Global Opportunities at UMB

The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) recognizes the importance of global social work through research, teaching, field opportunities and faculty engagement. In line with our JEDI principles, UMSSW emphasizes a decolonization lens through global social work practice, community engagement, partnership/exchange development and student opportunities. Within this strategy we emphasize the value of reciprocal innovation and different ways of knowing to address the needs and well-being of vulnerable populations in global contexts. In addition, this strategy aims to increase global opportunities for students, faculty, staff and alumni both here at UMSSW and in our partnering agencies/institutions, especially focused on ways in which we can increase equity in opportunities for global work.

The Global Initiatives Strategy is in line with the UMB Strategic Plan of 2022-2026 addressing the five themes throughout our initiatives where relevant. Namely,

1. ACCOUNTABILITY AND INTEGRATION OF CORE VALUES
2. STUDENT GROWTH AND SUCCESS
3. UNIVERSITY CULTURE, ENGAGEMENT, AND BELONGING
4. INNOVATION AND REIMAGINATION
5. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION
6. GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATION