MASTER S STUDENT HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 MASTER S STUDENT HANDBOOK CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING WITH COUPLES AND FAMILY THERAPY (LMFT) LICENSURE ONLY OPTION SCHOOL COUNSELING (K-12) PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING PROGRAMS COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES MCKEE HALL 248 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO GREELEY, COLORADO REVISED SPRING 2014

2 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO SCHOOL OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELOR EDUCATION Program Academic Coordinator Dr. Heather M. Helm Applied Psychology and Counselor Education Campus Box 131 University of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO Phone: Denver and Colorado Springs Advisor and Clinical Internship Coordinator Dr. Danielle Kahlo UNC Center for Extended Studies 1059 Alton Way, Building #758 Denver, CO Denver/Colorado Springs University School Internship Supervisor Dr. Donna Watkins UNC Denver Center 1059 Alton Way, Bldg. 758 Phone: Fax: Administrative Assistant Gloria Sedillos Campus Box 131 University of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO Phone: Fax: Program Faculty, Staff, and Site Contact Information UNC Denver Office of Extended Studies 1059 Alton Way, Bldg. #758 Denver, CO Phone: Fax: UNC Colorado Springs Center Oracle Blvd Colorado Springs, CO Phone: (toll free) Contact Dr. Kahlo directly for appointments Professional Counseling Programs Campus Box 131 University of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO Phone: Fax: Professional Counseling Program Coordinator Dr. Elysia Clemens Campus Box 131 University of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO

3 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING PROGRAMS PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING FACULTY DR. HEATHER HELM PROGRAM ACADEMIC COORDINATOR CHAIR, DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY & COUNSELOR EDUCATION OFFICE: (970) DR. ELYSIA CLEMENS PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING PROGRAMS, COORDINATOR OFFICE: (970) DR. BETTY CARDONA OFFICE: (970) DR. FRED HANNA OFFICE: (970) DR. BRIAN JOHNSON OFFICE: (970) DR. DANIELLLE KAHLO OFFICE : (970) DR. JENNIFER MURDOCK JENNIFER.MURDOCK@UNCO.EDU OFFICE: (970) DR. SEAN O HALLORAN SIANOHALLORAN@HOTMAIL.COM OFFICE: (970) DR. LIA SOFTAS-NALL BASILIA.SOFTAS-NALL@UNCO.EDU OFFICE: (970) DR. LAURA JONES LAURA.JONES@UNCO.EDU OFFICE: (970) DR. JEFFREY RINGS JEFFREY.RINGS@UNCO.EDU OFFICE: (970) DR. STEPHEN WRIGHT STEPHEN.WRIGHT@UNCO.EDU OFFICE: (970)

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS MASTER S DEGREE PROGRAMS... 6 PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY/MISSION... 6 GENERAL PROGRAM OBJECTIVES... 6 SPECIFIC PROGRAM OBJECTIVES... 6 MA IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING... 6 MA IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING WITH LMFT LICENSURE ONLY OPTION... 7 MA IN SCHOOL COUNSELING (K-12)... 8 PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS... 9 ADVISOR... 9 PLAN OF STUDY... 9 TRANSFER OF CREDIT... 9 COURSE LOADS STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES PERMISSION TO ENROLL PRACTICUM PRACTICUM POLICY REGISTRATION PROGRAM TRANSFERS DIRECTED STUDIES COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION APPLICATION FOR TAKING THE COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION PRIMARY REASONS FOR TERMINATION GRADUATION CONTINUOUS ENROLLMENT POLICY SUMMARY OF STEPS IN THE PROGRAM GENERAL INFORMATION REVIEW OF STUDENTS ETHICAL BEHAVIOR COLORADO LEGAL REGULATION OF THE PRACTICE OF PSYCHOTHERAPY LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION/ENDORSEMENT POLICY PLACEMENT, CERTIFICATION, AND LICENSURE KEEPING RECORDS FOR YOUR PROTECTION FINANCIAL AID GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES DOUBLE MAJORS: SCHOOL AND CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING POLICY FOR SECOND DEGREE OPTION FOR PROGRAM GRADUATES PLANNING GUIDE FOR MA IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING PLANNING GUIDE FOR MA IN SCHOOL COUNSELING (K-12) PLANNING GUIDE FOR MA IN CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING WITH LMFT LICENSURE ONLY OPTION APCE POLICY ON PLAGIARISM ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS MASTER S COMPREHENSIVE EXAM HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL AND CULTURAL FOUNDATIONS HELPING RELATIONSHIPS... 27

5 GROUP WORK CAREER AND LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENT APPRAISAL RESEARCH AND PROGRAM EVALUATION PROFESSIONAL ORIENTATION AND ETHICS ANSWERS TO THE ABOVE QUESTIONS: PERMISSION FORM: MASTER S COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION ELIGIBILITY TO TAKE COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION: SCHOOL COUNSELING ELIGIBILITY TO TAKE COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION: CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING LMFT INFORMATION STUDENT REVIEW AND RETENTION... 35

