About Sasha

In this section

• Biography
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching
• Research and publications
• Student research with Sasha
• Service and recognition
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Statement
• Reference letters
• Guest speakers
• Contact, roles and acknowledgements

Related pages: Teaching Philosophy and Course Policies, Social Work Education, and the Site Map of every page.

Biography

Oleksandr (Sasha) was born and raised in Lviv, Ukraine. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 2003 and his Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Administration in 2004 from Lviv Polytechnic National University. Lviv Polytechnic did not offer a Bachelor of Social Work then; his program was built on a social work curriculum, and the University of Manitoba recognized it as equivalent to a BSW. At the University of Manitoba, he completed his Master of Social Work (MSW) thesis in December 2007 and received the degree in 2008. His MSW thesis entitled “An exploratory study of the fourth wave Ukrainian immigration in Winnipeg: Problems and perspectives of immigrants’ adaptation” provided in-depth analyses of the Ukrainian immigrant’s settlement experience in Winnipeg and suggested ways how to improve their socio-economic and socio-cultural adaptation. He completed his PhD in Social Work Education at the University of Manitoba in 2016 and created a Glider Model for an effective learning environment in social work distance education. The model emphasizes the interconnectedness between students, instructors, and university support to create a positive learning experience in social work distance education programs.

Dr. Kondrashov was a recipient of the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship in 2008-2012. In 2012 he received a Migizii Award Nomination, which recognizes faculty and staff at the University of Manitoba, who have gone above and beyond, to meaningfully help Indigenous students along their educational journey. He was recognized for his teachings as an Olympic Torchbearer. He carried the Olympic flame in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, as one of 12,000 Canadians who had been selected from more than a million submitted applications to promote Olympic spirit during the Vancouver 2010 Games.

Oleksandr published articles based on his teaching experiences in journals around the world. He regularly attends professional conferences and shares his research with social work educators in Canada and globally. He has presented his peer-reviewed research at the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) annual conferences since 2013, and at the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) and International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) conferences since 2012.

Sasha loves teaching and has 21 years of professional experience. He has designed more than 20 unique Social Work and Family Social Sciences undergraduate and graduate degree courses. He teaches at Thompson Rivers University and taught at the University of Manitoba, Dalhousie University, the University of Northern British Columbia and Wilfrid Laurier University. Many courses were developed and taught through distance education and in person within small communities in Northern and Rural Manitoba. He has taught over 7,000 students across five Canadian universities, and his former students (current colleagues) are now working in communities across Canada and internationally. Accessibility is the through-line of his scholarship: his research interests and teaching focus include social work distance education, Canadian and comparative social policy, history and development of the social work profession, community and social development, social work in Northern, rural and remote communities and international social work practice.

Curriculum vitae

Sasha’s scholarship advances a comprehensive, learner-centred, sustainable and accessible social work program that serves regional, national, and international learners and their communities through high quality and flexible social work education, anti-privilege and anti-oppressive accessibility research, scholarship and service rooted in Five Qualities of a Relevant History Experience, Six Social Work Values, Seven Sacred Teachings and Eight Tri-Council Policy (TCP) Principles. A full CV and the Canadian Common CV are available on request: okondrashov@tru.ca.

Academic background

• PhD in Social Work Education, University of Manitoba, 2016 (2008-2016). Dissertation: Social Work Educators’ Perceptions of Instructor Characteristics, Student Characteristics, and University Supports Critical for the Creation of an Effective Learning Environment in Social Work Distance Education. Research area: social work education and distance education. Primary advisor: Brad McKenzie.
• Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Manitoba, 2008 (2004-2008; thesis completed December 2007). Thesis: An exploratory study of the fourth wave Ukrainian immigration in Winnipeg: Problems and perspectives of immigrants’ adaptation. Primary advisor: Bruce Unfried.
• Certificate in Higher Education Teaching (CHET), University Teaching Services, University of Manitoba, 2005-2006. Primary advisor: Daniel Bowers.
• Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Administration, Lviv Polytechnic National University, 2004 (2003-2004). Thesis: The effectiveness of using distance education technology in teaching arts degree courses at the Lviv National Polytechnic University: Student’s and Instructor’s perspectives. Primary advisor: Leonid Kyzymenko.
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology, minor in Psychology, Lviv Polytechnic National University, 1999-2003, recognized by the University of Manitoba Faculty of Social Work as equivalent to a BSW. Honours theses: A Family Center service delivery model for multi-children families in Lviv, Ukraine: A case study of St. Volodymyr Foundation; and The importance of community access centers in service delivery for residents: A comparative study of West Broadway Community Center in Winnipeg, Canada, and St. Volodymyr Community Family Center in Lviv, Ukraine.

Employment

• 2016 to present: Thompson Rivers University, Faculty of Education and Social Work. Associate Professor of Social Work (tenured); content specialist for HUMS 2221 Theoretical Perspectives of Human Service Practice and HUMS 1561 Family in Human Service Practice (2016-2017).
• Wilfrid Laurier University, Faculty of Social Work: Instructor and content specialist (past, recurring).
• Dalhousie University, School of Social Work: Instructor and content specialist (past, recurring).
• University of Northern British Columbia, School of Social Work: Instructor and content specialist (past).
• University of Manitoba: Instructor and content specialist (past, recurring) in the Faculty of Social Work (Fort Garry and Inner City campuses, Aboriginal Focus Programs, Northern Social Work Program in Thompson, distance delivery) and the Family Social Sciences Department; taught in person 2005 to 2014 and has supported curriculum design and delivery online since; Acting Coordinator, Distance Delivery Social Work Program, Faculty of Social Work (2013-2014).
• The courses taught at each university are listed under Teaching.

