Counselor Education and Supervision Program Doctoral Handbook

Transcription

1 The Department of Counseling Counselor Education and Supervision Program Doctoral Handbook MARRIAGE AND FAMILY COUNSELING/THERAPY EFFECTIVE: Spring 2010 i

2 FORWARD... 1 ACCREDITATION... 1 MISSION STATEMENT... 1 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY... 2 MINORITY RETENTION POLICY... 2 PROGRAM OBJECTIVE FOR DIVERSITY... 2 DIVERSITY BENCHMARKS... 3 PHILOSOPHY... 3 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES... 3 PROGRAM OBJECTIVES... 4 OUTCOMES... 5 CURRICULUM ORGANIZATION... 8 PROGRAM COURSE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (PCD)... 9 DOCTORAL PCD CLINICAL INSTRUCTION CLIENT CONTACT TERMS SUPERVISION TERMS RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS INTERNSHIP LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS TRANSFERRING WITHIN C.E.S LEAVE OF ABSENCE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE APPOINTMENT OF DOCTORAL ADVISOR TRANSFER OF CREDIT PH.D. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT DOCTORAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION THE WRITTEN EXAM ADVANCEMENT TO DOCTORAL CANDIDACY DISSERTATION ii

3 STUDENT REVIEW AND RETENTION PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE FITNESS EVALUATION ACADEMIC DISHONESTY ACADEMIC CRITERIA FOR RETENTION REVIEW PROCEDURES STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE ADMISSION CRITERA TIMELINE FOR FILING FORMS DOCTORAL PROGRAM CHECKLIST GENERAL INFORMATION POTENTIAL JOB SETTINGS iii

4 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY DOCTORAL PROGRAM Forward The Counselor Education and Supervision Doctoral Program is comprised of two tracks: Counselor Education and Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy. This doctoral handbook is provided as a guideline to aid students and provide information to interested individuals specific to the Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy track (MFT). The MFT Doctoral Program is clearly identified by course curriculum and clinical training as to its mission of educating and training students in the profession of marriage and family therapy. Please note that no handbook can be completely current, and any questions about current policies or procedures should be directed to an advisor in the program. While effort has been made to provide comprehensive material, the enclosed are only guidelines. Students must work closely with their assigned advisor. Completion of all graduation requirements, while a concern of the advisor, is ultimately the responsibility of the student. The Program Faculty hopes that your participation in this program will be stimulating and enjoyable. The excellence of this program is based upon students and faculty working together to become more knowledgeable, effective, and sensitive professionals. Student input is expected, welcomed, and appreciated. ACCREDITATION The University of Akron offers the MFT doctoral program in Counselor Education and Supervision through the College of Education for those students who hold a master s degree in counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychology, or a related field. This program has been conferred accreditation by Commission on Marriage and Family therapy Education (COAMFTE) the accrediting body for marriage and family therapy. The program has been conferred accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation (COPA). MISSION STATEMENTS The University of Akron: The University of Akron, a publicly assisted metropolitan institution, strives to develop enlightened members of society. It offers comprehensive programs of instruction from associate through doctoral levels; pursues a vigorous agenda research in the arts, sciences, and the professions; and provides service to the community. The University pursues excellence in undergraduate and graduate education and distinction in selected areas of graduate instruction, inquiry, and creative activity. College of Education: The University of Akron s College of Education is a community of professionals whose purpose is to provide leadership for community well-being through standard-setting programs that enhance teaching and learning and human development; research and inquiry; and outreach. We develop ourselves and others through continuous improvement and through a commitment to these core components of professional practice and scholarship: knowledge, technology, diversity, and ethics. Department of Counseling: The faculty have as its mission the goal of training students from Northeastern Ohio and the global community who display a respect for human dignity, exhibit a commitment to fulfillment of their individual potential, show an understanding of educational and counseling processes with knowledge in their specific field of endeavor, apply ethical and 1

5 competent behavior in the use of counseling skills, acquire and use knowledge of the roles and functions of others working in related fields, possess and display maturity in self-development, and who understand issues and trends in a multicultural and diverse society. MFC/T Program: The mission of the MFC/T Doctoral Program is to train students to become advanced practitioners, teachers/supervisors, and researchers in the field of marriage and family therapy. Training is based on a relational view of life in which an understanding and respect for diversity and non-discrimination are fundamentally addressed, practiced, and valued. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY It is the policy of The University of Akron that there shall be no discrimination against any individual because of age, color, creed, handicap, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. This nondiscrimination policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, employees, and applicants. The Department of Counseling strongly supports this policy. In addition, the Program actively recruits minority students, and makes every effort to retain these students via financial assistance. The MFC/T Program philosophy recognizes the uniqueness of students, and emphasizes the goal of helping ALL students realize their potential, taking into account ethnic and cultural trends, in order to provide a satisfying and usable education for all students. The faculty believes that the recruitment and development of culturally diverse Marriage and Family Counselor/Therapists is a professional responsibility, just as it is a professional responsibility to provide adequate and appropriate programs and services to a culturally diverse clientele. The MFC/T Program is, therefore, committed to recruiting, admitting, and retaining minority students. DEPARTMENT OF COUNSELING MINORITY RETENTION POLICY The Counselor Education and Supervision Doctoral Program faculty actively attempt to recruit students who broaden the cultural diversity of the Department. The Department of Counseling recognizes that to successfully prepare minority students for professional roles as marriage and family counselor educators and clinicians, it has a responsibility that extends beyond recruitment. The Department is committed to fostering minority student recruitment and retention over the breadth of its graduate programs. The Department seeks to achieve this goal by marshaling the human and financial resources necessary to facilitate this type of success. PROGRAM OBJECTIVE for DIVERSITY The program objective for diversity is to teach an awareness of and an appreciation for diverse backgrounds, ideas, beliefs, and people. This is done through knowledge, of particular groups and of power/privilege in general, creating an awareness of one s own cultural background, how one s worldview impacts others, teaching a variety of ideas and perspectives, and applying knowledge to skill development by working with a diverse client population. The MFC/T Program evidences a respect for diversity and non-discrimination by following the MFC/T Benchmark Assessment Model developed in 2005 (see below), by following The University of Akron s A Civil Climate for Learning which explicitly states....we endorse a culture of diversity, celebrating the uniqueness of the individual and developing our understanding and tolerance of differences in gender, ethnicity, age, spiritual belief, sexual orientation, and physical or mental potential (Graduate School Bulletin ). The MFC/T Program endorses this statement by recruiting and admitting students from diverse backgrounds, 2

