Curriculum transformation
In 1917, while the nation watched the turmoil of war in Europe, community leaders in Richmond set their sights on the social economic and health concerns they were witnessing at home. Since then, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work has built its legacy by responding to the needs of individuals, families and communities and promoting social justice in public policy as well as service delivery throughout the commonwealth. As the school approaches its centennial celebration, we thought it was time once again set our sights on the strengths and needs of our community. We have initiated a comprehensive and transparent process of curriculum transformation to ensure that we are responsive to our students, community and profession.
During 2014, school faculty and administration envisioned, charged and formed a Curriculum Transformation Steering Committee that could consider how the school as a whole could best respond to the current and emergent experiences of those we serve. The steering committee consists of faculty, staff and student voices who are familiar with all aspects of program delivery in the classroom and in the field. The charge of the committee includes soliciting and and understanding the perspectives of key stakeholders including practitioners, alumni, students, clients and consumers, employers, and faculty; creating an advisory committee that will guide the development and implementation of curricular innovation; and communicating regularly with those inside and outside the School of Social Work to garner ideas, suggestions and feedback.
Curriculum transformation is an undertaking that spans all of the school’s programs—B.S.W., M.S.W., and Ph.D.— and will have an impact on students, school partners and Virginia. To ensure an inclusive process, the committee has launched a website where all stakeholders can learn about the process, check in for updates and share their thoughts, ideas and suggestions about vision, planning, and implementation. All information received will be used to identify the most important areas where the school can invest in the education and preparation of those who will lead our social work profession, and serve the needs of our community.
For more information, or to have your voice heard, please visit the curriculum transformation website.
Categories Alumni, Community, Faculty and staff, Students