All MSASS lectures are free of charge.  CEU credits are $18 per lecture.  Reservations are required.

Monday, March 22 - (No CEU's)

Noon to 1:00 p.m. Allen Memorial Library, 11000 Euclid Avenue
Annual Louis Stokes Leadership Symposium on Public Service
Representative Barbara Lee (D-California), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and a social worker.

Tuesday, March 23 - (Note morning time)

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mandel School room 320 (2 CEU's)
The Collision of Birth Parent Rights with International Treaties
Professor Victor Groza, Grace Brody Professor of Parent-Child Studies

For the last 5 years, the US has become a sending country, adopting out children, all of whom have been African American, to Dutch and Canadian families.  Many issues are arising from this practice that may be a conflict between birth parent choice and the Hague Convention on the Rights of Children and the Hague Convention on Inter-country adoption.  This presentation will discuss the policy and ethical issues in the adoption of US children to other countries.

Scheduled for the same day from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. is the LINK International Silent Auction, a favorite event at MSASS open to all.  It is an opportunity to pick up a unique international item to keep or give away.

Monday, April 12

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Mandel School, Room 320 (2 CEU's)
When John and Jane Come Marching Home: Mental Health Concerns of Returning Combat Soldiers
Dr. Edgardo Padin-Rivera, Chief of Psychology Services, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center

Of importance to educators and human service practitioners, this is an overview of the mental health problems of recently returned combat soldiers.  The discussion will focus on the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes war exacts on its participants and the readjustment issues they face.  Best practices, intervention methods and strategies for veterans and their families will also be discussed.

Monday, May 10

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mandel School, Room 320 (2 CEU's)
When Your Heart is Broken, Your Head Doesn't Work Right: Understanding Grief in the Workplace
Julia Ellifritt, MSSA '91, Education/Program Director of Cornerstone of Hope

It is important to understand grief in the workplace.  Many people try not to show emotions because they are under social pressure to act normally.  The Grief Recovery Institute estimates that the minimum annual effect for U.S. businesses in lost productivity and on-the-job errors due to the death of a loved one is $37.6 billion.  Rather than offering support, employers continue to overlook the needs of their employees.  Discussion will focus on workplace grief interventions.


Reservations by email: pamela.carson@case.edu
by phone: 216-368-2281