Welcome to the start of a new academic year at the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW).
For many of you, this is your first semester at UMSSW. For others, this semester marks another important step toward earning your degree. Wherever you are in your academic journey, we are glad you are part of our community.
At UMSSW, we are united by a shared commitment to social justice, equity, and the transformative power of social work to strengthen communities and improve lives. These values shape our teaching, scholarship, practice, and service, and they guide how we engage with one another every day. I encourage each of you to embrace these values and help us create a community built on respect, inclusion, collaboration, and belonging.
As we begin the fall semester, the Office of Access, Strategic Initiatives, and Support (OASIS) will continue to offer opportunities for connection through community spaces focused on belonging, healing, and trust. Program directors, associate deans, the Office of Student Affairs, and student leaders will continue to work together to provide opportunities for dialogue, faculty-facilitated accountability spaces, engagement with UMSSW alumni, and connections with leaders across the school. I also look forward to creating additional opportunities to meet with students throughout the year.
Your voice matters. We value your engagement, feedback, and participation in shaping the future of our school. Should you have questions, concerns, or need support, I encourage you to reach out to the faculty and staff members who are here to help.
MSW Program
- Karen Hopkins, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor
- Danielle White, Associate Dean of Admissions and Enrollment
- Dawn Shafer, Associate Dean of Student Affairs
- Laura Loessner, Director of Practicum Education and Clinical Associate Professor
PhD Program
- Theda Rose, Director and Associate Professor
- Jennifer Canapp, PhD Program Coordinator
DSW Program
- Ed Pecukonis, Director and Professor
- Samantha Fuld, Associate Director and Clinical Associate Professor
- Tay Johnson, DSW Program Coordinator
I wish you a successful and rewarding academic year and look forward to seeing you in our classrooms, hallways, and at events throughout the year.
Sincerely,
Judy L. Postmus, PhD, ACSW
Dean and Professor