6 by integrating diversity topics in all coursework, and by emphasizing clinical training that provides the development of cultural awareness and sensitivity to diversity issues in its clinical focus for the preparation of each student s work with families from diverse backgrounds. MFC/T DIVERSITY BENCHMARKS Curriculum Required course in social-cultural foundations An infusion of diversity topics Workshops of topical interest Faculty involvement in dissertation proposals specific to diversity issues. Student organization involvement Society for Advancement of Marriage & Family Counseling/Therapy (SAMFCT) was awarded The University of Akron Diversity Award in Review of student demographics to enhance recruitment efforts. Clinical Services Therapist Evaluation of Treatment forms (at each case closing) Review of client demographics to confirm meeting needs of a diverse clientele. (yearly) Program Values Continual evaluation of needs of diversity students through review of student evaluations, feedback from faculty and students, and outside communities of interest. PHILOSOPHY The MFT Doctoral Program provides education in the profession of marriage and family therapy based on a systems/relational understanding of people s lives. The learning context is based upon an understanding and respect for diversity and nondiscrimination addressed through the curriculum, program structure, and clinical training standards of COAMFTE and CACREP. The faculty, recognizing the uniqueness of students, seeks to identify and extend knowledge, skills, and attitudes required by marriage and family educators and practitioners. It is hoped that this emphasis on uniqueness transfers to our students and enables them to meet the unique, diverse needs of all clientele. The faculty believes that, in order to perform effectively, educators and practitioners must possess a respect for human dignity and worth, a commitment to fulfillment of individual potential, an understanding of counseling and supervision processes, knowledge in their specific field of endeavor, competence in application of professional expertise in counseling and supervision, knowledge of the role and function of others working in related specialties, and maturity in self-development. In order to develop such graduates, it is essential that the faculty, themselves exhibit the above attitudes, behaviors, and competencies so that they might serve as models of appropriate behavior for their students. GOALS and OBJECTIVES A primary objective is that each marriage and family graduate will utilize their advanced level clinical skills, supervision training, teaching abilities, and capacity to do research to contribute to the advancement of the profession of marriage and family therapy. A goal of the MFC/T Program is that graduates will continue to be involved in the activities of AAMFT; be 3

7 encouraged to seek clinical membership and AAMFT Approved Supervisor status; and successfully find appropriate employment that utilizes their advanced skills in settings such as universities, mental health agencies, medical settings, or schools. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES The Counselor Education and Supervision MFT Doctoral Program has been developed to extend the knowledge base of our students so that they will be prepared to contribute new knowledge for the profession of counseling through research ending in dissertations appropriate to the field, and specific to the knowledge base of marriage and family therapy and supervision. Students in the MFT Doctoral Program are expected to attain an advanced level of competence in the areas of marriage and family counseling/therapy, supervision, assessment, research, ethics, and legal issues, within a frame of social, cultural, diversity and equity awareness. The faculty also expects that all doctoral students will be afforded opportunities that foster collaboration in the areas of teaching, supervision, research, professional writing, or service to the profession or public. Students can, with the proper selection of courses, meet the academic requirements for a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and/or Professional Counselor (PC) endorsement in Ohio. In addition, students who already have an MFT or PC may be able to meet some of the licensure requirements for the Independent Marriage & Family Therapist (IMFT) or Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC). Students can also meet requirements for clinical membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and didactic requirements for Supervisor in Training status for AAMFT. Students are strongly encouraged to enhance their professional identities through their involvement in professional organizations and associations, such as AAMFT and ACA. Doctoral students are also strongly encouraged to join and serve in leadership roles in the Society for the Advancement of Marriage and Family Counseling Therapy and Chi Sigma Iota, the international counseling honor society. Entry Level Goals Students admitted into the graduate program in Counselor Education and Supervision (MFT) will be knowledgeable about their program track and prepared for their course work. Students admitted to the program must have completed studies that meet the standard curriculum requirements for master s level AAMFT and CACREP accredited programs. During Program Goals Students will display personal behaviors congruent with ethical codes and professional standards of AAMFT and COAMFTE and ACA and CACREP. Students will successfully show mastery of advanced core academic areas. Students will receive a satisfactory competency rating on all clinical skills at completion of each Advanced Counseling Practicum (5600:702). Program Exit Goals Students will demonstrate professional competency in research, teaching, and clinical skills during internship. Graduation Goals 4

8 Students, who seek professional licensure, will successfully pass the MFT and Professional Counselor exams and be eligible to apply for Clinical membership in AAMFT. After Graduation Goals Graduates will be capable of performing academic or clinical job functions and employers will be satisfied with their performance. OUTCOMES Educational Outcome: 1. Graduates will demonstrate knowledge and understanding relative to the COAMFTE advanced knowledge bases of theory, research, and practice. Program Outcome: 1. The program will provide students with advanced academic preparation necessary to become MFT educators, researchers, supervisors, and practitioners. Faculty Outcome: 1. All MFC/T faculty will obtain continuing education in regard to the marriage and family profession, as well as consistently monitor and revise syllabi to evidence current knowledge in the field. Student Learning Outcome: 1. Students will demonstrate advanced systemic knowledge in theories, research and assessment, and professional and ethical issues as indicated by pass on doctoral written comprehensive examination. Educational Outcome: 2. Graduates will demonstrate advanced competencies in clinical work with diverse populations. Program Outcome: 2. The program will require that graduates have achieved at or above competency ratings for completion of 1000 hours of direct client contact, and received a pass on the doctoral clinical comprehensive examination. Faculty Outcome: 2. All MFC/T faculty who teach clinical courses will be clinical members of AAMFT and have appropriate training in MFT supervision to guide students in their clinical work. Student Learning Outcome: 2. Students will demonstrate at or above competency in clinical work with clients from diverse populations. Students will evidence a core theoretical frame and awareness of self-oftherapist issues, ethical concerns, and development and implementation of a treatment plan from a systemic perspective (pass on clinical comprehensive examination). 5

