Committees & Organizations
There are several regular opportunities for students to join with other students and, in many cases, faculty, staff, and community members, in ongoing School activities and governance. These include the Admissions Committee, Curriculum Committee, Equity Stewardship Team, Internship Advisory Group, and the Student Social Work Organization.
Admissions Committee
The Admissions Committee plays a key role in selecting our incoming class of MSW students across our on campus and online-blended program options. The committee is composed of faculty, students, and alumni who collaboratively review admissions applications for the MSW program. The committee meets regularly throughout the year via Zoom to discuss applications and other essential matters related to graduate admissions within the School. Training is provided to new committee members. We welcome participation from MSW students in their final year of the program and aim to have committee participation from across our program options (e.g. campus, online-blended, advanced standing, etc.). The time commitment for a student member is approximately 3-4 hours per month during our busy admissions season. Activities include a mix of independent application and committee-based discussion of assigned applications. If you are interested in joining this committee, please contact Jennifer Crittenden, MSW Coordinator (jennifer.crittenden@maine.edu).
Curriculum Committee
This Curriculum Committee engages students and faculty in discussion and working groups around key issues related to social work education and the School of Social Work undergraduate and graduate curriculum. This committee generally meets 2-3 times per semester to discuss curriculum-related matters. We discuss topics such as course content/development/enhancements, internship, and embedding our Color Brave Space practices into our courses. Meetings are held via Zoom on select Fridays each semester. If you are interested in joining, please contact Jennifer Crittenden, MSW Coordinator (jennifer.crittenden@maine.edu) or Kelly Jaksa, BSW Coordinator (kelly.jaksa@maine.edu).
Equity Stewardship Team
The purpose of the School of Social Work’s Equity Stewardship Team (EST) is to guide the School’s work on antiracism, diversity, equity and conclusion. EST was established in 2021 in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and in response to student pressure to evaluate the School of Social Work’s commitment to equity and inclusion. Since then, the EST has led revisions to the School’s mission, vision, and goals; piloted the Color Brave Space community practices, including training students, faculty and staff; supported a faculty community of practice on liberatory teaching; revised School policies impacting students using an equity lens; and nurtured relationships with University and community partners engaged in ADEI work. EST membership is open to School of Social Work students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Meetings are held on Wednesday afternoons from 2-3pm via Zoom. If you are interested in joining EST, please contact Elizabeth Armstrong (elizabeth.armstrong@maine.edu).
Internship Advisory Group
The Internship Advisory Committee brings together students, community partners, and School of Social Work representatives to establish communication channels and foster collaborative dialogue about the BSW and MSW internship experience. The committee ensures feedback processes to strengthen relationships, encourage shared investment, and drive ongoing improvement of internship experiences. The committee meets one per semester in the Fall, Spring, and Summer for an hour over zoom and uses large and small group formats during the meeting. Subcommittees may be formed to work on particular action items as needed between meetings. Membership is open and students and community partners are encouraged to attend. For more information about the SSWO, contact Leah Maxwell, Internship Director, (leah.maxwell@maine.edu).
Student Social Work Organization
The Student Social Work Organization (SSWO)’s motto is “Serve — Advocate — Volunteer.” The SSWO strives to unite students who have a connection to social work or simply a passion for helping others to each other and the community. By creating bonds with organizations on campus and throughout the greater Orono-Bangor area, the SSWO empowers students to become more conscious of and involved in their communities through advocacy and volunteerism. For more information about the SSWO, contact Kelly Jaksa, BSW Coordinator, (kelly.jaksa@maine.edu).