The newsletter provides information on upcoming events and opportunities for the USC School of Social Work for the month of September 2011. It introduces the new Director of Student Services, Josh Watson, and summarizes recent successful events including Community Immersion and the Welcome Back Bonfire. It also provides updates from various student caucuses on their goals and upcoming meetings and activities. The newsletter serves to inform students of involvement opportunities through student organizations.

1. In this Edition:
Message from the Secretary
USC School of
What is GPSS?
Time to Get Your Vote On!
Social Work
Meet the New Director of
Student Services
September Newsletter
Celebrating Our Successes
September 5, 2011
Memories from the Bonfire
For Our Friends @ the VAC
Caucus Corner
Any Ideas?
Contact Us
Our First Full Newsletter of the
Year!
MSW Trojans!
As we enter the 2011-2012 Academic Year, I would like to invite you all to peruse
our first full newsletter! On the first Monday of each month you will receive an email
with a newsletter and calendar attached. The calendar serves as a way to keep
students informed of what is going on at the UPC campus, various academic
centers, and the community-at-large, while the newsletter allows Student Org,
Student Caucuses, and Interest Groups to tell you how you can get involved
through committees, attending meetings, or just enjoying events. And don’t forget
to keep your eyes out for important announcements and messages from faculty
and administration! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please
email us at swstuorg@usc.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!
Maddison Gan, Student Org Secretary
1

2. What is GPSS?
The Graduate Professional Student Senate gives graduate students a voice at USC. We plan
a wide variety of events to encourage interaction and development between students and
disperse funding for recognized student organizations. For more information please see the
website http://www.gpssusc.com/ or feel free to contact Alana Copeland at
acopelan@usc.edu.
Time to get your vote on!
Hello fellow Trojans!
In the coming weeks there will be students campaigning to represent USC School of Social
Work students in the Graduate Professional Student Senate. Please support them, listen to
what they have to bring to the table and VOTE. Remember the person you elect will be
joining Student Org. in representing YOU. Here are the important dates to remember:
Campaigning September 5 – September 23, 2011.
VOTING September 19 – September 23, 2011
Fight On!
Meet the New Director of Student Services!
Hello Trojans and welcome to the 2011-2012 academic year!
Let me begin by saying how excited I am to be here! I have recently come on board USC’s
School of Social Work as the Director of Student Services. However, I am not new to the USC
community. I have earned both my Master’s and Doctorate in Education here while working
within the Division of Student Affairs; first with the Office for Residential Education and later
with the Office of Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards. I have also served the
local community as a Neighborhood Council member and taught part-time with USC’s
School of Policy Planning and Development.
We in the Student Services Team here in the School of Social Work are here to serve you. Our
goal is to make a positive impact on your educational goals. We have tutors and writing
coaches ready to support you in your academic endeavors. We encourage you to get
involved with Student Org and the student caucus groups as well as find ways to engage
with your local community. We look forward to assisting wherever possible, celebrating your
accomplishments along the way, and congratulating you at your graduation.
Fight on!
Josh
Joshua J. Watson, Ed.D.
Director of Student Services
2

3. Celebrating Our
Successes
Community Immersion:
Community Immersion was a great success! There were students in 23 communities in
the San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles areas. There were over 60
continuing students volunteering their time and expertise. On Tuesday incoming
students were able to meet the 18 caucus and interest groups that are active at the
School of Social Work. On Friday the workshops were heavily attended. A special
thank you to the faculty that helped plan and put on the week-long immersion. Also,
thank you to the student leaders that made Community Immersion run great!
Welcome Back Bonfire:
The Student Org Board would like to thank all of you who attended our annual
bonfire! We were able to meet students from Skirball, UPC, and the VAC. It was a
great day at the beach with delicious food, awesome friends, and even a fun game
of volleyball! We hope you enjoyed it and felt a part of our MSW family. We would
also like to thank the caucuses who made this event possible; Asian Pacific Islander,
Men In Social Work, Latino/a , and Skirball Social Work Caucuses. Thank you for your
collaboration!
Graduation Fundraiser:
The Student Org Board would like to begin by thanking all those who supported our
Carne Asada fundraiser on September 1, 2011 -- our very first fundraiser of the year!
The delicious food was provided by Zamora Bros and was a huge success! The next
Graduation fundraiser will be a Zumbathon which will take place at Barrio Action
Youth and Family Center on Saturday, October 22 from 10:00 am -12:00 pm. Further
details will be in October’s newsletter. Also it is not too late to join the Graduation
Committee, those who are interested can email Raquel Zamora at
raquella81@gmail.com. Our first graduation committee meeting will be held in
October-–date and time TBA—and everyone is welcome to join. Our graduation
festivities won’t be possible without a great committee! Get involved and join!
3

4. Memories…
4

5. For Our Friends @ the VAC
The Meaning of Student Org to the VAC
The official purpose of Student Org is “to form a working relationship
among the students in the School of Social Work to meet the changing
demands of social work education and to present to the faculty and
administration student positions on the improvements of social work and social
work education that will have lasting impact upon the student, university, and
communities.” Student Org primarily focuses on representing the School of
Social Work on a macro level. Issues that are voiced and shared by the entire
student body of the Virtual Academic Center (VAC) can be presented, since
the VAC is an integral part of the School of Social Work at the University of
Southern California.
Student Org is currently supporting the various caucuses with
administrative concerns and budgetary topics. However, each specific
caucus represents a specific focus area, such as a specialty of social work,
students’ common interests or one of the recognized academic centers. Each
caucus has their own board and unique agenda that can include special
events, fundraising and interpersonal communication. Essentially, the VAC
Caucus can represent the VAC on a more local level.
If any VAC student has any questions about any significant topic, please
feel free to contact me at jrow@usc.edu. I am Julie Row, the current VAC
Representative, who directly works with Student Org and represents the VAC
student body. The election has been held for the second VAC Representative
position, so that there can be a team of two people who can work together to
ensure that there will be a great start to effective representation for the VAC.
5

6. Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Caucus
Caucus Corner Welcome (back) Social Work Trojans! We hope that you had
an enjoyable summer vacation and are looking forward to
the 2011-2012 academic year! This past summer, the API
board worked tirelessly to create a schedule of events that
will foster students to network with each other and with the
community. In particular, we are happy to present the
following events:
Our first general meeting will be on Tuesday, September 6th
at 11:30AM in SWC 106 (the Smart Classroom). This will be the first opportunity to formally meet our
board, learn about our caucus, network with fellow classmates, and enjoy a deliciously free
lunch! All of our meetings throughout the year will also be on the 1st Tuesday of every month in the
same room at the same time.
Discussed in further details at our meeting will be our quest for leaders in our caucus. We are looking
for 2 First Year Representatives, an OC Representative, SD Representative, Skirball Representative,
and VAC Representative. This is a great way to gain leadership experience and be proactive in our
caucus.
API will be co-hosing the tailgate on September 10th for the USC vs. Utah game. This tailgate will be
from 12PM-4:30PM and will be themed, "Go Trojans!" We will be serving the LA Dog (bacon-wrapped
hot dog) as well as Veggie Dogs accompanied by drinks for donations. Come by in your cardinal
and gold gear!
Lastly, API will be hosting apparel sales on the 13th and 15th of September during universal
break. Come pick up a USC School of Social Work T-Shirt or check out our hoodies!
For more information, join our USC Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Caucus Facebook Page or email
us at apisowk@usc.edu. We hope to see you soon!
Black Social Work Caucus
The Black Social Work Caucus would like to take this opportunity to welcome students to become a
part of the Black Social Work Caucus (BSWC). The Black Social Work Caucus of the University of
Southern California is committed to building solidarity among its members, USC School of Social Work,
faculty, administration, staff, student body, the University Community, and the black community at
large by encouraging the understanding and acceptance of diversity, creativity, self-determination,
ethical practices, and minority leadership. It was founded in 1969 on the basis of integrating a
multicultural perspective into the curriculum, dialogue, and student body of the USC School of Social
Work. We are dedicated to academic achievement, professionalism, and social justice for all people
of African descent and human kind. Our vision this year is to inspire and motivate change.
The newly elected Board Members for the 2011/2012 school year DeAndra Jones/ Co-Chair, Kavina
Hall/Co-Chair, Pamela Thompson/Secretary, Folake Balogun/Treasurer, are dedicated to making this
years caucus a memorable experience for all students. This years caucus will be hosting several
events in the fall school year, those events include a Tailgate Party September 10th, Welcome back
mixer-At The Game- September 23rd, Study Jam-October 13th, USC Grad Lounge and a Holiday
party-December 16th. During the Spring school year we have Kareoke Night or Brown Bag-January
27th, Black history month-single celebration or Multiple events- February 25th, Happy hour- March
30th, Study jam-March 20th, April-The Gala, Saturday April 21st. For more information on the BSWC
you can also find scheduled events, evites and other information on Facebook
(www.facebook.com/blacksocialworkcaucus.usc). Please feel free to contact any member of the
BSWC if you would like to become a part of the Black Social Work Caucus (BSWC).
6