9 Educational Outcome: 3. Graduates will demonstrate competence in teaching/supervision from an MFT perspective. Program Outcome: 3. Program will provide supervision training according to AAMFT, and The Approved Supervision Designation Standards and Responsibility Handbook (October, 2007). Faculty Outcome: 3. Faculty will provide didactic and clinical supervision training following AAMFT guidelines for Approved Supervisor Designation. Student Outcome: 3. Students will demonstrate knowledge and application of MFT supervision literature by articulating own supervision philosophy and demonstrate ability to conduct supervision from an MFT prospective. Educational Outcome: 4. Graduates will demonstrate competence in designing, conducting and interpreting MFT research. Program Outcome: 4. Program will require students to successfully complete MFT coursework that includes statistics, qualitative and quantitative research designs, outcome studies, and critiquing current MFT literature for successful dissertation proposal and defense. Faculty Outcome: 4. MFC/T faculty will provide guidance and support by serving as Chairs and members of all MFC/T students dissertation committees. Student Learning Outcome: 4. Students will show evidence of incorporating an understanding and integration of knowledge of research by successfully passing their dissertation proposals and defenses. 6

10 Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy Doctoral Student Learning Outcomes Student Learning Outcomes Doctoral candidates will demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the following areas specific to the MFT doctoral curriculum: theoretical foundations (Advanced Systems, Topical Issues in MFT) professional identity & ethics (5600:725, and Topical Issues in MFT) individual development and family relations (5600:660 and 5600:622) clinical application (5600:702, 5600:785) research and family relations (5600:660 and 5600:622) Assessments 1. COAMFTE core areas: All knowledge outcomes are assessed as a capstone experience through the doctoral comprehensive examination with a score of pass. Student Learning Outcomes 2. Doctoral MFC/T candidates will demonstrate advanced competencies in clinical work with successful completion of Advanced Practicums (5600:702) and Internship (5600:785). rating of competent at end of advanced practicums (5600:702), as evidenced by supervisors (on-site) evaluation. rating of competent at end of each semester of internship (5600:785) as evidenced by supervisors (off-site) evaluation. Assessments 2. Clinical competencies: Assessed as capstone experiences using a rubric aligned with The Professional Marriage & Family Therapy Principles. Student Learning Outcomes 3. Doctoral MFC/T candidates will demonstrate competency in MFT supervision (5600:737 and 5600:738). Assessments 3. Supervision competencies: Assessed as capstone experience using successful pass on supervision topic area of doctoral comprehensive exam, and grade of B or better upon completion of requirements for Supervision 5600:737 and Supervision 5600:738. Student Learning Outcomes 4. Doctoral MFC/T candidates will demonstrate competency in research. Assessments 4. Research competencies: Successful completion of doctoral proposal requirements. Successful completion of doctoral dissertation defense. 7

11 CURRICULUM ORGANIZATION OF THE MFC/T DOCTORAL PROGRAM The MFT Doctoral Program requires a minimum of 120 semester hours of course work beyond the bachelor s degree. Although transfer work may be accepted, in order to be admitted into the doctoral program, a student must have completed a master s degree in marriage and family therapy, counseling, or a related field. Students must have completed graduate course work in the following areas prior to enrolling for course work in their doctoral major: (1) introductory courses in marriage and family therapy, systems theory, and marital therapy; (2) assessment; (3) counseling theory; (4) group counseling; (5) multicultural counseling; (6) techniques of counseling; (7) practicum in marriage and family counseling; (8) human sexuality; (9) techniques of research; (10) professional and ethical issues, and (11) DSM. A minimum of 60 semester hours of credit must be taken after admission to the MFT doctoral program. Students have a ten year limit to complete program requirements according to Graduate School policy. The master s curriculum presents the foundational knowledge and clinical skills to educate and train students and follows the COAMFTE Educational Guidelines. The doctoral curriculum is closely aligned with the master s curriculum and is a continuation of study in advanced knowledge in theoretical foundations, clinical knowledge, research, and supervision. Students who have not graduated from a COAMFTE Program should expect to complete the master s curriculum. If a doctoral student anticipates sitting for the PC licensure exam, additional CACREP specific coursework will be required (please see advisor for specific details). MFC/T Master s Curriculum AREA I: Theoretical Foundations 5600:655 Marriage and Family Therapy: Theories and Techniques 5600:669 Systems Theory in Family Therapy Area II: Clinical Knowledge 5600:667 Marital Therapy 5600:651 Techniques of Counseling (MFT section) 5600:664 DSM 5600:620 Issues in Sexuality for Counselors 5600:662 Personality and Abnormal Behavior 5600:646 Multicultural Counseling 5600:695 Field Experiences (MFT) Area III: Individual Development and Family Relations 5600:648 Individual and Family Development Across the Lifespan Area IV: Professional Identity and Ethics 5600:623 MFC/T Ethics and Professional Identity Area V: Research 5600:656 Assessment Methods & Treatment Issues in MFT Area VI: Additional Learning 5600:653 Group Counseling 8

