Today is the first day of classes at UGA, and as I write this, I am contemplating how different Fall 2020 is from any prior year. Because of COVID-19, we have new safety plans in place that include social distancing, face coverings, and hand hygiene, with supplies throughout the building. Signs on the walls remind us to “Wear your mask” and “Keep six feet of distance.”

 

Our classes are different as well. The vast majority of our courses are being offered in a hybrid model, part in-person and part online, so that we can maintain social distancing in our classrooms. Faculty and students are learning about all the creative and flexible ways we can use technology to ensure that excellence in instruction continues—just using different media.

 

In addition to these changes, exciting and positive things are happening at the School. Perhaps the biggest new is that our online MSW program has begun, with 48 students enrolled. With this program, we can provide a nationally-ranked education to students across Georgia, without demanding that they move to Athens or Gwinnett County. I am pleased to say that our inaugural class comes from 30 counties across Georgia—from as far northwest as Chattooga to as far southeast as Liberty. 

 

We also have a second new program that has just launched, a Certificate in Substance Use Counseling that can be acquired by both graduate students and non-degree seeking individuals. The certificate program offers a fast track to professional substance use counseling in Georgia. All classroom licensure requirements specific to the state are built into the program’s curriculum, so that our program gives students everything they need for licensure in Georgia except the required direct work experience and supervision hours. Already 20 students have enrolled in the program, and we expect those numbers to increase quickly. 

 

While many things are different at the School of Social Work, the core of who we are is unchanged. We are still committed to excellence in education and in research and to meaningful service in the community. Most importantly our commitment to social justice never waivers. You can read more about this in our Wanted: Social Justice 2020 publication.

 

As we move into the fall, I hope that you and yours are safe and well. Take good care and please stay connected. We may have to stand six feet apart for a little while, but we always stand together in social work!

 

Warmly,

 

The University of Georgia Foundation is registered to solicit in every state and provides state specific registration information at http://www.ugafoundation.org/charity.

 

communication preferences | privacy policy | view in browser