Our students love us, but don't take our word for it; see for yourself what our students and graduates have to say about our Social Welfare and Social Development program!
My experience in the Social Welfare and Social Development program allowed me to grow, not only professionally but personally as well. I have acquired a greater understanding in how society works; specifically, in how its most vulnerable and marginalized groups are affected by policy, which is an integral part of creating social change. Another aspect that I enjoyed about the program was the small class sizes, which had a great impact on my success in the program. There were often times that I struggled with understanding theories and course content but having more time and opportunities for one-on-one support with professors really helped me.
As an Indigenous student, I had entered the program with general knowledge and understanding of the history of First Nations in Canada and had a specific interest in Indigenous social issues. What I enjoyed most about the program was that I was presented opportunities to take Indigenous-focused courses, and Indigenous issues were often discussed in non-Indigenous focused courses. I was often supported by faculty in applying theory with Indigenous issues and perspectives which allowed me to research and learn more about the issues that I am most passionate about.
The final year of the program had a big influence on my future aspirations. I was able to do my final honours research project on a subject that I am passionate about. I realized that in the right environment I can accomplish things and I have the potential to make meaningful change. Completing the program inspired me to pursue graduate studies, which is what I plan to do in the future.
Marissa Gillies-Linklater
2021 Social Welfare and Social Development graduate and Dave Marshall Leadership Award recipient
As my time at Nipissing University comes to an end, I could not have enough good things to say about the Social Welfare and Social Development program. When I first applied to university, I had no idea what I wanted to do, I only knew that I wanted to help people and grow, not only as a student but as a person as well. The Social Welfare program has allowed me to do that, while also exploring different parts of myself and different interests that I didn’t know I had. I think it is fantastic the way that the program highlights many of the different avenues and sub-fields that one may pursue when working in the social welfare field. It would likely be impossible to provide an exhaustive list of courses to cover every career path that one might take with a social welfare and social development degree. However, at the end of four years I certainly felt that I had been provided with ample opportunity to discover my interests and discover what the next step in my journey towards a career in this field would be.
Students are provided with such a wealth of knowledge on all different subjects related to social welfare: from mental health and addictions, to poverty, to health, to international development, to gender studies. And I think it is this wealth of knowledge that best prepares students to enter the field. I am not leaving university feeling pigeon-holed into a particular job; I know that I can go out into the world and find work with populations of people living in particular circumstances that I feel most passionate about and that I am most confident I will be able to help.
After finishing my degree, I would also recommend the collaborative program with Canadore College to anyone that asked. This unique and innovative opportunity not only allowed me to get six years of education in four, but it provided me countless opportunities to apply what I learned in the lecture hall to the real world. My year at Canadore awarded me with a Social Service Worker diploma, but it also opened my eyes to the very real implications and experiences within our field. I got first-hand experience working with elderly individuals, low-income and homeless individuals, and individuals with various cognitive and physical impairments right here in the North Bay community. It was this practical experience that helped me reconnect with my love of the work and my passion for the field at a time when, if I’m honest, it felt as though I was just trying to get through my undergrad.
As I prepare to travel to Italy to pursue a master’s degree in Human Rights and Multi-Level Governance, I can confidently say that choosing the Social Welfare and Social Development program at Nipissing was the best choice I’ve ever made. Not only has the program content provided me with a wealth of knowledge and experience, but I have formed connections, both personal and professional, that I know will continue to help me grow throughout my career. The professors in this department genuinely care about you, they genuinely want you to succeed, and they have all of the tools required to make sure that their students achieve success in whatever capacity the student wishes. The network of peers in this program, I also know, will remain with me as I transition to graduate studies and as I transition to the workforce.
Alexandra McClure
2020 Social Welfare and Social Development graduate and Dave Marshall Leadership Award recipient
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from you folks while I completed my program. Additionally, I think the work you did to create a dual program with Canadore is exceptional. In the work I currently do, we often discuss pathway opportunities, and being able to complete an undergraduate degree in Social Welfare and Social Development, along with a Social Service Worker diploma, is incredible and really highlights the importance of having those pathway opportunities. It has allowed me to understand policy, politics, theory, and the essential skills when working with individuals, which puts me in a strong position to succeed in the Master of Social Work program. As someone who didn’t take a Bachelor of Social Work (or even consider it for that matter), I feel incredibly thankful that this door remained open because of the dual program that you folks offer. So again, thank you for your time, knowledge, and effort in providing opportunities such as this one.
Dakota Heon
2020 graduate of the combined SWLF-SSW degree-diploma program and Dave Marshall Leadership Award recipient
I don’t know if I will see all of you before I leave North Bay, but I wanted to take a minute to write a quick letter to express my gratitude to you.
I think back to the introductory course, and I am amazed at how dramatically different I am now. I have learned so much in the last 3½ years. I owe my success and motivation to continue my education to the program’s faculty.
You all went above the call of duty on so many occasions, always exceeding my expectations. I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to be a student of yours. I believe that with your guidance over the last few years, I am a much better person. You made this an amazing experience for me, and I have learned so much. Although I am finishing my time at Nipissing, Social Welfare and Social Development will always be something I hold close to my heart. I am so proud of our little program.
The reason I chose Nipissing is because I wanted to be more than a number in a large lecture hall. I wanted to have personal connections with my professors. Thank you very much for your help, advice, and support over these last few years. I truly am going to miss it. I hope the program continues to flourish because I strongly believe in it. Amazing professors create great students, so again, thank you.
Samantha Lee
2014 Social Welfare and Social Development graduate and Dave Marshall Leadership Award recipient