12 MFC/T Doctoral Curriculum Area VII: Theory (continuation of Area I) 5600:720 Advanced Systems Theory (300.01) Area VIII: Clinical Practice (continuation of Area II) 5600:720 Seminar in MFT Issues (300.01) AREA IX: Individual Development and Family Relations (continues Area III) 5600:760 Counseling Children ( ) 5600:722 Play Therapy ( ) Area X: Clinical Supervision (310) 5600:737 Clinical Supervision I (310.01) 5600:738 Clinical Supervision II (310.01) Area XI: Research (311) 5600:756 Outcome Research in MFT (311.01, ) 5600:715 Research Design I (311.01) 5100:744 Qualitative Methods I (311.01) 5100:742 Educational Statistics (311.01) Area XII: Additional Courses (as program chooses) (312) 8200:662 Psychopharmacology (312.01) 5600:725 Professional Seminar and Legal Issues (312.01) 5600:743 Advanced Educational Statistics (312.01) *Social-Philosophical Foundations of Education *Technologies (Emerging Technologies, Planning for Technologies) *Teacher Behavior and Instruction *Data Collection *(note: 3 credits of coursework from the COE are required but dependent upon each student s specialized interest and advisor approval coursework will vary.) PROGRAM COURSE DEVELOPMENT PLAN (PCD) A course of study shall be filed in writing by the major advisor, no later than the first year anniversary date of the student s admission into the program. Determination of the courses to be required shall be based on three major factors: (1) previously completed graduate course work; (2) course requirements of the student s degree program; and (3) certification and/or licensure sought by the applicant. The PCD will be signed by the student and the advisor and then sent to Graduate School for review and approval. The student will receive a copy of the approved PCD from the Graduate School. Students should review the approved PCD carefully to be sure that this document is correct. All changes to a previously approved PCD must be re-submitted in writing for approval of the student s doctoral advisor. If changes are approved, the doctoral advisor has the responsibility of submitting the appropriate form to Graduate School to amend the previous PCD. However, it is the student s responsibility to assure that course work taken will meet requirements for graduation in addition to certification and/or licensure sought. PCD forms can be obtained from the student s advisor 9

13 College of Education MFC/T Doctoral Program Course Distribution (PCD) Name I.D. # Address Date Phone Advising Checklist Plan courses to be taken semester-by-semester. (Complete during first semester of course work) Apply to have any transfer credits transferred. (After completion of 12 credits) Dissertation Hours (Complete minimum of 15) Doctoral CLINICAL Comprehensive Exam (Taken at end of Advanced Practicums) coursework) Doctoral WRITTEN Comprehensive Exam (Taken at end of Residency Year) Advancement to Candidacy (May 15 th / Fall; Sept.15/Spring; Feb 15th/Summer) Deadline for completion and conferral is: I HAVE READ THE ABOVE ADVISING CHECKLIST AND UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO MEET THE STATED DEADLINES. I UNDERSTAND THAT FAILURE TO MEET THE DEADLINES MAY DELAY MY GRADUATION. Signature of the student: Date: Signature of the advisor: Date: FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION (6) 5100:703 (3) Social-Philosophical Foundations of Education 5100:705 (3) Emerging Technologies for Instruction RESEARCH (12) 5100:742 (3) Statistics in Education 5100:743 (3) Advanced Statistics in Education 5600:715 (3) Research Design in Counseling I 5100:644 (3) Research Design in Counseling II: Qualitative Methods I MAJOR: Counselor Education and Supervision - MFT(38) 5600:725 (3) Doctoral Professional Development Seminar 5600:702 (4) Advanced Counseling Practicum (Master s MFC/T Practicum is a prerequisite) 5600:702 (4) Advanced Counseling Practicum 5600:702 (4)* Advanced Counseling Practicum (*Additional 702 s may be required.) * 5600:737 (4) Supervision I (Specific to MFT Supervision) 5600:738 (4) Supervision II (Specific to MFT Supervision 5600:785 (6) MFT Internship (Must be taken for 9 months immediately after residency year) 5600:720 (3) Advanced Systems Theory 5600:720 (3) Seminar in MFT: Topical Issues 5600:756 (3) Outcome Research in Marriage & Family Therapy 10

14 COGNATE (9) A minimum of 3 Hours must be taken outside the College of Education and must be approved by advisor. Must complete a cognate in psychopharmacology. 5600:722 (3) Play Therapy 5600:760 (3) Counseling Children 8200:662 (3) Psychopharmacology DISSERTATION (15) 5600:899 (x) Dissertation 5600:899 (x) Dissertation 5600:899 (x) Dissertation Required: Foreign Language Alternative (does not count towards program hours). MASTER'S DEGREE Must have completed these core courses at master s level. 5600:620 (3) Issues in Sexuality for Counselors 5600:623 (3) Marriage & Family Ethics and Professional Issues 5600:645 (4) Tests & Appraisal 5600:646 (3) Multicultural Counseling 5600:648 (3) Individual and Family Development 5600:651 (3) Techniques of Counseling 5600:653 (4) Group Counseling 5600:655 (3) Introduction to Marriage & Family Therapy 5600:656 (3) Assessment & Treatment Issues in MFT 5600:667 (3) Marital Therapy 5600:662 (3) Personality and Abnormal 5600:669 (3) Systems Theory 5600:664 (3) DSM-IV R 5600:675 (5) MFC/T Master s Practicum CACREP Additional coursework to meet PC licensure requirements 5600:643 (3) Counseling Theories 5600:645 (4) Tests and Appraisal 5600:647 (3) Career Counseling TOTAL MINIMUM OF 120 CREDIT HOURS Option A: Foreign Language Option B: Statistics/Research Methods Option C: Professional Publication According to COAMFTE students must be involved in clinical practice throughout their program (if they are not ready for practicum they should be part of team observation). Students must obtain 1000 hours of direct client contact to graduate. Hours that count towards this requirement can be accrued before admission into the program or during the program. 11

