Welcome to the UCLA Department of Social Welfare Diversity Recruitment Fair

The UCLA Department of Social Welfare and the student-run Diversity Caucus welcomes people of diverse backgrounds to the 2011 Diversity Recruitment Fair!! The Diversity Caucus believes that a diverse student body is crucial to our programs goal of providing an enriching learning environment. The student body should reflect the diversity of our larger environment, and represent the communities we serve. In order to have a top-notch training program for social work professionals it is necessary to have contribution and representation from people of all backgrounds who are able to bring varying perspectives into the program to cultivate the critical thought, and cross cultural awareness. What is an MSW?

MSW stands for Master in Social Work (or Social Welfare) Internationally recognized, marketable professional degree that allows for numerous career options serving all populations in need from direct clinical intervention to macro-level policy issues.

How can it help me? The MSW is the degree for you if you believe in the following values: Empowerment, Social justice, and Self Determination. Our MSW program emphasizes the strength of diversity and infuses cultural sensitivity into our course work and internships. What will I get out of the Recruitment Fair? Learn more about the MSW Detailed information on completing the application process Meet Students, Faculty, and Staff who would like to help you become part of our program Financial Aid information

Contact the Diversity Caucus: DiversityCaucus@gmail.com

DIVERSITY RECRUITMENT FAIR November 19, 2011 [10:00am 11:25am] Welcome!

Brandy Barta & Candice Lamping, Diversity Caucus Chairs

Overview of the Admissions Requirements of the MSW Program Lance Fooks Admissions Officer Student Testimonials
Ian Bohannon Mark Permsuvan Stephanie Chen Erin Nakamura Luis Quintinilla Marisol Sanchez Meagan McNally Betsy Estudillo Cassandra Peterson Nikki Howell & Amanda Smick First Year Experience/Applying Online Student Alliance Dual Degree (MSW/MPH) Feminst Caucus Men of SW Caucus LGBTQ Caucus International Caucus Undocumented Students/Latino Caucus Parent/Commuter Students Black Caucus

Closing Remarks- Diversity Caucus Co-Chairs Q&A Breakout Sessions [11:40am - 12:30pm] Laura Alongi, Adelaida Cervantes, Room 4357B Room 5391 Room 2355 Room 4320B Room 4320A Room 4371B Number 1 Number 2 Number 3 Number 4 Number 5 Number 6

Elyssa Rosen, Betsy Estudillo Gerry Lavina, Mark Permsuvan, Barbara Ferri, Amy Rivas Karen Lee, Amanda Smick, Casssandra Peterson, Adriana Campos Michelle Talley, Meagan McNally, Aimee Sax, Marissa Lee Brandy Barta,Chris Kauffman, Erin Nakamura, Lizette Cardenas Lance Fooks, Nikki Howell, Luis Quintinilla, Stephanie Chen

(Evaluations will be collected at end of session) Statements Review, Networking & Lunch [12:30pm - 2:00pm] 3rd Floor Lounge

UCLA MSW Application Checklist

UCLA Graduate Online Application http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/gasaa/admissions/applicat.htm requires an application fee of $80.00 (for U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents) or $100.00 (for all other applicants). All supporting documents are uploaded to the UCLA Graduate Online Application. 1) Complete the Social Welfare supplemental application form. 2) Mail two official copies of undergraduate transcripts and graduate transcripts (if applicable) to:
UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Department of Social Welfare Admissions, 3250 Public Affairs Building, Box 951656 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1656.

(UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS ARE UPLOADED ON THE UCLA GRADUATE ON-LINE APPLICATION) 3) Jr/Sr GPA Worksheet Complete the Worksheet for Calculating Jr/Sr GPA (Grade Point Average) (SAMPLE) 4) Official copy of scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) earned within the last five years. General Test only. (Sent separately by testing center) Institution code 4837, Department Code 5001. If you havent take the exam prior to submitting application, enter test date on the UCLA Application. 5) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) OR International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores, if the applicant is a student whose native language is not English. (The TOEFL or IELTS) is required of all non-native speakers unless they have completed two years of university-level coursework in an English-language institution.) Institution code 4837, Department Code 5001. 6) Resume or chronological list (starting with the most recent) of all relevant employment since high school, including summer jobs and internships you consider significant. Please also include all relevant volunteer or other experience with service-oriented groups. For each job or volunteer experience, please include your title, the number of months and/or years you held the position, and the number of hours worked each week. 7) Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the students academic and scholarly work. At least one of the references must be from a professor who has taught the student. (All letters are uploaded on the application by recommender. Enter name and email address on
application. Instructions will be sent directly to them.)

8) Personal Statement should respond to the following and not exceed two double spaced pages a) Describe the significant relationships and life experiences that have influenced your decision to seek a career in a helping profession.

b) What values affected your decision to enter the social work profession? How are these values reflected in social work practice? c) Describe your experiences with diverse populations and groups, and how those experiences have contributed to your interest in social work. Which population (defined by culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and psychological and physical functioning) would you like to serve? d) What are your expectations of graduate education in terms of your own development? Indicate any problem or limitations that should be taken into account in planning your graduate program. 9) Professional Concepts and Goals Statement should respond to the following and not exceed two double spaced pages: a) Describe your concept of social work as a profession and of the spectrum of clientele toward whom social work is oriented. b) Specify your career objectives as a professional social worker as you now conceive them. Indicate the fields of practice in which you are interested. 10) Confidential Financial Statement (international applicants only) Complete the form if you will need an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for an F-1 student visa or an IAP-66 Certificate of Eligibility for a J-1 exchange visitor visa. Signature and bank stamps must be included to validate the form. This form must be received before your application for admission will be reviewed.

MSW Program Admission Requirements

Students are admitted to the MSW Program in the Fall quarter. Applicants must meet the following requirements for admission. 1. A BA, BS, or BSW degree obtained before the beginning of the Fall Quarter by an accredited college or university. 2. Completion of a total of seven (7) courses in the Humanities and SocioBehavioral Sciences combined. Of those seven, a minimum of three sociobehavioral courses are required (e.g., anthropology, economics, ethnic studies, education, gerontology, political science, public health, psychology, social ecology, social welfare, sociology, women's studies) 3. Completion of one (1) *course in elementary statistics with a grade of B or better. 4. Completion of at least one (1) course with human biology content (e.g., Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, anthropology, psychology,) 5. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE)--General Test only. There is no cut off score. 6. GPA (Grade Point Average)--3.0 or better in the last two years of undergraduate work. While the department can recommend whether a student should be offered admission, the Graduate Division has the final authority in all admission decisions. For MSW applicants, the final deadline for submitting an applications is January 15, 2012. However, early application is strongly encouraged. For students seeking merit-based fellowships, all application materials must be submitted to Graduate Division and the department by December 15, 2012.

GRE Information and Tips

GRE Overview from ETS (GRE test administrators) - The computer-based General Test is composed of Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing sections. In addition, one unidentified unscored section may be included, and this section can appear in any position in the test after the Analytical Writing Section. Questions in the unscored section are being tested for possible use in future tests, and answers will not count toward your scores. - Total testing time is up to three hours, not including the research section. The directions at the beginning of each section specify the total number of questions in the section and the time allowed for the section. - The Analytical Writing section is always first. For the Issue task, two topics will be presented and you will choose one. The Argument task does not present a choice of topics; instead, one topic will be presented. - The Verbal and Quantitative sections may appear in any order, including an unidentified unscored section. Treat each section presented during your test as if it counts. Items to Note - You may take the test repeated times: once per month, up to 5 times per year. The Department will use your best score for each section from different tests (mix and match). - Cost $150, Fee waivers are available your financial aid office will let you know if you qualify. GRE Specifics Visit www.gre.org for detailed information. The 2008-2009 GRE Information and Registration Bulletin (pamphlet) also provides detailed information. Register by calling 1-800-GRE-CALL, or by calling the test center directly. Multiple test centers in LA area, closest to UCLA in Culver City (310-337-6696). Use these codes: o GRE Institution Code R4837 o GRE Department Code 5001 GRE Test Preparation - It is possible to prepare for the GRE without spending lots of money. - Ideally, spend time studying and preparing for the test, but if you havent dont let that stop you from taking the test and applying to the MSW program GRE 6

