ABOUT THE WORDEN SCHOOL

Founded in 1942, Our Lady of the Lake University's Worden School of Social Service (WSSS) has enjoyed a long history of leadership in preparing professionally trained social workers. The Worden School is the first school of social work in Texas. In 1974, the Worden School established the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program. The Master of Social Work (MSW) and BSW programs have been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Mission

In accordance with the Catholic philosophy and purposes of Our Lady of the Lake University, and in adherence to the purposes of social work education articulated by the Council on Social Work Education, the mission of the Worden School of Social Service is:

  • To develop culturally competent social workers for specialized intervention in direct practice with emphasis on Hispanic children and families;

  • To prepare social workers for professional practice in culturally diverse settings, especially agencies that serve clients from economically disadvantaged backgrounds; and

  • To generate and disseminate knowledge that advances social and economic justice, enhances human well-being, and promotes effective practice with emphasis on Hispanic children and families.

Highlights

  • Established in 1942,  the Worden School of Social Service (WSSS) has an extensive history of excellence in social work education.
  • Continuous Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
  • Nationally recognized and diverse faculty with a solid commitment to educational 
    excellence for students.
  • A student-to-faculty ratio that supports a student-centered approach to education.
  • Partnerships with an extensive network of public and private social service agencies that provide a range of opportunities for student internships.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) practicum settings available for completion of student 
    internships.
  • A broad WSSS alumni network.
  • A (54-credit hour) program offered in a 2-year and an accelerated (16-month) format.
  • Opportunities for part-time study in both the regular and advanced standing 31 hour program.
  • A mission committed to social change, social and economic justice, and social betterment.
  • Graduate assistantships that provide unique opportunities to work directly with faculty. Other financial assistance.
  • Opportunities for professional development through continuing education courses.
  • Opportunities for student leadership in the Worden School’s student organization, the social work honor society, the Worden School Association of Black Social Work Students student chapter, the Association of Mexican American Social Workers (AMAS), as well as other university-wide student organizations.
  • Located in San Antonio, a dynamic and multicultural urban setting.
  • Prepares students for leadership roles in social work.
  • Offers traditional and nontraditional career path opportunities.

Commitment to Diversity

As an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE ), Our Lady of the Lake University seeks to attract, develop and retain the highest quality staff, faculty and administrators. In all of its employment practices, the University is committed to diversity and strongly encourages applications from women and ethnic/racial minorities. The Director of Human Resources at Our Lady of the Lake University is responsible for ensuring that all recruitment, hiring and retention actions are in accordance with the established EOE policy.

As an equal opportunity educational institution, Our Lady of the Lake University believes in equal access to education and does not discriminate against members of any group because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability. The University follows Department of Education guidelines: Executive Order 11246 of October 1, 1972; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and subsequently issued federal guidelines and regulations.

Our Lady of the Lake University has a long and rich history as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). The University is committed to diversity, recognizes its commitment as an equal opportunity employer and is very proud of its Equal Opportunity Employment actions and its employment statistics. Based on the employment statistics, it is evident that OLLU has a significant percentage of ethnic/racial minorities and women working throughout the institution.

Our Lady of the Lake University continues to be proactive in its efforts to maintain its diverse workforce. In March 2001, the OLLU Faculty Assembly passed five resolutions on hiring and retention of faculty with expertise and experience in promoting ethnic, racial or cultural diversity, with emphasis on Hispanic cultures, particularly those of the Southwest. The resolutions resulted in:

  • Maintaining a general pool of funds in the Executive Vice President's Office to supplement offers to faculty candidates with the above-mentioned expertise and experience;
  • Maintaining a general pool of funds in the Executive Vice President's Office to financially assist the attainment of a doctorate by current faculty with non-terminal degrees in exchange for a commitment of some specified years of service;
  • Supporting and rewarding diversity efforts in a variety of ways; and
  • Reporting by the Executive Vice President on the progress of implementing the resolutions.

The Executive Vice President has designated the Academic Vice President as the individual in charge of implementing these resolutions.

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