USU Social Work Newsletter: Fall 2026

Department News

Meet Our 2026-2027 Social Work Student Ambassadors

We are excited to begin the academic year with a new group of Social Work Student Ambassadors. Our ambassadors play an important role in representing USU Social Work, connecting with prospective students, and sharing their experiences as social work students. Through their work, they help high school and USU students, parents, and paraprofessionals in the field better understand what social workers do, the many career opportunities available within the profession, and pathways to a social work education.

This year, we are welcoming six new ambassadors with a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Each has their own strengths and interests that will contribute greatly to the program. Throughout the year, they will have opportunities to develop their leadership skills, build professional connections, and contribute to recruitment and outreach efforts across the state.

You will see our ambassadors representing USU Social Work at recruitment and community events, visiting high schools, connecting with prospective and transfer students, and helping us build relationships with schools and communities throughout Utah. Most importantly, they have the opportunity to share why they chose social work and encourage students who may be considering this profession for themselves.

We are grateful for the time, energy, and enthusiasm our ambassadors bring to this work and are excited to see what they accomplish together this year. If you see one of our ambassadors at an event or around campus, please take a moment to say hello and get to know them.

Special Guest in Class

Sage and Utah State University Police officer Shane Nebeker came as guest lecturers to Madison Elliott's Social Work 1010 class. During this presentation, the students learned about the services the USUPD provides to students and the community, and how social workers support police.

Students also learned about Sage's tasks as a Crisis K9 and her training and partnership with the department. The students loved meeting Sage, and she was even allowed to sleep in class.

Social Work Students Gain New Skills in the Law to Become Community Justice Advocates

With authorization from the Utah Supreme Court, social work students enrolled in Community Justice Advocacy: Consumer Debt (SW 5040, cross listed as SW 6040 for MSW students) are gaining new skills in the legal field. Students learn how to advise clients on best steps to take, help clients fill out court forms, and negotiate with creditors.

The course is focused on consumer debt collection. Students also gain important context on consumer debt generally and consider how a debt case impacts someone's ability to cope with life's other challenges. But the class is more than just academics. Students apply their new skills by working with actual clients, gaining experience and comfort working with the law. Assistant Professor of Professional Practice Nathanael Player, who is also an experienced attorney, provides support and encouragement as students learn the material and engage with their clients.

The course leads to a non-academic certification from the Utah Supreme Court to practice law in Utah in consumer debt matters as a Community Justice Advocate (CJA), a real distinguisher on a resume. Community Justice Advocacy: Consumer Debt will be offered again in the spring, along with a new course offering, Community Justice Advocacy: Housing (SW 5060, cross listed as SW 6060 for MSW students). The housing course will work similarly to the debt class but focus on advocating on behalf of renters in Utah. In both areas of the law, there are almost no lawyers available to help people, making these courses meaningful opportunities to gain skills that advance social justice.

School Social Work

In August, the local school social work practicum students gathered for three days in the CoLab for onboarding orientation. This is a great opportunity for our amazing students to get to know each other and get prepared for their work in the schools.

In September, Professor Curtis was invited to present at the National Latino Behavioral Health Association Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in collaboration with IHC. She talked about their work in local high-need schools where they create safe spaces for students to learn how to self-regulate. Fun fact: a large portion of conference attendees were from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico. It is the land grant institution for the state, and they are also the Aggies.

On September 11, local school social work interns serving as AmeriCorps volunteers partnered with Friends & Flowers, a campus service group, to recognize and thank local first responders. Elementary students created thank-you cards, and MSW alum Courtney Guyman donated flowers from her flower farm and helped students assemble bouquets. The group attended a 9/11 remembrance ceremony honoring first responders who lost their lives and then delivered cards and flowers to first responders throughout Cache Valley.