Social Work Education Enhancement Program (SWEEP)

SWEEP is a peer mentorship program for first year and external transfer BSW students. SWEEP Mentees are placed in small groups, supervised by trained SWEEP Mentors and staff, to serve as a resource for community and structured support.

SWEEP aims to foster a sense of belonging, strengthen professional identity, and create a space for growth, collaboration, and leadership between students. Centered on community, discovery, and wellbeing, SWEEP staff and Mentors work to support first year students cement a strong academic and social foundation at UT Austin and the School of Social Work.

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Develop Your Leadership Through SWEEP Mentorship

SWEEP Mentors are dedicated peers who know the BSW journey firsthand and help new students succeed. They shine academically, are active in student organizations and campus life, and bring a wide mix of experiences—some are transfer students, some balance double majors, and others are stepping into their final practicum. Together, they reflect the many paths through social work and show first-year students that there are countless ways to grow, lead, and thrive in the program.

Hear from our SWEEP Mentors

“Being a SWEEP mentor has allowed me not only to get to know my fellow BSW students but also to come alongside incoming freshmen as they embark on their journey at UT. One of the most fulfilling parts of this mentorship program is getting to know and invest in the freshmen.”

“After seeing how involved my SWEEP mentors were and how much they loved their role, I knew that I wanted to become a SWEEP mentor myself. It felt like a meaningful way to give back by helping others access the same connections and resources that I once received during my freshmen year. Now, I get to guide my own SWEEP mentees and hear about all of their successes and growth on and off the UT campus. Being a mentor has shown me the power of a strong community and how important it is to use that strength to encourage others.”

“This was my first year serving as a SWEEP mentor, and I am incredibly grateful for the experience. Working with both transfer and first-year students taught me how important it is to meet each mentee where they are and support their individual needs. Through this role, I was able to grow personally and professionally — strengthening my communication, time-management, and event-planning skills. I value most the relationships we built. I felt that I truly got to know my students, and they got to know me. The sense of trust, connection, and community we formed is something that I will continue to value after the mentorship process.”

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Grow on Campus as a SWEEP Mentee

  • Establish community and connections across campus through regular contact with trained peer mentors, staff, and faculty
  • Build career confidence through developing professional skills
  • Explore UT student resources through presentations and workshops curated for first time students at UT Austin
  • Academic support from staff through assistance with identifying career aspirations
  • Cultivate fellowship with SWEEP Mentees through social events