New Human Services Program

The Department of Public Service and Social Science began the fall semester by unveiling their newest degree option: an Associate Degree in Human Services. The introductory course had been well attended since it previewed as a special studies course so Southeast Center student interest was apparent from the start. Currently there are 18 students with a wide range of interests and majors in the Introduction to Human Service course (HUS101). Some are considering Human Services as their major and using this new degree to transfer to a Bachelors of Social Worker degree program at a four year institution.
Students were recently polled about the course content and they reported that the information they are learning is very interesting and applicable to their everyday experience. Students stated that they are finding it a very good fit with the knowledge they bring from their psychology and sociology courses. They also discussed their developing awareness of the complexity of human problems and the challenges of creating effective solutions. Many students agreed that they are experiencing an increase in empathy as they learn about serious issues like homelessness and mental illness. On November 9, 2009 the students have an opportunity for genuine service learning. They have been invited to participate in a meeting of the Delaware County Food Pantry coordinators, under the leadership of Alan Edelstien, MSW (Executive Director of Family & Community Service of Delaware County). Students will learn about the food pantry operation, the increased need for these services and how an agency coordinates this outreach. They will later partner with Phi Theta Kappa, the DCCC Honor Society, for a Holiday Food Collection Drive on campus. The next few weeks of the semester will be busy and exciting for the students. They are also participating in a group project where they will be presenting research on a particular problem and their creative approach to solving that problem to their fellow students. This collaborative project has resulted in many creative solutions that may one day impact the human service field as our DCCC students move into professional roles.