The Emmet J. and Mary Martha Doerr Center for Social Justice Education and Research is an independently funded center within the School of Social Work that promotes long range solutions to social problems through education and research.

The Center's work draws on the social work profession's tradition of addressing structural issues at the root of many of the problems of human, community and international relations. By offering students opportunities to engage the issues at the systemic level, in both academic and practice environments, and by promoting academic research in social work and related disciplines, the Center advances knowledge, critical thinking and open dialogue about our understanding and implementation of social justice in today's world.

The Office for Community & Social Research (OCSR) advances the research, teaching and service mission of the College of Education and Public Service (CEPS) through the development, management and support of faculty-community grants, contracts, and services. OCSR and College staff, the College leadership team, and faculty fellows meet regularly to vet opportunities and proposals and engage broader university and community partners.

The Center, named after the University's patron saint, promotes critical and committed analysis of the Catholic tradition. Its thought-provoking programs solicit discussion of all aspects of Catholicism, including literature, history, fine arts, philosophy, theology and the natural and social sciences.

The Thomas More Center encourages faculty and student research and study through a minor program in Catholic Studies for undergraduates and a research grant program for Rockhurst faculty. Additionally, the Center provides continuing education opportunities and outreach programs to the community-at-large.

Established in the spring of 2000, the Center has already sponsored a course whose lectures have been published by the Rockhurst University Press — Catholicism at the Millennium: The Church of Tradition in Transition .