UMKC Social Work Department

08/26/2026

Here's our first of the school year - how to set yourself up for success. What else would you recommend?

08/25/2026

Virginia Sweetser (also known as Ginny) was an alumna of the UMKC program and then came back later in her career to teach with us. As a veteran, she both experienced PTSD and recognized the importance of providing sound mental health care practices to those who deal with it. In her honor, this scholarship was set up by her family and friends so that her work can continue. Open to veterans going into mental health care at the three schools Virginia connected with, this scholarship will be open again later this fall - stay tuned for more info.

In August, the first winners of this scholarship were celebrated. Pictured L to R: Dr Laverne Berkel (Program Director for the Master of Counseling), Dr Steven Onken (Chair of the Social Work Dept), Mickey (Master of Counseling student and winner), Susan Sweetser (Ginny's mother), Abby (Master of Counseling student and winner), and Dean Sara Helfrich (Dean of the School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences).

08/24/2026

Welcome to Fall Semester at ! We're excited to have students back on campus and start a new academic year. Hope you are too!

08/21/2026

Monday is the big day when classes start again at ! We're excited to welcome new students and continuing the journey with returning students.

08/20/2026

One week from today is your next chance to join a free discussion for students! NASW invites all social work students and recent graduates to our free monthly learning sessions focused on skill-building, advocacy, and professional identity for students and recent graduates. Sessions are recorded and available for viewing shortly after the live event. All series sessions can be found at https://www.socialworkers.org/Careers/NASW-Career-Center/Resources-for-Students/Career-Webinars-for-Social-Work-Students (link also in our bio)

This month: Mental Health in a Divided World. Join us for a conversation on the impact of political and social division on mental health and the social work profession. This workshop will explore strategies for navigating ethical challenges, building resilience, and fostering connection in a polarized world.

08/19/2026

This Sunday, August 23rd, is the birthday of our beloved friend Alice Kitchen. Among the MANY things she did to build up her community, she co-founded the Women's Equality Coalition and they are holding a celebration in her honor this weekend. They want to hear your stories of Alice and will be recording them to share with future advocates. Learn more and RSVP at https://partiful.com/e/Q5ifcw7yg2zniWvmbo6I?

08/18/2026

Great opportunity to learn about one of our community partners! Excited to see another one of our MSW students do practicum here this year.

Just ONE WEEK until our online Careers Q&A! Bring your burning questions about working at MSPD - or just chat and listen - during any part of the hour that you are available: Monday, August 24th, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on Zoom. RSVP on our website to receive the meeting link and reminders: PublicDefender.MO.gov/careers-webinar2026

We welcome attendees at any stage of their education or careers, and we're excited to tell you more about both attorney and non-attorney roles.

Image description: "Careers Q&A on 8/24" graphic with the event details above, RSVP link, and "Meet MSPD team members! Gina Hall: Human Resources Manager; Annie Legomsky: Director of Client Advocacy; Leslie Richins: Investigator; Gina Savoie: Chief of Staff" with a photo of 10 MSPD team members smiling at the camera

08/18/2026

Reminder that our information session for August is THIS Friday, hosted by Dr Lee! To learn more about our program and sign up to attend (which will then get you an email that includes the Zoom link), go to https://seswps.umkc.edu/academics/social-work/ and click on "Attend an Information Session" near the top of the page. There's a lot of other information there too, and Dr Lee will have time to address your questions. See you soon!

08/17/2026

One more week until fall classes begin!

Interested in learning more about the Master of Social Work Program at UMKC? Check it out at https://seswps.umkc.edu/academics/social-work/ (link also in our bio).

08/13/2026

Thinking about getting your ? Our main application deadline is March 1st to start in the fall on either the 2 year, 3 year or Advanced Standing tracks. If you're interested in starting part time, you can also apply for our other flexible admission deadlines of June 1 for fall start or November 1 for a spring start. Learn more about our program at https://seswps.umkc.edu/academics/social-work/ (link also in our bio)