Student Affairs

Students

The Office of Student Affairs, which includes the offices of Student Services, Academic Advising, and Career Development, promotes academic success by assisting students in meeting the many demands of their academic and personal lives and promoting a positive school experience.  The office provides a variety of services, programs, supports, and opportunities for leadership and connection throughout students’ academic career. The goal of the Office is to ensure that all students possess the necessary resources to complete their MSW and become well-prepared and engaged social workers.   

Our Team

DAWN SHAFER, PhD, LCSW-C (she/they)

Dawn Shafer Headshot 2024

Associate Dean for Student Affairs
DSHAFER@ssw.umaryland.edu

ALEX COSENTINO-TICH, LCSW-C (they/them)

Alex Cosentino-Tich

Academic and Career Advisor
ACOSENTINO@ssw.umaryland.edu

HENRIETTE TAYLOR, LMSW (she/her)

Henriette

Assistant Dean for Student Services
HTAYLOR@ssw.umaryland.edu

Programs hosted by Students Affairs

  • Student Licensing and Career Development

    The goal of the Career Development Center is to prepare students and graduates to enter the social work profession and job market by providing workshops, individual consultation, and transition from campus to career support.

    Student Licensing and Career Development

  • First-Generation Student Success Program (FGSP)

    First-generation students are often defined as those whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year degree. First-Gen graduate students are former first-generation undergraduates who have progressed to a master’s program.

    First-Generation Student Success Program (FGSP)

  • Peer Mentoring

    Make a connection (and a difference) with another student with only a minimal time commitment!

    Peer Mentoring

  • Academic Advising

    The Academic and Career Advisor provides guidance to students as they navigate their academic plans and prepare for their careers after graduation.

    Advising

  • Disability and Accessibility at UMSSW

    A commitment to disability justice is part of our mission to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging both within our school and our greater society. 

    Disability and Accessibility at UMSSW

Disability Inclusion at UMSSW

The University of Maryland School of Social Work values the contribution of all students and seeks to create an accessible and inclusive environment that values our diversity. As such, UMSSW works closely with the Office of Educational Support and Disability Services (ESDS) to ensure that students with disabilities can fully participate in the MSW program. Through this partnership, students with disabilities can receive individualized classroom and field accommodations. We also work closely with students, faculty and staff stake holders to forward our mission of disability inclusion across campus and to promote a culture of respect and pride.  

If you have a question about accommodations or universal design, please reach out to me directly. 

Additional resources: 

Disability and Accessibility at UMSSW

Educational Support and Disabliity Services at UMB

DREAM Disability Justice Student Group

Ready to be a Changemaker?