7. Christian Social Work Caucus
Welcome incoming and continuing MSW students! We are the Christian Social Work Caucus here at
USC!
Our mission is to SPREAD the gospel of Jesus Christ to the School of Social Work and the USC Campus
through compassion and service, to EXPLORE the Bible as a means of informing social work practice,
to OFFER support and fellowship to Christian social workers as we all collectively strive to empower
and defend marginalized, disenfranchised and oppressed populations, and to ENCOURAGE a
spiritual growth among the student body to strengthen the individual as they reach for their goals
and dreams within their careers and life.
Our FIRST General meeting on UPC is September 6, 2011 @ 11:15 am in MRF 303 and on OCAC is
September 8, 2011 @ 11:15, location pending.
Join us and be part of the exciting new things we have this year!
On October 1, 2011 we will be co-sponsoring a tailgate at UPC; you are invited to come and join the
Trojan experience with us!
Find us on Facebook to keep posted with future events and information: USC School of Social Work
Christian Caucus.
Let’s encourage one another on toward the finish line!
Clinical Social Work Caucus
Have a question, need a cookie or just want to say hi?! Stop by our table in the SOWK Courtyard on
Thurs., Sept. 6, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Don't miss our First CSWC Member Meeting! Thurs., Sept. 8, 11 a.m - 1 p.m. in SWC 106 (Snacks will be
provided!)
Be sure to join our Facebook page to stay up to date on CSWC events and
announcements! https://www.facebook.com/groups/195042647210055/
Are you a VAC student? Join our meetings and events virtually by adding USC_Clinical on Skype!
Forensic Social Work Caucus
Forensics Caucus first general meeting for members and those interested on 9/22/11 in MRF 330 from
11:15-12:30pm.
Food and Drinks will be provided.
See you all there!
International Social Work Caucus
Welcome incoming students to the academic year 2011-2012
The theme of International Social Work Caucus (ISWC) for the year 2011-2012 is Fostering Global
Exchange.
The Mission of the ISWC is to promote awareness of international issues that affect the global world.
We seek to provide a bridge between USC School of Social Work students and international
organizations through providing professional networking opportunities, as well as to provide
information to students that are interested in abroad internships.
We have amazing upcoming Events that include TWO INTERNATIONAL TRIPS and various Los Angeles
based as well as OC/SD/Skirball based events. Add ISWC on facebook or email at
usc.iswc@gmail.com to get added to the fb and email list.
Tabling – Come join International Social Work Caucus (ISWC) for our first Tabling and Chocolate Sale
in Galiban Courtyard at the UPC. Stop by on Tuesday August 30, 2011 between 11.00AM - 12.30PM
and on Tuesday September 06, 2011 between 11.00AM– 12.30PM. You can buy chocolates, get
informed of our exciting upcoming events and share some love, and if nothing else, just come by for
some conversations .
7