Earlier employment and field placements

• 2007-2014 Russian / Ukrainian interpreter services, Winnipeg School Division
• 2007-2009 Research Assistant, Human Service Organizations project (Canadian Voluntary Sector literature review, Human Service Organization Effectiveness literature review and Human Service Organization Data Collection). Principal Researcher: Alex Wright. Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba
• 2005-2009 Poll Clerk / Deputy Returning Officer, University of Manitoba Students’ Union Annual Elections
• 2004-2005 Research Assistant, Manitoba Legal Aid Evaluation project. Principal Researcher: Brad McKenzie. Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba
• 2004-2007 Customer representative, Digital Copy Center, University of Manitoba Students’ Union
• 2004-2006 Research Assistant / Translator, Canada-Russia Disability Project. Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba
• 2004-2005 Research Assistant, First Nation Disability Children’s project. Principal Researcher: Alex Wright. Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba
• 2004 Research Assistant, Distance Education Project. Principal Researcher: Leonid Kyzymenko. Department of Education, Psychology, and Law, Lviv National Polytechnic University
• 2003-2004 Seminar Leader / Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Education, Psychology and Law, Lviv National Polytechnic University
• 2001-2004 Teaching Assistant / Translator, Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, Lviv National Polytechnic University, Canada-Ukraine Reforming Social Services project (CIDA funded). Project Director: Brad McKenzie
• 2001-2004 Social worker, volunteer (counselling, community development, project management), Family Center / St. Volodymyr Fund, Lviv, Ukraine
• Social work student placements: Lviv Youth Correction Center (2000), Lviv Regional Mediation Association (2001), Winnipeg Child and Family Services (2002)

Teaching

Sasha teaches at Thompson Rivers University. His teaching at Wilfrid Laurier University, Dalhousie University, the University of Manitoba and the University of Northern British Columbia was recurring, as instructor and content specialist. The courses are listed below by university. How he teaches is set out in Teaching Philosophy and Course Policies, and course descriptions are on Social Work Education.

Thompson Rivers University

BSW Program:

• SOCW 2060 Introduction to Social Work Practice
• SOCW 2120 An Introduction to Social Welfare in Canada
• SOCW 3000 Canadian Social Policy
• SOCW 3010 Introduction to Social Work Research
• SOCW 4020 Social Work Field Practice
• SOCW 4800 International Social Work
• SOCW 4900 Directed Studies

Directed Studies courses: Professional Resiliency in Social Work Practice; Professional Social Work Identity Development Process; Social Work with Selected Immigrant Populations; Pandemic Social Work.

Courses developed as practicum options: Deaf People and Social Work Practice; Social Work in Long Term Care; History of Ukrainians in Canada; Russia-Ukraine Relationship; Masculinity, Wilderness, Adventure Therapy; Positive Social Work; Welcome to Kamloops; Welcome to University.

Cherkasy National University, Ukraine

BSW Program (2019):

• International Social Work (in Ukrainian)

Wilfrid Laurier University

MSW Program:

• SK 504 Research Methods in Social Work Practice
• SK 522 Social Work Practice with Individuals

University of Northern British Columbia

MSW Program:

• SOCW 609 Advanced Quantitative Research

Dalhousie University

BSW Program:

• SLWK 2010 Introduction to Community Social Work
• SLWK 2111 Development of Canadian Social Work and Social Welfare
• SLWK 3012 Perspectives on Social Welfare Policy
• SLWK 3030 Theoretical Foundations of Social Work Practice
• SLWK 3120 International Social Work
• SLWK 3220 Cross-Cultural Social Work Practice

MSW Program:

• SLWK 5120 International Social Work
• SLWK 5830 and SLWK 5831 Independent Study
• SLWK 6381 Social Policy Issues and Analysis for Practice
• SLWK 6385 Community and Social Change
• SLWK 6415 Social Work Field Work Class
• Independent studies: Selected Issues in Japanese Child Welfare: Adoption; Postpartum Maternal Resiliency; Continuing Social Work Education in Canada

University of Manitoba

BSW Program (Fort Garry and Inner City campuses, Aboriginal Focus Programs, Northern and distance delivery, and the BSW cohort in Brandon):

• SWRK 1310 Introduction to Social Welfare Policy Analysis
• SWRK 2050 Community and Organizational Theory
• SWRK 2080 Interpersonal Communication Skills
• SWRK 2090 Human Behaviour and Social Work Practice
• SWRK 2110 Emergence of the Canadian Social Welfare State
• SWRK 2130 Comparative Social Welfare Systems
• SWRK 3100 Systematic Inquiry in Social Work
• SWRK 3130 Contemporary Canadian Social Welfare
• SWRK 3140 Introduction to Social Work Practice
• SWRK 4050 Selected Topics in Social Work (Program Management and Evaluation)
• SWRK 4070 Social Problem and Social Work Practice Seminar (Addictions)
• SWRK 4200/4300 Field Focus of Social Work Practice (Community Development and the Process of Change; International and Local Community Development; Immigrants, Refugees and Visible Minorities; Children and Families in Poverty)

Pre-MSW Program: SWRK 6040 Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice.

Family Social Sciences Program:

• FMLY 1012 Introduction to Social Development
• FMLY 1020 Family Issues Across the Lifespan
• FMLY 1900 Families, Housing and Community: An Introductory Perspective
• FMLY 2012 Development, Conflict, and Displacement
• FMLY 2400 Family Financial Health
• FMLY 2600 Foundations of Childhood Developmental Health
• FMLY 2900 Families, Housing and Community: A Development Perspective
• FMLY 3240 Family in Later Years
• FMLY 3800 Conflict Resolution in the Family
• FMLY 4470 Selected Studies in the Family II (Family Communication)
• FMLY 4600 Risk and Resilience in Behavioural and Social Development
• FMLY 4800 Senior Seminar in Family Violence and Conflict Resolution

BA Program: SOC 1200 Introduction to Sociology; ARTS 1110 Introduction to University; PSYC 1200 Introduction to Psychology. Non-degree courses: Basic University Skills; Basic Counselling Theories; Suicide Prevention and Intervention.

Research and publications

Sasha’s research follows one thread, accessibility: who can reach social work education, and what helps them learn. Students and colleagues who share an interest are welcome to work with him; see Student research with Sasha.

Projects

• Schools of Social Work Around the World: an asset map of Schools of Social Work worldwide, with country information sheets. It can build partnerships and collaborations among universities that offer social work degrees and provide data on the development of social work education around the world.
• Memoirs in teaching social work: two teaching lists, Canadian Social Work Memoirs and International Social Work Memoirs, so that classroom learning includes the personal stories behind displacement, forced migration, belonging and exclusion.
• Ukrainian Canada and African Canada: asset maps of community organizations.
• Welcome guides for newcomers: the Welcome to Kamloops course and e-book, and guides for other communities.

Completed research projects

• 2017 Collaborator: Design of HUMS 2221 and HUMS 1561 via distance education. Open Learning, Thompson Rivers University
• 2016 Principal Investigator Instructor-Teaching Assistant relationship in social work distance education. Dalhousie University
• 2015 Collaborator: Models of Assessment on Professional Suitability in Canadian Social Work (BC & NS), School of Social Work, King’s University College at Western University
• 2014 Collaborator: Online, self-paced support resource guides for social work distance delivery students and instructors, Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund, University of Manitoba
• 2011 Collaborator: Design and delivery of FMLY 1012 Introduction to Social Development via distance education. Extended Education, University of Manitoba
• 2005 Research Assistant Manitoba Legal Aid Evaluation project. Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba.
• 2005 Research Assistant Canada-Russia Disability Project, Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba
• 2004 Research Assistant First Nation Disability Children’s project. Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba
• 2004 Research Assistant Distance Education Project. Department of Education, Psychology, and Law, Lviv National Polytechnic University.

