DOCTORAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY Department of Graduate Psychology CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY DOCTORAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

2 Table Of Contents INTRODUCTION & PREFACE PROGRAM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS...5 Bachelor s Degree Graduate Record Examination Other Material Graduate Credit Waivers Participation in On-Campus Program Delayed Entry Reapplication to Program Community Expectations and Behavioral Standards at SPU P R O G R A M R E Q U I R E M E N T S & S E Q U E N C E OF STUDY...7 Program Requirements Masters of Arts Degree (en route to the Ph.D.) Comprehensive Examination Students who entered prior to 2005: Students entering in Autumn 2005, and all cohorts following: Doctoral Candidacy Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program Completion COURSE SEQUENCE...11 COURSEWORK POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Course Registration Class Attendance Passing Coursework Grades Department of Graduate Psychology Grading Rubric Grade Point Average Standards Incomplete Coursework Incomplete Coursework (section continued) Academic Integrity GRADUATION...16 Applying for the Master s and Doctoral Degree Participating in the University-Wide Spring Graduation Ceremony Masters Degree Students Doctoral Degree Students COMMUNICATION AND ADVISEMENT...17 Communication to Students via Blackboard Student Advisement Procedures for Changing Advisor (pre-dissertation) Professional Memberships Access to Software UNIVERISTY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES...20 Introduction Harassment Statement of Non-Discrimination Students with Disabilities Emergency Plan Information PETITIONS AND ACADEMIC APPEALS...21 Petitions Procedures for Consideration of Petitions Academic Appeals and Student Grievances ANNUAL STUDENT EVALUATIONS...22 Dismissal from the Program ACADEMIC STANDING...14 Quarterly Credits Leave of Absence Part-Time Status Academic Status Academic Probation TABLE OF CONTENTS Seattle Pacific University 2

3 Introduction and Preface The Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program at Seattle Pacific University (SPU) distinguishes itself by emphasizing both scientific research and clinical practice in the context of a Christian university. We equip students to achieve excellence in academic and clinical work while preparing for careers in clinical psychology. Our 204-quarter-credit Clinical Psychology program is a full-time, five-year, integrated and organized sequence of studies and practice experiences based on a Local Clinical Scientist (LCS) training model. This doctoral program is housed in the Department of Graduate Psychology (DGP), which is within the School of Psychology, Family, and Community (SPFC) at Seattle Pacific. Other Departments within SPFC are: Psychology (Undergraduate), Marriage and Family Therapy, and Organizational Psychology. The clinical psychology doctoral faculty scholars and licensed clinicians value learning and faith, science and practice. Many continue to serve patients and clients professionally, modeling the discipline of careful objective study along with the devotion of compassionate service. Theoretical orientations of the faculty include expertise in cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, interpersonal, family systems, and humanistic approaches. Moreover, the faculty are committed to integration; between psychotherapeutic orientations; between academic and clinical work; between Christian values and professional ethics. Our Ph.D. program provides training in professional psychology in accordance with the Local Clinical Scientist (LCS) model of doctoral education. Described in the article The local clinical scientist: a bridge between science and practice (American Psychologist, Stricker & Trierweiler, 1995), the Local Clinical Scientist model extends the scientific and professional ideals in the original Boulder Scientist-Practitioner model of clinical psychology (Raimy, 1950). Our Clinical Psychology program encompasses broad scientific concepts while integrating the art of clinical practice. We have adopted the core competencies outlined by the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP), and we follow APA Guidelines and Principles for Accreditation of Programs in Professional Psychology. Although we are not currently APA-accredited, our curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensing psychologists in the state of Washington and many other states. Furthermore, the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Seattle Pacific University meets the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards/National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology Guidelines for Defining Doctoral Degree in Psychology. Therefore, graduates of this program who decide to apply for licensing as a psychologist typically will meet the educational requirements for licensing in the United States and Canada. However, in each jurisdiction there are additional requirements that must be satisfied. For exact information, clinical psychology applicants, current students, and graduates should contact the state or provincial licensing board in the jurisdiction in which they plan to apply. This Handbook is provided for students enrolled in the Ph.D. program specializing in clinical psychology. It is intended to serve as a primary source of information to assist students in successfully planning their Seattle Pacific University 3

