As the 2026–2027 academic year got underway, approximately 40 faculty and staff members of the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) gathered for the college’s annual retreat on August 26 at the Houston Zoo.
The day began with a warm welcome from Dean Yarneccia D. Dyson, followed by introductions of seven newly hired faculty and staff members who are joining the GCSW community this year. The gathering provided an opportunity to welcome new colleagues while reconnecting as a college community.
College leadership and retreat facilitators also reintroduced the GCSW’s Strategic Priorities, Values in Action, and Pillars of Distinction, creating a shared foundation for the year ahead.While strategy and planning were central to the retreat it also encouraged cross-team collaboration and connection. Relationships were strengthened across teams through lighthearted activities, including Bingo and trivia, creating space to learn more about one another’s work styles, build trust, and foster a stronger sense of community.
As we prepare for a new and exciting academic year, the retreat provided an intentional
opportunity to pause, reconnect around shared priorities, and move forward together
with a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities ahead.