Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Have a great break!!

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable winter break! We'll see you all next semester!

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Check out this great news!

Ashland University has been named one of the top 15 "overperforming schools" by U.S. News and World Report! For more information, click here.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Buhrman


Jessica graduated from Ashland University with her degree in Social Work in May 2009. Today, she works as a Licensed Social Worker for Williams County Department of Job and Family Services in Bryan, OH. Specifically, she works as an Ongoing Caseworker for Child Protective Services. She also recently married her college sweetheart, Jake, who she met at AU! Below, check out our Q & A with Jessica to see what she’s up to and to learn about her past experiences at the university and in the social work program.


Q: What are some day-to-day duties in your current job?

A: I manage a caseload of children and their families who have been investigated due to child abuse/neglect/dependency and are in need of ongoing services. I am required to record notes, make/return phone calls, coordinate community services, write reviews of the family's progress with their case plan goals (services), attend court hearings, attend home visits with the parents and children (foster homes or own homes) and transport children or parents to any visits or appointments they may have.

Q: What is the most fulfilling aspect of your occupation?

A: When a parent thanks me for my support and services and I can see that I helped make a positive change in someone's life. Also, the children that I have and continue to work with have made my job so rewarding -- I ultimately do what I do for them.

Q: While a college student, what inspired you to major in social work?

A: I initially started college as a business major and honestly did not know much about social work. During my sophomore year, I decided to find out more information about social work when a friend introduced the major to me. I met with Nancy Udolph and was inspired to start taking social work classes. I knew I have always wanted to make a difference in people's lives and I felt that by majoring in this profession, I would be doing exactly that.

Q: What was your overall impression of the social work program at AU?

A: The social work program at AU is truly remarkable. It was informative and professional. My professors prepared me for my social work occupation and provided their own experiences and knowledge that have helped shape me into a true social work professional.

Q: What advice do you have for anyone currently majoring in social work?

A: My advice is to challenge yourself and reach out for support when you need it the most, whether it be with other classmates or your professors.

Q: What characteristics do you feel are necessary to be a good social worker?

A: I believe that you have to present yourself with true professionalism and understanding into your client's needs and/or wants. I believe that you have to be well-educated in your field and know how to properly use the knowledge and tools that are provided to you. I also believe that you need to use the experiences that you have and learn from them to ensure that you grow not only has a professional, but as an individual as well.

Q: Do you feel your social work classes, field experience and other AU courses prepared you for the real world?

A: I feel that my social work classes, field experience and other AU courses have prepared me. I was able to gain knowledge in the social work field and use that knowledge as a professional. I am so thankful to all of my professors and AU for the education that I was provided.

Q: Would you recommend that prospective students attend AU? Why or why not?

A: I would recommend that prospective students attend AU, as the campus and staff are truly outstanding. The staff really care about you as an individual and help shape you into the best professional you can be.



Friday, August 17, 2012

Exciting news!

We are pleased to announce that 100 percent of our recent AU social work graduates passed the Association of Social Work Board exam! (And on their first attempt!)

Many congratulations to our alumni on this great achievement.

Monday, August 13, 2012

One week until classes begin!

Exactly one week until the fall semester begins! We're looking forward to seeing new and familiar faces on campus. Be sure to visit this blog throughout the semester for news and updates related to AU and the Social Work program!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Congratulations to Samantha Kauf!

Congrats Sam!
AU Social Work graduate Samantha Kauf has been selected as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) - Ohio Chapter's state recipient of the 2012 BSW Student of the Year!

As the regional winner from Region 8 (Canton Area), Sam was selected out of a group of award winners from the eight NASW Ohio Chapter regions. She was selected by a majority vote made by the Regional Directors from each of these regions.

Sam will be honored at the NASW's state awards reception this fall. Congratulations!

Friday, June 8, 2012

Welcome, Dr. Jason McKinney (and Sherwin)!

The Social Work Department is pleased to welcome Jason McKinney, PhD, our newest faculty member! Dr. McKinney will be arriving in Ashland from New York State just in time for the fall semester. As an introduction, we asked Jason to tell us a bit about himself and an issue that he feels passionately about.

