About GSSR
Mission
The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Office of Global Social Services Research (GSSR) promotes global citizenship and professional action among students, faculty and professionals to foster the improved well-being of the most vulnerable individuals, families and communities around the world.
Vision
The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Office of Global Social Service Research aims to be a leader in responding to the global interdependence by increased awareness of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, homelessness, caregiving, HIV/AIDS, human trafficking, individuals with disabilities and disaster relief/preparedness. GSSR offers courses, conduct research, provide training and service learning opportunities that address these global concerns for vulnerable individuals, families and communities at large.
Globalization is reshaping many professions. International events are affecting individuals’ economic well-being, migration trends are bringing more immigrants and refugees into the social service system, and new technology is making exchange of ideas across borders easier than ever. Increasingly, disciplines are recognizing the importance of incorporating an international perspective into their practice, research, and/or educational activities.
The GSSR puts this philosophy into practice by:
- Encouraging the integration of global perspectives and internationally related content in courses;
- Facilitating faculty research, doctoral scholarship and publications on global issues;
- Encouraging student, faculty, staff and practitioner participation in global seminars, courses, exchanges and other activities;
- Promoting human rights education, global citizenship and research;
- Promoting cross-cultural competence;
- Entering into exchange and linkage arrangements with universities and government agencies in other countries and global organizations to further these purposes.