SSW Orientation

Congratulations on Your Acceptance!   

We’re thrilled to welcome you to the MSW program! You’ve taken a big step toward an exciting future, and we can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish. Before we dive into the adventure ahead, make sure that you have completed all the steps on the Accepted Student Checklist and keep the following orientations and dates in mind.

 

Required Campus Resource Orientations

Incoming students must attend the required orientation(s) for their specific campus location in addition to the mandatory practicum orientations and if applicable, program and fellowship-specific orientations.   

University of Maryland, Baltimore (Required for All Students)

Multiple Dates 

Students are required to participate in the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) campus-wide orientation.  UMB Campuswide orientation is an opportunity to meet fellow students across UMB’s six professional health and human services schools and learn about resources and services available on the Baltimore Campus. Students must register (opens in new tab) for one of the four available dates below. 

  • Tuesday, July 22, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (In Person)
  • Thursday, July 24, 6:00 pm – 8:00pm (Virtual)
  • Monday, August 11, 6:00 pm – 8:00pm (Virtual)
  • Friday, August 15, 1:00 – 3:00pm (In Person) 
Baltimore Campus

Online Thursday January 15 6-8pm 

Meet faculty, staff, and classmates at the UMSSW’s Baltimore Campus Orientation. Please check your email for the link to join orientation.

 

The Universities at Shady Grove Campus

Online Thursday January 15 6-8 pm via Zoom

Meet faculty, staff, and classmates during our virtual orientation. Please check your email for the link to join. 

 

Online Campus

Tuesday, August 19, 6:00 pm – 8:00pm 

Meet faculty, staff, and classmates in your cohort at the Online Campus Orientation.  Orientation details will be emailed to students in the Online Program. 

Online Campus Contact 

Nakiya Schurman

Nakiya Schurman, MSW 
Director, Online MSW Program 

Required Practicum Education Orientation AND Learning Lab

Practicum Education Orientation is mandatory for Advanced Standing students and Foundation students who are taking practicum for the first time. Three dates are available. Registration required.   

  • Tuesday August 19, 2025, 6 pm – 9 pm
  • Thursday August 21, 2025, 1 pm - 4 pm
  • Friday August 22, 2025, 9 am - 12 pm 

Additionally, all FOUNDATION students entering practicum will begin the practicum experience in a required, 2-day Learning Lab.  Students will be introduced to and practice basic social work skills connected to the first learning competency; and will receive instruction through a combination of live-virtual learning, asynchronous learning, and an in-person day of learning activities. See dates and registration details.

Program & Fellowship-Specific Orientations

Child Welfare Fellowship 

Students in the Child Welfare Fellowship are required to attend 2 orientation sessions  

  • Tuesday, August 26 - Kickoff
  • Thursday, August 28 – Kickoff
  • Tuesday, September 2 SHARP session for Child Welfare Advanced Student 
  • Thursday, September 4 SHARP session for Child Welfare Advanced Standing 

 

Center for Restorative Change (CRC) 

  • Friday, August 15th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm 

Additional Dates & Reminders

Tuesday January 20, 2026
First Day of Classes 

 

Mental Health First Aid Certification

We are excited to provide Mental Health First Aid Training to our MSW students at no cost; this training is mandatory for all incoming USG students and optional for other MSW students. This evidence-based training equips participants with tangible skills that can be applied right away. 

USG students should register for ONE of the following in-person training dates: 

Wednesday, August 20 9-5pm

Tuesday, August 26 9-5pm

Thursday, September 4 9-5pm

REGISTER HERE

Ready to be a Changemaker?