To view this newsletter in its entirety, please click the view entire message link at the bottom of this page. | | SSW Update - October 5, 2026 | | Community Connect Events for the first weeks of October | |
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Midterm Elections: What's at Stake? A Panel Conversation
Monday, October 5
5 to 6 PM
Location: IN PERSON | SAC Ballroom B
Presenter: Kristen Brock-Petroshius, PhD, MSW, Assistant Professor
To register, CLICK HERE
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*Will count as
a Flex Point
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SSW Survival Guide Series: Who's Got Time!?
Time Management Tips
Wednesday, October 7
12:00 PM and 4:45 PM
Location: VIRTUAL via Zoom
Presenter: Philnesia Miller, MA, SSW Academic Advisor
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Survival Guide Series: Transfer Student Edition
Wednesday, October 14
12:00 PM and 4:45 PM
Location: VIRTUAL via Zoom
Presenter: Philnesia Miller, MA, SSW, Academic Advisor
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*Will count as
a Flex Point
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Click here to register for upcoming workshops.
The Zoom link for virtual workshops will be emailed to registered participants
on the day of the event.
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Midterms Matter
Assistant Professor Kristen Brock-Petroshius, PhD, MSW, will serve as a panelist for SBU’sCenter for Civic Justice's Midterms Matter event on October 5.
Dr. Brock-Petroshius and fellow panelists will discuss the impact of midterm elections and key policy implications.
RSVP HERE
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Learning Beyond
the Classroom: Community Organizing in Action
MSW dual-degree medical humanities, compassionate
care, and bioethics student Melissa Slay and dual-degree MSW/MPH student Troi McKenzie (far right), along with Tammie S. Williams-Pittman, DSW, LMSW, clinical assistant professor (center), attended The Corridor Counts, Inc.’s 2026 Annual Gala in September.
“A special thank you to my amazing social work community organizing students who showed up, engaged, listened, learned, and witnessed what community organizing looks like beyond the classroom. This is how we prepare the next generation — not only by teaching the work, but by bringing them into the spaces where the work happens.
"We honor the legacy of Congressman John Lewis and the generations of organizers, freedom fighters, and ordinary people who marched, organized, sacrificed, and sometimes gave their lives so that generations after them could have a voice. This November, participate. Learn what is on your ballot. Protect the right to vote. Help someone else understand the power of their voice. Do your part."
~ Tammie S. Williams-Pittman
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Did You Know? Social Work Is Happening in Long Island Libraries
Did you know that libraries throughout Long Island are welcoming SSW interns who help patrons connect with vital resources and support?
The SSW interns assist with housing, mental health, and substance use resources, food security, job preparation, shelters, unemployment, care coordination, support groups, legal services, social service applications, domestic violence resources, voter registration, and more. These placements give SSW students hands-on experience in a community setting and the opportunity to demonstrate the many ways social workers can meet people where they are and help them navigate complex systems.
In upcoming editions of the newsletter, you will meet some of the SSW library interns and hear about their experiences!
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Upcoming Graduate Student Government (GSG) Events!
WELLNESS ON WHEELS
Join GSG on World Mental Health Day for a 45-minute beginner-friendly ride at CycleBar Woodbury. The event is an opportunity to connect with yourself and others while raising funds for Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, a nonprofit organization providing therapeutic and educational services across Long Island communities.
Saturday, October 10
12 to 1:30 pm
CycleBar Woodbury
8285 Jericho Tpke
Woodbury, NY 11797
The minimum donation to ride is $20, and all proceeds will be donated to
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian. Space is limited to 40 riders.
Use the RSVP link for full event details and instructions on how to reserve your bike.
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Shatterproof Walk in NYC
Sunday, October 25
Join the GSG for a fundraiser walk to end addiction.
For information about these events, email ssw_gsg@stonybrook.edu
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Join the School of Social Welfare’s WolfieTHON Team!
Graduate Student Government invites students, faculty, and staff to join our School of Social Welfare WolfieTHON team!
Through WolfieTHON, we’re supporting the B+ (Be Positive) Foundation in helping children facing childhood cancer and their families access the resources and support they need. WolfieTHON also brings these children and families to the Stony Brook campus for fun activities and opportunities to connect with students, giving children a chance to be kids.
This yearlong fundraiser offers opportunities to participate in events together, including the on-campus dance marathon on Friday, April 9, 2027, from 3 to 8 PM.
Our team captain will be Grace Kennedy.
Please reach out to her with any questions @ grace.kennedy@stonybrook.edu
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Just Published!
