[MSW] FW: Touching Base During COVID-19 Crisis

[Janis Cirkles]

Good Afternoon Everyone,

I wanted to take a moment and reach out to each of you during this time of unprecedented crisis.

My thoughts and prayers are for each of you and your loved ones that you are safe and healthy, both physically and emotionally. We are all in a state of the unknown and most likely feeling more vulnerable than we have at any point in our past - but you are not alone and I encourage you to reach out to faculty if you have concerns.

While we do not know what the future holds (and never did), my favorite saying is: "If you want to predict the future, then create it"!. Your faculty and staff in the School of Social Work are doing just that and each day new ideas, thoughts and opportunities emerge for advancing our program to what will no doubt become a new normal.

One thing I am 100% confident of, is that both currently and in the aftermath of the crisis, Social Workers are key in helping individuals, families and communities in the recovery process. I commend you on choosing our profession and encourage you to stay the course, you are needed more than ever.


I also want to share some informational updates:


  *   We have been made aware that ALL classes for summer will be in the online venue. The earliest return to any face to face classes would be Fall semester depending on status of COVID-19 situation.

  *   Field Practicums are considered the signature pedagogy of Social Work, meaning this aspect of your education is vital for assimilation of what you learn in the classroom into actual practice. However there is uncertainty surrounding available options for students in the immediate future. Mr. Brumley is working hard to determine what opportunities will be available for you to complete this very important aspect of your education. Additionally, we are in correspondence with Council on Social Work Education for their guidance. We ask that you remain patient and flexible for the placement process to play out. Mr. Brumley will keep you informed of updates when available, but there will most likely be delays in gaining a practicum site. If you hear rumors please seek clarification. We want accurate information to be shared and you to have confidence that you have accurate knowledge about what is happening.

  *   Additionally, the School of Social Work Faculty and Staff are working fast and furious to make sure your educational experience is the best it can be under these trying circumstances and they have really stepped up to make this transition happen quickly. If you get a chance, send them a SHOUT OUT for doing an amazing job.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns

We are all in this together

Rebecca G. Judd Ph.D., LCDC, LMSW-IPR
Associate Professor
Department Head/Director
School of Social Work
Texas A&M University-Commerce

(903)468-8190 office phone
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