The School of Social Work

August 2024 Newsletter

The mission of the School of Social Work is to promote

 social justice through quality professional education, advocacy, community partnerships, and the development and dissemination of knowledge through enquiry.

Welcome new students and

welcome back returning students!

The University of Windsor has a great line up of activities for Welcome Week, full of exciting events and opportunities for all new students.

Find more information out at Welcome Week - University of Windsor - Step Into the Spotlight (uwindsor.ca)

The first year School of Social Work orientation will be held on:

Wednesday, September 4th, from 10 am to 2 pm in Erie Hall, 1120

UWindsor Student Resources

As students transition back to campus life, we want to remind you of the UWindsor resources available to all students.

Student Health, Counselling and Wellness (uwindsor.ca) provides student-centered medical services, counselling options, wellness programming and resources to support you in your university journey.

Further, the Office of Student Experience offers a extensive list of all on campus resources at Student Resource Guide | Office of Student Experience (uwindsor.ca)

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES:

Important Academic Dates | Office of the Registrar (uwindsor.ca)

Sep 2nd, 2024 Labour Day: University Closed

Sep 3rd, 2024 GRAD: Deadline for public posting of final oral defenses for Phase I and Fall 2024 graduation

Sep 5th, 2024 First Day of Fall 2024 Classes (excluding Law & Consecutive Ed)

Sep 10th, 2024 GRAD: Final Oral Defense Deadline for Phase I and Fall 2024 graduation

Sep 10th, 2024 to Sep 25th, 2024 GRAD: Deposit deadline for Phase I and Fall 2024 graduation

Sep 15th, 2024 Deadline to Apply to Graduate at Fall 2024 Convocation. No Applications to Graduate will be accepted after this date

See Preparing to Graduate web page for details

Sep 18th, 2024 Academic Add/Drop for Fall 2024

School News

New EDID

(Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization) Committee formed in the School of Social Work

Drs. Festus Moasun and Jayashree Mohanty will Co-chair the newly formed EDID committee in the School of Social Work. The committee will meet monthly to discuss EDID in the school. There are 5 remaining faculty and a secretary appointed to the committee. There will also be a student representative appointed to sit on this committee and an Ignite student will assist in events and other related work. We will send out a call in September to all Social Work students for a student representative position. The Ignite position is currently posted. Please find further information below regarding the Ignite position.

We are excited to hear updates from this committee in the future!



Drs. Moasun and Mohanty bring exceptional research and racial & cultural identity to the committee. For more information on their research and areas of expertise, please see below:

Dr. Festus Moasun

Dr Moasun specializes in (dis)Ability and mental health in the Global South, immigrant populations, decoloniality and politics of knowledge creation. He draws on critical qualitative methodologies including interpretive phenomenology, participatory action research, structured interview matrix and digital ethnography for his research. Prior to joining the University of Windsor, Festus has previously taught in other institutions including University of Ghana, Wilfrid Laurier University, King’s College – University of Western Ontario, and University of Regina.

His practice experience includes working with persons with mental and developmental (dis)abilities and internally displaced youth in Ghana. He is an ardent advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusivity. Dr Moasun is a Carnegie and Queen Elizabeth Scholar. He is presently a member of the Advisory Board of Innovation & Imagination Health and Wellness Inc. – a trauma-informed mental health counselling agency in Canada, and the Co-chair of the newly established School of Social Work EDID Committee.

Dr. Jayashree Mohanty

Dr. Jayashree Mohanty's primary area of research is child welfare, with a focus on two interrelated areas: 1) the wellbeing of international and transracial adoptees and domestic adoption practices in Asia; and 2) the mental health of immigrant children and adolescents in multicultural families, as well as foreign-born youths. Her previous research examined the complex pathways through which parental support for ethnic and racial socialization influences ethnic identity development and bolsters the psychological well-being of international adoptees; adoption communication and psychological wellbeing of adoptive children and their families in South Korea, India and Singapore.

The most significant finding of her research was that racial socialization has a beneficial effect on adoptees’ well-being. Her current work encompasses research on low-income families in Singapore; acculturation experiences and parent-child relationship in newcomer families in Windsor; and Korean international adoptees psychological well-being. She is passionate about bringing cross-cultural perspective and children’s agency to child welfare issues. Some of her funded research projects include a benchmark study on Singaporeans attitudes towards child adoption; adoption disclosure and psychological well-being of adoptees; acculturation experiences of immigrants in Singapore and identifying positive adaptive pathways in low-income families in Singapore (Principal Investigator, Dr Esther C L Goh).

