Quick Links
HDFS Minor
Inspire growth and positive development. Promote change within diverse communities and global contexts. Achieve stronger interpersonal, family and work relationships. Click here
Why Human Development & Family Studies?
We are a program of study, for both graduate and undergraduate students, addressing the needs of children, adults and families across the life course. We do more than just work with people…we make a difference in people’s lives.
Work with people in the real world
You won’t just read about the world - you’ll go out and make a difference.
- Family & community services
- Legislative advocacy
- Non-profit administration
- Counseling
- Family law
- Early childhood education
- Disabilities and early intervention
Contact Us
If you would like more information about any of our programs, please contact us at hdfs-dept@udel.edu, or call us at 302-831-6500.
HDFS News
Applications are being accepted for the Julie Mapes Wilgen Award in Human Sexuality & Gender Studies. Click here for more information.
Bahira Sherif Trask, professor of human development and family studies, has written a book, Women, Work, and Globalization. The book explores women’s gender roles as they participate in the global labor market and discusses global initiatives that assist women in balancing work and family responsibilities while decreasing their vulnerabilities. UDaily, For the Record, 12/6/13
Ellie Tunison, ECE major and intern in the Prekindergarten Reading Encouragement Project (PREP) offers a monthly reading guide aimed at supporting literacy at home. Tunison said she hopes to make a difference in childhood literacy. UDaily 11/22/13.
Steven M. Eidelman, H. Rodney Sharp Professor of Human Services Policy and Leadership, was invited to speak at The Kennedy Forum during the plenary panel, examining how President Kennedy’s initiative helped serve people with mental disabilities and how the “lessons learned” can be applied to future efforts. UDaily 11/21/13
Staci Perlman, assistant professor in the University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development, has partnered with Joe Willard, vice president of policy at the People's Emergency Center in West Philadelphia, to examine the extent of homelessness in children with the intention of identifying interventions that could be implemented to improve their outcomes. UDaily 11/18/13
Dr. Bahira Sherif Trask and Dr. Barbara Settles, professors in the Department of Human Development & Family Studies, organized a conference in Annapolis, Md., in June for the National Family Science Association. The conference provided attendees from human development and family studies departments across the country the opportunity to discuss the skills students need to make them competitive, while making a positive change in society. Also discussed was the impact of globalization and diversity on U.S. society and why the changes were happening so rapidly. Recent graduates and CEHD students were invited to present, including doctoral students Amanda Rich, Nikki DiGregorio, Juana Gavria, Laura Finan and Megan Barolet-Fogarty, and recent Ph.D. graduates Bethany Willis Hepp and Karen Mancini. UDaily, For the Record 9/20/13.
The “First Step” competition is for undergraduate students to create innovative solutions to today’s healthcare challenges. CHS will fund the top 20 projects and in late April, the students will present posters at a symposium. The top 3 projects at the symposium will win awards. Click here to view the flyer or go to http://www.udel.edu/chs/firststep/ for more information. Posted 9/12/2013
Dr. Susan Hall is appointed as the interim chair of HDFS. Dr. Hall is currently Deputy Dean of the College of Health Sciences and professor of kinesiology and applied physiology. Announced 7/1/2013
Dr. Bahira Trask, presented at the Congress of the Swiss Sociological Association meeting on “The Continued Significance of Families: Incorporating Concepts of Globalization, Family Change and Social Capital into Social Scientific Analyses.” UDaily, For the Record 7/19/13.
The National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities, led by Steven Eidelman, H. Rodney Sharp Professor of Human Services Policy and Leadership, and Nancy Weiss, instructor in HDFS, has been awarded $200,000 over two years to establish the Jewish Leadership Institute on Disability and Inclusion. Funded by the Ruderman Family Foundation, this grant will help leaders in the Jewish service community increase inclusion for individuals with disabilities. UDaily, For the Record 7/19/13.
Dr. Michael Ferrari received the University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) Excellence in Teaching Award. The Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes outstanding faculty instructors who demonstrate a notable commitment to excellence in teaching. UDaily, CEHD Faculty Awards 4/29/13
HDFS Events
Dec 6 - Final Exams Begin
Dec 13 - Final Exam End
Jan 6 - Winter Session Classes Begin
Jan 9 - Winter Session - Last day to add classes
Jan 20 - Martin Luther King Holiday. Classes suspended; University offices closed
Jan 24 - Winter Session Last day to withdraw without academic penalty
Jan 25 - Applications deadline for the Julie Mapes Wilgen Award in Human Sexuality & Gender Studies. Click here for more information
Feb 7 - Winter Session - Last Day of Classes
Feb 8 - Winter Session - Final Exams
Feb 10 - Spring Semester - Classes Begin 8:00 am.