From Dr. McKinney:

Meet Sherwin

As a small and timid puppy, he was found wandering around the village of Geneva. In addition to his short hair and fawn color, he had white spots randomly dispersed throughout his coat. While the white on his chest and belly was fur, the white scattered elsewhere was paint. As a result of his painted coat, the shelter workers named him “Sherwin Williams." His picture was posted online with a brief narrative that stated: “Sherwin is an energetic and loving dog, who would love to help you around the house.”

Despite the nice narrative posted on the internet, young Sherwin's future would be plagued with a terrible reputation based on appearance and stereotypes. Even though he was very cute, he had a particular shape to his face that would cause him endless trials and discrimination. Sherwin is an American Pit Bull Terrier. Despite the growing number of persons educated about the real American Pit Bull Terrier, I can't help but focus on the uninformed. Trying to convince my own family members to welcome Sherwin was quite the task.

My mother shared stories about pit bulls attacking their owners without any warning or reason. They warned me that I should keep my face far from Sherwin, as he could attack. After several visits, however, their perception began to change. My step-father said to my mother, "If we ever get another dog, I want Pit Bull." I could not believe my ears. I had anticipated that convincing my father to welcome Sherwin would be another arduous task, as he had his own story of being chased by a growling pit bull (or a dog that resembled how he imagined a pit bull).

After observing Sherwin interact with other dogs, my Father was in disbelief. He was so impressed that he began to tell the rest of the family about Sherwin’s obedience and self control around other dogs. He then started to read about Pit Bulls, and discovered how dependable they can be when raised in a healthy environment with the right training. After having spent much of his life, spreading dislike for the breed and advocating for their end, my father said he would love to own a Pit Bull.

So that's a little about Sherwin, my best friend and side-kick. I hope you will stop by to meet him and look beyond stereotypes and image (I'm also friendly and don't bite). I'd also like to invite you to take a brief quiz to see if you can identify an American Pit Bull Terrier. There are so many mix breeds that resemble the Pit Bull. Visit http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html. As social workers, we resist discriminating based on race, gender, sexuality, and so on. Please consider joining me, after doing your own research, in resisting the movements across the United States that discriminate against dogs based on breed. It's called Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), and many large cities (e.g., NYC) have been fighting to have all American Pit Bull Terriers put down or shipped out of the county. I can't imagine being forced to put Sherwin to sleep because someone else doesn't like the breed. On a positive note... I have witnessed several success stories, from perceptions changing to friends rescuing Pit Bulls from kill shelters. The world can be made a better place, one small act of kindness at a time.

I am so eager to meet and get to know all of you! Though I am not going to be physically present until August, I will have access to email this summer. Have a warm and happy summer vacation!

Warmest regards,
Jason McKinney

Friday, May 25, 2012

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day, everyone!
Reminder: Ashland University offices will be closed on Monday for the holiday.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Photo Friday!

From the 2012 seniors' field breakfast














Happy Friday and enjoy the weekend!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Congratulations Graduates!

Congratulations to all of our social work graduates and to all of our students on the completion of a very successful year!

Have a safe and happy summer and check back here for department updates and photos from the past year.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Commencement Details

Ashland University's spring commencement ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, at Miller Stadium at the Schar Athletic Complex off Broad Street.

The ceremony will include both undergraduate students and graduate students. The speaker for the ceremony is Arie Lipsky, Ashland Symphony Orchestra conductor. Students and faculty who are participating in the ceremony are to assemble on the soccer field southwest of the stadium at 9 a.m.

In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held in Kates Gymnasium and faculty and student lineup will be in the Conard Field House. The ceremony will be broadcast live in the Student Center Eagles' Nest and the Student Center Auditorium.

Congratulations seniors!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

AU Recycling Department's Electronic Recycling Fundraiser

The Recycling Department will hold an Electronic Recycling Fundraiser from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on April 28th The fundraiser will be held beside Fraternity Circle off Broad Street.