8. Pot Luck/General Meeting: ISWC’s first general meeting and International Pot Luck on September 15,
2011 at 11.30AM – 12.30PM at Hamovich MRF. Meet new members, introduce yourself to board
members & advisors and be the part of ISWC community. More info will be sent over email.
Tailgate: Join ISWC and party like a Trojan on September 17, 2011 at 9.00AM by VKC. Look out for
more info in an email and on our fb page.
We have great opportunities for students: ISWC is looking for Skirball Rep., Student Org. Rep. and VAC
Rep. – Deadline is Sep 12, 2011. Please email at usc.iswc@gmail.com for more information.
Don’t forget to pre-order the most wanted track jacket.
Contact iswc@usc.edu.
Add us to on facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/people/Isw-Caucus/100002259249636
We look forward to working with you and serving for International Social Work Caucus!
Fight On
Jewish Social Work Caucus
Our members would like to invite you to the upcoming September happenings:
1) If you missed our first CHALLAH BACK meeting… There’s good news! You have other opportunities
to stay in touch with the Jewish Social Work Caucus!
2) Please join us for BIG SUNDAY. The 10nth anniversary of SEPTEMBER 11th is coming up. In an effort to
repair the world, we will begin by repairing the city! Come join the BIG SUNDAY event with Social
Work students, synagogues and other non-profit organizations from all over LA. We will be assisting
the SOVA food pantry in collecting, sorting, boxing food and writing letters to soldiers! Everyone is also
welcome to join for a BIG community breakfast.
When: Sunday, 9/11/11 from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: 6111 Melrose Avenue., L.A.
3) Rabbi Ethan Bair from USC Hillel will be speaking on September 22 about Social Work from the
perspective of Jewish values, such as Repairing the world, (Tikkun Olam), Charity (tzedakah), etc.
More information will be announced, stay tuned!
Remember Take Care, Self Care,
Jewish Social Work Caucus
Latino/a Social Work Caucus
Contact E-mail: latinosw@usc.edu
Friend us on Facebook: USC Latino Social Work Caucus
The LSWC Board hopes that everyone has enjoyed their first 2 weeks of school and is starting off
the new school year on the right track! We would like to thank EVERYONE who was able to
attend the first Tailgate of the season that was co-hosted by the Clinical Social Work Caucus and
us! We hope you had a good break from studying.
Continue to join and support in our upcoming events:
Empanada Sale
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 – 11:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Enjoy delicious home-made empanadas & refreshments during the U-Break in the Gabilan
Courtyard.
San Diego Campus Mentor/Mentee Mixer
Friday, September 9, 2011 – 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
This event is aimed for all mentors and mentees who attend the S.D. campus. Take a break from
studying & join us for our first mentor/mentee mixer at Dave and Buster’s in San Diego. If OC or
UPC students are interested, please stay posted on upcoming details.
Second General Meeting/Mentor & Mentee Mixer
Thursday, September 13, 2011 – 11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – SWC 106
Join us for our 2nd general meeting of the year. There will be a speed “meet & greet” for all
8