Dr. Mohanty’s expertise in the area of child welfare and adoption has been recognized in print and visual media. She was invited as a keynote speaker to the 5th International Conference on Adoption Research in New Zealand. She is also an invited reviewer for several academic journals. Her teaching areas include child welfare, working with children and youth, research methods, and program evaluation. Prior to her appointment at the University of Windsor, Dr Mohanty was an Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore.

Social Work EDID Committee

Student Assistant Ignite Position

We are excited to announce that we will have a new Ignite person who will work directly with the EDID committee. Here is the description of the Ignite position below.

Job Description:

• The student will perform a variety of duties that include but are not limited to the following: Work along with the EDID Committee to plan for events and workshops related to equity and diversity

• Reach out to underrepresented social work students and provide resources available around EDID at the University of Windsor

• Actively participate in discussions and decision-making processes during the EDID committee meetings.

• Assist the EDID committee in reviewing scholarships of underrepresented population groups

• Support the EDID committee in organizing multicultural events to celebrate and promote diversity in the school. Additional duties include those deemed appropriate by the supervisor.

If you have any questions about the Ignite program, please visit Ignite Work Study Program | Career Development & Experiential Learning (uwindsor.ca)

These are the requirements for Ignite as per their website:

Who can apply?

​Students must meet the following requirements to be hired into an Ignite-funded position on campus:

• Good academic standing (cumulative average of 60% or higher and not be on academic probation).
• Registered in a minimum course load (60% for domestic students, 80% for international students, and 40% for students with a documented permanent disability).
• Not on a co-op work term for the semester you are employed in an Ignite position.
• International students must have an approved study permit and a valid Social Insurance Number.
• Students cannot work more than 24 hours per week on campus. Students with a GA role are limited to 100 hours of additional work per semester.

If you are interested, please go to MySuccess under the ignite tab. The job ID is #312. Please apply directly through mysuccess. If you have any questions, please reach out to debbiec@uwindsor.ca.

Graduate Student Engagement

If you are a student who is interested in learning more about research and research career but don't know where to go to get more information, we have a good news for you.

This year, we are implementing activities to engage students to meet professors outside classroom and learn about research opportunities available at the School. Watch out for the e-mail announcement. When these events are scheduled, an e-mail will be sent out to your e-mail inbox. 

The following activities are funded by University of Windsor, Centre for Teaching and Learning, 2024 CLIF (Centred on Learning Innovation Fund) Grant (PI: Wansoo Park, Co-Applicants: Connie Kvarfordt (PhD Coordinator), Irene Carter (MSW-WP Academic Coordinator), and Elizabeth Donnelly (MSW Coordinator, on-campus)) under the project entitled, Enhancing graduate students' engagement in research activities by exposure to Conversation with Faculty. For more information, please visit Graduate Students Engagement | Health Equity and Social Inclusion- Interdisciplinary Research Group (HESI-IRG) (uwindsor.ca)

Ask Professors

Ask Professors, the online meeting space with professors who are also academic scholars and educators will provide students more user-friendly opportunities to meet faculty members outside classroom environment by asking questions that they like. Students would be able to make more informed decisions whether they would like to get involved in research and they would be able to make an informed decision about who they would like to pursue working with as their research mentor.

Social Work Scholar's Research Cafe

Will provide a casual social environment for recently hired faculty researchers and advanced level doctoral students to mingle and socialize with participating faculty members around the student research mentoring and social work research education. 

Faculty News

Dr. Festus Moasun

Congratulations, Dr. Moasun! He has recently awarded with the Diversity, Indigeneity, and Anti-Racism Professional Development Funds Grant for the June competition of 2024.

Read more about the creation of the grant taken from the Office of the Vice-President, People, Equity and Inclusion website:

"During negotiations for the 2021 collective agreement renewal, the parties discussed their shared commitments to the ongoing work of justice, equity, Indigeneity, anti-oppression, and inclusion needed to promote anti-racist and decolonized frameworks in scholarship and teaching to advance the core principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The Vice-President of People, Equity, and Inclusion, in consultation with the President of the Faculty Association, and the Windsor University Faculty Association Racial Justice Committee, established a diverse working group to develop the framework that will guide the implementation of Article U."

In Dr. Moasun's grant proposal named, " Towards building an equitable, diverse, inclusive and decolonized UWindsor School of Social Work", Dr. Moasun notes that

"The EDID Committee seeks to actively work to make the School of Social Work environment welcoming, equitable, inclusive, and just for students, faculty and staff from underrepresented population groups including Indigenous, Black, and other racialized and disadvantaged groups."

The committee will achieve this by offering workshops, events, training on EDID issues, and will engage in important conversations about EDID throughout the school. Further information to come in future newsletters.

