Save the date for National Social Work Month and National Criminal Justice Month this March

Join us this March and amplify the impact of social work and criminal justice, highlighting the broad and impactful role of social work and criminal justice across different areas of society.  

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LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is excited to celebrate National Social Work Month and National Criminal Justice Month in March. This year, the CoSW enthusiastically marks this significant month with a diverse array of events in March, highlighting the broad and impactful role of social work and criminal justice across different areas of society.  

Social Work Lobby Day

Kicking off things in February, the College of Social Work invites students to participate in  Social Work Lobby Day on February 25, 2025, at the Kentucky State Capitol. This event provides social work and criminal justice students with a unique opportunity to engage with Kentucky’s legislative processes, understand their impacts on citizens, and connect with advocates, legislators, and peers dedicated to advancing social justice. 

To support student participation, CoSW is chartering a bus to transport students to and from Frankfort. Students who register and indicate they will ride the bus should meet at the bus loop off Avenue of Champions (across from Memorial Coliseum and in front of the Bowman Statue) no later than 7:00 AM. The bus will return to campus by 5:30 PM. 

Students can participate in the event by registering here

Emergency Preparedness Event 

UK Police Department’s Emergency Management Team is presenting on incident response and personal preparedness on March 5 from 5-6:30 p.m. This presentation will highlight the impacts of natural, technological, and human-caused emergencies, with additional recommendations for creating a plan to prepare yourself for an emergency and some items to consider in your home emergency kit. 

The presentation can be attended in-person or virtually. Registration is required at this link. Presentation will be held in-person at The 90, Room 228. 

CoSW Pop-up Shop and FREE Continuing Education Opportunities 

March 3-24th, CoSW will host a pop-up shop, inviting faculty, staff, students, and alumni to purchase CoSW branded gear for all the year’s upcoming events. The link for the pop-up shop is coming soon. 

In the spirit of lifelong learning, the CoSW will provide one free online continuing education course to its alumni through the Wildcat Network’s private group, accessible by logging in and navigating to the “Events” tab on the group’s page. Non-members can join Wildcat Network at www.wildcatnetwork.com.  

Take Me Back to the Ball Game – CoSW @ KY Proud Park 

Join us for College of Social Work Day on March 23 at 2 PM at Kentucky Proud Park as the UK Baseball team takes on Auburn. Before the game, Dean Jay Miller will throw the first pitch. Plus, there will be an exclusive tailgate area just for CoSW faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The college also invites friends and families to attend the game. Registration information coming soon. 

Tabling at Gatton Student Center and Appreciation Days 

CoSW will organize a tabling event at the Gatton Student Center on March 11 from 1:30-4:30 p.m., providing an interactive platform for the campus community to engage with one another, learn more about the college’s criminal justice and social work offerings, and pick up CoSW swag items. 

Additionally, in a stance of appreciation, staff and faculty members are planning Appreciation Days to honor and recognize the invaluable contribution of UK HealthCare social workers and UK Police Department employees. 

For over 85 years, the College of Social Work (CoSW) at the University of Kentucky has been a leader in education. Our mission is clear: Through rigorous research, excellence in instruction, and steadfast service, the CoSW works to improve the human condition. Always, in all ways.

As the state’s flagship university, our mission is actualized through our deeds. Our faculty are renowned academicians dedicated to fostering the development of high-quality practitioners and researchers. As a college, we promote community and individual well-being through translational research and scholarship, exemplary teaching, and vital community engagement. We are committed to the people and social institutions throughout Kentucky, the nation, and the world.