4 doctoral course work and meeting all requirements leading to the completion of their doctoral degree. Students consult the Handbook whenever they have questions about specific degree requirements or need information about academic procedures. Note this student handbook has two formal appendices, published separately, our Clinical Training Guidelines and our Dissertation and Research Guidelines. In addition, the DGP Blackboard Web site contains course syllabi and important departmental forms, available 24/7 in their most current versions. The Banner web site, a proprietary internal SPU web site, contains the most current information on all university course offerings. Other university publications such as the Time Schedule and the University Graduate Catalog are important supplements to the general information included in this Handbook. Seattle Pacific University 4

5 Program Entry Requirements BACHELOR S DEGREE Successful applicants should hold a bachelor s degree from a regionally accredited college or university; an undergraduate major in psychology is preferred. A minimum of six (6) courses in psychology (including subjects such as introductory/general psychology, abnormal, developmental, experimental, physiological, social, statistics, tests and measurements, learning theory, motivation, history and systems, and personality) are typically required for a successful application to our doctoral program. Verification of the attainment of the bachelor s degree must be received prior to the first quarter enrollment for all students accepted GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATION In addition to a bachelor s or masters degree in psychology, applicants are required to submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The average scores for students entering the program are 521 for the verbal section and 593 for the quantitative section, which reflect our preference for a combined GRE of 1100 or better. Scores must be less than five years old to be considered for application to the program. OTHER MATERIAL Students will also submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Please see the Clinical Psychology Brochure or website at for more information on application requirements of our doctor program. GRADUATE CREDIT WAIVERS Students who have completed graduate work in psychology or related disciplines may petition to waive up to 20 1 quarter credits of classes that are equivalent to classes offered in our program, based on the judgment of our clinical faculty, Academic Affairs committee, and the DGP chair. In order to be considered for waiver, prior coursework must have been taken within five years of admission and passed with grades of B or better. 2 Students must submit a petition 3 and syllabi for courses to the DGP chair who will work with the appropriate DGP faculty to evaluate the petition. Such petitions should be submitted as soon after admission as possible, preferably in the new doctoral student s first quarter of study. The department is unlikely to grant any petition for course waiver after a student s first year in our program. PARTICIPATION IN ON-CAMPUS PROGRAM The Ph.D. program at SPU is a full-time program housed on campus at SPU. It includes required research and clinical training beyond the scheduled coursework. Students are not accepted into the program on a part-time basis. Given the full-time nature of the program, students are discouraged from undertaking 1 Students may be able to transfer up to 20 credits; but usually the number of approved transfer credits is much less. 2 Students who wish to waive CPY 7020 Introduction to Statistics must also pass an equivalency exam, and petition. 3 The appropriate petitions, and all other forms, are available to our students on our intranet blackboard web site. Seattle Pacific University 5

6 employment while enrolled in the program and faculty expect that students will be available to participate in clinical training and research activities outside of scheduled classes. DELAYED ENTRY The Department of Graduate Psychology does not grant delayed entry for admission. Students who are accepted into our Ph.D. program, but wish to delay entry, may re-apply for admission the following year. However, reapplication by a successful applicant (this year) does not guarantee admission the next year. REAPPLICATION TO PROGRAM Students who leave the program in good standing may reapply for admission to the program. Students who re-apply to the program will need to complete a new program application 4 and will be assessed for admission with other applicants, for that year, so that past admission will not guarantee readmission. COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS & BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS AT SPU As a Christian College, historically Wesleyan and under the auspices of the Free Methodist Church, SPU requires its applicants to acknowledge the religious character of SPU and agree to respect and abide by community expectations regarding conduct while on campus. The following is the text of the community agreement that all SPU graduate students sign. Seattle Pacific is an academic, social, and religious community with expectations that serve as guidelines for membership in the community. These expectations include a standard of personal health, moral integrity, social consciousness, and effective Christian witness. In order to encourage individual behavior guided by these standards, all graduate students are required to abstain from alcohol, drugs and tobacco, and illegal, immoral, or disruptive activities while on campus or while involved in University-related activities. Note that effective Christian witness does not mean all students must believe or endorse the Christian faith; but rather, all students are expected to behave in ways that support a Christian lifestyle as defined by this university; i.e., the behavioral standards specified in the paragraph above. 4 Students who reapply for admission need to submit GRE scores that are not more than five years old. Seattle Pacific University 6