9. students interested in the mentorship program. This is an opportunity for all mentors and mentees
to meet each other.
Pupusa Sale
Thursday, September 22, 2011 – 11:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Enjoy delicious home-made pupusas & mingle with others during the U-Break in the Gabilan
courtyard.
Community Hike
Saturday, September 24, 2011 – 8:00 a.m. – 12: 00 p.m.
Join us for a community hike at Eaton Canyon in Pasadena. Bring water & snacks as we will
debrief and have a discussion afterwards.
Nacho Sale
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 – 11:00 a.m. – 12: 45 p.m.
Enjoy yummy nachos (with or without jalapenos) & support our caucus during the Universal Break
at the Gabilan Courtyard!
Meet with High School Mentees
Thursday, September 29, 2011 – 11:15 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
We will be hosting a panel at Jefferson high school about college; more info to come.
*Learn more about our events by attending our meetings, joining our mailing list, or “friend-ing” us on
facebook! Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
-ADELANTE
The Latina/o Social Work Caucus
Men in Social Work Caucus
The Men in Social Work Caucus (MSWC) addresses the challenges and needs of men in the field of
social work and strives to put forth a renewed vision of masculinity, as this vision affects all members
of our society. On behalf of Nick Holt and Elmer Ornelas (Co-Chairs), Amber Rivas (Treasurer) and Joel
Gutierrez (Secretary), we welcome all new students to the 2011-2012 year. Please join us in one of our
upcoming events:
9/6/11: MSWC First General Meeting (11:30-12:30 PM in MRF 320)
10/29/11: MSWC Tailgate with Social Action and Forensic Caucuses
...and please follow the Men in Social Work Caucus at https://www.facebook.com/uscmswc for our
upcoming calendar photo shoots, World Famous Chill by the Grill, volunteering, OC fundraising
event, alumni and networking events, intramural sports activities, and other creative events and
fundraisers.
Military Social Work Interest Group
The USC Military Social Work Interest Group (MilSWIG) promotes the welfare, social interests,
education, outreach, and support of Military service members and Veterans, their families, and their
communities. We welcome the participation of all graduate and professional students
regardless of concentration.
Co-chairs
Michell Molina
Hannah Stryker
 Secretary of State
Phillip Chaidez
 Treasurer
Tianna Harris
9

10.  Fundraising
Daniel Burns
 Community Outreach
Kristy Kleinman
 Student Org Rep
Jason Sim
 SDAC Rep
Mary Liesenberg
 OCAC Rep
Tara Debraber
MilSWIG Upcoming events
 September
 Tailgate! (Sept 10)
 Orange County “ Stand Down” (Sept 17 & 18)
 October
 Immersion trip to JFTB Los Alamitos
 November
 “Brown Bag” regarding virtual client
 February 2012
 “Brown Bag” job & placement lecture; military social workers in different branches and
alumni will discuss possible job opportunities
 March 2012
 Family Day Run at Camp Pendleton or MCRD
Orange County Social Work Caucus
Greetings Fellow MSW Students!
We represent the Orange County Caucus located at the Orange County Academic Center in Irvine.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the caucus, our purpose is to meet the needs of full-time and
part-time students at the Orange County Academic Center. The caucus is a collaborative effort
among student leadership, caucus representatives and fellow MSW students. The organization
ensures all Orange County Academic Center students have an opportunity to network, socialize and
collaborate with one another and with other academic units. The caucus promotes interacting and
building connections with University Park, Skirball, San Diego and the Virtual Academic Center,
uniting all USC social work students. Additionally, the Orange County Social Work Caucus helps
involve MSW students in local volunteer community service projects in Orange County. With the
help of our advisor, Leslie Wind, we have planned numerous fundraisers, service projects, and
events for the 2011-2012 academic year! The Orange County Caucus members are very excited
to start the year and look forward to meeting everyone!
Board Members:
Advisor: Leslie Wind-wind@usc.edu
Co-Chair: Nancy Guzman- nguzman@usc.edu
Co-Chair: Ashley Sewalk -sewalk@usc.edu
Secretary: Monica Hour- mhour@usc.edu
Treasurer: Gerolyn Lopez- gerolynl@usc.edu
Social Events Co-Chair: Alicia Lingad-lingad@usc.edu
Social events Co-Chair: Yesenia Merino- ymerino@usc.edu
Sampling of Upcoming Events:
9/6/11: Golden Spoon Fundraiser
9/21/11: Hockey Game @ Honda Center @ 7:00pm =
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=206569199401542 (FB events page)
10

