Volume 45 | April 2020

OGA Newsletter

The Office of Global Activities (OGA) is dedicated to connecting MSW students to international social work opportunities through   funding ,  special programs , academic resources, internationalized curriculum, and  arranging faculty and student exchanges   at partner institutions.

We are in this together: A message from OGA Staff

Dear SSW students, What an unpredictable and challenging time. We hope that you are staying safe and healthy. As you may have noticed, the OGA Newsletter was suspended during the month of March as we worked on responding to the impact that COVID-19 had on our global programs. Thank you for being patient and understanding with us throughout the process. It is hard to believe that just within a few weeks, our world changed - classes moved online, physical contacts are limited, and travelings plans are now highly discouraged. As confirmed cases rapidly escalate domestically and globally, we can all get overwhelmed and distressed. However, you are not alone. We are in this together. We are resuming our newsletter and will continue sharing virtual events, opportunities, and resources related to global activities with you. Most importantly, we want you to know that we are here for you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. OGA staff would love to set up virtual meetings to discuss global-related issues with you! Warm regards & take care, OGA Staff Katie, Kaisha, Shih-Ya ssw.oga@umich.edu

Upcoming Virtual Events

Globally Engaged Career Panel (click here to attend) Time: Tuesday, April 7 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT Brief Description: Join the International Institute for a virtual conversation with a panel of distinguished professionals, all graduates of U-M area studies programs, who have pursued career paths with a global reach.  More info about thee event here

International Center Virtual Coffee Chat (click here to RSVP) Time: Tuesday, April 7 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT Brief Description: J oin this virtual chat with IC staff about University responses related to the COVID-19 virus, resources for social distancing (but still keep your social life!), and other general health tips during this time.

COVID-19: Stigma, Physical Distancing, and Solidarity (click here to attend) Time: Thursday, April 9 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm EDT Description: For the past two weeks, the Faculty Allies for Diversity (FAD) in collaboration with the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity (DEI), has held social support virtual conversations among those individuals wishing to prevent and stop stigmatization and all issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The April 9 conversation will add a focus on identity and intersectionality.

Emergency Funding

MSW Students can contact the Office of Student Services Please contact the SSW Office of Student Services ( ssw.finaid@umich.edu ) if you are in financial hardship due to COVID-19. OSS staff will assist you to find funding to support you.

Dean of Students Student Emergency Fund (click here for more info) If you are facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 or any other unforeseen situation, the Dean of Students Office stands ready to assist you.

CEW+ Emergency Fund (click here for more info) CEW+ is able to offer small emergency grants to current U-M Ann Arbor graduate students. These grants are for unexpected financial emergencies that threaten to derail degree progress including funding issues that are a result of COVID-19.

Resources

International Federation of Social Workers COVID-19 Webpage (click here for more info) Check out the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW)'s updates to learn how social workers from around the world are coping, responding, and being change agents in light of COVID-19.

World Health Organization COVID-19 Webpage (click here for more info) Resources found on this website include: COVID-19 Response Fund and donation; Protect yourself; Country and technical guidance; Your travel answered; Travel advice; Situation reports; Media resources; Research and development; Mythbusters

80,000 HOURS COVID-19 analysis, resources, and how you can help (click here for more info) 80,000 Hours is a non-profit that provides research and support to help people find careers that effectively tackle the world’s most pressing problems. This page presents all their content related to the COVID-19 crisis and other useful resources.

CAPS Mental Health Care Package (click here for more info) The Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is reaching out (virtually, of course! #PhysicalDistancing) and sharing ways to help you take care of yourselves, no matter if you are in Ann Arbor, in Michigan, in the US, or across the globe.

CASC & OSS: COVID 19 Resource Document (click here for more info) The School of Social Work Office of Student Services (OSS) and Community Action and Social Change Undergraduate Minor (CASC) office have identified domestic and global resources shared during the COVID-19 pandemic and compiled them in this document.

To find previous OGA Newsletter volumes, click the   OGA Newsletter Archive  . Email ssw.oga@umich.edu if you have any questions.