6 MASTER S STUDENT HANDBOOK Professional Counseling Programs University of Northern Colorado This Handbook provides information about policies and procedures for the management and completion of selected programs of study for master s students in Professional Counseling. The guidance provided here does not supplant that which is given in the UNC Catalog located on-line at Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with all information in the Catalog that may have relevance to their program of study. We hope this guide will serve you well in addressing frequently asked questions concerning the completion of the master s degree program. Program Information Master s Degree Programs. The following master s degree programs are offered: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and, (2) Master of Arts in School Counseling (K-12). Descriptions of these degree programs and course requirements are in the UNC Catalog available on-line at The degree program, Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling/Therapy Emphasis, is not offered at the Denver or Colorado Springs Centers; however, coursework in Couples and Family Therapy (CFT) is offered at the Denver Center. Students who complete the Clinical Mental Health Counseling with LMFT Licensure Only coursework are eligible to seek professional licensure in the state of Colorado as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Accreditation. All of the master s degree programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Accredited programs adhere to stringent professional training guidelines that are designed to provide consistency among training programs. Attending a CACREP accredited counseling program will assist you in national certification, licensure, and future admittance to doctoral programs in counselor education. Program Philosophy/Mission. The counseling faculty views potential candidates as unique, with strengths and assets to be identified, encouraged, and developed during their graduate education. The knowledge of human relations skills necessary to help individuals recognize their own and other persons unique promise and discover opportunities for its expression form the core of preparation for students in professional counseling. Such knowledge and skills are learned in part from research and study in the behavioral and social sciences, various skill development activities, and supervised practica. Opportunities for a broad understanding of human behavior and human relationships in a diverse society are included in the education of the student in counseling. The Professional Counseling faculty is committed to the development of broadly based competent professional counselors skilled in helping people with personal, academic, interpersonal, and career concerns in educational settings and community agencies. The requirements of the program are conceptualized within the framework and standards set forth by the counseling profession, Colorado state law, the UNC Graduate School and job requirements. General Program Objectives The master s degree programs in Professional Counseling have the following objectives for each of the content areas established by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP, 2009). The standards are available online at Specific Program Objectives MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling To train counselors who:

7 1. understand the history, philosophy, and trends in clinical mental health counseling 2. understand ethical and legal considerations specifically related to the practice of clinical mental health counseling 3. understand the roles and functions of clinical mental health counselors in various practice settings and the importance of relationships between counselors and other professionals, including interdisciplinary treatment teams 4. know the professional organizations, preparation standards, and credentials relevant to the practice of clinical mental health counseling 5. understand a variety of models and theories related to clinical mental health counseling, including methods, models, and principles of clinical supervision 6. recognize the potential for substance use disorders to mimic and coexist with a variety of medical and psychological disorders 7. are aware of professional issues that affect clinical mental health counselors (e.g., core provider status, expert witness status, access to and practice privileges within managed care systems) 8. understand the management of mental health services and programs, including areas such as administration, finance, and accountability 9. understand the impact of crises, disasters and other trauma-causing events on people 10. understand the operation of an emergency management system within clinical mental health agencies and in the community 11. demonstrate the ability to apply and adhere to ethical and legal standards in clinical mental health counseling 12. apply knowledge of public mental health policy, financing, and regulatory processes to improve service delivery opportunities in clinical mental health 13. demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skills in the areas of counseling, prevention, and intervention (e.g., principles and concepts of mental health, diagnosis, methods of counseling, biopsychosocial case conceptualization, referral procedures) 14. demonstrate an understanding of the impact of living in a multicultural society on self, clients, and the community (e.g., the effect of racism, discrimination, privilege, and oppression on clients access to services, principles of social justice advocacy) 15. understand assessment, case conceptualization, and clinical evaluation as well as the demonstrate an ability to select and utilize comprehensive assessment to assist in diagnosis and treatment planning (i.e. intake interviews, mental status evaluation, other psychological assessments) 16. demonstrate knowledge and skills related to research and program evaluation (e.g., ability to evaluate research, understand program evaluation, use research to inform clinical practice) 17. demonstrate knowledge and skills related to clinical diagnosis using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) MFT Licensure Option The Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling master s programs located in Denver and Colorado Springs are accredited by CACREP. Students may enroll in coursework that would provide the educational requirements for licensure in the State of Colorado as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Although the Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Couples, Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy Emphasis is not offered at these Centers, the Professional Counseling faculty strive to uphold the spirit and letter of the CACREP Accreditation standards for marriage and family programs. Therefore, the following standards guide the coursework and clinical experiences of those students enrolled in the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with LMFT Licensure Only Option: MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Couples and Family Therapy Licensure Only Option To train counselors who: 1. know the history, philosophy, and trends in marriage, couple and family counseling 2. understand the ethical and legal considerations specifically related to the practice of marriage, couple and family counseling

