Program Mission and Goals

Program's Mission Statement:

The mission of the Social Work Program at Eastern Mennonite University [EMU] is structured within three essential contexts: 1.) the Anabaptist faith tradition of EMU as an educational institution of Mennonite Church USA now serving students of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, 2.) the purpose and core values of the social work profession, and 3.) the Accreditation Standards of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Grounded within these contexts, the EMU Social Work program:

• prepares students to serve and lead together as generalist social work practitioners seeking justice in a global world,
• engages students in rigorous curriculum and cognitive and affective processes that form intersectional self-understanding and appreciation for the strengths-based potential of diverse persons, families, and communities.
• mentors students for trauma responsiveness and sustainable stewardship of human capabilities and earth's resources.

Program Goals

1. Equip students with generalist social work knowledge, values, and skills required for entry-level social work practice and/or graduate study.
2. Provide rigorous curriculum and engagement with community learning and experiential field education.
3. Mentor students to engage with diverse individuals, families, communities, and organizations with self-awareness, ethical boundaries, and cultural humility.
4. Support students in collaborating with diverse clients on micro, mezzo, and macro levels through respectful relationships that rebuild lives and communities and create hope for a positive future on earth.