About the Models of Assessment on Professional Suitability project (2015): social work in Canada lags behind social work in other developed countries and some established professions in conceptualizing and assessing professional suitability. This 18-month research project engaged the education, practice, and regulation sectors in the research process; examined the multi-dimensionality of and assessment of the entry-level of professional suitability; and articulated the roles of education programs and regulatory bodies in gatekeeping functions, using a Holistic Approach with 60 individual interviews in British Columbia and Nova Scotia, to forward the evolution of guiding principles for models of assessment on professional suitability in Canadian social work.

Selected publications

Publications with peer review

• Haladzhun, Z., & Kondrashov, O. (2017). The position of Associate Professor at University in Ukraine and Canada. International Scientific and Practical Conference World Science2(12), 56-58. (In Ukrainian). Retrieved from http://archive.ws-conference.com/wp-content/uploads/2034.pdf
• Kondrashov, O. (2017). Critical professional university supports for instructors in social work distance education. Yearbook of Varna University of Management (10), 196-200. Retrieved from https://www.scribd.com/document/352534082/Yearbook-of-Varna-University-of-Management-Volume-10-2017#
• Kondrashov, O. (2016). Social work educators’ perceptions of instructor characteristics, student characteristics, and university supports critical for the creation of an effective learning environment in social work distance education. Unpublished PhD dissertation, Winnipeg, MB: University of Manitoba. Retrieved online http://mspace.lib.umanitoba.ca/handle/1993/31195
• Kondrashov, O. (2011). The application of learning theories/models in teaching social work direct practice courses online. Conference proceedings (p.144-148). 5th International Scientific-practical Conference ‘Educational Administration’ Lviv National Polytechnic University. Retrieved online from http://ena.lp.edu.ua:8080/bitstream/ntb/20438/1/85-Kondrashov-144-148.pdf
• Kondrashov, O. (2008). An exploratory study of the fourth wave Ukrainian immigration in Winnipeg: Problems and perspectives of immigrants’ adaptation. Unpublished MSW thesis, University of Manitoba. Retrieved online from http://mspace.lib.umanitoba.ca/handle/1993/8039
• Kondrashov, O. (2007). Advantages and disadvantages of teaching distance education courses. Conference proceedings, 45-46. Lviv, Ukraine: Research Center at the Lviv National Polytechnic University. (In English)
• Kondrashov, O.(2006). Reasons for Ukrainian immigration to Canada. A historical overview. Ukrainian Dimension 5 (1), 42-46
• Kondrashov, O.(2005). The role of the Ukrainian youth organizations in Winnipeg. Ukrainian Dimension 4(1), 187-196
• Kondrashov, O.(2004). Family violence in Ukraine – gender and law analysis. Second All Ukrainian gender competition winners handbook sponsored by Canada-Ukraine Gender Fund, pp. 81-88, Kyiv, Ukraine
• Kondrashov, O. (2004). The effectiveness of using communication technology in teaching art degree courses at the Lviv National Polytechnic University: Student’s and Instructor’s perspectives. Unpublished MEd thesis, Lviv National Polytechnic University.
• Kondrashov, O.(2004). UN millennium development goals in Ukraine. Materials of the 61 Scientific Student Conference, Lviv National Polytechnic University, Lviv, p.69-74.
• Kondrashov, O.(2003). The legislative base that regulates violence in the family in Ukraine. Materials of the V scientific student conference.- Institute of Religions and Societies, Lviv: Theological Academy Press, p.69
• Kondrashov, O.,& Kohut, V.(2003). Creation of the list of directories of social services in Lviv: Modern state and prospects. The scientific-practical conference, Canada-Ukraine project “Reforming Social Services”, Lviv-Winnipeg: NULP press, pp.231-234

Reports, articles and other publications without peer review, invited articles

• Kondrashov, O. (2018). Welcome to Kamloops: Course notes (2nd.ed.). Faculty of Education and Social Work, Thompson Rivers University. Retrieved from https://krasun.ca/newcomer-guides/#welcome-to-kamloops
• Kondrashov, O. (April 2, 2018). Manitoba closes doors to students. Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved from https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/letters-and-comments-april-2-478508823.html
• Kondrashov, O. (2018). Introduction. In SOCW 3000 Policy Concern Papers. Retrieved from https://drive.google.com/file/d/13rx74J-9tCJj5apBT4z8sg6orvhGsb2F/view
• Kondrashov, O. (2017). Welcome to Kamloops: Course notes (1^st.ed.). Faculty of Education and Social Work, Thompson Rivers University.
• Kondrashov, O. (2017). Welcome to Kamloops: Help for newcomers is a course away. 180s Research Challenge. Retrieved from https://inside.tru.ca/2017/03/28/faculty-compete-in-first-ever-180s-research-challenge/
• Kondrashov, O., Brown, M., & Buchanan, A. (2015). Social work month at DSSW. Connections 21(1), 4-6. Retrieved online from http://www.nsasw.org/document/1859/CONNECTION-April%202015.pdf
• Kondrashov, O. (2012). Makoonsag fundraiser 2012: Putting theory into practice in social work education. Path of pedagogy 20 (3), 12-14. Retrieved online from http://intranet.umanitoba.ca/academic_support/catl/media/Volume_20_Spring_NO_3_2012_Path__to__Pedagogy_final.pdf
• Kondrashov, O. (2008). Social work students study skills guide. University of Manitoba: Faculty of Social Work
• Students Forum 2000 (2004). Civil society and youth work trends and challenges in a globalizing Evaluation report of the Study Session held at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, France, March 19-26, 2004 prepared by participants available on-line:www.coe.int/T/E/Cultural_Co-operation/Youth/2004_Studentsforum.pdf
• Northern European Youth Forum (2004). Report on the UN MDG progress in Northern Europe prepared by the Committee on Education, Stavanger, Norway: NEYF.
• Northern European Youth Forum (2003) Report on the UN MDG progress in Northern Europe prepared by the Committee on Education, Ockero, Sweden: NEYF.