8 3. know the roles and functions of marriage, couple, and family counselors in a variety of practice settings and in relation to other helping professionals 4. know the professional organizations, preparation standards, and credentials relevant to the practice of marriage, couple and family counseling 5. understand a variety of models and theories of marriage, couple, and family counseling 6. understand family development and the life cycle, sociology of the family, family phenomenology, contemporary families, family wellness, families and culture, aging and family issues, family violence, and related family concerns 7. understand the impact of crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events on marriages, couples, families, and households 8. demonstrate the ability to apply and adhere to ethical and legal standards in marriage, couple and family counseling 9. demonstrate the ability to select models or techniques appropriate to couples or families presenting problems 10. demonstrate knowledge and skills related to marriage, couple and family counseling, prevention, and intervention (e.g. understand the family life-cycle and healthy family functioning, use a systems approach to conceptualize presenting problems and develop systemic treatment plans) 11. demonstrate an understanding of the impact of living in a multicultural society on self, clients (couples and families), and the community (e.g., the effect of racism, discrimination, privilege, and oppression on couples and families access to services, principles of social justice advocacy) 12. understand assessment, case conceptualization, and clinical evaluation from a systems perspective as well as the demonstrate an ability to select and utilize comprehensive assessment to assist in case conceptualization and treatment planning (i.e. intake interviews, mental status evaluation, other psychological assessments) 13. demonstrate knowledge and skills related to research and program evaluation in marriage, couples, and family counseling (e.g., ability to evaluate research, understand program evaluation, use research to inform clinical practice) MA in School Counseling (K-12) To train counselors who: 1. know history, philosophy, and trends in school counseling and educational systems 2. understand ethical and legal considerations specifically related to the practice of school counseling 3. know roles, functions, settings, and professional identity of the school counselor in relation to the roles of other professional and support personnel in the school 4. know professional organizations, preparation standards, and credentials that are relevant to the practice of school counseling 5. understand current models of school counseling programs (e.g., American School Counselor Association [ASCA] National Model) and their integral relationship to the total educational program 6. understand the effects of atypical growth and development, health and wellness, language, ability level, multicultural issues, and factors of resiliency on student learning and development 7. understand the operation of the school emergency management plan and the roles and responsibilities of the school counselor during crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events 8. demonstrate the ability to apply and adhere to ethical and legal standards in school counseling 9. demonstrate the ability to articulate, model, and advocate for an appropriate school counselor identity and program 10. demonstrate knowledge and skills related to counseling, prevention, and intervention in school counseling (e.g., theories and processes of effective school counseling, ability to design, implement, and evaluate school counseling programs geared towards prevention and intervention, ability to assess and manage suicide risk) 11. demonstrate an understanding of the impact of living in a multicultural society on self, students, communities, and schools (e.g., the effect of racism, discrimination, privilege, and oppression on student

9 learning and career development, ability to engage parents, guardians, and families in school counseling programs, the ability to understand and apply principles of social justice advocacy in the school system) 12. understand the influence of multiple factors that affect the personal, social, and academic functioning of students as well as the demonstrate an ability to use appropriate assessment strategies to evaluate students academic, career, and personal/social development 13. demonstrate knowledge and skills related to research and program evaluation in school counseling (e.g., ability to evaluate research, understand program evaluation, use research to inform clinical practice) 14. understand curriculum design, lesson plan development, and classroom management strategies, and differentiated instructional strategies for teaching counseling and guidance related material 15. have the ability to implement programs and differentiated instructional strategies to promote student academic and social development 16. demonstrate knowledge and skills related to collaboration and consultation in school counseling (e.g., ability to with parents, families, and guardians, ability to consult with teachers, staff, and community based organizations) 17. demonstrate knowledge and skills related to effective leadership in the school in order to take a leadership role in the design, implementation, management, and evaluation of a comprehensive, developmental school counseling program Professional Memberships. All students in Clinical Mental Health Counseling are required to hold and maintain membership in the American Counseling Association (ACA). Students in School Counseling are required to hold and maintain membership in the American School Counseling Association (ASCA). Requirements for membership in these organizations begin the semester that each student is admitted into the program, and membership must be consistently maintained throughout program enrollment. Application forms for clinical counselor are available on line at and for school counselors at Students who chose to double major must hold and maintain membership in both professional organizations. Additionally, the faculty highly recommend memberships in Colorado divisions of ACA and ASCA. Advisor. Dr. Danielle Kahlo serves as the advisor to all master s students in the Denver and Colorado Springs programs. It is your responsibility to set up times to meet with your advisor concerning issues such as preparing a course schedule, planning for the Comprehensive Examination, and completing graduation requirements. It is our assumption that each student admitted into the program is responsible for reading and following the program, UNC Graduate School, and University guidelines. Therefore, it is your responsibility, not your advisor s, to insure all program requirements are met prior to applying for the Comprehensive Examination or graduation. Plan of Study. A plan of study form is available for your program (attached). You are responsible for going over the form with your advisor to determine the courses you are required to take as well as determine if any courses you have previously taken at another institution of higher learning are eligible to be waived or transferred into your MA program. Waived and transferred credits are approved by the Academic Program Coordinator. You are to keep copies of the completed form. Transfer of Credit. Students must be admitted into a program of study prior to consideration of transfer credits. Once admitted, students provide their advisor the syllabus from the course(s) to be transferred along with a official transcript (if not contained in his or her graduate school application) for consideration. A maximum of 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) may be transferred into a master s program from another accredited university which offers master s degrees. Transfer credit will not be accepted if the work was used to obtain any degree at any institution or if the work was completed more than five calendar years prior to the completion of a student s master s program. Transfer credit must be compatible with the student s program and must be A or B work. Transfer credits must be approved by the student s program as well as the UNC Graduate School. Warning: Transfer of credit may shorten the program length, as the five-year time limit begins when the transfer course was originally taken. The Program Academic Coordinator, Dr. Helm, makes the final decision on whether or not a particular course will be accepted into the student s plan of study at UNC.

