What is CSWDSN? 

Who are we? 

The Canadian Social Work Doctoral Student Network (CSWDSN) are a group of Ph.D. students in Social Work from across Canada who have joined together to connect with others.  

The CSWDSN was created in 2022 after several Social Work doctoral students at the University of British Columbia discussed the loneliness that comes with obtaining a doctoral degree given small cohorts, varying research interests, and balancing work/life demands. There was an emphasis on needing to connect, collaborate, and network with our peers across the country.  

Conference history

UBC 

In 2022, we met at the University of British Columbia for our inaugural conference. We had 20 paper presentations, 4 poster presentations, 4 workshops, and 1 panel discussion. The keynote speaker was Dr. Peter Choakes. 

UCalgary 

In 2023, we met for the second edition of the CSWDSN conference at the University of Calgary.  We had 16 paper presentations, 1 workshop and 3 scientific posters. Dr. Marlyn Bennett was our keynote speaker. Participants also had the opportunity to attend a Ceremony in Kiipitakyoyis-Grandmother’s Lodge, a Red Dress Day Ceremony as well as a tour of the campus given by the head of the School of Social Work.  

UdeM, McGill, and UQAM 

The CSWDSN Conference 2024 took place at the Université de Montréal in Montréal (UdeM), Québec, and was organized in collaboration with UdeM, McGill University, and Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM). The conference was attended by doctoral and master’s students from 11 universities across Canada. Over three and a half days, more than 40 students participated in enriching discussions. The event began with a half-day professional development workshop at McGill University. The conference program included a keynote doctoral panel, presentations from representatives of the Schools of Social Work at UdeM, McGill, and UQÀM, 22 oral presentations, one scientific poster, a doctoral speed-dating activity, a networking dinner, and a networking picnic with graduate students from UQÀM. 

Join the Network! 

All are welcome here! If you are a doctoral student in Social Work, this is your network. It is free to join. You may contribute to the network by participating on committees, helping organize the yearly conference, submitting your abstract to present at the conference, and bringing your ideas forward to further develop the network. 

Interested in joining our network? Follow us on [Facebook] or email one of the chairing committee members.