scores are only one factor out of many that are given consideration. - Conventional wisdom at UCLA in the MSW program is to aim for above 500 per section. However if you score below 500, dont let that stop you from applying to the MSW program people who score below this can get in as each candidate is looked at holistically. - Many GRE prep workbooks and computer programs are available. Here are just a few: GRE: Practicing to Take the General Test 10th Edition ($21). Order online www.ets.org/store.html or call 1-800-537-3160 (this book is created by the people who design the GRE) Kaplan test prep makes lots of material (www.kaptest.com or 1-800Kaptest). Materials include $22 workbook, $35 CD-rom interactive program (allows practice test taking on computer among other prep), individual section workbooks Search online for free test prep websites including: http://ucgreprep.number 2.com/

Personal and Professional Statement Writing Tips

Please read our directions and use the outlines we have provided. a) We ask for two pages, double-spaced so that is what we expect. Please do not go over this or go under. b) Use the outlines we have given you. While we encourage creativity, we expect you to address the questions we have specified. Do not simply send us the statements you submitted for another university. While most of the application asks you to submit objective information (GPA, GRE) or the evaluation of others (letters of recommendation), the personal and professional statements allow you to provide a unique description of yourself and help you stand out. We read many applications so how can you make yourself noticed? a) Be as open as possible. While your life story is not required (you only have 2 pages), we do want a sense of who you are and how you will fit into the profession and into our program. b) Write a lively and creative introduction, which grabs the attention of readers. c) If you discuss life struggles, please tell us how you reached a healthy resolution. Explain any times where youve had to overcome adversity. Talk about what you learned from the experience. d) Highlight what your career aspirations will be after you receive your MSW. e) Avoid redundancy. Do not cover the same material in both statements since you have limited space. You want to maximize the 2 pages you have for each statement. f) For the professional statement, research social welfare and provide us with your interpretation. Do not provide us a grocery list of different roles a social worker can play since we know this. Give us a sense of your understanding of the profession and how you might fit into it. g) Show an interest in the populations that social workers work with (i.e. people with disabilities, child and families, mental health, etc.). Show that youve consistently worked with one (or more) of these populations. h) Be specific about your social work experience. Give the committee a sense about whom you worked with and what you learned from your experiences. Dont just list vague volunteer or work-related experiences. i) Demonstrate that you have an understanding of and sensitivity towards diverse populations. j) If you have a low GRE or GPA, explain why, especially if it relates to any challenges you were experiencing at the time. k) Give the committee an idea of what your focus is within social work. Make sure you have an understanding of what the mission and definition of social work is, and what groups you might want to work with. l) Explain what your values are. m) Talk about when youve shown leadership and initiative.

Technical ideas a) Please spell check and edit for grammatical errors. In reviewing your statements, we are trying to assess your ability to complete assigned papers in classes and agency documentation in your internship. b) Remember to use transitional sentences to connect your paragraphs. c) While you might have someone review your statements, please retain your own unique style. Will this person be around to write your papers while you are in the program? d) For both statements, especially the personal statement, please pick a theme and/or make a thesis statement to tie your thoughts together. e) For the professional statement, avoid cutting and pasting the NASWs code of ethics. Focus on a few values and why they are important both in your life and in the profession of social work.

