January 2025 Newsletter
Martin Luther King Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed in many colleges and universities across the United States as a day of reflection, service, and education in honor of Dr. King's legacy and his contributions to civil rights and social justice. The way the day is celebrated can vary depending on the institution, but some common activities include:
Lectures and Discussions: Academic institutions may host lectures, panel discussions, or workshops on topics related to civil rights, racial equality, and social justice. These events often feature guest speakers, scholars, or activists.
Cultural Events and Performances: Colleges might organize performances such as musical tributes, poetry readings, or theater productions that highlight Dr. King's life, struggles, and achievements. These events may also address broader issues of race and equality.
Moments of Reflection: Some schools hold moments of silence or reflection to honor Dr. King's life and work. There might also be ceremonies or gatherings where students and faculty reflect on the ongoing relevance of King's message.
Day Off or Alternative Classes: While some colleges may give students a day off in honor of the holiday, others may offer alternative learning opportunities, such as community-focused activities or specialized classes on social justice topics.
Overall, MLK Day on college campuses often serves as an opportunity for the campus community to reflect on Dr. King's message of equality and justice, and to engage in activities that promote those ideals in contemporary society. How did your institution honor MLK Day?
University of Michigan MLK Events: Events from January 25 – February 19 – OAMI
Martin Luther King on overcoming fear: Martin Luther King Jr on overcoming fear | BBC Global
Upcoming EventS
Well-Being Tool Kit
Recently, Joy Pehlke from Wolverine Wellness spoke to the Advising Council @ The University of Michigan (ACUM) and shared the Well-Being Tool Kit. This toolkit is designed for campus leaders, including instructors, staff, and student leaders, who are working in spaces where they are supporting student well-being. Tools can also be used by individuals in their own time and space.
Well-Being Tool Kit: https://wellbeing.umich.edu/tools-resources/the-well-being-toolkit/
~For the Love of Licensure! February 14th at 12PM EST.
Have questions about social work licensure? Unsure where to start? Join us for an educational session with Michelle Woods, University of Michigan Career Services Director, and Rachel Naasko, ASWHE Co-Founder & University of Michigan Field Faculty. Michelle and Rachel will address the barriers of licensure and how to navigate them, the steps to obtain your license, and answer any questions you may have. Register below through our RSVP Link.
RSVP Link: https://forms.gle/ZyffMWo3Vwsrufat6
Save the Dates!
~March 20th. Advising Through Social Work Lens. & How Can Social Workers Support First Gens?
~June 25th & 26th. Inaugural Association of Social Workers in Higher Education Conference. Keep an eye out for the call for proposal submissions!
More details to come!
Nikky Blochowski
Nikky Blochowski (she/her) is an MSW student at the University of Michigan School of Social Work studying Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Use. She is a first-generation college student who is passionate about the Higher Education system. Prior to starting the MSW Program, Nikky graduated with her Master’s in Business Administration in 2021 while working at the University of Michigan in Operations & Human Resources. Nikky is passionate about empowering students with an individualized and holistic approach. She believes that social workers bring a critical and valuable perspective to the higher education setting with the goal of promoting social justice. She is eager to utilize social work techniques to advocate for accessible and affordable education. Nikky is excited to help build ASWHE into a space where social workers in higher education can come together to grow, collaborate, and support each other.
Meet our MSW Field Students!
Tessa Ballard
My name is Tessa Ballard (she/her) and I am so thrilled to join ASWHE as an intern from the University of Michigan School of Social Work! I am from the Greater Philadelphia area and started my journey working in higher education at Mount Holyoke College as an RA. After graduating in 2022, I was a Residential Life Coordinator at Bryn Mawr College until starting my MSW this fall semester. I also am the Pre-MSW Fellow at the Office of Student Services where I connect students to resources, give tours to prospective students, and help with events on campus. I love working in higher education and I am so excited to use the skills I am learning outside the classroom. I look forward to meeting so many incredible social workers and learning from you all!
Jason Engle
Jason is a graduate of the UM School of Public Health (2020, MPH), research associate at Michigan Medicine (Hospital Medicine) and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System (in the Center for Clinical Management Research), where they have worked since 2017. Jason's research experience includes quantitative and qualitative analysis of biomedical data, survey design and deployment, project management, IRB, and manuscript preparation and submission. In the past few years, Jason has worked on a number of research projects focused on reducing burnout in physicians and nurses working in the hospital environment. One area of interest is that of "sacred moments"—brief spans of time that evoke powerful emotions, sense of connection, and/or spiritual qualities of transcendence, boundlessness, or awe. These were first identified in the psychotherapeutic space in the 1980s, and research shows these can be potent antidotes to burnout. Jason began the next phase of their career by enrolling in the UM School of Social Work in Fall 2024 and plans to combine interpersonal practice with research focused on helping neurodivergent young adult students and other adults.