Dean's Corner - April Issue

Dear CSSW Community, 

At times of great chaos and confusion, I find it helpful (even necessary, in fact) to take a step back – to breathe, to think, to try to gain a new perspective. I believe this is one of those times.

Since I arrived at CSSW six years ago, we’ve faced many challenges together. Having said that, I don’t think any compares to the present moment. There has been a dizzying array of changes to our environment that are unsettling, disruptive, and downright frightening. We are doing all we can to provide support, individually and in groups, especially to those in greatest need (and please note the updated list of resources at the bottom of this message). Through a series of meetings with faculty, researchers, staff, students, and alums, they’ve been able to share their biggest concerns and their suggestions for the future. I am grateful to everyone who has participated and shared their insights and ideas – they are enormously helpful.

By this point, you are aware of the University’s response to the federal government; the note from Dr. Katrina Armstrong regarding her return to leading our Medical Campus; and the announcement of our new Acting President, trustee Claire Shipman. More changes have come with the discontinuation of research grants, the threats to our community members of deportation, and the proposed imposition of new travel bans – all of which can negatively affect our ability to make good on our mission to ensure that all can reach their full potential. While this is true, it is also true that we have faced significant obstacles before in the course of CSSW’s 125-year history. We overcame them. We will do so again. 

Our research and educational programs are proceeding robustly as I write this, even though some of our external funding has been abruptly discontinued. This funding disruption is unfortunate, and may reverse some of the health gains that my colleagues were on track to achieve. I’ve remained in close touch with other social work deans who are reporting similar challenges with research grants. I’m grateful that three major social work organizations (the Council on Social Work Education, the Society for Social Work and Research, and the National Association of Deans and Directors of Social Work programs) have come together in a coalition to support their respective memberships and the broader profession. We will find a way forward, remaining committed to our central goal of ensuring that everyone can reach their full potential. 

Our efforts are powered by the core principles of social work: integrity, service, competence, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, and the importance of human relationships. These are also values that we can draw on in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Celebrate Diversity Month. Now is the time for all of us at CSSW to reaffirm our commitment to honoring the dignity and diversity of our communities. As social workers, we embrace diversity — in race, culture, religion, ethnicity, language, gender identity, national origin, opinion, socioeconomic status, and so much more — by recognizing the unique lived experiences of different individuals and communities in all their beauty. By engaging in this deliberate work, we are able to uplift the inherent dignity, respect, and worth of each person.

There are still many challenges ahead of us. Please let me say this, loud and clear: I am immensely proud of the research and education that our school delivers. The research is relevant, ethical, and rigorous. The education is unparalleled, as proven by the outstanding career achievements of our thousands of alums over the past 125 years. We are all committed to supporting our faculty and staff colleagues in their work, and maintaining their freedom to pursue important questions with vigor and tenacity, and without delay. This is how we can have the greatest positive impact on our society as we continue with this vital work. 

With gratitude and in community,

Melissa

New/Updated Resources (PLEASE REVIEW!):

• https://universitylife.columbia.edu/content/columbia-resources-student-faculty-and-staff-awareness 
• https://isso.columbia.edu/content/student-services 
• https://publicsafety.columbia.edu/content/your-rights-and-responsibilities
• https://publicsafety.columbia.edu/content/frequently-asked-questions-visits-campus-us-immigration-and-customs-enforcement-ice
• https://universitylife.columbia.edu/doxing-resources

Additional Resources for Students:

University Counseling and Psychological Services

• Morningside / Manhattanville Campuses: (212) 854-2878
• CUIMC Campus: (212) 305-3400

University Health Services

• Morningside / Manhattanville Campuses: Columbia Health: https://health.columbia.edu
• CUIMC Campus: Student Health on Haven: https://www.studenthealth.cuimc.columbia.edu/

Other Offices

• Office of the University Chaplain: https://ouc.columbia.edu
• Office of Religious Life: https://religiouslife.columbia.edu/
• International Students and Scholars Office: https://isso.columbia.edu/
• University Life: https://universitylife.columbia.edu/ 

Additional Resources for Faculty and Staff:

• Columbia Employee Assistance Program: https://humanresources.columbia.edu/employee-assistance
• Office of the University Chaplain: https://ouc.columbia.edu
• Office of Religious Life: https://religiouslife.columbia.edu/

International Students and Scholars Office: https://isso.columbia.edu/