7 Program Requirements & Sequence Of Study PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS The doctoral program is full-time and functions on a four-quarter system that stretches over 11 months 5. It is a five-year curriculum comprising experiences that are sequential, cumulative, graded in complexity, and designed to prepare students as competent psychologists who can succeed in academic as well as clinical settings. During Year 4, students participate in a sequence of cognate sub-specialty courses in either health psychology, family psychology, or organizational psychology, in our Clinical Psychology program of study. Students identify their cognate preferences, and most students have obtained their first choice cognate sequence; but the availability of cognate offers may vary year-to-year depending upon student interests overall (e.g., enough students to fill each course) as well as faculty teaching loads and other departmental factors. CLINICAL TRAINING The 204 academic quarter credits required in our Ph.D. program, include 16 credits of practica 6 and 16 credits of internship. Students must complete two part-time year-long clinical practicum placements in regional medical or mental health facilities; one during the third year, and one during the fourth year in our program. Additionally, like all other doctoral programs in clinical psychology nationwide, we required our students to apply for and obtain a one-year full-time (2,000 hour) clinical psychology internship. 7 Additional details about our clinical training requirements, along with specific policies and procedures related to practicum and internship placements, are clarified in a separate appendix: Clinical Training Guidelines, published by our Department and also available online. DISSERTATION RESEARCH Students also complete a scholarly empirically-based dissertation at SPU, during Years 3 and 4 in our five-year Ph.D. program. Thus, within the total 204 credits, 32 credits are for the dissertation 8. Even in Years 1 and 2, our students participate and assist in the Research Vertical Teams (RVT) of their faculty advisors and at the same time are exploring their own research ideas. Typically this leads to an acceptable dissertation topic, which is fully developed and submitted for approval before the end of Year 3. Then the dissertation study is run and completed, ideally, in Year 4. Thus we aim for our students to finish all their dissertation requirements, as well as coursework, before they leave for the clinical internship year. 5 The program breaks over the month of August. 6 This does not include the clinical foundations and pre-practicum classes offered in Year 1 and 2. 7 Internship placements are usually outside of the Puget Sound Area. Students are encouraged to apply for internships outside of Washington State. See Clinical Guidelines for more information 8 Students entering before 2002 should consult their program plan for number and sequence of dissertation credits Seattle Pacific University 7

8 Additional details about our dissertation requirements, along with specific policies and procedures related to student research and dissertations are clarified in a separate appendix: Research & Dissertation Guidelines, published by our Department and also available online. MASTERS OF ARTS DEGREE (en route to the Ph.D.) Students are awarded a Master of Arts Degree after successfully completing the first 77 credits of the program, typically by the end of spring quarter in Year 2. This degree recognizes that students have met a major milestone in their doctoral training in mastering the foundations of psychological science. This M.A. degree is not a separate terminal masters program, but instead is only offered en route to the Ph.D. COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION Students who entered prior to 2005: The comprehensive examination has been the Advanced Subject Test Psychology of the Graduate Record Examination (P-GRE). Criterion for passing is a raw score of Students may submit a passing-level P-GRE score that was obtained previously, but no earlier than five years prior to entrance in our graduate program. Typically, if the P-GRE wasn t taken previously, our students are expected to take and pass the P-GRE during Year 2. Note the student assumes responsibility to ensure the Educational Testing Services (ETS) send the score to us at SPU. Students who do not pass the P-GRE with a score of 610 by the end of Autumn Quarter Year 3 will be placed on academic probation, and must pass by the end of their third year here, or will be at risk for dismissal from the program. Students entering in Autumn 2005, and all cohorts following: The program requires that all students pass an oral comprehensive exam, typically administered by members of our department faculty during Year 3. Students must successfully complete all previous course requirements, finish any incomplete coursework, and have demonstrated good progress in their first (of two) clinical practicum placements, before entrance to this oral exam. Our oral comprehensive exam is based on national competencies for clinical psychology (adopted from the National Council of Schools in Professional Psychology; NCSPP) and the particular foundations of our doctoral program at SPU. Listed below are the Competencies which our doctoral program has formally adopted, as well as the Foundations that are particular to our own Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Seattle Pacific University. NCSPP Competencies Relationships Psychological Assessment Psychological Intervention Research and Evaluation Consultation and Education Management and Supervision Diversity CPY Program Foundations Local Clinical Scientist (LCS) Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual (BPSS) Service, mission for others (ethics) Diversity is approximately the score at the 75 th percentile Seattle Pacific University 8