11. 9/27/11: Jamba Juice Fundraiser
10/1/11: NAMI Walk in Huntington Beach
Check our facebook for weekly updates on events: http://www.facebook.com/usc.oc.caucus
Part-time Caucus
Mission Statement: To serve as advocates for part-time students while helping them build their
networks while at USC in addition promoting the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) core
values of social justice and service to the community.
Upcoming events:
Monthly meetings- last Sunday of each month
Welcome Valet- first week of the new semester.
Fundraiser Pizza Sale- September 12-19 at UPC, OCAC, City Center and SDAC
Tailgate- October 1 in partnership with the Christian Caucus and Skirball Caucus
Brown Bag- October and February
Holiday Community Drive- November thru December
Part-Time Caucus 2011-2012 Board:
Laura Knight & Nicole Matsumoto, Co-Chairs
Amber Carpenter, Treasurer
Denise Rizo, Secretary
Lauren Johnson, Community Chair
Karla Arnold, Training Coordinator
Gabriela C. Alvarado, OCAC Rep,
Jacqueline Early, OCAC Rep
Kerry Paysen, SDAC Rep
Christine Ho, SDAC Rep
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/44343555022/
Contacts:
Nicole Matsumoto, Co-Chair <nlmatsum@usc.edu>,
Laura Knight, Co-Chair <lknight@usc.edu>
Amber Carpenter, Treasurer <amcarpen@usc.edu>
Denise Rizo, Secretary <deniserizo@gmail.com>
Lauren Johnson, Community Chair <laurenaj@usc.edu>
Karla Arnold, Training Coordinator <karlaarn@usc.edu>
Gabriela C. Alvarado, OCAC Rep <acarmelita@msn.com>
Jacqueline Early, OCAC Rep <jnjco@gmail.com>,
Kerry Paysen, SDAC Rep <kobij13@hotmail.com>
Christine Ho, SDAC Rep <yturrald@usc.edu>
Heather Halperin, Advisor <hhalper@usc.edu>
Rainbow Alliance Social Work Caucus
Greetings from Rainbow Alliance! Hope everyone has enjoyed the first few weeks of school.
Rainbow Alliance is excited for the year and invites all LGBTQ students AND allies to attend our
upcoming events!
• 9/6 Bake Sale- We will be in Gabilan Courtyard from 11:00-1:00 tabling and selling treats.
Stop by to say hi or for more info about Rainbow Alliance.
• 9/8 First General Meeting-Our first meeting will be in MRF 338 at 11:30. Come learn about
our caucus, meet other students, and share your own ideas for the year. Lunch will be
provided.
• 9/17 Tailgate- Fight on with Rainbow Alliance before the football team takes on Syracuse!
11

12. • 9/20 Military Acceptance Project Celebration- Salute LGBT service members and celebrate
the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” at the Bourbon Street Bar and Grill in San Diego from 7-10pm.
For more info about the Military Acceptance Project go to
www.militaryacceptanceproject.org.
Feel free to email us anytime at uscrac10@gmail.com if you want to get involved or have any
questions! Also, don’t forget to “like” us on facebook to see updates about our events. We look
forward to seeing you all soon!
San Diego Caucus
Softball Sunday
Sunday, August 28, was the SDAC’s Third Annual Softball Game and it was a BLAST! Thank you to all
of those who made it. Don’t fret if you were unable to attend as there will be many more events in
the future hosted by the fabulous caucuses at SDAC.
When there were enough players to field two teams it was GAME ON! The Odds started the game
with a solid base hit quickly taking the lead. The Evens answered each run. The two teams battled for
three solid innings before halftime where they enjoyed the potluck smorgasbord. After a short rest
and relaxation the contest resumed. Ultimately, the teams were so evenly matched the game ended
in a draw and a good time was had by all! Most importantly it is never to early to get ready for the
Flynn Cup Tourney!!
All Caucus Mixer
Thursday, September 1, was our first Meet & Greet Mixer with all SDAC Caucuses working
collaboratively. New and returning students alike had an opportunity to meet and interact with
caucus, interest group, and student-run non-profits Military Acceptance Project (MAP) and Social
Justice USA. Teamwork ran rampant as students manned tables other than their own to ensure that
every organization was recognized and available to anyone interested.
9/11 Heroes Run San Diego
The SDAC Trojans invite all of you to participate in this year's 9/11 Heroes Run in San Diego hosted by
the Travis Manion Foundation. If San Diego is too far from you go to www.911heroesrun.com to find a
race near you. You can run, walk, volunteer and or make a donation. To join the USC SDAC Trojans
follow this link
https://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1968313&action=ct.
Save the Date/Future Events
September: Elections for First Year Liaisons to Caucuses and Interest Groups
October: Midterm Mayhem is a series of events designed to keep you sane during midterms. Activities
may include (but are not limited to) Flag Football, Skating (Ice or Roller), massage, and Game Night.
Community Service Opportunities will be posted for your consideration. We are hoping to have
one day each month where Trojans go out together to serve the community.
November: We invite you to take a few hours this month to give thanks through community
service. Stay tuned as there will be several opportunities available to participate. Details will be
provided in late September as some sites will require a reservation.
Congratulations on the successful completion of the first couple weeks of graduate school! Take
a few minutes to acknowledge small victories!
"The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen."
~Frank Loyd Wright
Skirball Caucus
SKIRBALL CAUCUS
The mission of the Skirball Caucus is to enhance the experience of Skirball students by creating a
supportive social network and advocating for students' needs; facilitate the transition to the
University Park Campus by helping build relationships with other caucuses, Orange County
12

