Things to know in

NOVEMBER!

  • It’s National Adoption Month!
  • New SWAA Alumni-Student Mentorship Program
  • New resources available for students
  • Key dates to remember
  • Ft. Sam Houston Students and Faculty in action!

There is so much more!

Read below and stay up to date in all things College of Social Work!

Emily Nichols

ASK Program Coordinator

National Adoption Month is not just a mere observance on the calendar; it resonates on a personal level, echoing the profound impact adoption has had on countless lives, including my own.

November is National Adoption Month!

As we embrace the spirit of National Adoption Month, I wanted to take a moment to share my deep-rooted passion for this significant cause and the invaluable work that Adoption Support for Kentucky (ASK) represents in our community.

For me, National Adoption Month is not just a mere observance on the calendar; it resonates on a personal level, echoing the profound impact adoption has had on countless lives, including my own. It stands as a beacon of hope, a celebration of love, and a testament to the power of family, unity, and unwavering support.

The work I am fortunate to be a part of with ASK is not merely a profession; it’s a calling—a commitment to guiding families, both prospective and established, through the intricate, heartfelt journey of adoption. This month serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of our collective efforts in facilitating forever homes and ensuring the well-being of children in need.

ASK plays an integral role in our community, providing a nurturing, empathetic environment for families navigating the complexities of adoption. We offer guidance, resources, and emotional support, advocating for the best interests of every child and every family involved. Our mission is not solely about the legal process but about fostering connections, offering solace, and championing the joy of finding one’s place in a loving home.
Learn more about ASK
As we commemorate National Adoption Month, I am reminded of countless success stories and the transformative power of belonging. Every child placed in a loving family represents a triumph—an affirmation that through our dedication, lives are forever changed for the better.

I am incredibly proud to be part of an organization that places such emphasis on the significance of adoption, and I invite you to join us in celebrating this month. Whether through spreading awareness, offering support, or sharing stories of hope, every action counts and contributes to making a difference in the lives of those touched by adoption.

Thank you for taking the time to reflect on the importance of National Adoption Month and the work we do at Adoption Support for Kentucky. Together, let us continue to foster an environment where every child finds their place in a loving and nurturing family.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY!

Scholarship opportunity for MSW students from the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)

THE DETAILS:

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is excited to continue to offer scholarships for Social Work students who are pursuing their Master’s Degree in Social Work. This scholarship is under the VA’s Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) and covers 100% of their tuition once awarded and provides a monthly living stipend (currently $1,200) while attending classes. In return, upon completion of their education the recipient comes to work for the VA taking care of the mental health needs of our Nation’s Heroes.
VIEW MORE INFORMATION

ADVISING TIP from Sr. Advisor Mason Stewart

Wondering how to engage?

FOSTER MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS

Foster meaningful connections with your professors and course content by engaging in critical and curious reading, thinking about how ideas are conveyed and organized and initiating communication with your instructors. Continue to engage with instructors for ongoing support and academic growth. Consider attending office hours this week!

NEW OFFICE OF STUDENT SUPPORT AND EXPERIENCE (SEE) LANDING PAGE!

Discover a variety of student organizations representing diverse interests and passions, along with an up-to-date calendar of events in the College of Social Work.

MORE RESOURCES AT YOU FINGERTIPS!

Utilize student resources to best support your college and professional career, as well as your personal life. Whether you’re seeking academic support, forging social connections, navigating the complexities of emotional well-being, maintaining your physical wellness, or laying the foundation for your future career, we have you covered. If you ever need assistance to be uniquely tailored to your needs, contact us so that we may try and best serve you. Tap into the resources you need that CoSW offers throughout your college journey and ensure your future success.
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SEE GRANT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The SEE Grant Program aims to provide currently enrolled students with financial resources to carry out approved projects (e.g., events, programs, initiatives) with the goal of improving the CoSW student experience and increasing levels of engagement and belonging among the student population, regardless of geographic location.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: NOVEMBER 20, 2023

For more detailed information and instructions, please review the SEE Grant Summary document
VIEW SEE GRANT SUMMARY

An optional virtual information session for those students interested in applying for a SEE Grant will be hosted by the CoSW Dean’s Student Advisory Council on Tuesday, November 14 at 4:00 p.m. EST. 

You will be able to ask questions during the informational session but if you prefer to submit a question in advance, please email CoSWExperience@uky.edu.  
 
A recording of the information session will be made available if you cannot attend. Please reach out to Asia Payne, Director of Student Experience, to request access. 
 
If you have any questions, please contact Asia Payne.  

DEADLINE FOR PHI ALPHA APPROACHING!​

November 13, 2023

DON'T MISS OUT!

Xi Sigma, the UK College of Social Work’s chapter of Phi Alpha Honor Society, a national honor society for social work, will accept applications until November 13, 2023.
LEARN MORE
Dates to Remember:
- November 22nd-25th: Thanksgiving Break
- December 6th: Deadline to submit a petition for a Post Midterm Withdrawal for urgent non-academic reasons.
- December 15th: Final day of the Fall 2023 semester.

Looking for an edge or strategy for better learning and greater success in your classes?

WILDCAT WISDOM is here to help!

Research in education, leadership, and business management shows that the most successful people decisively and consistently make time for three things in their routine that are essential to elevating their success in all aspects of their lives, work, and education. Those three things are diet, exercise, and good sleep. Many of these same studies show that the average person when confronted by challenges, stress, and high-pressure situations, immediately drop three things from their routines. Can you guess what these three things are? Diet, exercise, and good sleep.

Diet
30% of your daily diet is used for thinking and learning alone. When and what you eat matters!

Exercise
Stand up or walk while reading or listening to recordings. Exercising and moving around are how our brains learn best, raising recall rates by 12%-18% over learners sitting still.

Sleep
Rest is important in the transition of information from short-term memory to long-term memory. Taking breaks while studying helps your brain process what you have learned.

Watch this video for additional details on these tips and strategies!

CW Prep

What is CW PREP?

CW PREP is an innovative career preparation program. In return for your commitment to child welfare work, we supply everything you need to excel.

 This program is available at 12 Kentucky institutions, both on campus and online for undergraduate studies. 

Financial Support Opportunities? Yes!

Once admitted into CW PREP, students receive a $1,300 stipend per semester, full paid in-state tuition for up to four semesters and have priority placement with Kentucky’s DCBS after graduation.

Ft. Sam Houston SWA Quarterly Volunteer Event

Each quarter, several of our students and faculty at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas participated in a service project where they painted over graffiti in a drainage tunnel. We are proud of their desire to serve their community as well as their country! 

Halloween & Self-Care?

Erin Mayhorn’s SW 445 and SW 421 used Halloween as a perfect reason to practice self-care! In the words of Dean Miller, “self-care always in all ways”, Erin was creating a unique way to help students learn how to be creative in their self-care efforts. They discussed how costumes can be a form of self-care. Some of the ways that dressing up creates self-care are highlighted below.

  1. Stress Relief
  2. Self-Expression
  3. Social Connection
  4. Playfulness and Fun
  5. Boosting Self-Confidence
  6. Body Positivity
  7. Creativity and Artistic Expression
  8. Escapism
  9. Laughter and Joy
  10. Memorable Experiences

In essence, self-care is about taking time to prioritize your well-being, happiness, and mental health. If dressing up for Halloween brings you joy, allows you to express yourself, and temporarily relieves stress, then it can certainly be considered a form of self-care.

“Remember that self-care is highly individual, so it’s important to engage in activities that make you feel good and improve your overall well-being”

  • Erin Mayhorn, Clinical Assistant Professor

NEWS & TRENDING TOPICS

TELL US MORE!

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