The social work student lounge, located on the second floor of our School, offers a gathering place, kitchen area, and information center for students. Student mail boxes (files), which provide an important vehicle of communication at the School, are found there.

Ongoing student involvement is encouraged in the School’s programs. The Organization of Student Social Workers (OSSW) represents students’ interests within our School. BASW, MSW, and PhD student representatives serve on many standing and ad hoc committees. In addition, several groups represent specific student interests such as the Bridges of Color, the Student Social Workers with Disabilities, the Lesbian and Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Student Group, the Jewish Student Group, Faculty Group, Social Workers involved in Native American Communities, and International Social Workers.

The Bachelor’s and Master’s students also sponsor the Mentor Project, which matches incoming students with continuing second-year students to provide a more personal connection to the program.

Student Advisory Council
The Student Advisory Council of the School of Social Work consists of elected student leaders who strive to create and build an ongoing relationship with the SSW Administration and Faculty to uphold the School of Social Work stated mission and values of promoting social and economic justice, both within the school and community.  The SAC does this by facilitating communication between the student body and the SSW Faculty and Administration through advocacy, active engagement, and support.  Representatives are elected from the bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs.
Student Contact:  Edwyna Ho, eho@u.washington.edu  
Faculty Adviser: Margaret Spearmon, spearmon@u.washington.edu

Organization of Student Social Workers (OSSW)
We are a group of 14 students, all of whom have been elected by the undergrads at the SSW. We have different committees, ranging from fundraising to community activities to mentor to practicum. We provide student representation for the Student Advisory Council, and practicum and curriculum committees in the School. Our main goal is to get the undergrad students involved in this SSW community, as well as the larger community. 
Student Contact: Sasha Botos, sashab2@u.washington.edu (BASW)
Staff Contact: Linda Ruffer, 206-543-8617, rufferl@u.washington.edu

The Disability Committee
Students, faculty, and staff interested in disability issues at the School of Social Work, University of Washington, or nationally.
Student contact: HyeKyong "Judy" Jeong,  206-931-0364,hkjudy@u.washington.edu
Faculty Contact: Jean Kruzich, 206-543-7965, kruzichj@u.washington.edu

The Association of Black Social Work Students (ABSWS) is committed to enhancing the quality of life and empowering people of African ancestry through advocacy, human services, and research. Our purpose is to provide a structure and forum through which student members can exchange ideas, offer support, and develop programs in the interest of the Black student body and the Black community.
Student Contact: Donna LaFrance, 2nd Vice President,donnala@u.washington.edu Faculty Contact: Zynovia Hetherington,zynovia@u.washington.edu

Social Work Q's: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Two Spirit, & Intersex Students, Faculty and Staff, and their Allies
Social and support group for students at the SSW. Go to the Social Q's Website:  http://www.ssw.washington.edu/glbtq.
Faculty/Staff Contact: Taryn Lindhorst, tarynlin@u.washington.edu.

Jewish Social Workers
The Jewish Social Workers Club is a diverse group of individuals consisting of students, faculty, and staff who are interested in creating a space for Jews and friends in the school of Social Work.  We welcome all individuals interested in exploring Jewish identity and social work (including religious Jews, secular Jews, questioning Jews, and friends).  We meet quarterly and hold both secular and religious events which work to build Jewish community both inside the School of Social Work and in the larger University of Washington Community.
Student contact: Carmel Aronson, aronsc@u.washington.edu
Student contact: Michael Wenger, mwenger@u.washington.edu
Faculty contact: James Delong, Co-chair, 206-685-3173 delongj@u.washington.edu
Email forum/discussion list: jewishSW@u.washington.edu

Mentor Program
Connects incoming MSW students with second year MSW’s.
Faculty/Staff Contact: Linda Ruffer, 206-543-8617, rufferl@u.washington.edu

Multicultural Social Work Club
The Multicultural Social Work Club (MCSWC) is a student group led by and for students at the UW School of Social Work. The club focuses on providing BASW and MSW students opportunities to explore international practicum placements outside of the United States. The goal is to raise money for scholarships to be given to qualified students who are interested in doing an international practicum. The second focus of the club is to provide educational opportunities for students to learn about careers and social issues having to do with international social work. MCSWC also works with the Children of Vietnam Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to providing educational programs, vocational training and basic human needs for orphans and At-risk children in Vietnam.
Student contact:  Man-Ting Lam, manting@u.washington.edu
Staff contact:  Linda Ruffer, rufferl@u.washington.edu

MSW Program Committee
Deals with aspects of the master’s program at the School. Includes representatives from students, practicum, faculty and administration.
Administration Contact: Emiko Tajima, 206-221-7874, etajima@u.washington.edu

National Association of Social Works (NASW)
Only national organization serving needs of social work profession. Offers a wide range of professional services, benefits, and opportunities. Reduced rates for students, by degree level.
State chapter: 522 N 85th St. Suite B100, Seattle, WA 98103
Email: info@nasw-wa.org   
Chapter Website: www.naswdc.org/
Phone Number: 206-706-7084

Practicum Advisory Council
Practicum Advisory council provides consultation to the faculty regarding MSW and BASW practicum curriculum, policies and procedures. Includes representatives from students, faculty, practicum instructors and the Director of Practicum.
Faculty contact: J’May Rivara, 206-616-5792, email: jbr@u.washington.edu