Springfield College School of Social Work Kicks Off 2015 Academic Year | Springfield College

Springfield College School of Social Work Kicks Off 2015 Academic Year

 

The Springfield College School of Social Work (SSW) started the 2015-16 academic year by hosting a pair of events on campus. On Thursday, September 10, SSW Post-Master’s Certificate Program students enjoyed pediatrician and author of the book, Keeping Your Child in Mind, Dr. Claudia Gold. On Saturday, September 12, SSW hosted its Fall 2015 Convocation with founding president of the SEED School of Miami, Frances P. Allegra, JD, delivering the keynote address.

"We are excited to welcome Dr. Gold and Attorney Allegra, who are exemplary leaders,” said Dr. Fran Vecchiolla, Dean. “Their outstanding contributions will inspire our graduates and future social workers to serve vulnerable families, to become innovators and entrepreneurs, and to impact communities and the field."

Gold’s insightful guide uses new research in developmental psychology and vivid stories from her practice to show parents how to keep a child in mind and deepen this central relationship in their lives. In the midst of the perennial concerns parents bring to Gold, she shows the magical effect of seeing a problem from their child’s point of view. Most parenting books teach parents what to do to solve behavior problems, but Gold shows parents how to be with a child. Crises are defused when children feel truly heard and validated; this is how they learn to understand, and, eventually, control themselves.

Allegra is currently leading the start up of Florida's first urban, public boarding school with The SEED Foundation as the President of its newest school in Miami. The SEED School of Miami is the third school of its kind in the nation. Nationally recognized innovators and education reformers, SEED is undaunted in the pursuit of its mission to bring high-quality education and 24 hour support to those that need it most. As CBS 60 Minutes reported, SEED took an old idea -- boarding school -- and made it new.

Allegra has led several child welfare, human services and education organizations over the past 15 years through new program start up phases and large expansions. She is a child welfare expert with significant experience in managed health care, health management of vulnerable populations with complex social determinants. Allegra is a recognized innovator and thought leader in the industry.

The Springfield College School of Social Work offers multiple programs for students including a full-time, two-year, weekday master of social work program in Springfield, and a part-time, three-year, weekend master of social work program in Springfield and Worcester.  There are also options for graduates of Council on Social Work Education-accredited bachelor of social work programs to choose either a four-semester weekend or three-semester weekday advanced standing program.  The dual master of social work/juris doctorate is a four-year, full-time program in conjunction with Western New England University School of Law.  Students can also work toward a post-master’s certificate in advanced practice with children and adolescents.

Since 1989, the Springfield College School of Social Work has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the official accrediting body for social work programs in the United States.  Graduates are eligible for professional social work licensure in all 50 states.  The MSW/JD program is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. Graduates are eligible for professional social work licensure and bar examination.

The home of the Springfield College School of Social Work, the Brennan Center, is a state-of-the-art teaching and conference facility that underwent a $2.2 million renovation in 2002.  The facility was again renovated in 2012 to include more classroom and office space. It includes technologically enhanced classrooms, a computer lab, a tiered auditorium, faculty offices, and a large, light filled atrium, which is the site of school events and also serves as a student lounge. Easily accessible, it is located just over a mile from the main campus, and has on-site parking.  The weekend program in Worcester is located at Saint Vincent Hospital.

The Springfield College School of Social Work Includes:

  • Acclaimed training in advanced generalist social work
  • Outstanding, diverse faculty members who are active practitioners, scholars, and researchers
  • Low student-to-faculty ratio, and diverse and international student body
  • Full-time weekday and part-time weekend program options, advanced standing standing for BSW graduates
  • Dual MSW/JD degree program
  • Wide range of social work agencies for internships
  • Located at central northeast location at the Brennan Center with on-site parking
  • Emphasis on a Humanics philosophy

Founded in 1885, Springfield College is known worldwide for the guiding principles of its Humanics philosophy—educating students in spirit, mind and body for leadership in service to others. With its foundation of academic excellence and rich athletic heritage, Springfield College prepares students with real-world leadership skills for careers that transform lives and communities. The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of health sciences, human and social services, sport management and movement studies, education, business, and the arts and sciences. It also offers doctoral programs in physical education, physical therapy, and counseling psychology. The college is ranked in the 2016 edition of “Best Colleges” in the top tier of “Best Regional Universities – North Region” by U.S.News & World Report, and is designated as a premier Leadership Development Center by the YMCA of the USA. More than 5,000 traditional, nontraditional and international students study at its main campus in Springfield, Mass., and at its School of Professional and Continuing Studies across the country.