Access and Engagement
The Office of Access and Engagement supports the goals of the Statement of Aspirations, approved by the UT Board of Trustees on February 28, 2025.
This office plays a critical role in enhancing the UTCSW strategic vision and mission as an equitable, supportive workplace that lives the college’s values through internal and external interactions.
Ongoing Initiatives
Access & Engagement Advisory Committee
This committee serves as an advisory committee to the Associate Dean of Access, Belonging, and Global Engagement, strengthening the College of Social Work’s enduring commitment to the CSWE Educational Policies and Accreditation Standards of 2022 and practices in accordance with the NASW Code of Ethics.
International Opportunities
The College of Social Work is committed to supporting our national and international students through global recruitment efforts for all our programs. Additionally, we support our faculty in developing international projects and creating academic experiences abroad while building relationships with national and international social work programs to prepare students for global social work practice.
Social Justice Innovation Initiative
The Social Justice Innovation Initiative
at the College of Social Work is privately funded through a gift from longtime college supporter Susan Cooper. The initiative provides a distinctive framework for addressing many of society’s most pressing issues related to education, healthcare, and social justice. The initiative provides grants to students and faculty to address challenges in their communities in creative ways.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Mary Held is an associate professor at our Nashville campus. Dr. Held has dedicated her scholarship to strengthening knowledge related to trauma and resilience in immigrant communities.
Student-led Organizations
The Coalition of Black Social Workers
Open to all students, the student-led Coalition of Black Social Workers (CBSW) exists to engage, connect, and empower Black social work students and professionals in the community, with the goal of increasing awareness about issues specific to the Black community and cultivating a network of support.