Thank you Dr. Moasun, for your work on this grant and on the committee. We are excited to see what wonderful events and news will come from the EDID committee!

Sessional Instructor News

We are thrilled to highlight our wonderful sessional instructors for the fall 2024 semester. These outstanding instructors have over 33 years of teaching combined. Their commitment to teaching students and their service to the community is commendable.

Morena Gjecovik, Sessional Instructor

Mrs. Gjecovik boasts over twenty eight years of extensive experience in social work, both internationally and within Canada, spanning diverse service sectors such as mental health, immigration, healthcare, counseling, program evaluation, and research. Her work encompasses a broad spectrum, including children and adults in mental health and hospital settings. Currently, she serves as a hospital social worker in Complex Continuing Care/Rehab, providing critical support to patients in need of ongoing care and rehabilitation.

Mrs. Gjecovik is an active member of the subcommittee for Long-Term Care Legislation with the Ontario Association of Social Workers, where she contributes her expertise to shape policies and improve care standards. Her commitment to the field extends to academia, where she has been a Sessional Instructor at the University of Windsor since 2016. She also has prior teaching experience as an Instructor at Tirana University in Albania, demonstrating her international reach and impact.

Her dedication to education is evident in her extensive experience providing off-site field instruction to over 100 social work students. She excels in guiding students through practical experiences, helping them integrate theoretical knowledge with real-world practice. Mrs. Gjecovik’s approach to teaching emphasizes reflective and critical thinking, fostering the development of professional skills and knowledge among her students.

Beyond her academic and professional roles, Mrs. Gjecovik is deeply involved in community advocacy. She actively participates in events and initiatives that promote social justice and well-being, working tirelessly to maintain and develop partnerships between the university and community organizations. Her efforts ensure that the university remains connected to the community it serves, enriching both academic and local environments.

Mrs. Gjecovik’s comprehensive background, from direct client care to policy advocacy and academic instruction, showcases the multifaceted expertise and unwavering commitment to the social work profession. 

Adelle Greco, Sessional Instructor and Alumna

Adelle graduated from the University of Windsor with a BA, BSW, and MSW. With over 25 years of experience, her extensive career includes significant contributions in children’s mental health, and she now serves on the inter-professional healthcare team at Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) in Complex Medical Care and Palliative Care.

For more than 15 years, Adelle has been a sessional instructor at the University of Windsor, teaching undergraduate and graduate students both on campus and through the MSWwp program. Her dedication to education extends to her role as a field instructor, where she has overseen BSW and MSW placements for the University of Windsor, Dalhousie University, and Wayne State University. As well, she has supervised Nursing, Disability Study, Music Therapy students, and most recently, Adelle was a Preceptor for The Canadian Association for Spiritual Care, which certifies Spiritual Care Practitioners and Psycho-Spiritual Therapists.

Adelle's leadership extends to program management, development, evaluation, operations, and clinical supervision. She is an Ethics Ambassador for HDGH where she has engaged in ethical deliberations on a wide range of topics, including diversity, disability, and end-of-life issues. Adelle returned to school and completed a graduate program in Bioethics at Saint Paul University. Her work in ethics earned her the prestigious J. Kenneth Dean Health Systems Innovator Scholarship in November 2020. She has led Ethics Rounds at HDGH, presenting on topics such as "Hope…Whose choice is it?" and “Why consent & capacity are fundamental in healthcare.”

Beyond her roles in healthcare and academia, Adelle has been a Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry Community File Reviewer and Interviewer since December 2019. When not teaching or working in the field, she enjoys walking, “retail therapy,” travelling, and spending time with family and friends.  

Candace Hind, Sessional Instructor and Alumna

Candace Hind completed her Ph.D.at the School of Social Work at University of Windsor. Her doctoral research in gerontology focuses on the role of the social worker in LTC and theoretical and historical views of aging and moving towards valuing and embracing age. She has published and presented at conferences in Canada and internationally on topics such as arts and aging, aging and identity, sexuality and intimacy in older age, and adjustment to retirement and long-term care.

 Professional work spanning two decades includes working in five hospitals and fourteen long-term care homes as a bedside performer with Fools for Health, activity director in retirement, facilitator, writer, and director of theatre about the experiences of aging, outreach coordinator for a senior centre, gerontology consultant and teacher, and long-term care community social worker.

Candace Hind is the recipient of the 2021 provincial Inspirational Leader Award from OASW, as well as the 2020 Distinguished Social Worker Award from OASW Windsor-Essex Network. Candace holds BA(H) in Dramatic Arts and Psychology (York University and University of Windsor), a Master of Social Work and Ph.D. (University of Windsor), and has been teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in social work at University of Windsor since 2014. 

