Student Association of Social Workers (SASW)
| President: | Anna Gonzalez | amgonzalez18@miners.utep.edu |
| Internal Vice President: | Norma Porras | naporras@miners.utep.edu |
| External Vice President: | Emmanuel Avila | eavila8@miners.utep.edu |
| Secretary: | Adriana Limon | alimon3@miners.utep.edu |
| Treasurer: | Alyssa Pedregon | aapedregon@miners.utep.edu |
| Membership: | Younghie Jeong | ygjeong@miners.utep.edu |
| 2nd Year MSW Senator: | Yarenn Garcia | ygarcia17@miners.utep.edu |
| Senior Senator: | Katya Compian | kncompian@miners.utep.edu |
| Historian: | Jennifer Bernal | jbernal10@miners.utep.edu |
| Faculty Advisor: | Erica Balderrama | erbalderrama@utep.edu |
The Student Association of Social Work (SASW) at the University of Texas at El Paso recognizes and believes that student participation is a necessary component to complete the social work learning experience.
The SASW at the University of Texas at El Paso is an organization aimed at:
- Enhancing the students’ learning and skill development in social work
- Encouraging social change through production of and involvement in university projects and events
- Promoting social and economic justice through participation in the multicultural and bi-national community of El Paso
PURPOSE & GOALS
The SASW at the University of Texas at El Paso sets forth the following purpose and goals:
- To encourage the empowerment of students’ professional identity as social workers
- To promote student participation in the university and community life by:
- Encouraging student involvement in the University of Texas at El Paso through participation in various university activities,
- Promoting participation in community activities that are in accordance with SASW philosophy, and
- Providing additional training/instruction opportunities with the specific focus of social work in the border region
- To have an elected Board of Officers who will represent and coordinate student activities within the university and community
- To promote student awareness of the Social Work program within the university, the social work profession and the community
Membership
Membership is open to UTEP students enrolled in the UTEP Department of Social Work. Students must remain in good standing in the department and pay an annual membership fee, due each academic year. All members are encouraged to participate in as many SASW events as possible but are required to participate in a minimum of 6 participatory/donation activities and 6 volunteer activities during their time of membership. Additionally, members are required to attend a minimum of one general meeting per semester during their time of membership.
- The membership fee is required of all members and will be paid upon acceptance into the organization. Changes to dues amount will be determined for the following academic year at any time by the Board, and must receive a 2/3 majority vote of the Board in order to take effect. Membership dues are not refundable.
- Each member shall be entitled to one vote in conjunction with the election of Board officers. The Board shall decide all other matters in conjunction with the administration and operation of the Association’s affairs.
- Each member who fulfills the commitment of participation in three participatory activities and three volunteer activities shall be awarded the SASW Cord for graduation ceremonies.
- The Board may suspend or expel any member of SASW for cause after an appropriate hearing with the Board, and by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the Board, present at any regularly constituted Board meeting. Cause may include but is not limited to disciplinary action, unethical behavior, or violation of University policies.
- Any member may resign by filing a written resignation submitted to the President and filed by the Secretary, but such resignation shall not relieve the member resigning of the obligation to pay any assessment or other charge theretofore accrued and unpaid.
- Membership in the Association is open to all students meeting the criteria for membership regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, culture, disability, sexual orientation or beliefs. The Association will support the cultivation of an inclusive membership that reflects the diversity of the program.
*NON-DISCRIMINATORY CLAUSE*
The Student Association of Social Work does not discriminate against qualified members of the University on the basis of their ability, age, color, creed, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status and abides by the Non-Discrimination Policy set in place by The University of Texas at El Paso and the UT System.
2023-2024 BSW Student Representatives
Angelica Hinojos
Practice Interests: Mental health care, women's rights, intimate partner violence, trauma, and family dynamics.
Jessica Garcia
Practice Interests: Trauma, mental health in the border region, school social work, and homelessness.