Conference presentations, 2002 to 2018

Show the list by year

2018

• May 29, 2018, Oral presentation “Social policy concern assignment: Learning social policy at the BSW level. CASWE-ACFTS National Conference Honouring Reconciliation and Respecting our Differences. The University of Regina in Regina, SK. Retrieved from https://eventmobi.com/casweacfts2018/agenda/320849/1540315
• June 4, 2018, Invited Oral Presentation: The fifth wave of Ukrainian immigration in Winnipeg: Is there a need for a new study. Centre for Canadian-Ukrainian Studies at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB. Retrieved from https://scontent.fyvr4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/34418478_1764171903678981_1921235727308292096_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&oh=e0178008981e55258a2829539fad8d7a&oe=5C591DBE
• June 21, 2018, Invited Oral Presentation: “Immigration after 1991 from Ukraine to Winnipeg, Canada: Challenges in Socio-economic and Socio-cultural adaptation”. The First International Scholarly and Practical Congress on Canadian Studies. Lutsk, Ukraine. Retrieved from https://eenu.edu.ua/uk/event/i-mizhnarodniy-naukovo-praktichniy-kongres-iz-kanadoznavstva-ukrayina-kanada
• July 6, 2018, Oral Presentation “Mapping Schools of Social Work Around the World: An International Social Work Course Assignment” IASSW, ICSW, IFSW Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development 2018 (SWSD2018). Dublin, Ireland. Retrieved from https://sites.grenadine.co/sites/mcidublin/en/swsd-2018/participants/7927
• July 7, 2018, Oral Presentation 100 Memoirs for Teaching International Social Work Course Using Ethical Lenses: Each Story Counts. IASSW, ICSW, IFSW Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development 2018 (SWSD2018). Dublin, Ireland. Retrieved from https://sites.grenadine.co/sites/mcidublin/en/swsd-2018/participants/7927
• August 13, 2018, Invited Oral Presentation “Teaching Social Work in Canada: Educational Administration Perspective” At the Cherkasy National University Faculty of Arts, Education, and Social Work.

2017

• February 22, National Taipei University Presentation on Social Work Distance Education in Canada. Retrieved from http://www.sw.ntpu.edu.tw/index.php?option=module&lang=cht&task=pageinfo&id=1311&index=2
• May 29-June 1, 2017 CASWE-ACFTS National Conference Interrogating Social Work in Nation Building oral presentation with Rose Singh on Instructor-teaching assistant collaboration in social work distance education: Lessons from Practice Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario. Retrieved from https://caswe-acfts.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Programme-2017-Program-12.pdf (pp.143-144)
• July 1-13, 2017 International Conference on Modern Science and Education New Realities and Practice Solutions. Varna, University of Management, University of Manitoba and Cherkassy National University oral presentation on Critical professional university supports for instructors in social work distance education in Albena, Bulgaria
• June 27- 29, 2017 EASSW biannual Conference Social Work Education in Europe. Oral Presentation: “The use of memoirs in teaching international social work practice course: Practical implications.” Paris, France Retrieved from https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-1vlDWtoZDiX05NYzJwWHh2X2s/view
• September 11, 2017, Invited Online Presentation “Social Work Distance Education in Canada: Lessons Learnt” At the Cherkasy National University Faculty of Arts, Education, and Social Work
• October 11, 2017, Invited Online Presentation with Claire Fleet “Issues of Accessibility Services in Higher Education in Canada” at the International Symposium: “On The Way To a Healthy Society: A Humanistic Dimension” Interdisciplinary approach in action: Education, scientific research, & practice. Health, well-being, & spirituality. Lviv National Polytechnic University, Lviv, Ukraine Retrieved from http://www.lp.edu.ua/en/news/2017/international-symposium-way-healthy-society-humanistic-dimension

2016

• June 27-30, 2016 IASSW, ICSW, IFSW Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development 2016 (SWSD2016). Oral Presentation Building annotated bibliography for conflict, development, and displacement course: Multi-year wiki assignment, Seoul, South Korea.
• May 31-June 2, 2016 CASWE -ACFTS National Conference Energizing Social Work Communities: Bridging Passion, Theory, Research and Practice oral presentation Critical instructor characteristics and university supports needed to create an effective learning environment in social work distance education: Results from the Canadian social work distance educators study University of Calgary, Alberta Retrieved online https://caswe-acfts.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/CASWE-2016-program-Final-2.pdf (pp.54-55)
• May 2-3, 2016 International Conference on Educational Evaluation. Skype-presentation: “Critical instructor skills and university supports needed to create an effective learning environment in social work distance education: Results from the Canadian social work distance educators study” Ulan-Bator, Mongolia http://www.msue.edu.mn/index.php?module=menu&cmd=content&menu_id=480&id=2041
• April 21-22, 2016 Social Work and Social Welfare as part of the Social Policy in Ukraine. International Conference skype-presentation: “International Social Work Standards”. Chernivtsi, Ukraine Retrieved online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD4QeYgPjM0

2015

• June 29-July 2, 2015 EASSW biannual Conference Social Work Education in Europe: towards 2025. Oral Presentation: “Midterm students’ evaluation: Keep-start- stop technique to improve design and delivery of social work and social development undergraduate courses in Canada. Lessons learned.” Milan, Italy
• June 1-4, 2015 CASWE -ACFTS National Conference “Social Work at the Intersection of Ideas, Languages and Cultures” oral presentation Instructors and students roles for creating an effective learning environment in social work distance delivery programs. The University of Ottawa, Ontario Retrieved online https://caswe-acfts.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/CASWE-Conference-Program_FINAL-copy.pdf
• June 1-4, 2015 CASWE -ACFTS National Conference “Social Work at the Intersection of Ideas, Languages and Cultures” oral presentation with Joan Churley The use of learning management system to create social work instructors’ and students’ orientation support courses at the University of Manitoba: lessons learned University of Ottawa, Ontario Retrieved online http://caswe-acfts.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/CASWE-Conference-Program_FINAL-copy.pdf (pp.88-89)
• April 15-17, 2015 CSWE Social Work Distance Education E-poster: “Effective learning environments in distance programs: A theoretical framework”. Indianapolis, USA

2014

• July 8-12, 2014 IASSW,ICSW, IFSW biannual Conference Social Work Social Development 2014: Promoting Social and Economic Equality Oral Presentation The use of short video clips in social work and social development undergraduate courses: Instructor and student perspectives., Melbourne, Australia
• May 26-29, 2014 CASW-ACTS / CASWE -ACFTS National Joint Conference “Borders without Boundaries: Navigating the new frontiers of social work” oral presentation Instructor characteristics, student characteristics and university supports for creating an effective learning environment in social work distance education Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario https://caswe-acfts.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/bod/pol/past/2014ConferenceProgram.pdf (p.78)
• May 26-29, 2014 CASW-ACTS / CASWE -ACFTS National Joint Conference “Borders without Boundaries: Navigating the new frontiers of social work” oral presentation with Rafael Laureano The use of short video clips in social work and social development undergraduate courses: Instructor and student perspectives. Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario https://caswe-acfts.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/bod/pol/past/2014ConferenceProgram.pdf (p.105)

