To view this newsletter in its entirety, please click the view entire message link at the bottom of this page. | | SSW Update - November 9, 2026 | |
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First-Generation Celebration Week Starts Today!
November 9–13
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First-Generation Celebration Week honors the resilience, drive, and talent of first-generation students at Stony Brook University!
Throughout the week, take part in events and activities that celebrate the achievements, experiences, and contributions of first-generation students, faculty, and staff.
Click to view the full calendar of events.
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You Don't Want to Miss This!
First-Generation Brunch and Panel
Friday, November 13, 11 am to 1:30 pm
The First-Generation Brunch and Panel will bring together students, faculty, and staff to honor the nearly 40 percent of Seawolves who are the first in their families to attend college.
Attendees will share brunch while a panel of first-gen professionals and students discuss overcoming academic obstacles, finding campus mentorship, and navigating the unique experience of higher education.
Click here to register.
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Coffee and Conversation with Dean Shari Miller in Manhattan
Meet and engage in meaningful discussion with School of Social Welfare Dean Shari Miller at an upcoming "Coffee with the Dean" event open to students at the Stony Brook Manhattan site.
Discuss emerging social work topics and the state of the profession, or simply get to know Dean Miller at an open-house-style meet-and-greet.
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Wednesday, December 2
6:15 to 6:45 pm (2nd-year students)
Location: LH 206
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New Grant Advances Research on the Financial Impact of Disability
Associate Professor Zachary Morris, PhD, has secured a FINRA Investor Education Foundation Grant to develop the first replicable consumer price index for people with disabilities (CPI-D).
This project will build on a prior FINRA Foundation grant, also led by Dr. Morris, that produced the first national estimates of the extra costs of living with a disability: more than $18,000/year for a household at the median income level.
“With this grant, we will be able to provide a critically needed measure of inflation specific to the consumer experiences of the more than 61 million Americans living with a disability,” Dr. Morris said.
Click here to read more.
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The Program in Public Health Invites you to attend:
Stigma and Resilience Trajectories Among Transgender Women and Travestis in
São Paulo, Brazil
Sabrina R. Cluesman, PhD, MSW, LCSW
Dr. Cluesman joined the School of Social Welfare at Stony Brook University as an Assistant Professor in Fall 2026. Her research focuses on advancing interventions to address inequities in HIV prevention and care, with particular attention to stigma, substance use, and mental health, and emerging work in psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Thursday, November 12, 2026
2 pm, Health Sciences, Level 3, Lecture Hall 5 or Zoom
Attend virtually here.
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New Research from Dr. Cluesman
"Variation in the Developmental Profiles, Identity Stability, and Clinical Needs of Nonbinary Youth; Child Development Perspectives"
In this recently published article, Dr. Cluesman and colleagues examine the developmental profiles, identity stability, and clinical needs of nonbinary youth—transgender and gender—expansive young people whose experiences and expressions of gender do not fit within the conventional gender binary.
Read the article here.
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SSW PhD Student Shares Research at CSWE Annual Conference
(From left) SSW PhD students Xiao Laing (third year), who presented a poster titled “Social Capital and Parental Hesitancy on HPV Vaccine in China: A Conceptual Analysis,” and Madelyn Wilson (first year), pictured with Gretchen Ely, PhD, MSW, professor and PhD program director, at the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Conference.
| | | SSW Community Connect Events This Week | |
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*HAPPENING TODAY!*
Beyond the Courtroom: How ADR Supports Families, Communities and Social Services
Monday, November 9
1:45 to 2:45 pm
Location: VIRTUAL | Join Virtual Zoom
Presenter: Courtney Chicvak, Program Director, Alternative Dispute Resolution - Training and Development
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*Will count as a
Flex Point
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Integrating Financial Wellness
Wednesday, November 11
4:45 to 5:45 pm
Location: IN-PERSON | Health Sciences, Level 2, Room 1B
Presenters: Stephen Rabeno, PhD, LCSW-R, Clinical Associate Professor and Nick Novellino, SSW Ambassador, BSW Senior
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*Will count as a
Flex Point
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Networking for Changemakers
Saturday, November 14
12:15 to 1:15 pm
Location: IN-PERSON | Health Sciences, Level 2, Room 160
Presenter: Suzanne Velázquez, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Professor, Director Undergraduate Program
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*Will count as a
Professional Communication
OR Flex Point
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The Zoom link for virtual workshops will be emailed to registered participants
on the day of the event.
