The GSSW offers all students many opportunities for leadership development, academic scholarship, and community-building. We hope you'll be able to take advantage of a few or all of these opportunities as a student. If you have other questions or interests, please get in touch with the program director of your program for additional information.
Leadership Development Opportunities
- Student Organizations
- Students can organize or create identity-based or interest-based organizations as they are interested. Your program director can support you in this; if you are interested, please reach out to them. Additionally, the student honor society, Phi Alpha, is open to the top 30% of all GSSW students. Please reach out to Krista Barrett (Krista_Barrett@baylor.edu) for additional information. Throughout the year, we will invite you to various events, learning opportunities, and community engagement opportunities; we hope to see you there!
- Committee Service
- One way to develop leadership skills is to get involved in committee service. The School has student representation on many of its administrative committees and also on the Board of Advocates. Students can also participate on degree advisory councils.
- Outstanding Leadership
- The School recognizes outstanding student leadership with various awards during our Family Dinner Celebration.
- Mentorship
- BSW and MSW students have faculty mentorship opportunities in the fall and spring. This optional opportunity is focused on career and professional development, best social work practices, leadership, and support. You will receive more information about mentorship from your program manager or program director at the start of each semester.
Academic Scholarship Opportunities
- Professional Development/Conference Attendance
- Faculty and staff attend several professional conferences throughout the year. Students are encouraged also to take advantage of these opportunities. There are limited funding opportunities through the Student Development Committee Fund. Examples of conferences include the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE), the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the National Association of Social Workers - Texas, and the North American Association of Christian Social Workers (NACSW).
- Research and Publication
- One of the educational benefits of Baylor School of Social Work is the opportunity to work alongside faculty members in their research and publication. These positions are available through volunteer and Graduate and Undergraduate assistantships.
Community Building
- Residential Student Lounge and Student Computer Lab
- Between classes or for a study group meeting, kick back and relax in the School's Student Lounge. The Grace Table offers a steady supply of snacks. The Student Computer Lab is open daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Resources, events, and traditions
- Online and residential students have access to a wide variety of information related to program opportunities and experiences unique to the GSSW. Please click the link above for additional information.
- Stay Connected
- Keep current on all the activities and events of the School by following the weekly e-newsletter, The Voice, and finding us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.