Student Support
Welcome to our Student Support page! The staff and faculty of the GSSWSR work closely to support students at every point in their social work journey and create community within the GSSWSR. Explore the various resources and services available to students below.
Resources for New Students
New Students
Before the start of each Fall Semester, the GSSWSR holds a one-day New Student Welcome Retreat to provide orientation information to incoming students and begin connecting as a community. We focus on social work ethics and values, learning about what to expect during your first year of the program, and orientation to the CONNECT program and other supports available to students.
CONNECT: Your First Year
CONNECT is a required first-year experience program designed to facilitate peer support while sharing information, resources, and skills relevant to social work education and practice. As social workers, self- and community-care are important parts of professional development, and the CONNECT program is designed to support both. Students join a small cohort facilitated by a GSSWSR Ph.D. student and meet once per month. Facilitated conversations focus on a variety of themes including community building, self- and community-care, campus resources, social work ethics and values, anti-oppressive praxis and social justice, and more.
Graduate and Professional School (GPS) Program
GSSWSR offers summer programs for current and newly enrolled students with a focus on developing skills needed for academic success in graduate school.
Resources for Current Students
Academic Advising
All students are assigned a faculty member as an academic advisor. The academic advisor is available to meet with students to discuss their pathway through the MSS program, discuss course selections, and to problem solve around any barriers to academic progress and success.
Career Services
Our career counselor works with students via individual counseling and through in-person and virtual workshops on topics such as job searching, cover letters, résumés, interview skills, and preparation for licensure. Special events such as workshop series and career information sessions are also coordinated by GSSWSR Career Services.
Student Services
Students are encouraged to reach out to our Student Services staff for support with academic planning, strategizing for the semester, transitioning into graduate school, time management and scheduling, and general questions about support resources.
Get Involved in our Community
Student Organizations and Student Government
Students at the GSSWSR are encouraged to participate in student government and student organizations. Students are welcome to form new organizations as well. Examples of student organizations include The Association of Black Social Workers, Macro Connects, and Social Work Votes.
Community Conversations and Open Dialogues
The GSSWSR holds monthly “Community Conversations” and “Open Dialogues." These are opportunities for faculty, students, and staff to come together to create community and to discuss issues relevant to social work practice and in support of our GSSWSR community.
Holistic Support for Students
Access Services
Bryn Mawr College welcomes the full participation of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of campus life. The Access Services office in Guild Hall provides support and reasonable accommodations for eligible students, employees, and guests with disabilities.
Health and Wellness Center
The Health and Wellness Center at Bryn Mawr College is available to all students with resources for health, mental health and wellness.
Writing Center
Students are encouraged to collaborate with our writing coach and writing TAs during any stage of the writing process. Support with paper organization, APA style, integrating research, and grammar is available. Visit the Writing Center for more information.