Fordham University prides itself on campus community. Some might even call it a Ramily.
The Graduate School of Social Service is no exception—at the master’s and bachelor’s level. However, our Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (B.A.S.W.) students face a unique dilemma.
At Fordham, the first two years of the undergraduate experience are dedicated to a student’s general education classes. Social work majors begin their social work-specific courses during their junior year and continue until graduation. These courses not only satisfy the social work undergraduate requirement, but can be later used as the generalist half of an M.S.W. degree as an advanced standing student—saving students time and money during graduate school.
While this allows students to ground themselves in the university atmosphere and settle into a routine, not all want to wait two years before diving into work that will inform their careers. Fordham B.A.S.W. student Makeda Byfield went through this process and wondered, How can we bring social work to undergraduates in their freshman and sophomore years? So, she started the Social Work Society, a now-officially recognized undergraduate student club at Fordham.
“[The club was formed so] students who are interested in social work or who wanted to learn more about it could get some more exposure earlier during their time at the school,” Byfield said. “When I was thinking about starting it, I thought, this is something that I would really love to see at Fordham, and I don’t know why I’m going to wait for somebody else to do it.”
The club became official in May and had its first meeting this fall.
Becoming Changemakers Earlier
Byfield’s inspiration for a social work-focused club followed a few critical conversations with two Fordham GSS Master of Social Work alumni. Both said that, while undergrads at Fordham, they unfortunately found out about the B.A.S.W. major too late. Thus, they couldn’t take all the social work courses they needed to graduate on time with a B.A.S.W., but still wanted to pursue social work as a career.
(From left to right): Nathaly Fernandez – Secretary, Christian Ripke – Vice President, Makeda Byfield – President
M.S.W. students at Fordham come from all undergraduate disciplines, so this wasn’t an issue. However, if the alumni Byfield spoke with had known about the B.A.S.W. major sooner, they could have finished their master’s degrees in half the time (one year) than they did as traditional students (two years).
“The club seemed like the perfect answer to expose people to the world of social work,” Byfield said.
Byfield, a psychology minor, says the club isn’t just for social work students, either. It’s open to all Fordham undergraduate students. Social work is about advocating and making a difference, and you don’t need to choose it as a major to take part.
“This field prides itself on promoting social justice and human rights,” she said. “As students at a Jesuit university, these are qualities that we are supposed to have, anyway. Regardless of major, this is something that could appeal to a broad range of Fordham students from any background.”
Plans for the Future
Along with Byfield, the Social Work Society’s E-Board comprises three B.A.S.W. students and one neuroscience major. They have already gotten to work planning events and meetings for the semester, which will take place biweekly on Wednesdays at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus in room 712 of the Lowenstein building. Byfield said that at the club’s first meeting this month, participants voiced an interest in criminal justice reform and volunteering opportunities.
“[Students] understand that there are so many people in need within the five boroughs [of New York],” Byfield said. “We just want to get into action and do some meaningful work.”
Nathaly Fernandez, Christian Ripke. Photo Credits: Fordham Lincoln Center United Student Government
Byfield said the E-Board will schedule a professional speaker series as its first initiative. Speakers will come to society meetings to discuss social work careers—from clinical mental health work to corporate social work. The group also hopes to invite a panel of Fordham M.S.W. students who can attest to the value of graduate social work education.
“They could talk about what a social work education looks like, whether that be as a B.A.S.W. student who’s going on to be [an]advanced standing [student], or as somebody who did something completely different during undergrad and is now transitioning into this field,” Byfield said.
Byfield thanked Fordham GSS Associate Professor Gregory Acevedo, Ph.D., for his role in the Society’s formation. She said having a faculty mentor available to answer questions and provide insight has been invaluable.
“He did say he wants the students to take the lead [in the club], but whenever I have any questions or need some guidance, he’s just an email away,” Byfield said. “I’m just very appreciative of him because I think a strong advisor really does make or break a club.”
Students interested in the club can participate in whatever capacity they feel comfortable, Byfield said. Whether that’s attending one meeting or helping organize events, there is no minimum or limit on how much you can contribute.
“We really want to make sure that people are getting the most out of this, and that this is something that they generally feel connected to,” she said.
To connect with the Social Work Society, you can email them at socialworksocietylc@fordham.edu and follow them on Instagram.
