Tulips in bloom on the University of Kansas campus

Strategic Plan: 2019-2024

The School of Social Welfare's 2019-2024 Strategic Plan supports the school's vision, mission, and guiding principles and values.

The School of Social Welfare supports the KU mission by teaching students to practice social work with integrity and competence.

Our undergraduate and graduate programs educate and support qualified, compassionate social workers on campuses across the state and online. We are dedicated to supporting our students from the first day of class until graduation day, with specialized services including a writing consultant, student support coordinator, retention coordinator, and emergency funding.

The School’s community-engaged research and service contributes millions of dollars in sponsored research funding to Kansas partners each year. KU Social Welfare research drives discoveries that transform lives, with active projects creating solutions to complex problems in areas including healthcare access, child welfare and mental health.

KU Strategic Plan

Our Vision & Mission

A Foundation of Strengths. A Vision of Justice. A Mission of Change. The KU School of Social Welfare aims to build a future that achieves justice, equity and well-being.
Vision and Mission Vision and Mission

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

The 2019-2024 Strategic Plan aimed to position the School of Social Welfare as a leader in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within the university and our community. Goals in this area include: creating an equitable and diverse learning and workplace environment; and striving to ensure all students, faculty and staff feel safe, heard and valued.
KU Master of Social Work graduates pose for a group photo at graduation

Innovative & Quality Education

Goals in innovative education include: Increasing student enrollment; providing a flexible and supportive learning environment with high-impact opportunities; preparing graduates for social work careers; celebrating student successes and diversity; and enhancing training and support for faculty.
Students talk to a professor during a health social work poster presentation

Research Advancement

Goals for research include: supporting School of Social Welfare researchers to develop strong proposals and be leaders in innovative research; and building awareness of research partnerships and opportunities.
Laura Ramirez speaks on a panel about Indigenous education in social work during a research conference

Community Engagement

Goals for community engagement include: strengthening community partnerships, outreach and engagement in Kansas and beyond; providing professional continuing education courses; and partnering with community stakeholders to advocate for the needs of all communities.
Social workers attending a CEU session in Salina work on an activity

Collaborate with us

We are committed to working with the university and communities across Kansas and beyond to transform lives. Let's find a way to partner.

Opportunities