Virtual Events for Students and BUSSW Community
Make Connections and Learn Something New!
Community building is an important part of social work, and it’s an important part of our School’s MSW experience. That’s why we bring students from all programs together for First Thursdays, an event series that offers current students an opportunity to meet with peers, faculty, administrators, advisors, and alumni to make connections, while learning from content experts on a variety of topics.
First Thursdays are held on the first Thursday evening of each month via Zoom Web Conferencing.
Spring 2026 Event Schedule
February 5 2026
Event 1 | What’s Policy Got to Do with It? | 7:30-8:30 PM EST
An overview of the Policy Practice Activity required during the Advanced, HSE, and Advanced Standing Practicum.
This session will provide:
• A clear overview of the Policy Practice requirement
• Tips and tools for completing the activity
• Time for questions and discussion
Presented by Diane Casey Crowley, MSW, LCSW, Macro Practicum Education Coordinator & Lecturer
Register
March 5 2026
Event 1 | Self-Care: A River that Never Runs Dry | 7:00-8:00 PM EST
This interactive workshop will explore the NASW Code of Ethics’ recently updated expectation of self-care for social workers as well as how the profession is responding to institutional barriers to self-care. Various principles of self-care will be explored as well as examples and rituals for individual and collective practices.
Presented by Hope Haslam Straughn, PhD, MSW, ACSW
Hope Haslam Straughan is a clinical associate professor at BU School of Social Work (BUSSW) and the coordinator for BUSSW’s dual-degree MSW and Theology program. She is the founder of Compassion. Mercy. Justice at Newton Covenant Church, and serves as a board member for Fostering Hope, FAMILY, Inc., and KEY, Inc.
Register
Event 2 | Social Work Licensing Overview | 8:00-9:00 PM EST
This presentation offers a general overview of licensing requirements and the opportunity to hear from BUSSW alums about their experiences navigating the licensure process.
Presented by Meg Matthews & Diane Zipoli, Online Programs Student Services Administrators, BUSSW
Register
Access Services Statement:
Boston University strives to be accessible, inclusive and diverse in our facilities, programming and academic offerings. Your experience in this event is important to us. If you have a disability (including but not limited to learning or attention, mental health, concussion, vision, mobility, hearing, physical or other health related), require communication access services for the deaf or hard of hearing, or believe that you require a reasonable accommodation for another reason please contact event organizer Diane Zipoli, 3 weeks prior to this event to discuss your needs.
Recordings
Check out recordings of past First Thursdays under “Events” in the Student Resources and Communications Hub on Online Campus.
< Back to Student Events