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Graduate College of Social Work

Student Organizations

The Graduate College of Social Work Student Association (GCSWSA) actively promotes professional and social activities among students. Membership is open to all current GCSW students. The association relies on membership dues to fund the association's annual projects, including a graduation party each May. Additionally, the association serves as a link to the school's administration and faculty. Students are encouraged to become involved by serving on the various curriculum committees and on School Council, one of the major decision-making bodies of the school. Student representatives to committees and School Council have full voting privileges.

Students are also encouraged to participate in the University of Houston Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers, the Hispanic Student Association, Gay-Straight Alliance, TIKKUN OLAM (Jewish Student Association), Association of Asian American Social Workers, Student Association of Christian Social Workers, AGES (Association of Gerontology Students), and the local chapter of the Social Welfare Action Alliance, a national organization of progressive social workers.

All GCSW students are eligible for membership in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW); reduced membership rates are available for students. NASW is the primary professional organization for social workers and has state chapters throughout the country. The Houston Unit of NASW, with more than 1,200 members, is the largest in the state. When the GCSWSA holds elections for its officers, a student representative to the local unit of NASW is also elected to represent our students.

Honor Societies

Phi Kappa Phi

Phi Kappa Phi is a national honorary society which recognizes superior scholarship in all academic disciplines. Membership in Phi Kappa Phi is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. A GCSW student may be nominated for membership if she or he:

  1. Has achieved an outstanding academic record as an undergraduate;
  2. Is currently seeking a graduate degree at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work;
  3. Has been enrolled at UH as a graduate student on a full-time basis for at least one academic year or on a part-time basis for the equivalent of at least one academic year (completion of 24 semester credit hours or more); and
  4. Is ranked scholastically in the top 10 percent of the students enrolled currently in the GCSW program.

Phi Alpha

 Phi Alpha Honor Society is a national honor society for social work students. The purposes of Phi Alpha Honor Society are to provide a closer bond among students of social work and promote humanitarian goals and ideals. Phi Alpha fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work.

Alumni Association (GCSWAA)

Graduates of the school are invited to become active members of the GCSW Alumni Association, which is affiliated with the university's larger Alumni Organization. The GCSWAA, governed by elected officers and a board of directors, participates actively in the school's fundraising efforts, and sponsors various programs for current GCSW students. Visit the GCSWAA at www.sw.uh.edu/alumni/alumnicareerservices.htm.