Alumnus David Jinright, LCSW, graduated with both the BSW and MSSW program. David started his career as a psychotherapist but eventually found his way to medical social work. Currently, he works with Girling Healthcare as the social work member of their risk management team. He feels fortunate to have the ability to work both clinically and administratively. Wanting to honor his school, he served three years as a board member of the Social Work Alumni Network and remains very interested in the UTSSW. Overall, he continues to strive for a more authentic congruence between the social work values he was taught there and the professional institutions he now finds himself involved with. His experience as a UTSSW student pushed him out of his comfort zone and taught him that self exploration should be risky and thus more rewarding in terms of insight and growth. He hopes the School still challenges its students this way, as he knows now that he is a better social worker because of it.

Alumni and Friends of the School

The School of Social Work is made up over 5,000 alumni throughout the United States and abroad. Our alumni work in many areas to promote social justice, address critical social problems, and enhance human well-being. We are proud to report that the School is strengthened by the participation of its alumni in numerous activities. They serve as Field Instructors, on the School's Professional Linkage Committee, as Lecturers and many serve as presenters for our Professional Development department.

We seek to develop programs designed to expand the influence and visibility of our alumni within the School. In order to identify the talents, availability, and interest of alumni, we request that you help us keep current information in our alumni database. It's easy. Your profile and contact information is maintained for The University of Texas by the Texas Exes Organization. You do not need to be a member to maintain a profile and keep your contact information up-to-date. To access your profile or create one, if you are new, go to TEXAS@EXES 'Do it Online'.

Below we've listed additional opportunities and services that you may be interested in. If you have any questions or other ideas for involvement, we'd love to hear from you. Please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (512) 475-8131.

Social Work Alumni Network (SWAN)

The Social Work Alumni Network (SWAN) is an association of School of Social Work alumni. It offers programs and activities that strengthen and maintain communication between alumni, provides opportunities for professional development and career advancement, and facilitates communication between the School and the participants of the Alumni Network. Currently, there is an Austin chapter (create hyperlink to Austin SWAN Chapter webpage), an El Paso chapter, and other Texas chapters are in the process of being established. All graduates of The University of Texas School of Social Work are considered members of SWAN. Membership is automatic upon graduation and there are no dues or fees for membership.

The DiNitto Center for Career Services

Career Services at the UT School of Social Work is available to assist alumni with career development and/or hiring needs. As a graduate of the UT School of Social Work, you can sign-up for the career services employment listserv. The weekly Employment Bulletin is an on-line list of current employment opportunities from primarily the Austin area, with additional statewide and national opportunities as well. Individual career advising and resume reviews are also offered free of charge.

In addition, every spring Career Services hosts the Statewide Social Work Career Fair with workshops, opportunities to network, and agency recruiters. Students from all over Texas are invited to attend. This year's fair will be held April 11, from 11:00 - 2:00 pm on the front lawn of the School of Social Work. For more information on Social Work Career Services, please call us at (512) 232-7362 or email: dccs@austin.utexas.edu.

Office of Professional Development

The Office of Professional Development provides dynamic and diverse learning programs and continuing education that is responsive to the changing needs of social workers and human service professionals. The Office of Professional Development conducts statewide conferences such as the Annual Texas School Social Work Conference (now in its 12th year), and national conferences including the Eighth National Conference on Social Work and Spirituality, to be held in June, 2003.

Professional development offerings are approved for CEU's for all levels of licensed social work practice (SWA, LSW, LMSW, ACP and AP), as well as LPC (Licensed Professional Counselors), LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists), LCDC's (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors), Licensed Psychologists and Psychological Associates. Check often for course schedule and registration.

The Texas Resource Manual of Facilities and Programs for Children and Youth, published by the Office of Professional Development, is updated annually and made available for purchase by youth and family professionals.

Field Education Office

Are you looking for meaningful opportunities to mentor social work students while serving your clients? It is widely known that the field experience is an extremely valuable component in social work education. Field instructors are vital in the provision of administrative and educational supervision for each student. If you would be interested in supervising students through your agency or another agency, call or email Tanya Voss at (512) 471-0510 or tmvoss@mail.utexas.edu.

Other links of Alumni interest:

School of Social Work

Job Posting - Have a Job to Fill? Post it with us.

Development Office - Support the School with your donations.

University of Texas

Alumni & Friends - The University's Alumni Page

Texas Exes - The University's Official Alumni Organization

Your Address - Keep your contact information current with The University of Texas.