Jane Addams College of Social Work Official Page

08/04/2026

On August 26, UIC makes history — and Jane Addams College of Social Work is going to be in the middle of it. We're building the largest circle in UIC history at UIC Convocation 2026, and we want you there representing us.

Circle photo capture time: 5:45 p.m. – 5:55 p.m. Participants should arrive early (we recommend arriving by 4:30 p.m.) and bring their i-card to scan and pick up their free swag.

Harrison Field (corner of Harrison and Halsted)

All registered attendees receive a UIC bucket hat, T-shirt and meal ticket. Prizes go to the teams that bring the most people. Family members are also welcome.

Full convocation schedule of events: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. University Hall East Lawn (Outdoors)
Every college, unit, club and team is showing up — and a little friendly competition never hurt. We want JACSW to be impossible to miss.

That means we need you.

Register, show up and let's show the rest of UIC what we look like when we all show up together.
Your presence counts. And we're counting on it.
Spread the word. Bring your peers. See you on the lawn.

UIC Convocation 2026: One Circle. One UIC. New Student Convocation is our official welcome to all new students and the start of your journey as a Flame in the first week of classes! Join thousa...

05/07/2026

The Spring 2026 issue of Affirmations is here. The publication includes stories on how the Jane Addams Center for Social Policy and Research is playing a key role in the state of Illinois managing its behavioral health dilemmas; a new online toolkit developed by the JACSW's Illinois Behavioral Workforce Center will provide vital information on how behavioral workforce organizations can best retain their employees; and a recap of the 30th Karen J. Honig Memorial Lecture. And there's more. Click on the cover photo to read all the stories. Enjoy.

02/17/2026

One Hope United is partnering with the University of Illinois Chicago’s Jane Addams College of Social Work to expand its successful Hope House program in Illinois and strengthen the evidence base for national replication. This collaboration will focus on a rigorous, data-driven evaluation of the Hope House model to support future growth and demonstrate its impact on youth in foster care. Read more. https://bit.ly/4kFVPao

02/11/2026

The University of Illinois Chicago’s Jane Addams College of Social Work will host Trina Reynolds-Tyler on March 18 as she presents “Missing and Forgotten Women: Lost in the Shadows” @ the 30th Karen J. Honig Memorial Lecture. Register today. Hope to see you there.

Mar 18 2026 Karen J. Honig Memorial Lecture March 18, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Location Student Services Building Address 1200 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607 Cost Free Calendar Download iCal File The 30th Karen J. Honig Memorial Lecture featuring Trina Reynolds-Tyler presents a crucial opportunity...

02/09/2026

A new online toolkit developed by the Illinois Behavioral Workforce Center at the University of Illinois Chicago, led by Jane Addams College of Social Work Professor Sonya Leathers, will help behavioral healthcare organizations retain their staff.

Reducing Turnover Posted on February 09, 2026 New Web-based Toolkit Addressing Behavioral Healthcare Professionals' Staff Retention More than half of behavioral healthcare professionals surveyed by the learning website Strategic Education Inc. in July 2025 planned to search for a new j...

12/19/2025

The Fall 2025 issue of Affirmations is out. Read about an event that brought together experts to find solutions on how older incarcerated adults can successfully be reintegrated into society, two new JACSW faculty members, and more. https://bit.ly/3KE4o8s

11/06/2025

JACSW Assistant Professor Daysi Diaz-Strong will serve as a panelist on “What is Cultural Humility: Theory and Application in Community Spaces,” on November 21 from noon-1 p.m. The event is part of UI Health’s Reclaiming Our Stories: The Odehmenan Health Equity Speaker Series. Hope to see you there.

11/06/2025

Nominations are being sought until Dec. 15 for the Jane Addams College of Social Work's Pioneer Award, bestowed upon a graduate who has made significant pioneering, or standout contributions to a community, state, or nation consistent with the mission of the college. ttps://bit.ly/4oP96hY

Pioneer Award Nominations Being Sought Posted on November 05, 2025 Introduction The Jane Addams College of Social Work is seeking nominations for the 2026 Pioneer Award, the college’s most prestigious honor. Submissions may come from alumni, current students, faculty and friends of the JACSW. Self...

08/26/2025

Register today for Oct. 3’s JACSW Training Institute for School-Based Professionals. The theme is “Navigating Trauma in Schools: Supporting Students, Families, and Teachers.” Learn more about the speakers and register here: https://bit.ly/4oOohIV. Hope to see you there.

06/13/2025

The Jane Addams Center for Social Policy and Research recently celebrated five individuals who completed its Free to Excel program, which assists individuals who have been impacted by the criminal justice system to further their education by helping them obtain a General Educational Diploma (GED), high school diploma or college degree.

Gwendolyn Baxter, David Benifield, Michelle Gaines, Torrence Price and Claricia Wilmer were recognized at a reception to celebrate their achievements. Under the direction of John Hardy, senior research specialist at the Policy Center, the program helps individuals “navigate challenges that may hinder the path to successful educational experiences for justice-involved individuals.

“Our staff understands that there are barriers that restrict individuals with adverse backgrounds from achieving academic success,” Hardy said. “Free to Excel helps facilitate the success of participants through advocacy, support, and academic services. We provide academic advisors, peer mentoring groups, information guides, referrals, forums, conferences, and workshops.”

Free to Excel’s target population are individuals who have been incarcerated, on probation, or have a criminal record. Entry to the program may also be granted to individuals who are rebounding from other adverse circumstances such as homelessness, foster care, poverty, and other conditions that cause a disconnect from mainstream society.

To learn more about the Free to Excel program, contact John Hardy at [email protected].