Social Work students take oath affirming professional responsibilities

Central Michigan University students from the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program read an oath affirming their professional responsibility during an annual Convocation Ceremony September 7 welcoming newly admitted students and returning seniors.

The ceremony emphasizes the responsibility of being a social worker, which includes the pursuit of justice and inclusion for all. Entering students receive a pin from faculty members. Seniors entering their field experience receive a custom badge identifying them as a CMU intern for use in their practicum agencies.

This year, students will complete practicums in community agencies from Detroit to northern Michigan, in programs ranging from children’s services to homeless programs and senior services.

Social Work program director Susan Grettenberger and associate professor Lissa Schwander, field education director, served as emcees for the event. The ceremony included welcomes and calls to the profession from Paul Marsh, a field supervisor for BSW interns at the Isabella County Trial Court, Christi Brookes, Acting Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Eve Vicary, a senior BSW student, and Elbert Almazan, Chair of the School of Politics, Society, Justice and Public Service where the BSW program is housed. Marsh also received the 2022 Field Instructor of the Year award from the program.

CMU’s Social Work program is a professional, accredited program that is rooted in the liberal arts and prepares students for social work practice in a variety of settings. Students are eligible for licensure by the state of Michigan upon completion of their BSW degrees. Over half enroll in graduate social work (MSW) programs all across the country, immediately after completing the BSW.