13. Campus students, San Diego Campus students, and former Skirball students; and to bridge social
work values with the mission of the Skirball Cultural Center.
Priscilla Gubatan - Chair -gubatan@usc.edu
(818) 851-0459
Lindsey Palmer - Co-Chair -lnpalmer@usc.edu
(707) 301-7230
Heather Connors - Treasurer -hconnors@usc.edu
(626) 327-2228
Yvette Diaz de Tuesta - Secretary -diazdetu@usc.edu
(818) 268-1447
skirballswc@gmail.com
Facebook Page: USC School of Social Work - Skirball Caucus
(http://www.facebook.com/groups/17773464437/)
Skirball Caucus & Part-time Caucus USC Football Tailgate - USC vs Arizona
October 1, 2011 from 10am to 2pm
Social Action Caucus
We hope that classes and placements have started well for everyone! The SAC Board looks forward
to meeting all interested students at our first general meeting on Thurs Sep 8th in MRF 303 from 11:30 to
12:30. We will discuss our first Brown Bag event of the semester which will focus on suicide prevention
among the LGBTQ youth in LA through the Trevor Project. Additionally, we are also looking for a first-
year representative as well as a part-time representative to join the SAC board this year. We
encourage everyone with any interest in serving our community to join us on the 8th. We WANT to
know your ideas and interests and value any input you are willing to bring.
Hope to see you all there and remember, we have free high fives at every meeting!
If you see any of us around campus, feel free to ask us any questions you may have. You can also
email us at uscmswSAC@gmail.com
SAC Board
President: Lauren Eaton
Vice President: Josh Hammer
Secretary: Katharine Kaftanski
Treasurer: Pardis Ghandhari
Community Service Chair: Sofia Bacio
Public Relations Chair: Taylor Guthrie
Social Workers for Environmental Justice
Welcome to SWEJ...Social Workers for Environmental Justice! Our goals include: * Raising awareness
of environmental issues and the green movement * Inspiring students to take action to improve our
environment, and * Discussing the intersection of environmental issues and social justice.
We hope to make measurable change on campus and in the community with various events and
forums. Get involved in SWEJ and you can look forward to tree planting events, Food Justice/ Hunger
Awareness month in October, bringing more local food to USC, and more! Please contact
swej@usc.edu, call (562)243-9940, or look for us on Facebook. We look forward to your ideas and
involvement!
Tuesday August 30th: SWEJ will be present at the caucus mixer at Traddie's bar, hosted by Men in
Social Work, from 4pm to 11pm. Come say hello!
Thursday Sept 1st: First all-member meeting of the year! 11:30am-12:30pm, Room TBA (likely in MRF).
Look for the member newsletter/ check Facebook for updates.
Saturday Sept 17th: SWEJ is co-hosting the Social Work Tailgate for the USC v Syracuse game, along
13