2013

• June 3-6, 2013 CASWE -ACFTS National Conference “Social Work at the Speed of Life” oral presentation An effective learning environment in social work distance education: Theoretical framework University of Victoria, British Columbia https://caswe-acfts.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/bod/pol/past/2013ConferenceProgram.pdf

2012

• July 8-12, 2012 IASSW, ICSW, IFSW biannual Conference Social Work Social Development 2012: Action and Impact Presentation The applicability of Wiki assignment in promoting collaboration among students in social work and social development curriculum, Stockholm, Sweden

2011

• April 16-18, 2011 5th International Scientific-practical Conference ‘Educational Administration’. Presentation “The application of learning theories/models in teaching social work direct practice courses online”. Lviv National Polytechnic University, Lviv, Ukraine
• October 21, 30th Anniversary Education Day, Inner City Social Work Conference. Presentation “Community Development and the Process of change for Inner City Social Work Students” Winnipeg, Canada

2008

• November 27, Faculty of Social Work Conference “Strangers in a New Homeland” Presentation “Recent Ukrainian Immigration to Winnipeg: personal stories on adaptation experience” University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada

2007

• September 27-30, Canadian Ethnic Studies Association Nineteenth biennial Conference Ethnicity, Civil Society and Public Policy: Engaging cultures in a globalizing world, Presentation “An Exploratory Study of Fourth Wave Ukrainian Immigration in Winnipeg: Problems and Perspectives of Immigrants’ Adaptation” on Friday, September 28th (session K at 3:45-5:15pm). Fort Garry Hotel, Winnipeg, Canada.
• May 3-4, “Faces of Power” 9th Political Science Graduate Students Conference McGill University Participation as a U of M student with presentation entitled “Orange Revolution as a Peaceful Way of Expressing People’s Power in Ukraine” McGill University, Montreal, Canada
• May 2-3, “Redefining Borders” CRS Graduate Student Conference York University, Participation as a U of M student with presentation entitled “The Fourth Wave of Ukrainian Immigration: Problems and Perspectives of Immigrants’ Adaptation in Winnipeg” York University, Toronto, Canada

2006

• June 28, 2nd International Diaspora Conference Participation as a U of M student and publication of the presentation entitled “Reasons for Ukrainian Immigration to Canada. A Historical Nizhyn National University, Nizhyn, Ukraine

2005

• July 1-3, 4th All-Ukrainian youth summit on UN Millennium Development Goals in action Develop recommendations for improving Education services for young people in Ukraine Ellad Center, Kharkiv, Ukraine
• June 28-30, 6th International Ukrainian Studies Congress Participation as a U of M student with presentation entitled “Social Work Education in Ukraine: current state and future perspectives” Donetsk National University Donetsk, Ukraine
• June24-27, 1st International Diaspora Conference Participation as a U of M student and publication of the presentation entitled “The role of the Ukrainian youth organizations in Winnipeg” Nizhyn National University, Nizhyn, Ukraine.

2004

• December 10-12, International Conference “Strengths and Weaknesses of Civil society in a globalizing world” organized by Students Forum 2000 Participation as a delegate from Ukraine and Canada in roundtables and group discussion on topics related to the theme of the conference Vilemov Castle Prague, Czech Republic.
• July 11-18, 2nd North European Youth Summit of UN Millennium Development Goals in action Participation as delegate from Ukraine in developing recommendation for improving Education services for young people in Northern Europe Radisson Hotel, Stavanger, Norway
• July 27-28, 3rd All-Ukrainian Youth summit of UN Millennium Development Goals in action Develop recommendations for improving poverty reduction strategy in Ukraine Irpin Hotel, Kyiv, Ukraine

2003

• December 13, 60th Institute of Humanity and Social Sciences student scientific and technical conference-contest Participation with a 1st place winning speech “UN MDG and Ukraine” Lviv National Polytechnic University, Lviv, Ukraine
• November 25-27, International scientific-practical conference. “Gender – realities and prospects in modern society” Participation, as a winner of the 2nd all Ukrainian competition in gender issues. Kyiv Polytechnic University, Kyiv, Ukraine
• October 26, Gathering of young journalists of “Purpose of development UN Millennium Development Goals and social responsibility of journalists of Ukraine” Participation and roundtable discussion UN in Ukraine office, Kyiv, Ukraine
• August 3-8, First North European youth summit of UN Millennium Development Goals in action Participation as delegate from Ukraine in developing recommendations for improving poverty reduction strategy in Northern Europe Ockero, Education Council, Ockero, Sweden

2002

• June 28, International scientifically-practical conference “Reformation of social services in Ukraine: modern state and prospects. Participation in the panel discussion “Social services in Lviv” and publication of theses. Hotel Suputnyk, Lviv Ukraine

Student research with Sasha

There are several ways students can become part of the research learning process under Sasha’s supervision. Places are limited each term; e-mail okondrashov@tru.ca to ask what is open.

• Research apprenticeship (TRU Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Fund)
• Research coach for SOCW 2120 An Introduction to Social Welfare in Canada
• Directed studies, SOCW 4900
• Research practicum, for TRU students and students of other schools

Research apprenticeship

TRU’s Office of Research and Graduate Studies funds Undergraduate Research Apprenticeships: faculty members hire an undergraduate apprentice to assist with research, scholarship and creative inquiry, and the apprentice gains a meaningful and equitable training opportunity. The selection follows the Tri-Agency Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Ask the Office of Research and Graduate Studies for this year’s amount, eligibility and deadline. Apprentices can join one of these projects:

The Asset Map of Field Practicum Sites Across Canada

Asset mapping is a tool widely used in community development to promote sustainability and find new ways to connect people. The tool helps communities to identify their individual, associational, institutional, economic, physical, and cultural assets (Hardcastle, Powers, & Wenocur, 2011; Kretzmann, & McKnight, 1993; Lightfoot, McCleary, & Lum, 2014). The purpose of the project is to create an asset map of all possible social work placement sites in Canada, which social work students can use to identify possible practicum sites and places of employment for social workers across Canada. The map also identifies potential partners for collaborative projects among social work educators and social work practitioners, and supports information sheets on areas of social work practice in Canada.

Apprentice role: completing information sheets on the development of areas of social work practice in Canada, and adding new placement sites to the map. Learning: asset mapping and its application in community work; finding a possible place for future practicum or work experience; literature search on the development of social work field education in Canada.