15 CLINICAL INSTRUCTION All students enrolled in the MFT Doctoral Program are required to take a minimum of three advanced practicums and to remain clinically active throughout their programs. Dependent upon level of competency ratings (final clinical evaluations) students may be required to enroll in additional practicums. Students are encouraged to begin live observations as part of a team behind the mirror during their first semester. This practice should continue throughout their enrollment in the program. Students admitted into the programs who have not completed a master s level practicum in marriage and family therapy must take the masters level marriage and family practicum (5600:675) before enrolling in advanced practicums (5600:702). Many students take more than three practicums to maintain their clinical activity and accrue hours for graduation. Students enrolled in the MFT Doctoral Program must also complete an internship at the end of their program. The internship site must meet appropriate MFT Program standards. The internship must provide doctoral students with a supervised full-time experience of at least nine months duration, emphasizing relationally focused practice and/or research (COAMFTE Standard ). If a student is admitted into the Counselor Education and Supervision doctoral program, lacking an internship experience at the master s degree level, that student will be required to complete an additional 600 hours of internship experience to meet CACREP entrylevel standards. CLINICAL EXPERIENCES for MFC/T Students Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy students are required to earn 1000 direct client contact hours before graduating from the doctoral program. Doctoral students who can document that their previous supervised clinical practice is comparable to that which would be received in a COAMFTE accredited program, may petition the program to waive some of the required 1000 direct client contact hours. It should be noted that it will be rare that any student admitted to the MFT Doctoral Program will have more than clinical hours waived. Clinical contact hours accrued during the doctoral program are completed through clinical teams behind the mirror, advanced practicums, field experiences, and the internship experience. Students are expected to work with clients who are diverse in terms of age, culture, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. In addition, students should anticipate that obtaining the minimum number of clinical hours to complete program requirements (500) before internship will require scheduling hours to maintain a sizeable client load. It is possible for students to see clients at the on-campus clinic during the days and evenings Monday through Thursday and during the day on Friday and Saturday. Client Contact and Supervision Requirements for MFC/T Doctoral Students *1000 A minimum of 1000 direct client contact hours to graduate (up to 200 hours may be Direct Team Client Contact Hours). 200 A minimum of 200 supervision hours by faculty and/or AAMFT approved internship supervisors is needed to graduate (at least 100 of these hours must be based on live or video; a minimum of a 1:5 ratio of supervision to client-contact should be maintained) 12

16 *Of the 1000 hours needed to graduate, at least 500 of those hours must be with couples and/or families. Some or all of these required hours may be transferred in from previous experiences; however every doctoral student in the program, no matter how experienced, must complete at least three Advanced Practicums and a minimum of 120 direct client contact hours with MFT Program Faculty. Client Contact Terms Defined Contact Hour: A contact hour is a 50-minute counseling/therapy session. Whether the hour is individual, relational, or group is determined by how many people are in the room and their relationship. Whether the contact hour is direct team client contact or direct client contact is determined by whether the case is being seen only by a therapist(s) in the therapy room or whether case is being handled by a team of therapists. (For further explanation of type of client contact see definitions below). Direct Team Client Contact Hours: Ongoing observation of a specific case(s) behind the mirror as part of a team. The trainee behind the mirror forms a team with the therapist(s) in the room. The trainee(s) behind the mirror observes each session and may help the therapist(s) in the room with assessment, case conceptualization, and intervention in the case. The trainee(s) behind the mirror is an active participant in the case rather than a passive observer. Marriage and family students may count up to 200 hours of direct team client contact toward the 1000 hours needed for graduation. Direct Client Contact Hours: Face-to-face (therapist and client) therapy with individuals, couples, families, and/or groups from a relational perspective. An assessment may be counted as direct client contact if it is a face-to-face process that is more than clerical in nature and focus. Psycho-education may be counted as direct client contact. Individual Hours: Doing therapy from a relational perspective, with one client in the room. Relational Hours: Doing therapy from a relational perspective, with a couple, family, or with multiple people in the therapy room who are all related to one case (e.g. you meet with a child and his/her teacher. The teacher is not a family member but is related to the case). Of the 1000 client contact hours required for graduation at least 500 hours must be relational. Group Hours: Doing therapy with a group of individuals, couples, or families. These clients are not all related to one case; they are each a client subsystem within the larger group subsystem. If the group is comprised of all individual cases then this counts as Individual Group Contact; if the group is comprised of couple subsystems or family subsystems then this counts as Relational Group Contact. Other Hours: Activities such as telephone contact, case planning, observation of therapy, record keeping, travel, administrative activities, consultation with community members or professionals, or supervision, are not considered direct client contact. 13

17 Supervision - Terms Defined Students must obtain 200 hours of supervision to graduate. Of these 200 hours, at least 100 hours must be based on raw data (live or video supervision). A MFT Program Faculty Supervisor or the MFT Program Designated Supervisor Equivalent must perform this supervision. Supervision of students, when conducted in fulfillment of clinical requirements of these standards, will be face-to-face or live supervision conducted by AAMFT Approved Supervisors, Supervisors-in-Training, or the equivalent. If a student is simultaneously being supervised and having direct client contact, the time may be counted as both supervision time and direct client contact time. Supervision Hour: a 50-minute session with a supervisor. Students should receive at least one hour of supervision for every five hours of client contact (1 supervision hour for every 5 therapy hours). Individual Supervision: One or two students present receiving case report, live, or video supervision. Group Supervision: Three to six supervisees present receiving case report, live, or video supervision. Students observing someone else's clinical work may receive credit for group supervision provided that (1) at least one supervisor is present with the students, (2) there are no more than six students present, and (3) the supervision involved an interactional process between the therapist(s), the observing students, and the supervisor. If there are no more than two students present with the supervisor it is counted as individual supervision. Case Report (consultation): Supervision based on discussion of the case that was not live supervised or video supervised. This supervision is not based on raw data. Live supervision: Supervision based on live observation of the case (supervisor is present for actual session). The time that a student is viewed by the supervisor and any time the student and supervisor discuss that client contact all counts as live supervision. For example, if a supervisor watched an hour session and then discussed the session for 30 minutes afterward, that would count as 1.5 hours of live. Video: Supervision based on watching a video of client contact. Time that the video was watched and any subsequent discussion about the video all counts as video supervision. Raw Data: Any supervision hours based on live, video, or audiotape sessions. A student must have at least 100 hours of supervision based on raw data. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS The student must complete a regular academic year (consecutive fall and spring semesters) as a full time student in residence. For the purpose of satisfying the residency requirement, a full time student is defined as one taking at least 24 credits over fall and spring semesters, or if 14

