Commitment I: Equipping Students to Flourish

At Baylor, we prepare students not only with cutting-edge knowledge and skills, but also with the character and virtues essential for lifelong leadership and service. Rooted in Christian faith, our holistic approach shapes hearts, minds and souls. We seek to equip students to lead with humility, justice and wisdom in a diverse and ever-changing world. At the University level, Commitment 1 has four main strategies. The Garland School of Social Work will focus on the selected University strategies listed below. Here you will find our actionable items in support of these strategies alongside our key performance indicators (or KPIs).

Strategy 1

The GSSW will help students develop leadership virtues and understand the breadth of Christian commitment to the good of others, connecting these to our profession’s values and our core curricular competency to “Engage in ethical and anti-oppressive social work practice and research that considers the role and influence of religion, spirituality, and philosophical perspectives”. (1a, 1d)

1.1.1 Investment in marketing and recruitment materials, to include new videos and podcast, focused on religion and spirituality in social work.
1.1.2 Assessment of 10th competency outcomes of student learning, as measured by self-study reaffirmation of accreditation in 2027 review.
1.1.3 Continued focus on faculty development regarding understanding and use of 10th competency.

Strategy 2

The GSSW will provide exemplary health profession training at the undergraduate and graduate level through current and new curricular offerings, including our social work practicum experiences and the MSW clinical practice specialization. (2a, 2d)

1.2.1 Assessment of student outcomes self-study reaffirmation of accreditation in 2027 review.
1.2.2 Increase licensure pass rate across racially diversity of alumni.
1.2.3 ADAA will promote mental health distinctive of MSW program in recruitment and in curriculum.

Strategy 3

The GSSW will increase enrollment by creating new interdisciplinary courses and degree options (including mental health, social justice and human flourishing, social policy and organizational leadership, and civic and interpersonal connection). (3d)

1.3.1 Propose new MA in leadership with BCHP.
1.3.2 Create new courses for Interfaith Civic Studies Minor.

Strategy 4

The GSSW will support student success in our current degree programs and their future practice with a focus on professional mentoring, the use of technology and artificial intelligence in practice, and preparation for licensure and career advancement. (2b, 2e, 4a, 4c)

1.4.1 Refine new student mentoring opportunities in BSW and MSW program.
1.4.2 Assess role of AI in SW practice and incorporate appropriate skills in practice classes and practicum experience.
1.4.3 Assess new licensure modules in canvas to focus on increased licensure rates.

(#) denotes how this strategy maps back to Baylor in Deeds.

Diana R. Garland School of Social Work