OASW (Ontario Association of Social Workers)

Windsor and Area Local Engagement Network

Pictured above: Lauren Gagnon (left) and Lauren Fields (right)

Lauren Fields, Co-Ambassador & Alumna



My name is Lauren Fields, I am a Uwindsor Alumni and one of the new co-ambassadors for the OASW LEN of Windsor-Essex this year. My speciality has been in geriatrics, specifically working as a social worker in long-term care for the past 2 years which I absolutely love! I have been a part of the LEN of Windsor-Essex since last year and have loved every minute of it! The OASW and LEN have allowed me the opportunity to continue my professional and personal development and create an amazing supportive network who help each other day in and day out. The LEN of Windsor-Essex is excited to share our support and learning opportunities to other OASW members and help each other grow in our professional careers. We encourage all students to join OASW as this is the perfect way to network with others and learn from social workers who have been in the field for a while! We encourage all student engagement at our events and look forward to seeing you all grow in your careers!

Lauren Gagnon, Co-Ambassador & Alumna

My name is Lauren Gagnon, I am an alumna from the University of Windsor School of Social Work and as of this year I am a co-ambassador for the OASW Windsor and Area Local Engagement Network alongside Lauren Fields. Ever since my fourth year undergraduate field placement working with high school teenagers with the French Catholic School Board I've developed a deep interest in working in the field of teen mental health. Since February 2024 I have had the opportunity to work as a Registered Social Worker at the Windsor Essex Kent Francophone Community Centre working with newcomer teens from all over the world. My implication with the OASW first began in late 2019 when I volunteered with the local network to create event posters and take pictures at various events. My involvement later grew to event planning and coordinating, promoting the OASW to students and now representing the Windsor and Area network. Overtime I have learnt the many benefits of the OASW and encourage students and professionals to get involved as much as possible. The OASW offers numerous courses, webinars and trainings for professional development as well as the Local Engagement Network offers regular events and networking opportunities to build your community connections. For more information on the OASW or to get involved in the Local Engagement Network please contact me at laurenngagnonn@gmail.com. We hope to see you at our next event!

OASW LEN of Windsor-Essex's boat cruise is coming up in September! Stay tuned for more information!

Stay up to date on all their upcoming events on their Instagram page @windsorsocialworkers 

Looking to grow your network and be part of a larger community of #SocialWork professionals? Social work students can receive 50% off their first year of membership with the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) until October 31. Learn more at www.oasw.org/Students



Updates from Sharon Munro, Social Work Librarian

Services for Alumni at Leddy Library

Congratulations to all of the new graduates of the School of Social Work! The Leddy Library has a web page that outlines Services for Alumni  This web page includes information about:



·       Borrowing books

·       Off-campus database access 

·       Computer access

·       Open access collections

Leddy Library Summer Reading Challenge

Just a reminder that the Leddy Library has a summer reading challenge in place. Participants are encouraged to read as many books as possible between June 1^st and August 30^th. Each book read earns you a ballot for a prize draw for a Leddy Library prize pack and a $25 bookstore gift certificate.  To find out how to participate and to get access to some great book lists, see: Leddy Library Summer Reading Challenge

Windsor City Directories available online

Thanks to the work of Katharine Ball, Information Services librarian at the Leddy Library, and several of our library staff members, over 100 years of the Windsor City directories from 1888 to 1988 are now available online. The directories include an alphabetical index of companies/persons; a classified business index; a street by street index and a wealth of additional information about the Windsor area. Access to the directories is for personal study and research purposes only. For more information and to get access to the directories, see: Over a century of Windsor City Directories now available online

Don & Gail Rodzik Law Library

In addition to the Leddy Library, the University of Windsor has the Don & Gail Rodzik Law Library located within the Faculty of Law Building. This library has three floors of resources and services to help connect library users with the legal information that they are seeking. The following web pages give more information about the library:

·       Home Page for the Don & Gail Rodzik Law Library

·       Research Guides

·       Using the Library

For further information on Ms. Munro, please visit her webpage at Social Work Librarian | School of Social Work (uwindsor.ca)

Sharon Munro's Fall 2024 Office Hours in the School of Social Work,

Windsor Hall:

Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Room 107, School of Social Work (Windsor Hall)

Email: smunro@uwindsor.ca

Telephone: (519) 253-3000, ext. 3850

Appointments can also be made for virtual meetings on Microsoft Teams 

We acknowledge that The University of Windsor sits on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, comprised of the Ojibwa, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi. We respect the longstanding relationships with First Nations People in this place in the 100-mile Windsor-Essex Peninsula and the straits - les détroits of Detroit.