18 employed as a graduate assistant a minimum of 18 credits during the fall and spring semesters of residency. In order to fulfill residency year requirements, all required program course work must be completed by the end of residency year (spring semester), except for Internship (5600:785) and Doctoral Dissertation (5600:890). Prior to the beginning of the residency year, the student must complete a residency application form. Following the completion of the residency year, the student is responsible for completing the verification of completed residency form. Both of these forms must be filed with the Director of Graduate Studies in the College of Education. Students enrolled in the MFC/T Doctoral Program are required to take a core group of coursework during their residency year (final year of study). Residency year must be scheduled for sequential semesters beginning during fall semester and ending at the close of spring semester. The goal of residency year is to establish a cohort group of students that will share a common experience and be enrolled in the same courses in preparation for the Doctoral Comprehensive Exam given at the end of the residency year. Residency Year Courses Students must register for 12 credit hours of course work for each residency semester (unless on a graduate assistantship, as explained above). Courses that are required to fulfill residency requirements are listed below: Fall 5600:737 (4) Supervision *Additional Course work (5-8 credit hours) Total Semester Credit Hours: 9 (if on assistantship) or 12 *Students are strongly encouraged to continue taking additional advanced practicums during Residency to accrue the 1000 hours required for graduation. Spring 5600:708 (4) Supervision *Additional Course work (2-5 credit hours) Total Semester Credit Hours: 9 (if on assistantship) or 12 *Students are strongly encouraged to continue taking additional advanced practicums during Residency to accrue the 1000 hours required for graduation. INTERNSHIP An internship consisting of a supervised full-time experience of at least nine months duration, emphasizing relationally focused practice, supervision, research and/or teaching. Please review the Doctoral Internship Handbook for more details concerning internship. LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS Students who wish to meet the academic requirements for MFT and PC licensure can do so through a combination of required course work, electives, and cognate courses. Licensure and accreditation standards are often closely linked. The COAMFTE standards can be found at and the CACREP standards can be found at The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board can be found at 15

19 ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS Once admitted into the MFC/T Doctoral Program, students should plan on enrolling on a fulltime basis. After completing the residency requirement, all students must register for a minimum of one semester hour of dissertation credit during both the fall and spring semesters until all degree requirements are completed. The student s advisor must approve these credits. Students who do not meet the minimum enrollment requirements will be considered inactive and will have their status in the program evaluated by a MFC/T Program faculty. At the University level, compliance with this policy is necessary for final degree clearance. Students who apply for graduation who have not maintained continuous enrollment throughout their course of study will be enrolled retroactively and charged tuition and late registration for all semesters in which they were not in compliance. TRANSFERRING WITHIN THE COUNSELOR ED. AND SUPERVISION PROGRAM Students are admitted to either the Counselor Education (CE) or the Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy (MFC/T) tracks as determined by their initial graduate application and interview. If students desire to change (from CE to MFC/T, or from MFC/T to CE) they must reapply for the alternate track as a new graduate applicant by following standard application and time-line procedures. Students will only be permitted to reapply within a time frame of one year after initial admission. Students can request that their initial letters of recommendation, references, and GRE scores be considered for the reapplication process. LEAVE OF ABSENCE In the event of a hardship, a student may not be able to meet the continuous enrollment requirement of the program. If this should occur, a student should apply for a leave of absence by submitting a letter of request to her/his advisor in advance of when the leave is sought. The student must obtain dated signatures from their advisor, program coordinator, and Department Chair. If the request is approved, it will be forwarded to the Dean of Graduate School for final review, approval, and filing in the student s graduate school record. A leave of absence does not extend the time limit to complete the degree requirements. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The University awards a number of assistantships and tuition scholarships to qualified students. Assistantships are normally awarded for up to two years of study. An assistantship, in addition to the stipend, provides remission of tuition and fees for up to 15 credits for each term in the academic year, a parking permit, and a discount at the University Bookstore. A graduate assistant is contracted to render service to the University through teaching or research duties for 20 hours per week. For information and application forms, contact the Department of Counseling. Information about student loans can be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Aid. If a student accepts a full-time assistantship they need to be aware that University policy prohibits working more than eight hours outside the university setting. APPOINTMENT OF DOCTORAL ADVISOR After admission to the Marriage and Family Doctoral Program the program faculty meets and appoints an advisor for each student. This appointment is based upon the number of advisees already assigned to each program faculty member, faculty area of expertise, and each student s 16

20 research interest. Students should meet with their doctoral advisors before registering for their first term of classes. The doctoral advisor s responsibilities include helping the student formulate a Program Course Development Plan (PCD) according to the requirements of the specific program. The PCD will be signed by the advisor and sent to the Dean of Graduate School for final approval. The doctoral advisor is also the Chair for the student s doctoral dissertation. The doctoral advisor assignment is expected to remain throughout each student s academic career. On occasion, a student may request a Co-Chair for their doctoral dissertation. The MFC/T Program does not permit Co-Chairs from within the Department. However, a request for a doctoral dissertation Co-Chair from another department or outside the university may be granted if approved by the student s advisor. In the event of an extreme emergency, a student may request in writing to the MFC/T Program Director the need for a change in doctoral advisor. First, each student must meet with their doctoral advisor to discuss and attempt to remedy concerns. A meeting will be scheduled with the MFC/T Program Director, the doctoral advisor, and the student to discuss this request. After this meeting the student will receive a letter either confirming or denying this request. TRANSFER OF CREDIT Up to 50 percent of the total credits above the baccalaureate required in a doctoral program may be transferred from accredited colleges or universities. The credits must be relevant to the student s academic program as determined by the student s academic department and must fall within the 10-year limit to complete degree requirements if beyond the master s degree. All credits transferred must be at the A or B level in graduate courses. Credits transferred may come from a prior degree. No more than thirty semester credits may be transferred from a single master s degree, without counting towards the 10-year time limit. Other credits earned at the master s level (up to 30 additional semester hours) may be brought into the program. These additional hours will start the clock on the 10-year time limit. Credits earned in prior or concurrent programs at The University of Akron shall be treated in the same manner as credits earned elsewhere. A University of Akron student who seeks to enroll in courses elsewhere for transfer credit here must receive prior approval. A student seeking transfer credit must have full admission and be in good standing at The University of Akron and at the school at which the credits were earned. Transfer credit shall not be recorded until a student has completed 12 semester credits at The University of Akron with a grade point average of 3.00 or better. Transfer credits from other institutions shall not be computed as part of a student s University of Akron grade point average. PH.D. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT The language requirement must be fulfilled through the completion of one of the following options. Please review these options in the Graduate School Bulletin, the College of Education Doctoral Handbook, and with your advisor before selecting one. Option A: Foreign Language - See Graduate Bulletin for further details. 17

