THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE STRATEGIC PLAN

It is an honor to share the School of Social Work and Criminal Justice Strategic Plan. I am proud of our innovative, multidisciplinary school and its deep commitment to social justice and change. Through the integration of our criminal justice and social work values and critical thought, we aim to foster a collective and sustained impact on students, disciplines, and communities. The strategic plan is our commitment to our students, disciplines, and communities and is intended to meet the University of Washington Tacoma campus mission and goals. The strategic plan is intended to be a living document that guides commitments and drives aspirations to lead in education, practice, research, and community engagement. We intend to continuously evaluate progress as we pursue three strategic priorities and modify intended objectives when appropriate.

My appreciation extends to all who participated in the creation of this document. Talented and dedicated students, staff, faculty and community partners worked countless hours to create a roadmap that builds upon our impactful work and guides us through new pursuits of excellence. I invite you to please join us as we fulfill our vision, advance our mission, pursue our priorities, and achieve our objectives.

Dr. Keva Miller, Ph.D., MSSW
Dean and Professor

Our Process

Faculty and staff began strategic planning Fall 2022 with a focus on future visioning in the context of contemporary higher education, specific to social work and criminal justice education and practices. Following the future visioning, a strategic planning committee was constituted with a makeup of community partners, staff, and faculty. Using artifacts of the future visioning process, the Strategic Planning Committee led special meetings throughout the 2022-2023 academic year with student, staff, and faculty constituents. The Strategic Planning Committee continued its work into the 2023-2024 academic year and created the School’s vision, mission, values, priorities, and strategic objectives.
 

VISION 
As a leader in multi- and interdisciplinary education and research, the School of Social Work and Criminal Justice at the University of Washington Tacoma will use inclusive, liberatory, and equitable practices to dismantle systemic inequities and foster a sense of belonging. 

MISSION
Our mission is to advance social justice through transformative education and practice, innovative research, and meaningful community engagement as we prepare dynamic and diverse leaders to build a more just and equitable society.  

GUIDING VALUES
Our school is guided by six primary values: 

  • Dedication to Students
  • Social Justice & Anti-Oppression
  • Faculty Excellence
  • Community Engagement
  • Shared Identity
  • Innovative Spirit

Our school's three strategic priorities are:

TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION & PRACTICE

INNOVATIVE
RESEARCH

MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Each strategic priority encompasses several faculty- and staff-led initiatives that support and advance our progress. Realization of these priorities require investments and active participation by our faculty and staff to meet strategic objectives.

Transformative Education and Practice

OBJECTIVES:

  • Empower students to become change agents in their respective communities.
  • Foster excellence in pedagogy, practice, and interpersonal communication.
  • Cultivate ethical professional practices grounded in social justice values.
  • Center the lived experiences of students in the learning process.
  • Connect knowledge in the classroom to relevant multi-dimensional community practice.
  • Implement high-impact teaching practices.
  • Engage community partners in education and practice.
  • Promote ongoing professional development of faculty and staff.

INNOVATIVE RESEARCH

OBJECTIVES:

  • Advance and highlight faculty research excellence.
  • Embrace multiple forms of knowledge and dissemination.
  • Promote student engagement in research.
  • Advance social justice research and anti-oppressive frameworks.
  • Connect research to community needs.
  • Engage communities and systems as partners in research.

MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

OBJECTIVES:

  • Cultivate meaningful connections between the school community and community partners.
  • Approach community relationships with integrity and humility.
  • Promote belonging as a welcoming and inclusive resource to the community.
  • Engage in reciprocal sharing of knowledge and expertise.
  • Center lived experiences and honor multiple forms of knowledge.