate, engage in community service projects, and participate in continuing education activities.

Graduate Social Work Association

The Graduate Social Work Association (GSWA) is a student organization that supports MSW students and beyond, acting as a liaison and advocacy group. In support of the NASW Code of Ethics, GSWA promotes the well-being of local and global communities through outreach, volunteerism, and the use of media to bring awareness to cultural and ethnic diversity. GSWA holds a special focus on empowering individuals who are vulnerable, disenfranchised, oppressed, or living in poverty.

Phi Alpha

Phi Alpha is an academic honor society that supports both undergraduate and graduate social work students, promoting social justice for all people by meeting humanitarian ideals. Nu Theta, the UNC Charlotte chapter, recognizes individuals who achieve scholarly excellence in their social work education. Membership eligibility requires academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to the social work profession. Undergraduate students with junior or senior status must have an overall GPA of 3.4 or greater. They must complete a minimum of 6 semester hours in the BSW program and have a GPA of 3.4 in social work courses. Graduate students must have completed at least 12 semester hours in the MSW program and achieved a GPA of 3.8 or above.

Community & Partner Engagement

The School of Social Work promotes community and partner engagement through a variety of activities and initiatives that include and support community stakeholders.

Community Advisory Board

The School Advisory Board (SAB), comprised of regional representatives, strives to enhance UNC Charlotte’s social work programs. SAB works to strengthen relationships with private, public, and non-profit sectors across the region, in support of the School’s mission to prepare future social work professionals.

Faculty Engagement

Our faculty members engage in diverse, community-driven projects through their research, teaching, practice, service, and advocacy. These efforts align with the School’s mission and dedication to the social work profession.

Race and Social Equity Academy (RASE)

The Race and Social Equity Academy (RASE) brings together thought leaders engaged in advocacy, social justice, cutting-edge scholarship, and inclusive practices for individuals, families, and communities. RASE is grounded in four action areas, including training/professional development, research collaborations, community partnerships, and programmatic initiatives. The RASE Academy is a volunteer initiative.

* Offered in support of the School of Social Work’s mission statement, which is responsive to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)’s accreditation requirements.