21 Option B: Statistics/Research Methods. A minimum of four (4) additional hours in research beyond work research coursework already required. An example would be to complete 5100:801 (3) and 5600:897 (1) Independent Study. Option C: Professional Publication See Graduate Bulletin for further details. THE DOCTORAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION The Comprehensive Examination consists of a written portion and a clinical portion. The Clinical portion of the examination occurs immediately after completion of the required advanced practicums (702). The Written portion of the examination occurs immediately after residency year. THE WRITTEN EXAM The purpose of the exam is to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to integrate synthesize and apply the material from six areas/four domains: 1) marriage and family theories, 2) supervision, 3) assessment, and research, and 4) professional topics and ethical issues. The comprehensive examination (written) is scheduled during a oneweek period. This examination differs from exams in coursework because the knowledge expected draws from a broader area than a single class. Students are expected to have a solid foundation of knowledge in all of their major program areas and be able to demonstrate that knowledge by answering questions posed to them during the comprehensive examination. Integration of knowledge is the key to answering all questions satisfactorily. The educational experience derived from the comprehensive examination emanates from the experience of being able to answer questions in a written format in a clear and concise manner during a time-limited situation. Procedures for Written Exam The cohort group that will be taking the written comprehensive exam at the end of each spring semester (i.e., at the end of Residency Year) is responsible for meeting as a group and deciding the sequence of topic areas and the specific dates (within a one week time frame), to be tested. The cohort group s requests should be presented in letter form to the MFC/T Program Director. Final approval rests with the Program faculty. This letter should be in the MFC/T Director s office no later than the first day of each spring semester. At the time of approval, students will be notified in writing of the dates for the written comprehensive exam, the sequence of testing areas, and the faculty member responsible for writing each area of the exam. Students will answer their comprehensives using a computer disk format. The computers and disks will be provided by the Department of Counseling. In the event a student is scheduled to take the Exam and is unable to attend because of illness or an emergency, the Program Director must be notified immediately. The Program Faculty will determine an appropriate time to reschedule the examination. This may mean a delay until the next scheduled cohort exam. RESULTS The Program Director will inform students in writing the results of the written portion of the examination within two weeks after the completion of the examination. 18

22 The faculty member who writes each section of the exam will be responsible for grading and reporting on an Evaluation Form whether the student received a Pass or Fail. In the event of a Fail grade on a section of the written portion of the comprehensive exam, the grader will have another appropriate faculty member read that section of the exam. After the second reader s opinion is received the primary grader will make a decision of pass or fail on that portion of the exam. In the event one section of the written comprehensive is failed, the student must retake that portion of the exam (with a new question), at a time approved by the Program. Failing a section(s) of the written comprehensive exam two times is cause for dismissal from the program. If more than one section of the written comprehensive exam is failed, the student may not retake until the next schedule doctoral examination date (a delay of one year). FAILING THE WRITTEN PORTION A SECOND TIME IS CAUSE FOR DISMISSAL FROM THE MFC/T PROGRAM. THE CLINICAL EXAM The clinical exam portion is scheduled following satisfactory completion of all advanced practicums. Students are expected to provide a video presentation of their clinical work that has evolved with one client couple or family and shows their ability to apply theory to clinical work. The clinical portion of the exam includes a presentation to a minimum of three core faculty members. Procedures for Clinical Exam The clinical examination shall be a maximum of three hours in length. The clinical examination shall be scheduled no later than the end of the term following the term in which the student has satisfactorily completed all advanced practicums. The examining committee is comprised of a minimum of three Marriage and Family Program faculty members. Once convened, the clinical part of the Comprehensive Examination shall not be stopped or adjourned without a pass/fail vote being taken, unless there is a successful vote to suspend the meeting with not more than one dissenting vote of the committee members. RESULTS To pass the clinical portion of the Comprehensive Examination, the student must receive a pass vote from the committee with not more than one dissenting vote. In the event that a student fails the clinical portion of the Comprehensive Examination, the student will be notified by the MFC/T Program Director of the areas of weakness or concern voiced by the Committee. A second clinical examination shall be scheduled at the discretion of the Program. A pass vote from the committee with not more than one dissenting vote is required to pass a second clinical examination. A STUDENT WHO DOES NOT PASS THE SECOND CLINICAL EXAMINATION SHALL BE DISMISSED FROM THE PROGRAM. ADVANCEMENT TO DOCTORAL CANDIDACY Doctoral candidacy is the recognition by Graduate School that the student has reached the denouement of the academic course of study. Typically, this recognition comes when the student had completed the comprehensive examinations, and is preparing to present the dissertation proposal. The Advancement to Candidacy form lists all remaining requirements to be completed before graduation. The deadline for filing the Advancement to Candidacy form is approximately 19