9 Note: With only one exception (diversity), these really cannot be seen as parallel concepts (as above). Indeed our Local Clinical Scientist (LCS) and Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual (BPSS models, as well as our commitment to Diversity and Service, explicitly cut across all the NCPSS competencies, as shown below: LCS BPSS Diversity Service, ethics NCSPP: Relationships Psychological Assessment Psychological Intervention Research and Evaluation Consultation and Education Management and Supervision Advocacy Summary: Our students should understand our particular program foundations (models) and attain the skills outlined in NCSPP competencies. Further, our students should also be able to integrate these conceptually (for the oral comprehensive exam) and in professional practices. Thus, in addition to understanding and mastering the NCSPP competencies, and our program foundational ideals, students must also be prepared to discuss and demonstrate their intersections as represented in the matrix above. DOCTORAL CANDIDACY Students are considered for advancement to doctoral candidacy in our program after the completion of: the M.A. en route all other required doctoral coursework, prior to the sub-specialty cognate one (of the two required) clinical practicum placements an approved dissertation proposal the oral comprehensive exam. This advanced standing is an indication that students have demonstrated the skills we deem necessary to conduct independent research and to assume more advanced levels of supervised clinical practicum. However, doctoral candidacy is not any type of certificate, graduate degree, or partial degree; therefore Seattle Pacific University 9

10 students should not use terms such as PhC or the title Doctoral Candidate to indicate or imply they have obtained a formal certification or degree. Doctoral Candidacy must be achieved before students apply to internships, before they are allowed to defend their final dissertations. DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE Students are awarded the Doctor of Philosophy degree after the successful completion of all Ph.D. coursework (including the M.A. above), passing comprehensive exam, completing both practicum placements (each one-year long), completing a clinical psychology internship (one year, full-time) at an approved internship site in the United States or (possibly) Canada, and after the successful final defense of their dissertation. Note there are also other administrative requirements, such as a clear account balance, which the university requires before the degree can be awarded. PROGRAM COMPLETION Our Ph.D. program is designed to be completed in five full-time years. Courses should be taken in the recommended sequence, with particular attention to prerequisites of sequential subjects. All students must complete the doctoral degree within seven years from their first matriculation. But, in extraordinary circumstances, students may petition for additional time in order to complete the doctoral program. However, the department faculty will rarely grant approval beyond seven years. Seattle Pacific University 10

11 Course Sequence YEAR 1 FALL CPY 7200 Personality Theory and Research 5 CPY 7400 Ethics and Laws in Clinical Psychology 5 CPY 7927 Clinical Foundations I 2 WINTER CPY 7101 Neural Basis of Behavior I 5 CPY 7210 Developmental Psychology 5 CPY 7928 Clinical Foundations II 2 SPRING CPY 7102 Neural Basis of Behavior II 5 CPY 7230 Cognition and Learning 5 YEAR 2 SUMMER CPY 7020 Introduction to Statistics 5 CPY 7220 Psychopathology 5 CPY 7995 Dissertation 2 FALL CPY 7031 Research Methods and Statistics I 5 CPY 7310 Psychological Interventions I: Cognitive Behavioral Therapies 5 CPY 7004 Faith, Meaning, and Professional Foundations (FMPF): Epistemology 1 CPY 7995 Dissertation 2 WINTER CPY 7032 Research Methods and Statistics II 5 CPY 7315 Psychological Interventions II: Psychodynamic Therapies 5 CPY 7001 FMPF: Personhood 1 CPY 7995 Dissertation 2 SPRING CPY 7300 Methods of Psychological Assessment: Intelligence & Achievement 5 CPY 7002 FMPF: Development 1 CPY7929 Pre-Practicum 2 CPY 7995 Dissertation 2 YEAR 3 SUMMER CPY 7240 Social Psychology 5 CPY 7330 Methods of Psychological Assessment: Personality and Psychopathology 5 CPY 7003 FMPF: Dysfunction 1 CPY 7930 Practicum 2 CPY 7995 Dissertation 2 FALL CPY 7316 Psychological Interventions III: Family and Child Therapies 5 CPY 7201 Addictive Behavior 4 CPY 7930 Practicum 2 CPY 7995 Dissertation 2 WINTER CPY 7000 History and Systems of Psychology 5 CPY 7130 Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy 5 CPY 7930 Practicum 2 CPY 7995 Dissertation 2 SPRING CPY 7010 Psychometric Theory and Test Construct 5 CPY 7411 Group Therapy 4 CPY 7930 Practicum 2 CPY 7995 Dissertation 2 CPY 7033 Research Methods and Statistics III 5 Seattle Pacific University 11

