social work is a broadly based profession that seeks to identify and alleviate both the individual and social causes of problems related to meeting basic human needs, and assists people in interacting effectively with one another and with the environment. consistent with this, the mission of western michigan university's bachelor of social work program is to provide a generalist social work education encompassing a broad range of helping skills designed to enhance the social functioning of individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. the school of social work educates social workers to advocate for social and economic justice and personal well-being for all people. the program promotes social and economic justice by teaching students to critically examine oppressive and discriminatory social constructs, policies, practices, attitudes and assumptions.