I am honored to be your Director on your MSW Journey. Given the needs of our fellow humans, I am grateful on their behalf that you have chosen to answer the call to serve others in this important career of social work. You have chosen to pursue a career path that I have found fulfilling, rewarding, and enjoyable. I wake up every workday excited to go to work and on weekends, must remind myself that a break from this work I love is part of the recipe for being successful in my role. That kind of love for and dedication to your work is what I hope for each of you.
As you move through your journey, I encourage you to keep one of our social work values at heart—the importance of human relationships. As Mother Teresa noted, "We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty." Building relationships with the faculty, staff, students, and leadership are all important avenues toward your own success in serving others in need of social work support. We offer many opportunities for you to connect with each other and us and I sincerely hope you will take advantage of those as often as possible.
At times, this journey may seem difficult not only due to the rigor of our program but also because many of you embark upon it with other responsibilities such as employment, and care for family members. Your sacrifices toward this journey are seen, acknowledged, and appreciated. I often say students are my heroes—you take on so much and I am always in awe of what you accomplish. Please remember to "Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible” (St. Francis of Assisi). Please also remember that at times, you may become frustrated. As you experience this, please remember the importance of respect as we work together toward your success; in other words: ”When things go wrong, don't go with them" (Elvis Presley). We are here to help and support you but please don’t take your frustrations out on us!
As you move through your journey, you will no doubt have questions pertaining to a wide range of topics and situations. This manual is designed to guide you. However, if your question is not answered here, please use this protocol to identify the person to assist. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact me and I will either answer or get you to the person who can. If you are a prospective MSW student, we are excited you are interested and ask that you please visit Social Work Admissions for assistance.
In closing, please call me Regina if you feel comfortable—though I have certain decision-making authority related to your degrees, we are colleagues in partnership. I’m so honored to join you on your journey to the MSW. Social Work is an amazingly fulfilling profession that allows us to be supportive forces toward our clients’ achieving their best lives. Whether it be through individual, couples, groups and family counseling (micro and mezzo) or community, state and federal level (macro) advocacy and program development, we are afforded opportunities to strive for change for the betterment of all—what a gift that is for us in our work!
Once again, I welcome you to the MSW Program at the UTA School of Social Work with a warm heart!
Kind Regards,
Regina T. Praetorius, PhD, LMSW-AP-S | She/Her/Hers
Director of Graduate Programs
Distinguished Teaching Professor
rtpraetorius@uta.edu
This handbook is a general information publication only. It is not intended to nor does it contain all regulations that relate to students. The provision of the handbook does not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, between any applicant, student or faculty member and the University of Texas at Arlington, The University of Texas System, or the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work. The University reserves the right to withdraw courses at any time, change fees, rules, calendars, curriculum, degree programs, degree requirements, graduation procedures and any other requirements affecting students. Changes will become effective whenever the proper authorities so determine and will apply to both prospective students and those already enrolled.
Students are held individually responsible for complying with all requirements of the rules and regulations of the University and the Board of Regents of the University of Texas System. Failure to read and comply with policies, regulations, and procedures will not exempt students from whatever penalties they may incur.
Regina Praetorius, PhD, LMSW-AP
Director of Graduate Programs
Professor
rtpraetorius@uta.edu
Ginger Jackson
Administrative Assistant I
gingerjackson@uta.edu
817-272-2135
