LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is thrilled to announce that applications for student leadership positions are now open for the 2025 – 2026 academic year!
Students – this is your chance to take an active role in shaping the student experience at CoSW, advocate for your peers, and build valuable professional connections that will serve you long after graduation. Whether you want to represent the college at major events, provide insights to CoSW leadership, or guide first-year students as a mentor, there’s a leadership opportunity for you!
“Student leadership is an exciting way to make an impact, develop meaningful connections, and gain valuable experience that extends beyond the classroom,” said Kayla Powell, Director of Student Engagement and Experience (SEE). “We encourage students at all levels to get involved and take advantage of these opportunities.”
Why Apply?
Gain hands-on leadership experience that sets you apart in your career Strengthen your resume with real-world advocacy, mentorship, and collaboration Connect with faculty, staff, and peers in meaningful ways Receive a stipend for select positions
Open Student Leadership Positions:
CoSW Student Ambassador
- Undergraduate ambassadors represent the college at recruitment events, including info sessions, 1:1 meetings with prospective students, tabling at events, and outreach. In-person participation is required.
- Graduate (MSW/DSW) ambassadors engage with prospective students and support recruitment and engagement efforts. Open to all students.
- Commitment: Minimum 8 hours per month.
- Compensation: $500 stipend per semester.
Dean’s Student Advisory Council
- Representatives from each academic program meet every three weeks to discuss college initiatives and provide feedback from the student perspective to CoSW leadership.
- Meetings: Wednesdays, 9–10 a.m. EST (via Zoom).
Graduate Student Congress Representative
- Represents CoSW in UK’s Graduate Student Congress, advocating for graduate students and participating in interdisciplinary collaboration and professional development.
- Meetings: Monthly hybrid sessions. Attendance is required.
- Optional: Join a subcommittee for additional leadership experience.
UK 101 Peer Instructor
- Assists faculty in teaching UK 101 for first-year students, including co-teaching, facilitating discussions, and mentoring students.
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students available during scheduled class times.
- Compensation: $400 stipend.
College Committee Student Representatives
Each CoSW committee includes one undergraduate and one graduate student to provide student input. Responsibilities include attending monthly meetings. Open committees include:
- Admissions & Retention Committee: Focuses on policies and procedures related to student admissions and retention.
- Curriculum Committee: Develops and reviews academic policies, curriculum updates, and program compliance.
- Doctoral Committee: Oversees doctoral program policies, admissions, and student progression. (DSW/PhD students only.)
- Research Committee: Promotes research initiatives, grant writing, and faculty/student mentorship in research.
- Strategic Planning & Quality Improvement Committee: Develops strategic plans and assessment measures for CoSW programs.
Student Organization Officer Positions
Leadership roles are available within several student organizations:
- Social Work Association (SWA): Open to all social work students; holds monthly hybrid meetings.
- Criminal Justice Association (CJA): Open to all criminal justice students; holds monthly hybrid meetings.
- Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW): Supports Black social work students; holds monthly hybrid meetings.
- PhD Association: Provides networking opportunities for Social Work PhD students.
- DSW Association: Facilitates connections among Doctor of Social Work students.
- Phi Alpha Honor Society: Recognizes academic excellence in social work. Membership is invitation-based.
- Latin Social Work Scholars (LSWS): Fosters a community for Latinx social work students at CoSW.
Ready to Lead? Here’s How to Apply!
To help you explore your options, we’re hosting two virtual info sessions:
February 18, 10:00 – 11:00 AM | Register Here
March 10, 3:30 – 4:30 PM | Register Here
Deadline to apply: March 15 Eligibility: All applicants must be enrolled in CoSW and in good academic standing.
Don’t miss out on the chance to step into leadership and make a lasting impact!
For questions, contact Kayla Powell at Kayla.Powell@uky.edu.
