Welcome
Columbia School of Social Work has an extensive—over 20,000 strong—alumni network, many of whom occupy leadership roles at major social work agencies and institutions. A significant portion of these alumni maintain a strong relationship with the School, serving as advisors or field supervisors for our students, giving talks about their careers and/or joining in networking events. Being able to call on these alumni as resources ensures that students have an inside track to information, mentors, internships, and career opportunities.
We urge you to get involved with us. We offer a network of more than 20,000 social work graduates, which can potentially provide you with job leads, mentors, and life-long friends.
Services We Offer
As a graduate of the Columbia School of Social Work, you are automatically a member of the CSSW Alumni Association. We offer a range of services to keep you in touch with the School and with each other:
The CSSW Alumni Association organizes special events such as receptions, workshops, and lectures throughout the academic year. A special highlight is Alumni Day, held in spring semester. To receive emails regarding alumni events and other alumni-related news, we recommend that you register your contact information with the Alumni Directory. (Alternatively, you can send your contact info to [email protected], and we will enter the info into the Alumni Directory on your behalf. Please be sure to include your full name and graduation year.)
You can request your transcript directly from the University Registrar’s Office. Refer to the instructions on Ordering a Transcript. Questions on the process can be emailed to [email protected].
You can access a number of electronic resources and databases from your home computer through the Alumni and Friends gateway, using your UNI and password. You also have lifetime visiting and reading privileges (borrowing privileges cost $30 per month) at all Columbia University Libraries.
NOTE: To activate those privileges, you must first register with the Library Information Office at Butler Library and obtain a University ID card (This can only be done by visiting Butler Library. Please make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID with you.) For more information, go to Using the Libraries (on the Columbia Libraries site).
CSSW is an approved provider of contact hours for New York State. Please check out our list of continuing education workshops, for which you can earn CEUs. In addition, and as a benefit of being an alumnus, you are eligible to enroll in a number of LCSW-approved for-credit courses every semester (Spring, Summer and Fall). Besides earning credits, alumni who successfully complete a full-semester course will receive 45 New York State CEUs (22.5 CEUs for a half-semester course), except as noted.
ColumbiaYou is a collective memoir sponsored by the Columbia Alumni Association, open to anyone with a Columbia affiliation. Share your story!
The Office of Career and Leadership Management is committed to providing the School’s alumni with the necessary tools to successfully navigate and manage their careers post-graduation. These include continued access to Career Connect, the School’s exclusive job board and career resource library, career webinars, and one-on-one career coaching.
The Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) offers additional career exploration and job search tools, such as Vault (formerly known as Firsthand), as well as digital networking hour events and group career coaching hours.
For transcript requests, refer to the University Registrar’s instructions on Ordering a Transcript. For letters or documentation certifying your education, practicum hours and experience, and/or coursework or credits completed for licensure, employment, or other purpose, submit a request to Student Affairs using their Letter Request Form. For licensing and related forms that require completion or signature by a school official or course descriptions, please email [email protected]. For information about licensure requirements and procedures, contact the respective state board directly. You can also refer to our resource page on Licensing or the broader overview and information provided by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
The Hall of Fame honors alumni who have made outstanding contributions to the theory and/or practice of social work and who, by their example, have added distinction to the social work profession. All alumni are welcome to nominate other alumni for this honor. Graduates from all fields of practice receive full consideration in the nomination process. Nominees must have obtained their CSSW degree program at least 15 years prior to the year of nomination.
Our Online Alumni Community is a great resource when looking for a job, moving to a new city or state, or staying connected with friends. Search for alumni across the globe working in specific organizations, reconnect with classmates, and update your contact information by logging in with your UNI and password. You can also join our exclusive group for CSSW alumni and students on LinkedIn, or the university-wide Columbia Alumni Association Network, to connect and engage directly with fellow Columbians.
Development and Communications Team
Associate Dean for Communication Strategy, Development, and Alumni Affairs
Director of Development
Asociate Director
Donor Relations Coordinator
Development Associate
Director, Marketing & Communications
Assistant Director, Communication and Marketing
Lead Media Specialist
Special Assistant
Spotlight on Alumni Who Give
“CSSW was the foundation for my career. Without the financial support I got, I would never have become a social work researcher. Our support for CSSW can open the road for talented low-income students to achieve the dream of their lives. They will use their talents to serve those most in need.”
—Dr. Jaime Alvelo, CSSW, Class of ’81, ’86
“You thought ahead. It will make a huge difference to Columbia,” says Ryan Hart, Executive Director of Planned Giving, to CSSW alumna Laurie Marsden (Class of 1999), who made a gift through her will to the School of Social Work. As this video playfully demonstrates, Marsden’s planned gift automatically made her a member of Columbia University’s 1754 Society.
“At Columbia, I was able to merge my prior work in business with social policy and practices. Regardless of the amount, we should support those with the heart, interest, and capacity to further quality outcomes for children, families, and communities.”
—Dr. Ivye Allen, CSSW, Class of ’00
Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame honors alumni who have made outstanding contributions to the theory and/or practice of social work and who, by their example, have added distinction to the social work profession. All alumni are welcome to nominate other alumni for this honor. Graduates from all fields of practice receive full consideration in the nomination process. Nominees must have obtained their CSSW degree program at least 15 years prior to the year of nomination.
Questions?
For questions about Alumni Services or Events, contact Jennifer March at: 212-851-2372 | [email protected]
For questions about making a gift by will, a gift to the Annual Fund, or other ways of giving back to the Columbia School of Social Work, contact: Linara Davidson-Greenidge at 212-853-8128 | [email protected]