What our students say

"By volunteering to be a BSW Distance Student & Alumni Representative, I have remained connected to social work students, staff, faculty, and our school. Being involved allows me to participate in our UVic School of Social Work community, even from across the country."
 - Rose Bendix (Graduate - Standard Distance Education BSW)

“I am working towards my social work degree to be a good role model for my boys. Another reason was to prove to myself that I could do it and I will be the first in my family to complete a university education. Both my mother and grandmother wanted to attend university, however parenting duties kept them from fulfilling their dreams. Thank you so much for your support. It amazes me that people can be so generous, and I look forward to the day that I am in a position to pay this kindness forward.”
  - Trisha Bings (Recipient of the Roy Watson Bursary in the School of Social Work)

"Completing the BSWIS degree through UVic has been one of the most fulfilling and enriching experiences of my life. The learning opportunities provided by the faculty were rich and abundant, as were the collaborative sessions with fellow students. I have been strengthened through this learning and now enjoy the most rewarding career of my life. I look forward to returning to UVIC in the future to complete my MSW."
 - Kelly Davie (Graduate, Indigenous Specialization)

"My sentiments about the School of Social Work are likely similar to Harry Potter's regard of Hogwarts: it is a completely awe-inspiring and heartening place of learning! I have been inspirited by incredible professors and peers alike, and I have made friendships that I hope last a lifetime. The School of Social Work not only helped me to become an anti-oppressive social worker, but it also helped me become the person I am today."
  - Chynna Howard (Graduate, Child Welfare Specialization)

“I plan to work with individuals and families within my community who live complex lives where mental health challenges and/or addictions present barriers. From my experience in the School of Social Work, I feel equipped to work with people in a way that preserves their dignity, works with their strengths, & provides them the opportunity to work with me in a way that is meaningful and useful to them. As a young, busy mother, time & money are limited, so this gift has really helped me to work to my full potential. Thank you.”
  - Chelsea Kelly (Recipient of the Jean and Archie Bain Scholarship in the School of Social Work).

"I truly appreciate the flexibility of the distance BSW program. It has provided me with the opportunity to earn my degree part-time, as well as be a stay-at-home Mom. It gives me a space where I can go to expand and challenge my mind, but it also provides me with time to make my family a priority."
  - Holly Nepper ( Standard BSW)

“Without this support I would be seeking part-time work and would not have the time to give back to the community. This scholarship has been such a blessing for me!”
 - Daleena Siggelkow (Recipient of the Anita Lancaster Scholarship in the School of Social Work).

“I chose to go into social work because I love working with people to create caring, supportive communities. When I graduate I plan to work with women, families and children at community non-profits. Eventually I hope to pursue graduate studies and become a professor at a faculty of Social Work in Canada. Thank you for helping me further my education and my aspirations!”
  - Robyn Spilker (Recipient of the Anita Lancaster Scholarship in the School of Social Work).

“It’s an honour to receive this scholarship. It’s also a gift that I really need, after using student loans for so many years. When I am finished, I wish to continue working in the area of my thesis topic, which is relationship to place and identity. Thank you for supporting me in this work!”
  - Rebecca Taylor (Masters Student in Social Work, Indigenous Specialization &  Recipient of the Workplace Family Wellness Scholarship in Social Work).