Tips on How to Get Good Letters of Recommendation

The number of letters of recommendation needed. Each institution will let you know how many it requires. Generally you will be asked for 3 letters of recommendation. The UCLA Department of Social Welfare requires 3 letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the students academic and work experience. At least one of the references must be from a professor who has taught the student and at least one from someone in a professional capacity. The third recommendation may be from either a professor or a professional. Selecting Recommenders Select recommenders that can really attest to your talents and abilities. The title or position of the person is not always the best reason to ask for a recommendation. The recommenders are those who know you well and can provide an evaluation of your ability to perform and succeed at the graduate level. Some possible recommenders include: - Professors - Faculty advisors - Internship and work supervisors - Someone in a leadership position of an extracurricular or volunteer activity - Teaching Assistant (TA) who knows you well and can point out your specific abilities and achievements. Bear in mind that sometimes a professor will be willing to co-sign a letter written by a TA, or will simply adapt and then sign a letter written by a TA. When to approach recommenders Be courteous and considerate of your recommenders time and workload. Try to approach them two months in advance of your request if possible but no less than two weeks before it needs to be mailed. The average time for a request is about four weeks before the letter of recommendation should be mailed to the graduate program. Keep in mind that November and December are busy months for professors, so youll want to give them ample time to write a good letter. If you plan to take some time off before going to graduate school, do not wait until you want to apply to graduate school to ask for letters. You can ask professors for a general letter of recommendation before you leave undergrad and place their letters in a safe place. When you are ready to apply to graduate school, you can contact professors again, and ask them to update your letters. Also, most professors keep copies of letters filed or saved for future reference. For those of you who have been out of school and no longer have contact with former professors, try contacting them first. As stated earlier, believe it or not, most professors keep records on classes and students for years. In addition to professors, you can ask your employer who can attest to your work habits. Another alternative is to enroll in a graduate course, extension class, or community college course (as a non-matriculated, or non-degree seeking student), perform well, and then ask the professor to write on your 10

behalf. For current undergrads, if you are planning to attend graduate school, take every opportunity to get to know and talk with your professors: go to office hours, ask questions in class, do independent research or study with a professor, select a small class and/or take more than one class from a professor. How to approach potential recommenders Set up an appointment to discuss your request in person. A face-to-face request provides you with the opportunity to make sure the recommender has time to write a letter of recommendation and that the letter will be good. Second, a face-to-face request gives the recommender the opportunity to ask you clarifying questions. Do not make the request via email. Developing a portfolio for recommenders To aid your recommender in writing your letter, you can create a portfolio. Some materials you may want to include: - A cover note that includes: o Information on how to get in touch with you in case they need to reach you o What you would like emphasized in each letter o A list of schools to which you are applying, and due dates, with the earliest due date at the top o Open and close your note with thanks and acknowledgment that the recommenders time is valuable and that this letter is important to your professional future. - Recommendation form: make it easy for the recommender to complete the form in a timely manner by completing the following: o Applicants information typed in o Recommenders name, title, contact info typed in - Resume - Unofficial transcripts (note courses you took with the professors) - A draft of personal and professional statements - A copy of your best work in the course if requesting from a professor (w/ the professors comments) - Stamped and addressed envelopes to send letters and forms directly - Any information about the graduate school that might be helpful Additional Tips - Shortly before the letter of recommendation is due, confirm with each recommender that the letter/form has been completed and sent. - Send a thank you note to each recommender a week or two after your request. - Keep your recommendations updated.

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1Resume Writing Tips

- The MSW program values field experience, so an applicants list of relevant experience is essential to the application. The typical student in our program has at least 1-2 years of relevant experience. If you utilize a standard resume format, please make sure you clearly specify the number of hours per week and/or if it was a full or part-time job. If it was a short, time-limited job or activity, please give us the total amount of hours completed. Please include the beginning and ending month and year. Include agency name, your job title, and a job description and/or list of activities. You might also include your supervisors name and title.

