BSW Context for Planning At regular intervals the BSW Program faculty
revisit and review our mission, visions values and goals. These planning
aspects of the BSW program at Grand Valley State University are
perfectly aligned and fully consistent with the profession’s overarching
purpose and values. The Program’s longstanding emphasis on preparing
students to be effective advocates for social justice in areas such as
human rights, cultural competence, disparity, empowerment, social and
political action and civic participation and effective opponents of
oppression, disparity, discrimination and prejudice readies them for
lifelong roles of professional and community leadership throughout the
region, across the state and nation and around the world. The Program’s
emphasis on preparing them for effective practice in health and human
service organizations serving client systems at all levels in the urban,
suburban and rural communities of West Michigan ensures the Program
constantly monitors and consistently addresses the need of the region
and state for competent social work practitioners. And the Program’s
emphasis on service learning in domestic and international settings
provides its students with opportunities to contribute to the common
good in myriad ways that enhance their identification with the
profession, strengthen their commitment to lifelong service and
advocacy, and broaden their worldviews. MSW Context for Planning At
regular intervals the MSW Program faculty revisit and review our
mission, visions values and goals. These planning aspects of the MSW
program at Grand Valley State University are perfectly aligned and fully
consistent with the profession’s overarching purpose and value. The
Program’s longstanding emphasis on preparing students to be effective
advocates for social justice in areas such as human rights, cultural
competence, disparity, empowerment, social and political action and
civic participation and effective opponents of oppression, disparity,
discrimination and prejudice readies them for lifelong roles of
professional and community leadership throughout the region, across the
state and nation and around the world. The Program’s emphasis on
preparing them for effective practice in health and human service
organizations serving client systems at all levels in the urban,
suburban and rural communities of West Michigan ensures the Program
constantly monitors and consistently addresses the need of the region
and state for competent social work practitioners. And the Program’s
emphasis on service learning in domestic and international settings
provides its students with opportunities to contribute to the common
good in myriad ways that enhance their identification with the
profession, strengthen their commitment to lifelong service and
advocacy, and broaden their worldviews.
Mission
BSW Program Mission The mission of the BSW Program is to prepare
generalist social workers who enhance and promote well-being and
advocate for social, economic and environmental justice of the citizens,
organizations and communities of West Michigan, the state, the nation,
and the world; and to further the goals of the University and of the
social work profession in this region and beyond. West Michigan’s unique
setting consists of diverse cultural communities as well as urban and
rural settings, creating significant potential for skilled social work
professionals to make a profound impact on our community. MSW Program
Mission The mission of the GVSU MSW Program is to prepare advanced
generalist social workers who enhance and sustain the welfare and
wellbeing of the individuals, families, groups, organizations and
communities of West Michigan, the state, the nation, and the world; and
who further the goals of the University and of the social work
profession in this region and beyond. This is accomplished through
professional leadership, advancement of the social work field’s
knowledge through research and evaluation, and a focus on diversity,
social justice and human rights.
Vision
We aim to be a premier provider of social work education by providing
current and innovative curriculum with excellent teaching. We promote
distinction in community engagement/ leadership, and lifelong learning.
We address local, regional, national, and global issues through
effective teaching, scholarship, collaboration, and service.
Value Statement
The BSW program’s goals & values are derived directly from its
mission statement and are designed to meet the social service needs of
its Program locations and beyond. They are: 1. To provide a generalist
social work curriculum in a high-quality learning environment that
prepares BSW graduates for entry-level social work practice that
promotes social, and economic justice and endeavors to address poverty
and other social problems within organizational, individual, and
community contexts within, but not limited to, West Michigan and the
State of Michigan. 2. To prepare generalist social workers who exhibit
a professional commitment to enhancing social justice, promoting human
rights, ensuring the dignity and worth of all individuals, practicing
social work with integrity, upholding the NASW Code of Ethics,
incorporating diversity into their practice, and advancing the
profession’s reputation and knowledge base. 3. To prepare students for
continued professional development opportunities throughout their
careers, including graduate education. 4. To contribute to the
development of social work scholarship and human rights advocacy by
supporting the engagement of students, faculty and staff in local,
regional, statewide, national and international organizations focused
improving the quality of life for all persons. The MSW program’s goals
and values are derived directly from its mission statement and are
designed to meet the social service needs of its Program locations and
beyond. The program goals & values are: 1. To provide a foundational
MSW curriculum and an advanced generalist social work curriculum that
prepares MSW graduates for autonomous social work practice that promotes
social, economic and environmental justice and endeavors to address
poverty and other social problems within individual, organizational and
community contexts within, but not limited to, West and Northern
Michigan and the state of Michigan. 2. To award the graduate degree to
individuals who are skilled practitioners who adhere to the NASW Code of
Ethics, incorporating diversity into their practice and are capable of
assuming leadership and scholarly professional roles in the community,
region, state, national and global communities. 3. To contribute to the
ongoing development of professional social work knowledge and practice
through research and scholarly inquiry that employ state-of-the-art
technology. 4. To prepare students for continued professional
development opportunities throughout their careers, including doctoral
education.
Strategic Priorities, outcomes, and key objectives
Strategic Priority Area 1: Actively engage learners at all levels.
Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.
Outcome D: Grand Valley supports innovative teaching, learning, integrative scholarly and creative activity, and the use of new technologies.
Strategic Priority Area 2: Further develop exceptional personnel.
Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.
Outcome D: Grand Valley supports innovative teaching, learning, integrative scholarly and creative activity, and the use of new technologies.
Strategic Priority Area 3: Ensure the alignment of institutional structures and functions.
Strategic Priority Area 4: Enhance the institution's image and reputation.