12 YEAR 4 SUMMER CPY 7110 Psychopharmacology 5 CPY 7280 Diversity & Cultural Issues 5 CPY 7931 Advanced practicum 2 CPY 7995 Dissertation 4 FALL CPY 7931 Advanced practicum 2 CPY **** Cognate Course 4 CPY 7995 Dissertation 2 WINTER CPY 7931 Advanced practicum 2 CPY **** Cognate Course 4 CPY 7995 Dissertation 4 SPRING CPY 7931 Advanced practicum 2 CPY **** Cognate Course 4 CPY 7995 Dissertation 4 YEAR 5 CPY 7940 Internship (4 each quarter) 12 TOTAL UNITS 204 As outlined in this plan, students are required to register for a minimum of 32 dissertation units (preferably before internship). Seattle Pacific University 12

13 Coursework Policies and Procedures COURSE REGISTRATION Students register and pay for courses through the University Banner web site. In addition to course information, Banner provides online transcript and account information and automatically generates student billing. CLASS ATTENDANCE Attendance and class participation are very important to develop the competency and skills of a clinical psychologist. We strongly encourage students to be present at each course session. In certain courses where live participation is intrinsic to the learning experience, or whenever faculty deem attendance as vital to learning, then class attendance (and active participation) may be used as a grading component [and typically this will be indicated in the course syllabus]. In the event of a missed class session, the student is solely responsible for obtaining class materials. If a students expect to miss any class due to professional or program related activities (e.g. conferences or practicum and internship interviews), they should discuss it with their Instructor so that he or she can determine reasonable accommodation. A pattern of excessive absences may result in faculty review and possible dismissal from the program. 10 PASSING COURSEWORK GRADES The minimum passing grade for coursework is B-. Grades of C+ or lower will not count toward a graduate degree but are included in a student s cumulative GPA. Failed required courses must be retaken the next time the course is offered within the department and passed with a minimum of B- in order to graduate. Students who do not pass a course during their second enrollment will be dismissed from the program. DEPARTMENT OF GRADUATE PSYCHOLOGY GRADING RUBRIC A C D A C 59 & Up E B C B D B D GRADE POINT AVERAGE STANDARDS Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) in order to remain in good standing throughout the entire doctoral program. When cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, a student is automatically 10 See Section on Academic Standing and Student Evaluation for other criteria that may lead to student dismissal. Seattle Pacific University 13

14 placed on Academic Probation and will receive a written remediation plan from his/her faculty advisor. Typically students must raise their GPA above 3.0 within the following quarter to continue in the program. INCOMPLETE COURSEWORK A student who has already completed at least 50% of a course requirement may request an incomplete grade from his or her Instructor if he or she is unable to complete course requirements by the end of the quarter given unexpected personal need. The student must request an incomplete grade before the end of finals week. The instructor is under no obligation to grant an incomplete. Once the student receives a verbal agreement from the Instructor, he or she should download the Request for Incomplete form from Blackboard and fill it out with the instructor who will assign an I grade. Usually, instructors require students to complete coursework by the end of the following quarter. Note that instructors may also require additional course requirements (beyond those listed in the syllabus) when deemed appropriate in order to make-up the incomplete work and finish the course. If a student does not complete course requirements by the time grades are due in the following quarter, the instructor will grade the student based upon the work completed. Once this grade has been submitted it cannot be changed, except by petition as outlined in the University Graduate Catalog under Academic Appeals Process and Procedures. If the course is not completed and the new grade given within a year, the University may automatically convert the grade to E (failing grade). Taking an incomplete may affect a student s standing in the program. See academic standing below. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Students agree to follow university standards of academic behavior as described in the most recent SPU Graduate Catalog and Department of Graduate Psychology Student Handbook. All Graduate Psychology students are also expected to follow the professional guidelines as described in the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Students who breach their academic integrity (e.g., any form of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, falsifying information, or cheating) or who violate other ethical principles or codes of conduct in their academic work or behavioral interactions with others, will be subject to negative consequences that may include a grade reduction, a course failure, clinical and/or academic probation, dismissal from the Ph.D. program and/or expulsion from the university. The library has provided an excellent set of resources about plagiarism. Students can refer them to these resources at depts/library/general_reference/r_plagiarism_students.htm. Also refer to the APA style manual for more information on the nature of plagiarism. Seattle Pacific University 14