• Hardcastle, D. A., Powers, P. R., & Wenocur, S. (2011). Community practice: Theories and skills for social workers. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.
• Kretzmann, J., & McKnight, J. (1993). Building communities from the inside out: A path toward finding and mobilizing a community’s assets. Evanston, IL: Institute for Policy Research.
• Lightfoot, E., McCleary, J. S., & Lum, T. (2014). Asset mapping as a research tool for community-based participatory research in social work. Social Work Research, 38(1), 59-64.

Welcome to [Your Community]

Based on the Welcome to Kamloops course and e-book, an apprentice can update the e-book with new information using resilience theory (Ungar, 2008; Masten, 2018) to educate newcomers on how to strengthen their resilience where they need support to adapt in Canada, or create a Welcome guide to their own community.

• Masten, A. S. (2018). Resilience theory and research on children and families: Past, present, and promise. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 10(1), 12-31.
• Ungar, M. (2008). Putting resilience theory into action: Five principles for intervention. In L. Liebenberg & M. Ungar (Eds.), Resilience in action (pp. 17-38). Toronto: University of Toronto Press.

Welcome to University

A course of 12 self-paced online modules that helps students move from Grade 12 to the first year of university, with a focus on international students and newcomers to Kamloops; it began as a collaboration between the Kamloops-Thompson International Student Program and the TRU Faculty of Education and Social Work. Apprentices develop modules. The course is described on Welcome Guides for Newcomers.

Schools of Social Work Around the World: regional asset maps

Using the Schools of Social Work Around the World map, an apprentice creates information sheets that list the Schools of Social Work in selected countries with a brief overview of academic resources on the development of social work education there (using the International Association of Schools of Social Work regional classification), adds schools to the map, and presents the results, for example at the TRU Undergraduate Research Conference.

• Hardcastle, D. A., Powers, P. R., & Wenocur, S. (2011). Community practice: Theories and skills for social workers. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.
• Kretzmann, J., & McKnight, J. (1993). Building communities from the inside out: A path toward finding and mobilizing a community’s assets. Evanston, IL: Institute for Policy Research.
• Lightfoot, E., McCleary, J. S., & Lum, T. (2014). Asset mapping as a research tool for community-based participatory research in social work. Social Work Research, 38(1), 59-64.

Research coach

TRU’s Research Coach program awards a scholarship to students who help an instructor design a research project for a first- or second-year class, then guide students as they plan, research, and present their projects at the Undergraduate Research Conference. Sasha welcomes coaches for SOCW 2120 An Introduction to Social Welfare in Canada; students who have taken SOCW 3000 Canadian Social Policy and published op-eds, research papers or letters to the editor are encouraged to apply. Read more: Coach program opens doors to research early (Inside TRU).

Directed studies: SOCW 4900

Students can register for the SOCW 4900 Directed Studies course with Sasha in the winter term; e-mail him in the fall to express interest. Read more in the post The Joy of Directed Studies. Past directed studies topics are listed under Teaching.

Research practicum

The research practicum provides students with supervised hands-on, practical experience with Sasha on an ongoing research project. Typical activities include data collection and analysis, interpretation of results, and research report writing. Practicum may also involve literature review, recruitment and screening, and instrument development. Projects include locating organizations across Canada where social workers practice, supporting newcomers to Canada, and learning about African-Canadian and Ukrainian-Canadian experiences of oppression and the changes that are needed.

Learning tasks and activities

• Attend to workload organization and instrumental tasks
• Complete a research ethics application
• Complete research training protocols
• Conduct research interviews / focus groups
• Critically analyze the underlying political ideologies and practices specific to research topic
• Design a research study
• Engage in ongoing self awareness and critical reflection
• Explore the meaning and implications of being committed to critical, social-justice oriented social work research
• Identify and critically assess how issues of Social G*R*A*C*E*S* are considered in the research project
• Identify how research and evaluation are used to promote social change
• Identify value differences or conflicts in the team
• Make ethical decisions
• Observe and learn about the function of the research team
• Observe and learn how social workers address the processes of change
• Review and analyze relevant legislation and policies related to the topic of research
• Stay engaged with the research team and in the research process
• Transcribe and analyze data
• Understand how personal values intersect with the research process
• Use self-awareness and critical reflection to take action

Objectives, guidelines and evaluation

Objectives. The primary objective of the practicum is to strengthen a student’s ability to synthesize various phases and components of social work research. The key to this is the ability to articulate linkages between the research questions, the data gathered to address these questions, the techniques selected for analyzing the data, and the interpretation of findings and implications in terms relevant to the original research questions. While the research practicum may not expose students to the specific population or problem of greatest interest to them, the skills and competencies mastered should help prepare students methodologically to carry out their future research projects.

Guidelines. Together with the student we identify the learning objectives and goals, primary activities toward achieving these, and the meeting schedule within which training and supervision will take place. Online meetings are used when students cannot attend in person, which makes the research practicum accessible wherever internet services are available. A student cannot be a research assistant and practicum student on the same project at the same time.

Registration: the learning agreement. Registration involves meeting with Sasha and your school field coordinator to prepare the learning agreement that your School approves. It typically includes the days and hours the student will devote to the practicum, research skills to be mastered, research tasks to be performed, research training needed, and a brief outline of the proposed final written product. TRU students express interest by October 1; students of other schools at least three months before the practicum starts.

Student responsibilities. The student devotes the required number of hours per week to the practicum (based on your School requirements). In all instances, activities should be in service to the student’s learning of key aspects of the research role. A summary paper is written in a scholarly format that parallels writing for professional publication; it synthesizes the substantive and research activities and achievements of the student’s learning objectives. The details and format are negotiated so that the paper benefits the project and serves as an opportunity for feedback on scholarly writing skills. Students are encouraged to pursue publishable work stemming from this practicum, at a scale that is realistically achievable within the timeframe of the practicum.

Faculty responsibilities. The practicum is based upon a mentorship model. The configuration of experience and supervisory responsibility is negotiated between the student and instructor and summarized in the learning agreement. Sasha makes available skill-development opportunities that meet the goals of the learning agreement, individually or with a research team, provides feedback on the paper and on how far the student’s activities achieved the learning objectives, and provides a reference letter for the student’s professional portfolio.

Evaluation. At the end of the practicum, we meet with the student to evaluate the practicum experience, fill in the required forms, and the student submits them to the field coordinator.

