Social Work department celebrates Social Work Month March 23 The Department of Social Work will celebrate Social Work Month Friday, March 23, 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Grand Forks County Office Building, 151 S. 4th St., sixth floor conference room. A brief program starts at 4 p.m. and includes: * State of the Unit Address, BSSW and MSW re-accreditation, Thomasine Heitkamp, chair. * Presentation on One campaign, BSSW community practice students * Community updates The Department of Social Work was recently reaccredited by the Council on Social Work Education's Commission on Accreditation. The Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Master of Social Work programs were reaccredited for eight years at the January meeting of the Commission on Accreditation. “This is the most positive outcome we could have received," said Thomasine Heitkamp, chair of social work. "This is a result of countless hours of hard work on the part of faculty in preparing a self-study document for their review. This speaks also to the efforts of the department's staff, field instructors, students and advisory committee in their contribution to the self study process that resulted in the maximum number of years for our reaccreditation.” “I am very proud of our Social Work department,” said Daniel Rice, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “It is highly unusual for a program to receive such a positive review, given the high standards of the accrediting body. It is further evidence that our's is a very strong program that attracts the best students, has an excellent faculty, and prepares students exceptionally well for the profession. We couldn't be more pleased!” "This is great news," said President Charles Kupchella. "I congratulate Thomasine Heitkamp and the rest of the Department of Social Work on an excellent evaluation. It is always great to have external validation of the excellence of our programs, and it is clear from response of the Commission of Accreditation that our Social Work department does a first-class job and has outstanding programs and faculty in place." Four on-site team members representing the Commission on Accreditation visited UND in October and noted several areas of strength. They included the presence of a strong practice faculty with many years of experience, including the chair who the commission said provides strong leadership to the department. The Field Education Program was noted as a clear strength as well as the department's work to provide a learning context in which respect for all persons and understanding of diversity is practiced. Another strength noted was the program’s access to assistive technology and providing the graduate program at a distance through use of the Internet. The department also hosts two service units, Children and Family Services Training Center and the Guardian ad Litem Project, which were also noted as a strength by the on-site team. The mission of the Department of Social Work, within the College of Education and Human Development, is to provide education, prepare professional service providers, and to develop knowledge through research while actively embracing human and cultural diversity. The department provides service, technical assistance and advocacy which will serve the region by addressing significant human needs and injustices.