15 Academic Standing QUARTERLY CREDITS Students must register for course credit each quarter to maintain active standing within the department. LEAVE OF ABSENCE Students may petition for a one-year leave of absence, with approval, for their personal or family needs. Because a leave of absence leads to non-alignment with one s cohort, the department cannot guarantee that course offerings listed in their program plan will be available. Students who take a leave of absence are still expected to complete the program within the seven-year limit. PART-TIME STATUS Students may, if necessary, petition to attend on a part-time basis, typically dividing one full-time year into two part-time years. If the petition is accepted, students who desire to maintain part-time status must re-petition in the spring of each year if necessary. Since part-time status leads to a non-alignment with one s original cohort, the department can not guarantee that course offerings listed in their program plan will be available. Students who attend the program on a part-time status are still expected to complete the program within the seven year limit. ACADEMIC STATUS Enrollment status for graduate students within Seattle Pacific University is determined by the following: 6 or more credits / Full-time 4 5 credits / Three-quarters-time 3 credits / Half-time 1 2 credits / Quarter-time ACADEMIC PROBATION Students will be placed on academic probation at the beginning of any quarter, if in the previous quarter; 1. their GPA fell below 3.0; 2. they did not meet their contracted deadline to finish an incomplete grade; 3. they did not receive at least a B- in a course; or 4. they did not pass the COMPREHENSIVE EXAM by the end of Year 3. In addition, students who have recurring problems with any combination of class attendance, incomplete grades, course withdrawals and non-participation in their RVT may be considered for academic probation, remediation, or dismissal at any time during any academic year. Seattle Pacific University 15

16 Students will be notified in writing by their advisor of their change in status and given a written remediation plan. Typical remediation plans for relevant deficits include: 1. GPA must be raised to 3.0 by the completion of an additional 9 credits; 2. Students must receive a B- or higher in the same course the next time it is offered; 3. Student must complete any work associated with an incomplete in the next quarter. 4. Students will successfully pass their comprehensive exam the next time it is offered. Seattle Pacific University 16

17 Graduation APPLYING FOR THE MASTERS AND DOCTORAL DEGREE It is each student s responsibility to apply for graduation in a timely manner. 1. One quarter before anticipated graduation students must complete the Graduation Application form (found on Blackboard) and return it to the program coordinator The program coordinator conducts a review to ascertain that all requirements are met. 3. It will take 2-4 months from the time that the degree has been posted for you to receive the diploma. If you need confirmation that your degree has been posted for employment purposes, contact Student Academic Services at (206) The graduation clerk can provide a certified letter confirming your completion of the degree, or an official transcript. PARTICIPATING IN THE UNIVERSITY-WIDE SPRING GRADUATION CEREMONY Masters Degree Students Students who are conferred the Master of Arts degree are encouraged to participate in Spring Graduation Ceremonies. They must complete the Graduation Application Form found on Blackboard and return it to the DGP coordinator one quarter before graduation to be included in communication concerning graduation events and to appear in the commencement brochure. Doctoral Degree Students All students who complete their doctoral degree in Autumn or Winter Quarter, or expect to during Spring or Summer Quarter 12 of an academic year must complete the Graduation Application Form found on Blackboard and return it to the program coordinator by February 10 to be included in communication concerning graduation events and to appear in the commencement brochure. Students must complete all program requirements, except Internship, by May 1st in order to participate in graduation ceremonies. The program coordinator will instruct the Student Academic Services to remove students names from the graduation brochure if their requirements are not completed by this deadline. With regard to the graduation and the final dissertation defense; students should have: (a) their approved final defense of the dissertation before May 1, (b) by the end of spring quarter, student is on track to complete every other doctoral requirement, except (c) clinical internship may be completed by end of summer quarter. Students with internships that finish during spring [by June 30] will be June graduates; those whose internships finish in July or August are summer grads. 11 Refer to the Research and Dissertation Guidelines for additional graduation requirements pertaining to the dissertation. 12 Summer graduates may march in the June graduation ceremony if: 1) they defended their dissertation prior to June 1 st and plan to have revisions accepted and all other requirements completed before August 1 st, and 2) they have completed all requirements toward their degree except for their internship which will be completed by August 1 st. Seattle Pacific University 17