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Autism Outreach and Resource Fair:
SPARK in the Community
Saturday, November 14
10 am to 2pm
Join us for an Autism Outreach and Resource Fair connecting individuals, families, and the autism community with information, resources, and support. Representatives from Stony Brook University, SPARK, Parent2Parent NYS, and other organizations will be available to share information about resources available to the autism community. Food and drinks will be provided.
Location: Stony Brook University Hospital MART Auditorium & Atrium
PLEASE NOTE: event is free to attendees but registration is required to join!
Register here.
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From Presence to Power: A Conversation with Rashad Robinson
Thursday, November 19
6 to 7:30 pm
Join Rashad Robinson, one of America’s leading voices for social justice, in conversation with Denise Civiletti of RiverheadLOCAL about his new book, From Presence to Power: How to Take On the Fights That Matter—and Win.
The event will take place at the Riverhead Free Library and will include audience questions and a book signing.
Copies of From Presence to Power will be available for purchase at the event, and attendees are also welcome to bring a previously purchased copy for Rashad to sign.
Registration required.
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Join us for a Human Library event for conversations that challenge stereotypes.
Wednesday, November 18
Meet our Open Books: real people sharing honest, personal conversations about their unique life stories.
1 to 2 pm | Melville Library Galleria Atrium
4 to 8 pm | Melville Library Central Reading Room
Click here to learn more.
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Study Abroad in Puerto Rico: Environmental Justice and Community Resilience
Explore social work, environmental justice, and community resilience in Puerto Rico!
This immersive study abroad course examines how community-based organizations respond to natural disasters and address ongoing environmental justice challenges.
Trip Dates: June 5–13, 2027 (Summer Session 1)
Estimated Fee: $2,300, plus airfare and tuition.
Scholarships available!
Students will explore communities across Puerto Rico, learn firsthand about local resilience efforts, and experience the island’s rich culture through community art, music, and other activities.
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Interested? Attend a Virtual Information Session!
November 11 at 1:45 pm – REGISTER HERE
November 12 at 7:15 pm – REGISTER HERE
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SBU Food Pantry Satellite Location
The SBU Food Pantry serves community members who are food insecure or who are at risk of food insecurity.
Folks can take what they need and donate what they can from the labeled cabinet at the LGBTQ* Center. Larger donations should be directed to Student Union, Suite L20.
For more information about SBU Food Pantry, click here!
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Interested in Connecting?
Join the SSW Black Affinity Group (BAG)!
BAG's mission is to promote academic success, celebrate Black culture, and foster a sense of belonging within SSW and the field of social work. We provide a safe space for students to connect, share experiences, and support each other.
Additionally, we advocate for equity and inclusion in social work education and practice, offer resources and mentorship for professional growth, and engage in community outreach to promote social justice. Through these efforts, we strive to enhance the social work experience for Black students and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable social work community.
We want to know who's interested in joining and how we can all come together to make our experiences on campus comfortable and valuable! Click here and let us know.
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Volunteer Opportunity!
We’re looking for volunteers to help distribute tickets and welcome our guests at the SBU Football Game Dean’s Challenge on Saturday, November 21, at the LaValle Stadium on SBU’s West campus. Guests will include SSW students, alumni, family and friends, and community partners.
Any time you can lend between 11 am and 12:30 pm would be a tremendous help!
It’s a fun way to show your SSW spirit and connect with our community. Feel free to volunteer alongside family members or friends. We’d love to have you join us!
Email Jennifer.d.Davidson@stonybrook.edu to sign up! Thank you!
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Social Workers for Justice is Hiring an
Operations and Digital Organizer
Learn more and apply here. If someone you know would be a good fit, please share this opportunity with them.
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“Social workers are the ones who are courageous enough to say, 'something isn't right here' and demand justice.”
- unknown
| | Editor: Jennifer Davidson | Contributing Editor: Andrew Capitelli | Graphic Design: Andrea Trezza | | Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. | | Stay Informed. FOLLOW US on Social Media! | | | | |