- Please include every service related experience. Err on the side of including too much and let us decide its relevance. Your resume may also be more than one page, unlike a standard business resume. Designate if it was a paid or volunteer experience - Include one-time experiences, e.g. AIDS Walk LA - Include service-related organizations and associations - Include other work experience that might not be social related so we have a sense of your other experiences. You want to include this especially if you have had to work to support yourself and/or family. UCLA Career Ctr. has a good website that allows you to get a resume critique online: http://secure.career.ucla.edu/Resume/Contract.aspx There is an option for those who are UC graduates. It also lets you specify the type of resume you are writing, and graduate school is one of those options.

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Financial Aid, Scholarship, and Stipend Information

The Free Application for Federal Assistance (FAFSA) Form FAFSA is used to evaluate and determine your eligibility for state, federal, or institutional funds such as: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Work Study Awards. Tips on filling your FAFSA (postmark/process by March 2, 2012) - Meet all DEADLINES: It is crucial to meet all deadlines to receive maximum eligibility for need-based financial aid and early notice of awards. It is recommended that you complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. - Read the directions CAREFULLY: Most mistakes on the FAFSA could have been avoided by carefully reading instructions and questions. Print out all required worksheets and fill them out completely before entering your information on the online form. If you do not understand a question or are having trouble filling out the form, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or contact the UCLA Financial Aid Office at 310-206-0400 or finaid@saonet.ucla.edu to answer any of your questions. - Make sure to COMPLETE your application: Do not leave fields blank: The number one mistake students make is leaving a question field blank. All income questions must be completed. If the answer is zero, enter 0 father than leaving a spot blank or using a dash mark. If you leave an income or asset question blank, the federal processor will assume that you forgot to answer the question. Interest in different types of aid- Answer Yes: In the question that asks about your interest in different types of aid, answer yes to each question. Answering yes does not obligate you to accept all or a certain type of aid. Answering no will eliminate your chances of being considered for other possible sources of aid you are eligible for. - Keep COPIES: Make a copy of the completed FAFSA before processing and/or mailing it. Keep copies of all the records you used to complete the form. If you mail your FAFSA, get a certificate of mailing form the post office to prove that you mailed it. If your FAFSA gets lost, the certificate of mailing will help establish the date you submitted the FAFSA, verifying that you sent it before the deadline. If you use FAFSA via the web, be sure to print out the signature page, sign it, and mail it. Types of Federal Financial Aid Federal Stafford Subsidized Loan Program - Primary source of funding to graduate students, this federal student aid program allows graduate students to borrow up to $8,500 annually. - While enrolled in school, the interest on this loan is paid by the federal government.

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Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program - Federal student aid program that allows a student to borrow up to $10,000, if in addition to $8,500 Federal Stafford loan, or up to $18,500 when there is not Federal Stafford Loan eligibility. - The federal government does not pay interest on this loan while students are enrolled in school. Federal Work Study: $5,500 maximum (If your internship agency is willing to sign off your hours, it can qualify as your work study site.) Federal Perkins Loan Program: $4,000 maximum- Federally funded loans that the government will forgive a percentage of for some students once they receive their MSW and are working in the field. You will want to discuss this with your lender if you are awarded this loan. University Graduate Student Support (Scholarship, Grants, Stipends) 1. Diversity Fellowships (c): Intended to help ensure access to graduate study for students who have experienced significant socioeconomic disadvantages or overcome other major educational or physical disadvantages in their pursuit of higher education. 2. Graduate Opportunity Fellowship Program (GOFP): A one year fellowship program that provides recipients with a $12,000 stipend plus registration fees (and nonresident tuition if necessary). 3. Mabel Wilson Richards Scholarship ($4,000 award for women graduate students residing in Los Angeles) 4. Margaret and Charles Pollack Memorial Fellowship ($500-$2,000) 5. Philip and Aida Siff Educational Foundation Scholarship ($4,000) 6. Eugene V. Cota Robles Fellowship (four year fellowship [$12,500 annually] for Ph.D. students) 7. Social Welfare Field Education Stipends ($500-$8,000) 8. Teach and Research Assistantships ($1,189-$1,423/month) for Ph.D. and Combined MSW/Ph.D. For more detailed information on these scholarships/grants please visit http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu/asis//entsup/fellproc.htm Other Possible Funding Sources 1. The National Association for Social Workers (NASW): The NASW offers scholarships and fellowships for MSW and Ph.D. students. Awards range from $1,000$4,000 a year. - Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial MSW Scholarship: A $1,000 scholarship awarded to a MSW student who has interest and/or demonstrated ability in health/mental health practice and a commitment to working in African American Communities. Deadline: March 2011 (check with website) - Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial MSW Scholarship: Up to 10 scholarships in amounts ranging from $1,000-$4,000 awarded to students who have 14

