A Membership Organization of MSW Students

Mission Statement

Acolyte is dedicated to:

1. Furthering academic excellence within the graduate program of the FAU School of Social Work,
2. Giving social support to the graduate social work student body,
3. Promoting the NASW Code of Ethics by example,
4. Increasing the understanding of the Social Work profession as well as promoting a positive image of Social Work as a profession, and
5. Providing members with a forum to foster advocacy for social change at university and community levels.

Membership

Membership eligibility for Acolyte requires that the person:

1. Be enrolled in the MSW program at FAU either full-time or part-time,
2. Be a faculty or staff member of the MSW program or the spouses of a student who is enrolled in the MSW program (these are associated members, but they cannot hold office or vote on matters concerning the organization's structure or function)
3. Pay a membership fee of ten ($10) dollars per academic year (contact any Acolyte Board member for payment options and membership form).

Officers and Contact Information

Feel free to contact any of the following officers of Acolyte for more information or feedback about Acolyte.

President: Sherry Weinshenk Acolytefau@hotmail.com
Vice-President: Marcos Mattos  Acolytefau@hotmail.com
Secretary: Michele Jenkins
Treasurer / Membership: Randi Fishenfeld
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Wes Hawkins whawkins@fau.edu

Contacting MSWs can be done through the email function on Blackboard, since all MSW students are registered under the MSW Student Site (http://blackboard.fau.edu)

Latest News Articles

March 26, 2007 was Social Work Lobby Day in Tallahassee, FL. Phi Alpha Honor Society and Acolyte, the 2 social work clubs at FAU, sponsored this trip.

The future professionals of social work received a great educational experience. Social workers are not only clinical therapists but mediators, counselors, researchers, and advocates. Having an opportunity to be at our State Capital during the legislative session provided us with insight on the lawmaking process. Having the chance to speak to our local Representatives and Senators to discuss issues that could possibly turn into bills made us aware that we could be a contributing part of the process.

Florida Atlantic University received recognition for the “University with the Most Improved Attendance from the Past Year” – 39 students this year vs. 7 in 2006!

Phi Alpha and Acolyte want to thank Student Government for helping make this trip a memorable event. Expenses for transportation and lodging were covered by Student Government making it possible for more students to benefit from this experience.

Overall, this trip contributed to our education as students, registered voters and social workers. We are grateful for the opportunity.

Acolyte Newsletters

• Acolyte Newsletter - Spring 2007 (PDF Format)
• Acolyte Newsletter - Fall 2006 (PDF Format)