14. with the Rainbow Alliance and International Social Work caucus. Look for food, merhcandise, and
more on the day of!
Tuesday October 4th: Root Down LA is conducting a sustainable food cooking demonstration. Come
learn how to make delicious, earth-friendly dishes with a great organization. Root Down LA teaches
kids how to cook healthy, sustainable meals and wants to share their great work with us! MRF 218
from 11:30am to 12:30pm
Thursday Oct 6th: All-member meeting! 11:30-12:30pm, Room TBA.
All of November: Hunger Awareness and Food Justice month! Look for great events and possibly a
tree-planting day.
Thursday Nov 10: Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger. SWEJ is co-hosting this great brown bag on
hunger in America with the Jewish Student Caucus. 11:30am-12:30pm, Room TBA.
Virtual Academic Center Caucus
Executive Board: VAC Caucus 2011-2012
Divya Gupta is the Chair of the VAC Caucus. She is part of the October 2011 Cohort. She is from
Saddle River, New Jersey. She can be found on Facebook.
Jennifer Segura is the Co-Chair for the VAC Caucus. She is part of the October 2011 Cohort. She
currently lives in Fresno, California. She is devoted to work alongside the VAC caucus to help students
express their voice. She can be found on Facebook.
Corrine St. Thomas is the Secretary for the VAC Caucus. She is part of the January 2011 Cohort. She
currently lives in Huntington Beach, California. She is enthusiastic about connect VAC students to USC
and loves putting her organizational skills to work. She can be found on Facebook.
Lucinda Walker is the Treasurer for the VAC Caucus. She is part of the January 2011 Cohort. She
currently lives in Berkeley, California. She wants participate in ground school activities and connect
student to one another. She can be found on Facebook.
Mission Statement:
The VAC caucus is an arm of student leadership that serves as a connector between VAC students,
student organization, and the School administration. Goals of the caucus include fundraising for
extracurricular programming and student events in addition to hosting web- based focus groups and
meetings. The VAC caucus is committed to empowering adn creating a cohesive student body with
our students who are spread throughout the US and the world.
Facebook page:
USC VAC Student Caucus – Search for us!
More information to come!!
Any Ideas??? Have an idea about how to make the Newsletter even
more spectacular?! Know of a great community service
opportunity? Want to encourage the student body to
learn about a specific organization? Want to bring our
attention to a social justice issue? Let us know! We
want your input! Send any ideas to swstuorg@usc.edu
or find Maddison during her office hours (Tuesday 1-2).
14

15. Contact Us:
President OCAC Rep
Lorena Garcia Eric Perez
lorena@usc.edu ericpere@usc.edu
Office Hours: Th 4-5 Office Hours: T 11-12
Vice President OCAC Rep
Spencer Dunn Esbe Garcia
spencerd@usc.edu egarcia@usc.edu
Office Hours: Th 11-12 Office Hours: Th 4-5
Secretary SDAC Rep
Email us: Maddison Gan Mako Csapo
maddisog@usc.edu csapo@usc.edu
swstuorg@usc.edu
Office Hours: T 1-2 Office Hours: T 4-5
Treasurer SDAC Rep
Find us on Facebook: Michelle Osuna Gena Truitt
mosuna@usc.edu etruitt@usc.edu
http://www.facebook. Office Hours: T 12-1 Office Hours: T 11-12
com/UscStudentOrg
Elections and Recruitment Skirball Rep
Jose Ortiz Kristin Teti
ortizros@usc.edu teti@usc.edu
Office Hours: Th 10-11 Office Hours: 2nd W 5:30-
6:30
Community Service
Gabriela Quirarte VAC Rep
quirarte@usc.edu Julie Row
Office Hours: T 11-12 jrow@usc.edu
Graduation
Raquel Zamora
raquelz@usc.edu
Office Hours: Th 9-10
GPSS Rep
Alana Copeland
acopelan@usc.edu
Office Hours: Th 5-6
15