demonstrated a commitment to working with, or who have a special affinity with Native American/Alaska Native or Hispanic/Latino populations in the United States. Deadline: March 2012 (check with website) - For deadlines and more information visit the NASW website: http://www.naswfoundation.org 2. Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF): The purpose of HSF is to assist Hispanic American students in completing their higher education. Scholarship applications are open to undergraduate and graduate students. - Application Available: August 1 to October 9 of each year. - Application Deadlines: August 15 to October 15 of each year. - Website: http://www.hsf.net 3. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) The Lillian & Samuel Sutton Education Scholarship: The program provides $2,000 stipends to NAACP members who are full time graduate students. Scholarship packets are available upon written request. For more information please contact: United Negro College Fund, Scholarships & Grants Administration, 8260 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031. Attn: Kimberly Hall http://www.naacp.org or http://wwww.uncf.org 4. Subscribe to receive information on graduate fellowships: http://lists.ucla.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gradfellowships-l Important Contact Information UCLA Financial Aid Office (UCLA FAO) P.O. Box 951435 A129 J Murphy Hall Los Angeles, CA 90095-1435 Phone: (310) 206-0400 Email: finaid@saonet.ucla.edu Website: http://www.fao.ucla.edu UCLA Graduate Division 1237 Murphy Hall Box 951419 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1419 Website: http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu UCLA School of Public Affairs Department of Social Welfare 3250 Public Policy Bldg., Box 951656 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1656

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Social Welfare Student Organizations

Social Welfare Student Alliance 2011-2012 The Student Alliance is similar to a student government. They represent and respond to the needs of the student body. They organize social and academic events. Co-Chairs: Laura Shlecter, lshlecter@ucla.edu and Mark Permsuvan, permsuvan@gmail.com Communications Director: Stephanie Hair, stephaniehair@ucla.edu; E-mail items for weekly student bulletin to: mswbulletin@gmail.com Student Relations: Sigall Rave, sigallrave@gmail.com, Brittany Rudinica, brudinica@gmail.com & David Wong (Buddy Mixer), david.alh.wong@gmail.com 2nd Year Student Curriculum Reps: Brandy Barta, BrandyBarta@gmail.com & Cassandra Peterson, CassPeterson@ucla.edu Social Media Director: Emily Blake, emilylblake@gmail.com Speaker of the House: Cornell Williams, cornellwilliamsjr@yahoo.com Members at Large: Gloria Holguin, gtbaez@sbcglobal.net & Leslie Ann, aramburo@ucla.edu Field Representative: Amanda Stemen, ajstemen@gmail.com Asian/Pacific Islander Student Caucus (API) The API Caucus strives to bring awareness to the social issues faced by the Asian Pacific Islander communities. We recognize the diversity within the API population itself, which includes east Asians, Pacific Islanders, southeast Asians, and Indians. Come join us as we explore issues on immigration experiences, the media portrayal of Asians, domestic violence in Asian households, LGBTQ issues, cultural competencies in social work practice with the API, and more. There will also be fun social events and field trips to visit API communities in southern California. Students from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds are welcome to join. Student Co-Chairs: Brent Mori, David Wong, Nathaniel Lowe (Urban Planning) Contact e-mail: uclaapi@gmail.comfacebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php? gid=107094506020226 Black Caucus The Social Welfare Black Caucus is a student organization established to serve as a network of support for African American students and all interested students in the Department of Social Welfare located in the School of Public Policy building. The Black Caucus will act as a service oriented resource, providing both information and a forum where all students can dialog about social welfare issues as they pertain to the Black community. Student Co-Chairs: Nycola Howell, nvhowell@ucla.edu & Amanda Smick, smick.amanda@gmail.com Christian Caucus The UCLA Christian Social Work caucus holds a commitment to represent Christ through education, community, and service. Our aim is to glorify God through our words

