Student Life
We have a lot of ways to get to know your fellow School of Social work Students and get involved on campus.
Student Spotlight
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Cassandra Torrisi
Hi! I'm Cassandra but I go by Cassie. I grew up in Freeport IL where I have lived my entire life, not many people know of the town but may have heard of our funky mascot the Pretzel! I had a wonderful Undergraduate experience. I first obtained my associates degree from a community college in my hometown in a year and a half, and then transferred to Illinois state to get my Bachelor of Psychology in a year and a half as well. Being able to get my bachelor’s degree in a total of three years or something I am super proud of! Because I graduated a semester early, I spent my semester off working as a full-time substitute at a local elementary school in my hometown. I know substitute has a different meaning everywhere you go but my position was really fun as I got to interact with every kid in the school well also get a shadow our social worker. I have a border collie Australian Shepherd mix pup at home who is actually my ESA animal. One of my favorite things to do is take him for walks and play with him it really calms me down and helps me feel grounded. I also really enjoy cooking and doing yoga as they're just real stress relievers for me. I really enjoyed my undergrad time at Illinois state even though it was cut pretty short because of Covid. So, with the time that I now have back I really want to try to make the most of it!
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Yaa Adubia Yeboah
I'm from Ghana, Africa and I grew up in one of its town, Berekum. I have a bachelor’s degree in human resource management in 2013. I have a proven record of working with culturally diverse teams while consistently meeting individuals’ targets. I'm a social work volunteer for the past 20 years and I love to use my skills to teach, motivate and promote health (primary health promotion). I see it as a great opportunity be a Redbird. I will share my experiences over the years and learn to improve myself; I'll adopt the best practices of the social work profession so as to serve the society better.
Registered Student Organizations (RSOs)
Joining a student-led group is a great way to develop your leadership skills, make new friends, and have tons of fun.
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Social Work Club
Social Work Club increases awareness of social issues within the University and community. You will gain knowledge of the major and social work profession. The Social Work Club members also spend time volunteering and forming partnerships in the community, host guest speakers, and put on events.
Contact for Social Work Club: Laura Roehm
Honors
Being involved in honors is a great way to challenge yourself and dive deeper into your major.
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Phi Alpha
We are home to the Beta Psi chapter of Phi Alpha, the national social work honor society. Phi Alpha aims to provide a closer bond among social work students and promotes humanitarian goals and ideas. They co-sponsor many activities here in the School of Social Work.
Membership requires the completion of 9 semester hours of required social work courses and rank in the top 35% of the class based on overall GPA.
Contact: Kate Sheridan
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Department and University Honors Program
Honors at Illinois State enriches your learning through academic, cultural, professional, and community-building opportunities. As an honors student, you will feel engaged and challenged in your classes.
In the School of Social Work, we require 12 hours of honors course credit. Any major courses can be enhanced to an honors course.
Contact: Laura Roehm