Practicum project ideas

1. Create an asset map of organizations that employ social workers in your province (see Research apprenticeship)
2. Write an academic article on social work education in a country where you know a local English-speaking social work educator
3. Contribute to @EMPRSocialWork
4. Support newcomers in your city by designing a Welcome guide using the Welcome to Kamloops course model
5. Write general articles on supporting newcomers to Canada using the Foreigner.bg model
6. Be part of a course Sasha is designing or teaching, to learn how to teach a class, grade assignments and create an effective learning environment
7. Verify Schools of Social Work in your selected country (Schools of Social Work Around the World)
8. Support accessibility for students
9. Design training for an organization where you work or volunteer, based on its needs
10. Create an asset map for an ethnic group in Canada (examples: African Canada and Ukrainian Canada)
11. Do a book review or memoir review (video or print) for social workers (Learning with media, Memoirs)
12. Create an updated list of songs, poems or social advertisements for social workers (Learning with media)
13. Design and carry out a grant proposal to create university-community partnerships, or any other research proposal on a topic of your interest
14. Support social work students around the world to find scholarships, professional development opportunities or informational supports for social workers in different areas of practice
15. Create annotated bibliographies, asset maps or literature reviews on topics of your interest
16. Your ideas for practicum projects are always welcome

Service and recognition

Membership and Committee work

• 2018-current Member of the Thompson Rivers University Senate Teaching and Learning Committee
• 2018-current Member of the Nomination Committee at the Canadian Association for Social Work Education
• 2017-current Member of the Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Education and Social Work International Affairs Committee
• 2016-current Member of the Thompson Rivers University BSW Program Committee
• 2016-current Member of the Thompson Rivers University School Council
• 2017-current Member of the Thompson Rivers University School Appointments Committee
• 2016-current Member of the Thompson Rivers University MSW Planning Committee
• 2016-current Member of the Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Education and Social Work Faculty Council
• 2016-current TRUly UNITED Champion during annual fundraising Campaign
• 2013-current Member of the Social Policy and Advocacy Committee at the Canadian Association for Social Work Education
• 2016-2018 Member of the Thompson Rivers University Student Awards Committee
• 2016-2018 Provided periodic coverage as Acting BSW Program Coordinator and Chair
• 2016-2017 Member of the Thompson Rivers University BSW Accreditation Committee
• 2016-2018 Member of the Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Education and Social Work Nomination Committee
• 2014-2016 Dalhousie E-learning Committee Member
• 2014-2016 Faculty of Health Profession Dalhousie University School Representative
• 2014-2016 School of Social Work, School Council and Committee of the School member
• 2007- 2014, Outreach committee member Transcona Memorial United Church, Winnipeg, Canada.
• 2007-2012, Honorary member of Lviv Blind Rehabilitation Center. Lviv, Ukraine
• 2007- 2009 Rudnytskij committee community representative Archives and Special Collections, Elizabeth Dafoe Library at the University of Manitoba. Winnipeg, Canada
• 2007-2008 Tenure and Promotion Committee member Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba. Winnipeg, Canada
• 2006- 2007 Faculty Council Graduate Student Representative Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba. Winnipeg, Canada
• 2006- 2007 Annual Social Work Student Symposium Logistics and Planning Committee Member Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba. Winnipeg, Canada
• 2006 –2007 Executive member Social Work Graduate Students Association, Winnipeg, Canada
• 2005 –2007 Secretary, Ukrainian-Canadian Congress, Manitoba Provincial Branch. Winnipeg, Canada
• 2005 –2006 Youth representative Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Winnipeg, Canada
• 2004 –2007 President Ukrainian Student Union at the University of Manitoba. Winnipeg, Canada.
• 2002 – 2005 Social Work Student Representative Lviv Regional Mediation Association. Lviv, Ukraine
• 2001 – 2004 Advisory Committee member St. Volodymyr Foundation, Lviv, Ukraine

Awards and Recognition

• 2016 Nomination for Manitoba Future 40 under 40 Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov, CBC Manitoba Future 40
• 2014-2022 Registered Social Worker, Manitoba College of Social Workers affiliated with Canadian Association of Social Workers (RSW)
• 2012 Migizii Award Nomination, which recognizes faculty and staff at the University of Manitoba, who have gone above and beyond, to meaningfully help Aboriginal students along their educational journey
• 2010 Olympic Torch, Canada, Portage la Prairie (January 8^th)
• 2008-2012, University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship. (PhD)
• 2005, Shevchenko Foundation Award for thesis research in the area of Ukrainian-Canadian Studies
• 2005, University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship. (MSW)
• 2004, Margaret Mary Burns Award in Social Work.
• 2003 Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine Diploma as a 3rd-degree winner at the 2nd all Ukrainian Gender Competition.
• 2003 Recognition Diploma from the Ministry of Family and Youth Affairs for the personal contribution in the realization of state youth policy and promotion gender-based researchers in Ukraine.

Professional Skills

• Teaching Social Work, Family Social Sciences, Sociology, Education and Psychology related courses in post-secondary institutional settings
• Teaching Introduction to University and Basic University Skills courses for first-year university students at the Aboriginal Focus Programs.
• Tutoring in the Aboriginal Focus and Ukrainian language programs at the University of Manitoba
• Conducting social sciences research using SPSS and multiple libraries catalogues.
• Professional translation from/to English, Russian and Ukrainian in education and social service related areas.
• Organization and conducting of educational training in developing basic computer, program management, counselling and student learning skills
• Holding of individual and family counselling sessions.
• Volunteering at Winnipeg Child and Family Services and Elementary School Services.
• Working one on one and in groups with University level students from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds.
• Working with visually impaired people, multi-children families, youth offenders, students at high school and University settings in Ukraine and Canada.
• International experience working on various youth UN committees to promote UN Millennium Development Goals in Ukraine and Northern Europe
• Proposal writing techniques, including students and community-oriented projects
• Human resource management experience, including hiring, training, supervision and payroll preparation for small group projects.
• Work with PC at the level of user (Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office programs: Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and Brightspace D2L course design tools)

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Statement

In all classes I design and teach, students are introduced to the concepts of equity, diversity and inclusion through the lens of social work values, universal course design principles, the Glider model for creating effective learning and teaching environments in social work distance education, the Social G*R*A*C*E*S* EDI Framework (2020 version shown below), and Love-Care-Share Practice Theory.

Below are the images of the models I developed and follow to ensure that an EDI environment is created in every class I design and teach.

Reference letters

Thank you for checking my reference letter policy. I am grateful to all of my students who have been part of my teaching career. As I now have thousands of former students, I receive many requests for academic references, job references, awards and scholarship applications, and it is harder to keep track of all student names and papers to write a relevant support letter. This Reference Letter Request Policy balances my available time.

Please note that due to limited time I only review support letter requests from students who submitted all the documents listed below and maintained an active connection with me after course completion (students who worked as an RA / TA with me on projects, students who completed a volunteer or practicum program under my supervision, presented at a conference, or contributed to information that I shared on my webpage krasun.ca). Students who only completed courses can still receive a reference letter, but it will be very limited and focus only on the course experience.