10 Course Loads. Course load limitations for graduate students apply to any combination of all courses taken oncampus, off-campus, or on-line while an individual is enrolled as a graduate student in a graduate degree program, a non-degree certification program, or any combination thereof. The maximum load for a graduate student is 17 hours per semester. This information may vary during summer terms; students should check the Registrar s Website ( for correct information. Nine semester hours of credit is the minimum credit load to be classified as a full-time student. The maximum load permitted for a graduate student in the summer sessions (two six week sessions and/or full 12 weeks) is 15 hours with 9 hours maximum for a six-week term. Course Overload Request forms are available from Gloria (gloria.sedillos@unco.edu) and must be signed by the Program Academic Coordinator, Dr. Helm, before you may register for more than the maximum credits. Please note that there is no guarantee that you will receive permission. You will need to provide substantiation for your request and there is an additional charge for each credit over the limit. Student Learning Outcomes. Students are required to complete a bi-annual review as a component of a comprehensive evaluation process to assess student outcomes across three domains - knowledge, skills, and professional practice. Paperwork and polices can be found of the Professional Counseling webpage under Current Students ( Permission to Enroll. Several courses require permission to enroll prior to students seeking registration. These courses are: APCE 605 Group Laboratory Experience, APCE 612 Practicum in Individual Counseling, APCE 692 Internship in Counseling, APCE 614 Internship in School Counseling and Guidance, APCE 601 Practicum in Couples and Family Therapy. Students who are interested in enrolling in APCE 605 or 612 should make their request known by ing Gloria Sedillos the semester prior to the semester in which they are seeking enrollment. Students interested in enrolling in APCE 619, 614, or 692 and/or 601 should contact the instructor for that course. Each of these classes has prerequisites, co-requisites, or conditions for enrollment for which students are responsible. The policies include: APCE 601 Practicum in Couples and Family: For those students enrolling in the LMFT Licensure Only Option, you must have completed APCE 665 and been approved for APCE 612 before registering for APCE 669 Advanced Methods. ACPE 669 is a prerequisite for APCE 601, Practicum in Couples and Family. APCE 669 may be taken in the same semester as successful completion of APCE 612, as long as APCE 612 Practicum proceeds APCE 669 Advanced Methods in Marriage and Family Counseling. MA students who are seeking the LMFT Licensure Only Option must have completed APCE 612, APCE 665, APCE 669, APCE 619, and have completed or be taking concurrently APCE 695 before taking APCE 601. Those students in the LMFT Licensure Only Option are required to have completed APCE 669 Advanced Methods in Marriage and Family Counseling prior to securing an Internship site. Also, LMFT Licensure Only Option students need to complete APCE 601 Practicum at the initiation of their internship. Students may register for APCE 601 once they have the consent of the Internship Coordinator [which means Dr. Kahlo has approved your site and supervisor]. APCE 601 is an individualized Practicum in which LMFT Licensure Only Option students are paired for cotherapy (with families or couples) for the first 25 hours of contact and as students, complete a theory paper. The Practicum MUST be a distinct and separate experience from Internship, thus, in order to meet the letter and spirit of the state licensing laws, no Internship hours in couples or family counseling can be counted until the APCE 601 requirements are met (including the theory paper). Please see the Internship Manual for further details. LMFT Post Degree Licensure: For students who are seeking licensure as a LMFT please see the handout LMFT Board Equivalency worksheet at the end of this document. This handout assists the student in completing the educational equivalency worksheet for the LMFT license. APCE 605 (co-requisite with APCE 606 and APCE 662): All students must notify Gloria Sedillos of their desire to enroll in APCE 662/APCE 606 and the co-requisite lab APCE 605. Students must notify Gloria, via , the semester before they intend to enroll so that we can track the number of slots needed in the group lab sections. Students who are double majors only need to enroll in APCE 605 with their first group class. Students

