The Virtual Campus: 2SW

As a SocialWork@Simmons student, you will spend the majority of your time in our virtual campus, 2SW. Before you even begin classes, you will log in to 2SW to create your student profile. This will allow you begin meeting your classmates and professors right away.

Coursework

Coursework is available in 2SW two weeks prior to the start of the term, if you’re registered for classes. You will have 24/7 access to all your completed coursework throughout your time in the program and after graduation. Coursework can be completed via mobile applications, which are available for download for Android and Apple devices.

Classes

You will also attend all your live class sessions in 2SW. Attendance at live sessions is mandatory. Live classes cannot be attended on mobile devices; you will need to attend classes from a computer. All live sessions are recorded, and you will be able to access them at any time to review what you’ve learned in class.

Connections

2SW serves as your Simmons campus. You will be able to join and form social groups to find other SocialWork@Simmons students who share your personal and professional interests. You can meet live to socialize or study, forming relationships that will last a lifetime.

Community

The Simmons community — both on campus and online — embraces collaborative learning that benefits students and faculty. We strive to create an environment of growth that allows our students to develop their social work practice and build bonds with the University. SocialWork@Simmons offers various student groups, events, and much more in 2SW, and you are always invited to join:

Participatory Governance

The Student Advisory Board (SAB) acts as an advocacy and consultative vehicle by which students convey concerns and engage in collaborative problem-solving with the program director and, if necessary, the Office of the Dean. There are 14 core representatives of this board from various cohorts. The SAB consults to the program director on curriculum, faculty, and opportunities for deeper collaborations between students and the program administration.

Community Building and Mentoring

You have the opportunity to participate in the following community groups, programs, and events:

  • Care and Connections: A student-led support group for online social work students.
  • One2One: A peer mentoring program in which new students can request mentoring by students who have been in the program for two or more terms. Peer mentors provide support, guidance, and wisdom as new students enter and navigate the program.
  • First Generation Faculty Mentoring Program: First generation faculty, or those who were the first in their families to pursue education beyond high school, mentor current first generation students. Mentors provide mentees with support, guidance, and validation.
  • Thursday Night Free Block: In January 2016, a weekly 90-minute free block when no classes can be scheduled was created so that students can attend group meetings, webinars, meet with faculty, or have a break. This has been received with enthusiasm by faculty and students. As of March 2016, the free block will be increased to two hours to allow for more community engagement.
  • Community Meetings: Once per term, members of the SocialWork@Simmons team from field education, academic advising, and teaching faculty meet with students, who may bring concerns and curiosities to the meeting for discussion.
  • Snack Time With Leah: These weekly drop-in office hours are hosted by an academic adviser. At each session you will have the chance to meet with your colleagues, ask any questions you may have, or just listen in to learn something new.

Student Affinity Groups

All affinity groups are voluntary and each has a faculty advisor who convenes meetings based on student time and interest.

  • LGBTQ Students and Allies Group: This group will meet monthly for students who identify as members of the LGBTQ community or as allies to create an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment. 
  • Military Involved Students Group: This group began as a focus group to provide the program director with information about the complexities of being in military life while a graduate student. This group will continue on as a peer support group for active duty military personnel, their partners and spouses, and veterans.
  • Clinicians of Color: This group is for all students of color and is being created to provide support and engage in advocacy and education with the online student and faculty community

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