The Recycling Department will be collecting old, outdated electronics and equipment. They will accept computer and office equipment such as laptops, hard drives, monitors and printers; also household equipment like toasters, microwaves, coffee makers, and alarms. Security and communication equipment as in cameras and cell phones; and personal electronics such as radios, stereo equipment, and iPods will be accepted.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Professor Stratton's Party!

Remember to stop by 930 Claremont today between 3:30 and 5:30 to wish Prof. Stratton good luck in her retirement!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Retirement Party Planned for Professor Stratton

Please join Professor Stratton and the Social Work Department at 930 Claremont Ave. on Wednesday, April 18, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. to celebrate her retirement! 

No gifts please. Should you wish to contribute, the department will collect donations for the Council for Social Work Education Social Justice Fund and a plaque honoring Dorothy, which will be mounted on the Legacy Tree in the CSWE offices in Alexandria, Va.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Center for Nonviolence Sets Barefoot Challenge and Shoe Drive

The Ashland Center for Nonviolence's student group at Ashland University will join other colleges and universities by participating in the "Barefoot Challenge" that will take place on Tuesday, April 10.

The Barefoot challenge is a national campaign sponsored by TOMS Shoes to create an awareness of the impact that a pair of shoes can have on a child's life. Ashland University students and Ashland community members are encouraged to go "One Day without Shoes" to support the campaign.

Because millions of children live without proper footwear exposing them to injury and disease every day, ACN students at Ashland University also will be collecting during the week of April 16-20 new and "gently used" shoes for local charities that work with Ashland County families.

Students, faculty, staff and community members are being asked to drop off shoe donations at designated locations in the Rec Center and the Ashland University Bookstore during the week of April 16-20.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Eagle Nation Celebration Planned for Tonight

The Athletic Department is sponsoring an Eagle Nation Celebration today at 7 p.m. in Kates Gymnasium. This event is free and open to the public and will allow everyone to honor the Ashland University women's basketball team and coaches as well as the All-Americans from the winter sports season. This event will last about an hour. The AU women's basketball team advanced to the NCAA Division II National Championship game and lost in overtime to Shaw (N.C.).

"Eagle Nation Celebration," is free to all Ashland University fans. In addition to the women's basketball team, the school will recognize some of the student-athletes who have helped make this one of the most successful winter sports seasons in school history. Track and field's Ryan Loughney (Grahamsville, N.Y./Tri-Valley) won his second consecutive national title indoors and swimming's Julie Widmann (Littleton, Colo./Heritage) won the first individual national championship of her career. Student-athletes will also be recognized from wrestling and men's basketball. The Kates Gymnasium concession stand will be open and the Ashland University Bookstore will have merchandise to sell, including the new white women's basketball shirt with the "twitter" site on the front and "Proud to be an Eagle" and Lady Eagles Basketball on the back.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

AU's New Online Career Tools

The AU Career Services office has a great new tool: CareerShift

You can create an account using your AU ID.  Once you've registered you can search for jobs or internships to find just what you're looking for.

For links to CareerShift and all of Ashland's other employment resources, start with the Career Services Center.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

AmeriCorps Presentation

Friday, March 16th, at 1pm in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center Auditorium, Sara Garska, an Ashland Alumna, will be sharing her experiences in the social services arena as an AmeriCorps State member.

Each year, AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups. AmeriCorps members address critical issues in communities all across America, including illiteracy, lack of accessible health care and affordable housing, natural disasters and more.

Sara currently serves as a Corps State member and works as an Ohio Benefit Bank Counselor for the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks - Ohio's largest charitable response to hunger. Join Sara to learn more about what you can do to make a difference!

When: March 16th, 1:00 p.m.
Where: Hawkins-Conard Student Center Auditorium
Cost: FREE

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Happy International Women's Day!

March 8th 2012 is the 101st International Women's Day.  The day may be marked by parties or protests, a focus on women's rights and inequality or a celebration of progress and achievements. Silly or serious, political or apolitical, understated or over the top, today is a great day to appreciate the women in your life and to reflect on the triumphs and trials of women around the world.

More information:
A wiki history of IWD.
The IWD site.
Australia's IWD page.
A collection of IWD photos. (Wall Street Journal)
Some US events. (Vogue)

Thursday, March 1, 2012

March is Social Work Month!