11 who do not notify Gloria in advance may be removed from the course to make room for students who have completed the notification process. APCE 605 and 662/606 must be taken at the site [Denver or Colorado Springs] to which the student was admitted. 612 Practicum. Students must sign up for permission to take APCE 612 by contacting Gloria Sedillos, in writing, at at least one semester BEFORE they intend to enroll in the course. Students need to give Gloria their first and second choice of available practicum times. While we will make every effort to assign you to your requested practicum and we cannot guarantee or hold slots in a particular section. All students are assigned to APCE 612 based first on their total number of credit hours in the program and then on their requested section. All decisions on practicum placements are made by the Academic Program Coordinator. APCE 612 must be taken at the site [Denver or Colorado Springs] to which the student was admitted. 612 Practicum Policy. Students may be enrolled in APCE 612 a maximum of two semesters, and are graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Students who do not satisfactorily complete 612 in their second enrollment will receive notification that their program has been terminated. Students who earn a grade of unsatisfactory must take APCE 612 from a different instructor and wait a minimum of one semester to re-enroll. The program faculty will determine the conditions under which and when the student may retake APCE 612, and how many additional APCE credit may be taken prior to the satisfactory completion of practicum. Note: A grade of Incomplete will not be given for APCE 612. In exceptional cases, when an instructor deems it appropriate to give an Incomplete, it must first be authorized by the Professional Counseling faculty. 619 Practicum Policy. Practicum II (APCE 619) is a field-based experience and viewed as a transitional experience to be completed after successful completion of Practicum I (APCE 612) and prior to registering for, and completing of Internship hours. Practicum II is a 10-week minimum experience, and therefore a 10-week minimum commitment to the practicum site (school or agency). Detailed information on APCE 619 along with all required paperwork can be found in the Practicum II Manual. The manual can be found on the Professional Counseling website ( Internship Policy. Internship (CPCE 692 or 614) is a field-based experience to be completed after successful completion of APCE 619. Detailed information on APCE 692 or 614 along with all the required paperwork can be found in the Internship Manual. The manual can be found on the Professional Counseling website ( Registration. The schedule of classes for each Center is posted on the Extended Studies website, and the complete schedule of classes is online at Consultation with your advisor regarding which classes to take is highly recommended. You are expected to register for classes via URSA on the UNC website. Should you encounter problems with the registration process, please contact the Academic Program Coordinator, Dr. Helm. On-Campus Registration. You may register for coursework on the Greeley campus. You will receive separate fee statements for on- and off-campus class registrations. To register for an on-campus class, you must first meet with your advisor to insure it fits in your plan of study. Once permission is given and if space is available you may register for the on campus course. If the class is full or if space is needed for an on campus student you may be asked not to enroll in that class at that time. NOTE: Individual Practicum (APCE 612), Practicum II (APCE 619), group (APCE 662/605 or APCE 606/605), and APCE 692/601 must be taken at the site to which you were originally admitted. Program Transfers. When a student wishes to transfer from one program to another (e.g., Lowry to Greeley or Greeley to Colorado Springs) they must submit a letter of request and explanation to the Professional Counseling Program Coordinator. Three conditions must be met: (a) the student must be in good standing, (b) there must be available space in the program requested, and (c) student has completed fewer than 30 credit hours