For students who have only taken one or two courses with me, I encourage you to engage in research or service activities that I can supervise, so I will be able to provide a reference letter based on multiple activities you have performed under my supervision (not only graded papers from one or two courses). Multiple experiences and engagement can highlight your diverse strengths and offer the selection committee more insight into the gifts you bring to service, learning and research.

If you want me to review a reference request, please send the following documents to okondrashov@tru.ca, ideally four weeks before the application is due:

• Course outlines from the courses I taught you.
• A draft letter that highlights the strengths you have demonstrated in the activities I have supervised (teaching, service or research). Please write the letter using the criteria your reference letter will be evaluated on, to help me in reviewing your request.
• Copies of assignments submitted for grading.
• The final letter grade you received in the courses I taught you.

I will not review incomplete requests. Due to the high volume of requests, I am only able to respond to 2 support requests per month during the academic year (September to April). Priority is given to students who have taken 3 or more classes with me, maintained active contact after course completion and participated in extensive volunteering, service, research, grading or other supervised activities.

Once you have submitted your complete request, please book an appointment with me via Calendly: calendly.com/krasun. Ideally book at least one month before your application deadline, so that if your draft letter needs many changes there is time after our appointment to update it. Usually I review your draft letter during the appointment and complete the application process, so make sure your letter has as much information as possible to write a strong support letter.

Questions that can guide you in writing the draft support letter:

1. Please state how you know me (for example, which courses you took with me, when and where, or what projects we worked on together).
2. Please provide examples of skills you have enhanced when mastering course learning objectives or working on a teaching, research or service project (for example public speaking, academic writing or critical thinking).
3. Please name qualities that you possess and were able to demonstrate in the course that are helpful in your selected field of study (for example being an independent learner, communicative, punctual).
4. Please suggest how the course helped you to choose your selected program of studies or area of employment.
5. Please share any information that you think will help me strengthen your recommendation based on our interaction in the course (for example volunteer experience during the course, or helping other students).
6. Please list any activities you completed under my supervision outside of the course. Employers and award and admission committees want to see your strengths in several areas, and examples of how you demonstrated your talents in our interactions are extremely helpful.

You can also review samples of reference letters and follow their format as you complete your letter:

• Recommendation Letter from Manager Templates (TemplateLab)
• Academic Reference Letter Samples (DocFormats)
• Academic Recommendation Letter Examples (The Balance Careers)
• Academic Recommendation Letter Templates (Word Templates Online)

Once I complete the reference letter, I usually give students a copy for their records and future requests. If I agree to write the letter after our online meeting or e-mail confirmation, I will provide a strong reference based on the knowledge and skills you have demonstrated in class and in other forms of professional relationship.

Sharing the outcome of your application is your choice, but I would like to know, at least when the outcome is positive, rather than finding out from social media or years later. A follow-up e-mail about the outcome, successful or not, is good practice. After you receive the scholarship, award, job or admission, please also let me know if I can contact you in the future for possible research, community engagement or support requests. I appreciate an ongoing connection with my professional network.

Please review your school’s deadlines to make a timely appointment, and submit your completed request before your selected appointment date:

• Dalhousie University MSW: dal.ca MSW program
• Wilfrid Laurier University MSW: wlu.ca MSW application checklist
• UNBC MSW: unbc.ca graduate admissions
• University of Manitoba MSW: umanitoba.ca MSW admissions
• UBC Okanagan MSW: socialwork.ok.ubc.ca MSW program
• University of Waterloo MSW: uwaterloo.ca MSW how to apply

Guest speakers

Social workers, social work educators and students are welcome as guest speakers in Sasha’s courses, in person or on Zoom. A short story from practice can inspire students to choose social work. The courses that most often welcome guests are SOCW 3010 Introduction to Social Work Research (qualitative, quantitative, Indigenous, participatory and feminist action, photovoice and arts-based research, and program evaluation) and SOCW 2120 An Introduction to Social Welfare in Canada (social welfare across the lifespan, health and disability policies, universal design, criminal justice, gender, Indigenous peoples, newcomers, and the future of Canadian social welfare). If you can give a short guest lecture, please e-mail okondrashov@tru.ca.

Contact, roles and acknowledgements

Dr. Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov, PhD, MSW, MEd (he/він)
Associate Professor of Social Work (tenured), Thompson Rivers University
Mailing address: AE 275, 805 TRU Way, Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8
E-mail: okondrashov@tru.ca

Online: DROKACADEMY (krasun.ca); LinkedIn: Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov on LinkedIn; Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram: @TheSWEducator and @EMPRSocialWork.

Thompson Rivers University campuses are on the traditional lands of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops campus) and the T’exelc (Williams Lake campus) within Secwepemcúlucw, the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc. The region TRU serves also extends into the territories of the St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Tŝilhqot’in, Nuxalk, and Dakelh.

Community and professional roles

• Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Elected Senator
• Education and Social Work (EDSW) Faculty Council, past Elected Co-chair
• Thompson Rivers University Faculty Association (TRUFA) Elected Co-chair, Human Rights Committee
• Thompson Rivers University Faculty Association (TRUFA) Elected Member, Salary and Working Conditions Committee
• Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE-ACFTS), past Elected Board Director
• Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE-ACFTS) Elected Co-chair, Social Policy and Advocacy Committee
• human services Information Technology association (husITa.org) Elected Board Member
• International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) Life Friend Member (Canada)
• International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) Individual Life Member (Ukraine)

Acknowledgements

I acknowledge my place of birth in Lviv, Halychyna, Ukraine.

My first Canadian home is in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on Treaty No. 1 Territory, the traditional lands of the Anishinabe (Ojibway), Ininew (Cree), Oji-Cree, Dene, and Dakota, and the Birthplace of the Métis Nation and the Heart of the Métis Nation Homeland.

My second Canadian home is in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, located in Mi’kma’ki, the Mi’kmaq’s ancestral and unceded territory.

My third Canadian home, my primary residence since 2016 and my workplace (Thompson Rivers University), is in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, within the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Secwepemcúl’ecw.

I want to thank students, faculty and staff from Thompson Rivers University, Dalhousie University, University of Manitoba, Wilfrid Laurier University, Lakehead University, MacEwan University, and University of Northern British Columbia in Canada, and Cherkasy National University and Lviv Polytechnic National University in Ukraine, for past and current partnerships and opportunities to share my teaching, service and research skills.

Citing this website

When referencing material from this website, please use the following APA citation: Kondrashov, O. (Year). Name of the post or page. Retrieved from krasun.ca. More on sharing and reuse: Permission, Credit and Sharing.