From the National Association of Social Workers website:

"The White House officially recognized March as National Professional Social Work Month in 1984. From 1984 until 1998 – the centennial year of the profession – NASW selected a social issue to promote every year. Topics included the health care crisis, hate crimes, violence prevention, racial and ethnic harmony, HIV/AIDS, children in poverty, aging parents, value of work, homelessness and more. From 1998 to 2004, Social Work Month themes promoted the profession with general campaigns about who social workers are and how they benefit society."

The NASW site has some great information on the history of Social Work Month and the key messages of the month. It's a great time to think about and share how valuable and vital social workers are in our society.

Other links:
entertainment industry insiders send social work month greetings
CSWE's social work month page

Happy Social Work Month!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Ashland University Career Fair

Feb. 22 -- Ashland University Career Fair
1 to 4 p.m. in Upper Convocation Center

The fair is for students interested in full-time, part-time, summer, or internship employment opportunities and 45 organizations are scheduled to attend as of this date. Additional information and a full list of employers is available here.

Among the many employers attending are:

AmeriCorps State/AmeriCorps VISTA
Companions of Ashland
Inspiration Hills Camp
MedCentral Health System
Richland County Children Services

Graduate schools will also be in attendance.

Students who attend the Ashland University Career Fair on February 22 and do the following will be registered to win an iPad or Cleveland Cavaliers Tickets or Blue Jacket Tickets!

• Pre-register in the CSC by 12 pm on 2/21/12
• Dress appropriately on the day of the fair
• Bring professional resumes on resume-quality paper
• Research opportunities and meet with employers at the fair
• Complete event evaluation

Helping Haiti from Home

AU's 2011-2012 College of Arts and Sciences Symposium "Against Global Indifference: Awakening to Action" will continue on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. in the Ridenour Room in the Dauch College of Business and Economics with a presentation titled "Helping Haiti from Home: How Local Efforts can Support International Disaster Relief."

Bertin Méance, director of Lafonbelle Foundation in Lafond, Haiti, and former international student at Ashland University, will give a presentation on how individuals can help international relief efforts from within their local community.

“Relief resources should play two purposes at the same time, alleviating suffering and also contributing to long term development.” - Méance

Bertin Méance now works with a foundation to re-build homes and a school in a small town in Haiti that was devastated by the 2010 earthquake. The event, which is free and open to the public, is co-sponsored by the Department of Social Work and Multicultural Programming Committee. (Licensed social workers can earn 1.5 credits of continuing education by attending this event.)

Sponsored By: the Social Work Department, the College of Arts and Sciences, Multicultural Programming Committee, Phi Alpha, and International Student Services
Event Date: Tuesday, Feb. 21st at 7:00 p.m.
Event Location: Ridenour Room in the Dauch College of Business and Economics
Event Cost: FREE

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

A Look at the Emerging Local Food Economy and What It Means For Ashland

Tonight -- February 14th
 
Brad Masi, former executive director of the New Agrarian Center, will speak on dealing with the impact of the local food economy on Ashland, Ohio, at 7:30 p.m.
in the Student Center Auditorium. This lecture is sponsored by the Ashland Center for Nonviolence and is part of the 2012 "Creating a Caring Community" Symposium. This talk, which will include presentations from people who are producing food locally, observing health growing practices, and connecting healthy foods to local citizens, is free and open to the public. 


Sponsored by: ACN
Event date: Feb. 14th
Location: Student Center Auditorium
Event cost: FREE 

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Intern of the Month - Rebecca Civittolo!

Congrats Rebecca!
The Career Services Center and the Social Work Department would like to congratulate senior Rebecca Civittolo as January's Intern of the Month. Rebecca is a Social Work & Philosophy major and currently has an internship with The Village Network & Wayne/Holmes Mental Health & Recovery Board. Rebecca's primary responsibilities include researching policy initiatives and meeting with a client to prepare him for his transition into permanent custody.

Rebecca says, "The internship has already given me a wonderful experience that will aid me in my future career...My speaking and writing skills continue to improve as I work with these agencies each day." Rebecca is also a Writing Assistant, Philosophy Club Vice President, and Phi Sigma Tau Secretary. Congratulations, Rebecca!