12 in the program. Only one site change will be authorized during the course of a degree program and transfers are approved only on rare occasion. Directed Studies. A Directed Study is a course in which a student may receive university credit for an individualized investigation under the direct supervision of a UNC faculty member. Because Directed Study (622) is at the graduate level, the faculty member providing the supervision must be approved to teach graduate level courses. No faculty member will be authorized to supervise a directed study during a semester in which he or she is not actually employed on campus at UNC. A Directed Study investigation must be on a specific topic that is not duplicated by an existing course within the University s curriculum. The nature of the study must involve intensive use of relevant literature, materials, or techniques, and the study report must reflect a synthesis of the information or techniques acquired. See the UNC Catalog ( for more information. First day of Classes and Enrollment. If an enrolled student does not attend the first class meeting, he or she may be dropped from the course. Comprehensive Examination. The completion of your master s degree is contingent upon successfully passing the Comprehensive Examination. Even though the University Catalog states that the Comprehensive Exam may be taken after completing 20 hours of course work, this is based on a 30-semester hour master s degree. It is an APCE Professional Counseling program requirement that the student have specific course work completed before being permitted to take the examination. The course requirements are included with the Comprehensive Exam Application Form included in the appendix of this manual. Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling comprehensive examinations will be given in the fall and spring semesters ONLY; the CPCE is not offered during the summer. The Comprehensive Examination is a standardized examination called Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE). The CPCE is a knowledge-based exam that reflects the eight core curriculum areas approved by CACREP. The cost of the CPCE is currently $50 per student, but is subject to change. When a student is cleared to take the CPCE a letter with instructions will be ed to him/her, including the current cost of the exam. Students have a maximum of four hours in which to take the exam. The passing score will be determined by the national mean for each administration of the exam. The exception to this policy is students enrolled in a second 30 hour counseling master s degree program. The policy for 30 hour second counseling master s degree programs in outlined separately later in this manual. Students who fail the CPCE may apply to retake the exam the following academic semester (fall or spring). Students who fail the exam twice will have their program terminated. Application for Taking the Comprehensive Examination. Permission to take the examination must be obtained from your advisor, who reviews your program before approving the request. Note: You must submit your application to for taking the Comprehensive Examination to your advisor by the end of the semester prior to taking the exam. The application for taking the Comprehensive Examination is located in the appendix of this manual. Primary Reasons for Termination 1. Five years are allowed to complete the M.A. from the date of admission; the Graduate School terminates programs that have exceeded this time limit. 2. Programs may be terminated by request of the program faculty when evidence of unethical or unprofessional behavior on the part of a student has been established. Please see the attached Review and Retention Policy. 3. A student s program may be terminated if, in the professional judgment of the faculty, the student is incapable of providing high quality therapeutic services to clients.

13 4. Grade point averages are required to be a 3.0 (B average). When the GPA drops below this point, the student is warned and given a specific time limit for raising his or her average. If this is not done, the Graduate School will terminate the program. Note: Students have the right to due process. See Grievance Procedures in this handbook. Graduation. Students must submit an Application for Graduation (available at the semester prior to graduating. The program is checked by the faculty advisor and approved for graduation, or conditions are stated which would qualify the student for graduation. The application for graduation is then filed with the Graduate School, where the final graduation check is made. Formal application for graduation must be filed with the Graduate School at least 45 calendar days before the end of the semester preceding the semester that a student plans to graduate. Attendance at a graduation ceremony and rental of a cap and gown are optional. The student s name is listed in the commencement program. Continuous Enrollment Policy. All graduate students must be enrolled for at least 1 credit hour each academic semester (fall and spring). Students register continuously from the time they first enroll in their graduate degree program until the semester or term in which they graduate. Students must also register for at least 3 semester hours the semester in which they take the Comprehensive Examination and the semester (or summer term) in which they graduate. Exceptions to the continuous enrollment policy must be approved by your advisor and by the graduate school. The form for requesting an exception can be found at SUMMARY OF STEPS IN THE PROGRAM The Professional Counseling Programs and the Extended Studies Program utilizes a listserv to provide changes in class times/dates, and other important information. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUBSCRIBING TO both the Love2Learn and Denver or Colorado Springs Listservs. 1. Sign up for the Denver or Colorado Springs listserv by following these steps: The Love2Learn listserv is a message system that is used to communicate the availability of syllabi, additions to the schedule and other general issues for all programs. The listserv is a great way to keep abreast of important information about your program! To subscribe: Send a message to: listserv@listserv.unco.edu Leave the subject line blank In the body of the message type: subscribe love2learn Remove your signature if you are using one Send the message You will receive a welcome message. Print and keep this message. You should also join the Clinical and School Counseling listserv which provides specific information about issues concerning Clinical and School Counseling program such as comprehensive exam dates, changes in the program, etc. To subscribe to the CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING and SCHOOL COUNSELING, DENVER/LOWRY LISTSERV: Send a message to: listserv@listsev.unco.edu Leave the subject line blank