and actions as a caucus. We hope to collaborate with other caucuses, students and faculty to pursue social People of all religious backgrounds and spiritual walks are welcome. Find us on facebook: UCLA Christian Social Work Caucus Student Chair: Tiffany Cheuk, msw.requests@gmail.com Diversity Caucus The Diversity Caucus seeks to work with the Department of Social Welfare in finding solutions to overcome the barriers that make it challenging to enroll diverse groups of incoming students into the Social Welfare program and promote diversity throughout our curriculum and program. Student Co-Chairs: Branda Barta, Candice Lamping, & Robyn Ekenstedt Contact e-mail: DiversityCaucus@gmail.com Feminist Caucus The Feminist Caucus has a non-hierarchical leadership structure. It seeks to address the issues of feminism through a social welfare lens. Events include sponsoring speakers, hosting open mic nights and sponsoring teach ins. Gerontology Caucus Older adults are a severely underserved population with uniquestrengths and needs. The Gerontology Caucus will open a dialogue between students and professionals currently working in the field to increase interest in and raise awareness about the issues and opportunities in this growing and changing field. Contact e-mail: swgerocaucus@gmail.com International Social Wefare Caucus The purpose of the International Social Welfare Caucus is to: Create understanding on the role of social welfare in the international community. Raise awareness of areas of social concern and interest impacting the world. Explore overseas social work services and development activities. Promote international experiences for social welfare students. Provide information to social welfare students on volunteer opportunities for international social work locally and abroad. \ For more information, please email: ISWC@ucla.edu

Latina/o Student Caucus The mission of the Social Welfare Latina/o Caucus of UCLA is to support and implement the education of social workers interested in working with Latina/o populations. We fulfill our mission through social, educational, and political activities. Student Co-Chairs: Gloria Holguin, gtbaez@sbcglobal.net & Carmen Espinoza, espinocg@ucla.edu facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=291877752235 Lobby Days

Legislative Lobby Days is a two-day event that educates students and professionals about important legislation affecting clients and the social work profession. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the legislative process and get a "hands-on" lobbying experience of talking with state legislators about important policy issues. By joining the Legislative Lobby Days caucus you will have the opportunity to build strong relationships with other MSW students by working together to fundraise for the trip, and you will also have the opportunity to meet and network with other MSW students and professionals in Sacramento. Link: http://www.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=6c2f9653-913a-481c8955-7ec43fa441bf LGBTQA Caucus The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning & Ally Caucus serves to encourage education, social justice, and activism around issues affecting LGBTQ Communities. Through educational, social, and political activities, the LGBTQA Caucus provides a forum to get involved and work against homophobia, heterosexism, racism, sexism, and classism. Student Co-Chairs: Arty D'Angelo, adangelo68@yahoo.com, Rene Obando, renesamuel@ucla.edu, & JulieAnn Steinberger, jasteiny@gmail.com Men of Social Welfare Caucus This group seeks to create a dialogue that promotes the understanding of the roles men play in the field of social work and society through mutual support and interactive learning. Additionally, they strive to be a resource to the community and serve as a gateway for young men into higher education. They also work to promote the issues that affect men's development of a healthy self in the various contexts in which it exists. Contact Email: UCLA.MSWC@gmail.com Diversity Caucus Faculty Advisor Gerardo P. Lavia, MSW, LCSW Field Education Faculty 310-206-1405 glavina@ucla.edu