If you want to apply to be the next Intern of the Month, you can find an application at www.ashland.edu/career.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Symposium Continues with Presentation on Efforts to Fight Sex Trading

AU's 2011-2012 College of Arts and Sciences Symposium "Against Global Indifference: Awakening to Action" will continue on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center Auditorium with a presentation on the efforts to fight sex trading titled "Remember Nhu." The event, which is free and open to the public, is co-sponsored by the Multicultural Programming Committee. "Remember Nhu" exists to prevent the exploitation of children in the sex trade industry throughout the world by meeting children's physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs.

Sponsored by: College of Arts and Sciences & Multicultural Programming Committee
Event date: Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m.
Location: Hawkins-Conard Student Center Auditorium
Event cost: FREE

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Just for Fun

Student Laundry Room Picture Contest Announced:

It is once again time for the annual student laundry room picture contest. We're looking forward to all the new pictures that will be competing for one of the five $1,000 prizes. Good luck! See flyer for details.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

College of Arts and Sciences Research and Creative Activity Symposium

College of Arts and Sciences Issues Call for Abstracts—Research and Creative Activity Symposium

The College of Arts and Sciences is pleased to announce the Third Annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Symposium. This event provides students in the College of Arts and Sciences the chance to present the results of independent study projects, thesis work or term papers, exhibit their artwork, or give literary readings or analysis, musical or theatrical performances in a professional and supportive setting. Students presenting at the Symposium have the option of giving an oral presentation, poster presentation, art exhibition or performance. All students majoring in a discipline in the College of Arts and Sciences who are active in research or creative activity are encouraged to apply to present at the Symposium, to be held on Tuesday, March 27, 2012. This Symposium will also give presenters and attendees the opportunity to learn about the work of other students throughout the diverse departments in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Abstracts are due on Friday, January 27, 2012 by 5PM, and can be submitted electronically at:
http://www.ashland.edu/forms/urca

If you have any questions on the abstract submission process or how to begin writing an abstract, please consult your faculty mentor or watch this brief video.

If you have further questions, please contact Dr. Andrew Greene at agreene3@ashland.edu

Department: ARTS & SCIENCES
Sponsored By: CAS Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity
Website: http://www.ashland.edu/students/colleges/college-arts-sciences/events/urca
Event Date:: 03/27/2012- 8AM-7PM
Location: Upper Convo
Event Cost: Free
Contact: Dr. Andrew Greene agreene3@ashland.ed

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Center for Nonviolence to Show Documentary Film

"Pray the Devil Back to Hell," a documentary film of the astonishing story of the Liberian women who took on the warlords and regime of Dictator Charles Taylor in the midst of a brutal civil war, will be shown on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at both 7 and 9 p.m. in the Student Center Auditorium. The free event is sponsored by the Ashland Center for Nonviolence and Office of Institutional Diversity at Ashland University.

Liberia's Nobel Peace Prize laureates Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Leyman Gbowee were instrumental in capturing the emotion and passion of their fellow activists. "Pray the Devil Back to Hell" chronicles the remarkable story of the courageous Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country in 2003.

Thousands of women - ordinary mothers, grandmothers, aunts and daughters, both Christian and Muslim - came together to pray for peace and then staged a silent protest outside of the Presidential Palace. Armed only with white T-shirts and the courage of their convictions, they demanded a resolution to the country's civil war. Their actions were a critical element in bringing about an agreement during the stalled peace talks.

"This film epitomizes the impact of persistence and determination... it's awe-inspiring to see these women making a difference," said Dottie Collura, assistant director of the Ashland Center for Nonviolence.

A story of sacrifice, unity and transcendence, "Pray the Devil Back to Hell" honors the strength and perseverance of the women of Liberia. Inspiring, uplifting, and most of all motivating, it is a compelling testimony of how grassroots activism can alter the history of nations.

For more information about these events, or to learn more about the Ashland Center for Nonviolence, email ACN at acn@ashland.edu, or visit ACN online at www.ashland.edu/acn and/or www.facebook.com/acn.