14 In the body of the message type: subscribe COUNSELD Remove your signature if you are using one Send the message To subscribe to the CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING and SCHOOL COUNSELING, COLORADO SPRINGS LISTSERV: Send a message to: listserv@listserv.unco.edu Leave the subject line blank In the body of the message type: subscribe COUNSELCS Remove your signature if you are using one Send the message You will receive a welcome message, print and keep this message. Additional information about this listserv is located on the last page of the schedule. 2. Develop a plan of study with your Advisor. 3. Determine what, if any, courses you would like to be reviewed for request to transfer into your degree program at UNC. Review the guidelines for transfer, and speak with your advisor prior to submitting this request to the Academic Program Coordinator. 4. Send Gloria Sedillos an indicating which semester you would like to take APCE 612 Practicum, APCE 662 or APCE 606 and APCE File the Application to take the Comprehensive Examination with your advisor the term before you plan to take the examination. 6. Read and follow all procedures in this manual, as well as the Practicum II and Internship Manuals. 7. File an Application for Graduation with the Graduate School the term prior to the term you plan to graduate. 8. We encourage you to attend graduation in Greeley and celebrate. General Information Review of Students. The Professional Counseling program faculty members systematically review the progress of each student each semester. Discussions focus on issues related to academic performance, professional maturity, judgment, emotional stability, sensitivity to others, self-awareness, and other characteristics that affect each student s ability to be an effective counselor. Exemplary performance is recognized as are areas of deficiency. Ethical Behavior. Students are expected to demonstrate the highest level of ethical behavior, as set forth by the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). Unethical behavior will not be tolerated and will be considered cause for dismissal at any time during the student s program. Colorado Legal Regulation of the Practice of Psychotherapy. The practice of psychotherapy by licensed and unlicensed psychotherapists is regulated by Colorado State Statute. All students are expected to know and abide by the stipulations set forth in the regulations. As with unethical behavior, illegal behavior will not be tolerated and will be considered cause for dismissal at any time during the student s program. Letters of Recommendation/Endorsement Policy. During your program, it is likely that you will need letters of recommendation from faculty for such things as scholarships, fellowships, internships, or employment. Faculty members receive numerous requests for such letters and need a minimum of a two-week turnaround time. Faculty are under no obligation to write a letter that you need immediately. Please note that faculty will not recommend a student for a position in which he or she is not qualified and will follow the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics (2005) regarding the endorsement of supervisees.

15 Placement, Certification, and Licensure. Upon successful completion of the program, and if requested, the program coordinator will recommend students for professional placement, certification, and/or licensure. Program faculty are not obligated to provide recommendation letters, and no recommendations will be given for positions, certifications, or licensure for which the student is not qualified by training. Keeping Records for your Protection. For your protection, you should keep a copy of all forms concerning your degree program. Such forms include the plan of study, directed study agreements, transfer of credit requests, syllabi from all courses, internship and practicum records, application for the Comprehensive Examination, application for graduation, etc. Financial Aid. Financial aid is awarded to assist students and parents to meet college costs such as tuition, fees, books, food, housing, and transportation. The Office of Student Financial Resources may have available several types of state and federal aid including grants, loans, employment, scholarships, and Veteran s benefits. For more information, contact the Office of Student Financial Resources. Grievance Procedures. Grievance procedures are specifically given in the UNC Student Handbook that is available through the Dean of Students Office and online at Double Majors: School and Clinical Mental Health Counseling For students wishing to double major in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling, the following are required: I. If not originally admitted as a double major, request permission to add an additional program area from Professional Counseling Coordinator II. Upon approval of the Professional Counseling faculty, work closely with assigned advisor and file a Change of Major form with the Graduate School to add the second major. III. Complete all course requirements for both programs IV. Complete internship requirements for both programs Policy for Second Degree Option for Program Graduates. For graduates (within the last five years) who wish to return to complete requirements of an additional program the following are required: 1. Complete program application materials. 2. Submit application materials prior to the deadline. 3. Attend admissions workshop (unless waived by Professional Counseling faculty members). 4. Upon acceptance, an Advisor will be appointed. 5. The student and Advisor will design a proposed 30-hour degree program that includes all current program requirements and appropriate electives. 6. The Advisor will submit the proposal to the Professional Counseling faculty for approval. 7. The student will adhere to all stipulations and follow the program of study identified and approved by the faculty. Clinical Mental Health Counseling to School: Sequence of courses for persons seeking a 30-hour master s degree in school counseling may be selected from the following (*required): *APCE 602 *APCE 606 *APCE 608

16 *APCE 614 (6 hours contact hours) APCE 612 (determined by Professional Counseling faculty) APCE 660 (If not taken previously) APCE 657 (possibly Directed Study) APCE 616 (possibly Directed Study) APCE 667 APCE 609 Plus successful completion of CPCE (if not previously taken). Variations must be approved by the program faculty, upon proposal of the Advisor. School to Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Sequence of courses for persons seeking a 30-hour master s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling may be selected from the following (*required): *APCE 650 *APCE 692 (6 hours contact hours) APCE 612 (determined by Professional Counseling faculty) APCE 616 APCE 657 APCE 665 APCE 660 (if not taken previously) Suggested additional classes to yield 30 credit hours: Foundations of Play Therapy Practicum in Play Therapy Psychopharmacology Student Learning Outcomes and Bi-Annual Review Process for Second Master s Program Students. Because the second master s program is only open to UNC students who have graduated in the last five years, students Student Learning Outcomes and Bi-Annual Review Process are tailored to assess counselor development in the added specialty area. Additionally, students are expected to engage in the faculty review process for each class. Semester 1: 1. A professional development goals statement for their program. Be specific about what you hope to achieve through your program and how this fits with your career aspirations. This statement should be 1 page single-spaced. 2. Include a brief rationale (no more than 1 page) for the coursework selected. Semester 2: 3. Reflect (1 page single-spaced) on how this coursework has helped you meet your professional development goals. Identify a minimum of three areas that are still opportunities for growth, and indicate a minimum of one way per area that you can further develop to meet your goals (this can include development opportunities above and beyond your degree program). Practica/Internship Semesters: 4. Complete all professional practice forms located in the Student Learning Outcomes Manual. The Comprehensive Exam for Second Master s Program Students. Students enrolled in the 30-hour second master s degree program will develop and submit a portfolio instead of completing the Comprehensive Examination. This portfolio will include copies of all items from the Student Learning Outcomes/Bi-Annual Review Process (except the faculty assessment forms) and the items listed

