TORONTO, Ontario, 08/11/2025 – Beginning fall 2026, the University of Guelph-Humber’s Community Social Services program will be renamed Social Services and Well-Being Studies (SSWS).
This change signifies sector alignment and highlights the program’s true scope. The renaming serves to clarify program focus, enhance appeal, and support broader career pathways for graduates.
The refreshed name puts “social services” at the forefront. The addition of “well-being” reflects the program’s foundational emphasis, whilst signalling the University’s commitment to students, employers, and industry partners that it will prepare graduates to promote well-being in professional and academic settings.
SSWS graduates at Guelph-Humber will continue to receive a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) from the University of Guelph, as well as a Social Service Worker diploma from Humber Polytechnic. The program will also retain recognition by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
The University is proud of the quality of education and experiences the program’s previous iterations provided students. As we step into the future, the University of Guelph-Humber looks forward to inspiring SSWS students in transformative ways.
Quotes:
“Social Services and Well-Being Studies (SSWS) reflects the diverse ways our graduates contribute to meaningful change, whether through direct service, research, policy, or community engagement. As a name, SSWS appropriately represents the interdisciplinary nature of the social services and the central role of well-being. Our students will graduate ready to make a difference across multiple sectors and settings. I remain deeply proud of the CSS legacy and am equally enthusiastic about the opportunities this next chapter brings.” – Dr. Olivia Boukydis, Interim Chair, Community Social Services (soon to be Social Services and Well-Being Studies)
“With a shift to emphasize our dedication to social services and well-being, we are building stronger connections to a diverse scope of practice, while enhancing student understanding of the intricacies of well-being. Our graduates are change-makers in their communities, fuelled by the passions they hone in our program. As a proud alum, I am confident that SSWS will continue to inspire and embolden students to be our future leaders.” – Lindsay Van Dekerkhove, Interim Associate Head, Community Social Services (soon to be Social Services and Well-Being Studies)
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Caroline Grech, Department Head, Communications and Public Affairs: caroline.grech@guelphhumber.ca
Erin Alvarez, Manager, Communications and Public Relations: erin.alvarez@guelphhumber.ca
About the University of Guelph-Humber:
Established in 2002, the University of Guelph-Humber was the first in Ontario to offer the opportunity to earn both an honours university degree and a college diploma within four years of full-time study – all in one location. Our founding institutions, the University of Guelph, and Humber Polytechnic, brought together their combined expertise to create a university that champions experiential learning. Our students not only gain a deep understanding of their subjects but also apply their knowledge in real-world environments, preparing them for successful careers. For more, please visit https://www.guelphhumber.ca/.