Our Code

For 60 years, the School of Social Work has prepared social work practitioners committed to social justice and to serving and empowering individuals, families, and communities. Our academic programs emphasize understanding and respect for the unique social, political, and cultural diversity of the Southwest. We equip students with social work knowledge and skills that affirm our professional values and ethics.

As stated in our mission, a foundational part of our work as educators, practitioners and researchers is to embrace ethical values and ensure our students are prepared for ethical practice. Social work remains the only profession in our nation dedicated to studying and advancing basic human rights and social care for those most likely to be excluded from society’s resources. A historic and defining feature of social work is adherence to a Code of Ethics that guide everyday professional conduct.

Below are the six ethical principles that set forth ideals to which all social workers should aspire:

Social Work Code of Ethics graphic - maroon, gold, white, black