18 Communication and Advisement COMMUNICATION TO STUDENTS VIA Students are assigned SPU accounts when they register for their first quarter s classes. is a primary means for communicating information concerning coursework, advisement and for other university functions. Students are responsible for accessing information and other university communication via on a daily basis during the business week of every academic quarter. Student accounts are located at under Access Your NEW Account. If students wish to forward their SPU to other accounts, this process also is found at this site. SPU maintains the address for all students after graduation so students are welcome to continue using their SPU account. BLACKBOARD All students have access to the internal departmental website known as Blackboard. Departmental announcements, student handbooks, class syllabi, student handbooks, petitions and other forms are posted on Blackboard. STUDENT ADVISEMENT Student mentoring is a key element of doctoral training. Students should view their faculty advisors as their key program mentors. Students are matched with a faculty advisor when they are accepted into the program. All students should meet with their faculty advisor regularly, as part of their research team (RVT) and also individually as needed. The faculty advisor typically serve as a student s dissertation chairperson, usually beginning the summer of the second year and then until completion of the Ph.D. Students who have an SPFC dissertation chair who is not a member of the DGP faculty will be assigned a DGP faculty member as a departmental advisor. These students are encouraged to meet with their departmental faculty advisor regularly to ensure that they are up to date on all departmental policies. Whenever a student has a separate dissertation chair and faculty advisor, it falls to the student to meet regularly with both, and to keep both of these faculty mentors apprised of all aspects of their progress. Seattle Pacific University 18

19 PROCEDURES FOR CHANGING ADVISOR (pre-dissertation) During the first two years, students may change their advisor. Likewise a faculty member may request that a student work with another advisor. If this occurs, the student should contact their advisor to develop a transitional plan. To change advisors: 1. Complete the advisor change form found on Blackboard. 2. Discuss the change with your potential new advisor and secure his/her agreement and signature on the form. 3. Discuss the change with your current faculty advisor and secure his/her agreement and signature on the form. 4. Deliver the completed form to the program coordinator. See the Research and Dissertation Guidelines for the procedure to change dissertation chair or committee members. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS Students are encouraged to join and participate in psychology related professional organizations such as The American Psychological Association (APA). See for more information on joining APA as a student affiliate. Student memberships are available in most Divisions of APA such as Division 12 (Clinical Psychology), Division 30 (Health Psychology), Division 36 (Psychologists interested in Religious issues), Division 40 (Neuropsychology), Division 43 (Family Psychology), and Division 45 (Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues). Other noteworthy organizations include: Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS), the American Psychological Society (APS), the Western Psychological Association (WPA) and the Washington State Psychological Association (WSPA). REPRESENTING YOURSELF PROFESSIONALLY Until you complete all program requirements, paid all outstanding fees, and complete the quarter of your graduation date, do not represent yourself as a graduate of the doctoral program (nor begin counting postdoctoral hours). The following are not proper titles and should not be used after your name: ABD, PhC, or doctoral candidate. Rather, until your doctoral degree is conferred, students should represent themselve as SPU doctoral students on any work associated with SPU. Irrespective of any other current employment or other titles you may be allowed to use elsewhere, list your title as Doctoral Student on any letters or documentation in which you function in association with the this doctoral program at SPU. Additionally, students should consult directly with their faculty advisor (dissertation chairperson) about the appropriate listing of faculty supervisors on any written communication. ACCESS TO SOFTWARE Seattle Pacific University 19

20 Since SPU faculty and administration use Microsoft Office Software it is important that students also have access to it. Students can purchase a copy of Office for $10 through the Computer and Information Systems (CIS) Department located in lower Marston Watson Hall. Students also use SPSS, a statistical software package, for research and courses related to research and statistics. While this software is available on SPU computers in labs and the library, we recommend that students buy a personal copy which is available through the University bookstore or other retail outlets in the area. Seattle Pacific University 20