17 additionally below. The portfolio is due to the Program Coordinator on the date of the Comprehensive Examinations during the last semester of student s program. The portfolio should include the following: 1. Five work samples that provide evidence of meeting goals. 2. Disclosure Statement consistent with DORA standards (for Clinical Mental Health Counseling and CFT students only) or 1-2 page (single-spaced) statement of philosophy of school counseling (for school counseling students). 3. Reflection statement evaluating your progress toward your goals. 4. Professional development plan post-graduation. Portfolios will be evaluated by two members of the Professional Counseling faculty. Students will receive feedback of high pass/pass/low pass/or fail for each component of the portfolio. A passing score for comps means that all aspects were low pass or above and three of the four requirements were scored as pass of high pass. In the case of disagreement between reviewers, the Program Coordinator will review the portfolio. NOTE: Returning students who wish to obtain additional coursework (second degree) specifically to meet credentialing requirements are responsible for working with the appropriate credentialing body to determine if the degree programs available are suitable.

18 Planning Guide for M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Course Number SRM 600 PSY 530 Title Prerequisite Date Taken Introduction to Graduate Research Lifespan Developmental Psychology Other Notation APCE 558 APCE 603 Diagnosis & Treatment Planning Understanding Children, Adolescents and Their Systems -APCE 602 or APCE 650 -corequisite APCE 607 -APCE 607 APCE 605 Group Laboratory Experience -corequisite APCE 606 or APCE 662 -consent of coordinator APCE 607 APCE 612 APCE 616 APCE 619 APCE 623 APCE 624 APCE 650 Theories of Counseling Practicum in Individual Counseling Career Theory, Counseling, and Assessment Practicum in Individual Counseling II Understanding and Counseling Diverse Populations Assessment and Treatment of Substance Abuse Orientation to Community Counseling -APCE 558, APCE 607, APCE 602 or APCE 650, and PSY 530 -corequisite APCE 657 -consent of coordinator -APCE 612, APCE 662 or APCE 606 -corequisites APCE 616 and APCE 673 -Clinical Mental Health Counseling Child or Adolescent placements: additional prerequisite of APCE 603 -Consent of Instructor -Note prerequisites for APCE 692 as well, as this course is designed to immediately follow APCE 619

19 APCE 657 APCE 660 APCE 661 APCE 662 APCE 665 APCE 673 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Counseling and Psychology Psychological Consultation: Theory and Practice Psychological Trauma & Intervention for Individuals, Families & Communities Group Dynamics and Facilitation Family Systems Appraisal and Assessment in Counseling -APCE 607 -APCE 558, APCE 607 and APCE 657 -APCE 607 -corequisite APCE 605 -Recommended prerequisite SRM 600 APCE 692 Counseling Internship (take 6 hours) -consent of coordinator -refer to Internship handbook for list of prerequisite courses

20 Course Number SRM 600 PSY 530 Planning Guide for M.A. in School Counseling (K-12) Title Prerequisite Date Taken Introduction to Graduate Research Lifespan Developmental Psychology Other Notation APCE 558 APCE 602 APCE 603 APCE 606 Diagnosis & Treatment Planning Foundations of School Counseling Understanding Children, Adolescents and Their Systems Theories and Practices in Group Guidance -APCE 602 or APCE 650 -corequisite APCE 607 -offered only in the fall semester -APCE 607 -APCE 602 and APCE 607 -corequisite APCE 605 APCE 605 Group Laboratory Experience -corequisite APCE 606 or APCE 662 -consent of coordinator APCE 607 APCE 608 APCE 612 APCE 616 APCE 619 Theories of Counseling Organization, Administration and Evaluation of School Counseling Programs Practicum in Individual Counseling Career Theory, Counseling, and Assessment Practicum in Individual Counseling II -APCE 602 -offered only in spring semester -APCE 558, APCE 607, APCE 602 or APCE 650, and PSY 530 -corequisite APCE 657 -consent of coordinator -APCE 612, APCE 662 or APCE 606 -corequisites APCE 616 and APCE 673 -School Counseling additional prerequisites APCE 603 and APCE 608 -Clinical Mental Health Counseling Child or Adolescent placements additional prerequisite APCE 603 APCE 614 Internship in School -APCE 608, APCE 612