Congratulations to Robin A. DeLuca-Acconi, Ph.D., LCSW, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of School Social Work Programs and Partnerships, on the publication of: “How Are Kids Supposed to Get Better in Systems That Are Getting Worse?: Systemic Dynamics, Burnout, and School Social Work in Crisis," in collaboration with Stephanie L. Carnes, PhD, LCSW, LLM, assistant professor, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Marist University.
Published in Children & Schools, National Association of Social Workers, the article explores systemic challenges facing school social workers, including organizational dynamics, burnout, and the broader crisis affecting school-based social work practice.
CLICK HERE TO READ ARTICLE
| | SSW Ambassadors Tips and Resources | |
Each week, we will share tips for studying, self-care, and resources from our
SSW Ambassadors!
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- Build connections by getting to know your classmates and professors; networking in the program can help in the future.
- Don’t compare your journey to others because everyone has different goals, challenges, and timelines.
- Do not feel embarrassed to ask for help. You can avoid feeling overwhelmed by reaching out to professors, classmates, or advisors when you need support.
- Use your internship to network by connecting with supervisors and coworkers, as these relationships may lead to job opportunities after you complete your internship! :)
~Genesis Rodriguez
What Genesis recommends: Uber One for Students – Discounts on rides and food delivery. You can get a 12-month free trial right now. Pocket Prep – Study and practice questions for exams.
General student discounts – UNiDAYS for discounts on clothing, technology, and other essentials.
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“Don't let school or work take over your life, carve out time in the week to do things you enjoy. You cannot take care of other people if you're not taking care of yourself”.
~Nick Hanley,
SSW Student Ambassador
What Nick recommends:
Use the SSW Student lounge and meditation room between classes!
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Relax the body and calm the mind in this peer-led space!
Visit the School of Social Welfare's Body, Mind, Spirit Student Wellness Room.
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Tuesdays, 5 to 6 pm
Thursdays, 4 to 5 pm
Weekly sessions in Health Sciences, Level 2, Room 2-100
For more information, CLICK HERE.
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The Office for Community Outreach and Engagement Presents
Lifestyle Medicine Symposium:
Advancing the Future of Lifestyle Medicine
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
8 am to 4:30 pm
Galleria, Health Sciences, Level 3
Join the upcoming Lifestyle Medicine Symposium, a collaborative hub designed to accelerate research progress in the six essential pillars of health: good sleep, movement, nutrition, social connection, stress management, and healthy patterns of behavior.
Faculty, staff, students, and trainees from all departments and disciplines are welcome to attend.
Register here by October 6.
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Center for Public Research and Leadership
Apply for Fall 2027 -- Applications Due November 6
Every fall, CPRL offers a semester-long course that provides an equity-focused leadership development experience centered on improving and transforming school systems and public- and social-sector organizations.
Students gain hands-on experience through client projects, seminars, and practical skills training focused on addressing complex challenges and advancing innovation. They also connect with employers nationwide and join a lifelong network of alumni, clients, funders, and leaders committed to public-sector improvement.
Graduate students participate from 25 professional programs at Columbia University and universities across the country. Learn more and RSVP for an upcoming information session HERE. Email: cprl@law.columbia.edu
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FOOD AS MEDICINE AND HEALTHSPAN
Virtual Symposium
What We Actually Know About Eating for a Longer, Healthier Life
An Interview with David L. Katz, MD, MPH
Wednesday, October 7 | 11:30 AM ET | Virtual
JOIN US BY REGISTERING HERE — FREE
Can food truly function as medicine—and what does the scientific evidence actually tell us to eat for a longer, healthier life?
In this virtual conversation, Dr. Katz will join Charles Platkin, PhD, JD, MPH, to examine what the evidence actually tells us about eating for a longer, healthier life. Their discussion will explore the dietary patterns that matter most; personalized nutrition and the fundamentals that remain universal; ultra-processed foods; Food as Medicine; nutrition misinformation; what the Blue Zones teach us about longevity; and whether today’s rapidly growing longevity movement is outpacing the science.
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Join us to participate in the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on
Monday, October 19, from 12:30 to 2 pm beginning at the SAC Plaza.
Students can register HERE, but we encourage all of the campus community to join us!
Co-Hosted with SBU Athletics and Human Resources.
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Graduate Career Series Workshops
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Graduate Career Series: Mastering Resume Building
Monday, October 19, 2026,
7 to 8 pm | Registration Link
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Graduate Career Series: Preparing for Job Fairs
Monday, November 16, 2026,
7 to 8 pm | Registration Link
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"I am lighthouse rather than lifeboat. I do not rescue, but instead help others to find their way to shore, guiding them by my example."
- Modern affirmation
| | 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! | | | | |