21 Univeristy Policies and Procedures INTRODUCTION In the administration of the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program, the Department of Graduate Psychology within the School of Psychology, Family, and Community at SPU adheres to policies and procedures that are consistent with 1) The APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct 13, 2) guidelines promulgated by the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States, and the American Association of University Professors, 3) the SPU Graduate Catalog and 4) all applicable state and federal laws. These guidelines are applicable to policies and procedures regarding academic admissions, degree requirements, appropriate administrative support, financial aid, student advising/mentoring, student performance evaluations and feedback, retention and termination decisions, grievance procedures and due process guidelines for students and faculty. HARASSMENT All schools and departments within SPU forbid sexual harassment, or any other form of harassment. Refer to Standards 3.02 and 3.03 of APA s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION It is the policy of SPU not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission and access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities, as required by section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended (to the extent applicable to the University), Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, as amended, Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and the Age Discrimination Act, as amended, and their implementing regulations. As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of the Free Methodist Church, SPU is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees or prospective employees on the basis of religion. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Students with disabilities may qualify for various academic accommodations. To check the details or to request specific accommodations, please contact Disabled Student Services in the SPU Center for Learning. After your eligibility has been determined, Disabled Student Services will send letters to all your instructors indicating the appropriate accommodations for the classroom based on your disability. Additionally, if special circumstances that are not disability related arise during the course of the quarter, students are invited to make any other special needs or requests known to the instructor and reasonable efforts will be made to address needs, questions, or concerns. 13 APA (2002). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. American Psychologist, 57, Seattle Pacific University 21

22 EMERGENCY PLAN INFORMATION The Stop, Think and Act guide to SPU emergency procedures is permanently affixed to the podium in each classroom. In case of emergency (earthquake, fire, medical, etc.) please follow faculty member instructions. Each class period, students will identify a classmate as a buddy in the event of an emergency. If evacuation of the classroom is necessary, the buddy system will help faculty account for students. In the case of an evacuation, wait for further instructions from the class instructor or from University emergency personnel. Petitions and Academic Appeals PETITIONS Students may formally petition for consideration of one or more exceptions to course work, academic or clinical training policies and practices of the University, the SPFC, or the DGP program. PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERATION OF PETITIONS 1. Complete the petition form found on Blackboard, provide supporting documentation and revised pro gram plan if appropriate. 2. Confirm with the program coordinator that the petition will not negatively disrupt the student s pro gram plan. The program coordinator must sign off on the revised program plan. Once this occurs deliver the petition to your advisor. 3. If the faculty advisor supports the petition she/he will sign it and pass it on to the appropriate DGP committee (AAC or CAC) to review in light of the department s policies and procedures. 4. After taking into consideration the rationale provided by student, advisor and DGP committee, the chair of the department will review the petition and render a final decision at which time it will become part of your permanent file. ACADEMIC APPEALS AND STUDENT GRIEVANCES The University provides a process whereby a student may appeal an academic decision, including, but not limited to, grades on course activities, evaluations, course grades, decisions on program admissions, and decisions on fulfillment of program and graduation requirements. In building collegiality, The University as well as the SPFC and DGP strongly encourage students to resolve informally any interpersonal conflicts with DGP members at the most immediate level. Generally, students should start with the SPU member with whom they have the grievance. If the grievance is not resolved at the most immediate level, the University asks that students follow a specific order for conflict resolution. These are 1) the DGP chair, 2) SPFC dean and finally 3) the vice president of Academic Affairs. See the SPU Graduate Catalog for more detail on the University appeals process. Seattle Pacific University 22

23 Annual Student Evaluations During the summer quarter of each academic year, the full-time core faculty in the Department of Graduate Psychology evaluate all students in order to consider their personal, professional and academic standing as they move through the program. faculty review students academic course work, interpersonal behaviors, clinical evaluations, research activity, research team (RVT) participation, and dissertation progress. 14 On the basis of these evaluations, students are advised they are either: (a) in good standing, (b) not in good standing, (c) on probation, or (d) dismissed from the program. Students receive an annual letter of such formal evaluation, and this letter becomes part of their student file. DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM The status of students who do not meet their academic or clinical probation remediation plans (as per policies and procedures in the Clinical Training Guidelines and/or Research and Dissertation Guidelines) may be dismissed from the program. Such decisions will be reviewed in consultation with the whole faculty, yet ultimately will be determined by the chair of the Department of Graduate Psychology. Students who violate major DGP, SPFC, University policies or procedures or the APA s ethical principles can be dismissed from the program without being first placed on probation. Students who have recurring problems with any combination of class attendance, incomplete grades, course withdrawals and/or poor participation in their RVT may be considered for probation, remediation, or dismissal at any time. 14 faculty advisors and Dissertation Chairpersons will consult with one another when two separate faculty assume these roles. Seattle Pacific University 23