23 nine months prior to the student s projected graduation date. A student will be recommended for Advancement to Candidacy for the doctoral degree following satisfactory completion of: 1. Foreign language option fulfilled. 2. Written and oral comprehensive examinations successfully passed. 3. Dissertation topic approval by dissertation committee. 4. A minimum grade average of B on all applicable graduate work. 5. Doctoral residency requirement completed. 6. Official transcripts of applicable graduate courses from other universities. 7. Continuous enrollment for doctoral dissertation hours after completion of coursework. DISSERTATION Each student is expected to develop a doctoral dissertation that meets the standards of the Marriage and Family Doctoral Program and the Graduate School. A manual titled Guidelines for Preparing a Thesis or Dissertation is available in the Graduate School. All copies of the dissertation must conform to these standards. A dissertation committee shall be formed prior to a dissertation topic approval. The dissertation committee shall be composed of not fewer than five faculty members, including the student s advisor, who will serve as the Chair of the dissertation committee. At least two other members of the MFC/T Program Faculty will also serve as committee members. At least one member of the committee must be from outside the Department of Counseling. The student will have the opportunity to recommend members for the committee. However, the student s advisor, with the approval of the Dean of Graduate School, will determine final composition of the dissertation committee. Once the composition of the dissertation committee is approved, the advisor will submit the names of committee members to the Dean of the Graduate School. The dissertation topic must be judged by the student s dissertation committee to be appropriate for a marriage and family doctoral candidate. The chairperson of the dissertation committee is responsible for assisting the student with research procedures, dissertation organization, and content. The chairperson is not expected to serve as an editor, writer, or proofreader. It is the student s responsibility to present the dissertation to the chair and committee members in acceptable English and standard APA format. It is recommended that the student utilize an individual familiar with Graduate School dissertation requirements as reader of the dissertation before it is submitted for review to the Graduate School. Failure to follow Graduate School guidelines will likely delay graduation until the next semester. The dissertation proposal consists of chapters one, two, and three. The student s dissertation committee must approve the dissertation proposal before the student begins to collect data. In addition the University of Akron Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects (I.R.B. Board) must approve the research proposal before proceeding to collect data. There are additional I.R.B. requirements that must be completed before data collection begins (see I.R.B. website). A copy of the dissertation proposal, as approved by the dissertation committee, shall be kept on file in the Department until the dissertation is successfully defended. The committee will guide the 20

24 student in research and writing efforts. Final decisions pertaining to the dissertation and oral examination shall rest with the committee. The student must maintain orderly progress toward the completion of the dissertation and will be required to establish a reasonable target date for completion of the dissertation. Before submitting a target date to the Committee the student should concur with their Dissertation Chair. This target date commitment shall be given to the committee. The dissertation must be submitted to the dissertation committee and Graduate School representative (the Graduate School representative may be the College of Education representative) at least two weeks prior to the scheduled dissertation examination. The ensuing oral examination shall not exceed two hours. To pass the oral defense of the dissertation, the student must receive a pass vote from the committee with not more than one dissenting vote. In the event that a pass vote is not received, the chair of the dissertation committee will inform the student of the deficiencies that need to be remedied for acceptance. An additional oral examination will then be scheduled in which the committee shall determine if the student has remedied the defined weakness. In order for the student to pass the second oral examination, the student must receive a pass vote from the committee, with not more than one dissenting vote. If the student does not receive a pass vote from at least four of the five-committee members, there will be cause for dismissal from the program. Written verification of the satisfactory completion of the dissertation and oral examination, along with the names of the dissertation committee members, will be placed in the student s file, and in the Office of Graduate Studies in Education. IT IS A MFC/T PROGRAM REQUIREMENT THAT EACH STUDENT WHO SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS HER/HIS DISSERTATION WILL PROVIDE A BOUND COPY OF THE DISSERTATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COUNSELING CHAIR. FAILURE TO DO THIS MAY RESULT IN A DELAY OF PAPERWORK BEING SENT TO GRADUATE SCHOOL. After committee approval and after all suggested corrections have been made, the dissertation is to be submitted to the Graduate School for final format review. Please note the deadline for this review is approximately 10 weeks prior to the end of the semester. The student is responsible for meeting all deadlines and submission requirements. STUDENT REVIEW AND RETENTION In keeping with the philosophy and general objectives of the Marriage and Family Doctoral Program, student review is an agenda item of Program faculty meetings. A faculty member may voice academic progress, ethical behavior, and personal fitness issues in regard to becoming a marriage and family professional, at any time. Each student s progress towards completion of program requirements is also evaluated with information provided in the Professional Performance Fitness Evaluation (example follows). Additional issues discussed may include the number of courses elected, grades, and other relevant student concerns. Each student must meet academic and professional conduct criteria for retention. 21

25 Professional Performance Fitness Evaluation Rating Scale N No opportunity to observe 0 Does not meet criteria for program level 1 Meets criteria only minimally or inconsistently for program level 2 Meets criteria consistently at this program level Professional Responsibility 1. The student conducts self in an ethical manner so as to promote confidence in the counseling profession. 2. The student relates to professors, colleagues, supervisors, and others in a manner consistent with stated program standards. 3. The student demonstrates sensitivity to real and ascribed differences in power between themselves and others, and does not exploit or mislead other people during or after professional relationships. 4. The student demonstrates application of legal requirements relevant to counseling training practices. Competence 1. The student recognizes the boundaries of her/his particular competencies and the limitations of her/his expertise. 2. The student takes responsibility for compensating for her/his deficiencies. Is open to supervision and feedback. 3. The student takes responsibility for assuring client welfare when encountering the boundaries of her/his expertise. 4. The student provides only those services and applies only those techniques for which she/he is qualified by education, training, or experience. 5. The student demonstrates knowledge and respect for Departmental and outside agency policies and procedures. Maturity 1. The student demonstrates appropriate self-control (such as anger control, impulse control) in interpersonal relationships with supervisors, instructors, colleagues and clients. 2. The student is honest, fair, and respectful of others. 3. The student is aware of his/her own belief systems, values, needs, and limitations and the effect of these on his/her work. 4. The student demonstrates ability to receive, integrate and utilize feedback from colleagues, supervisors, and instructors. 5. The student follows professionally recognized problem solving process, seeking to informally solve problems first with the individual(s) with whom problem exists. Integrity 1. The student refrains from making statements which are false, misleading or deceptive. 2. The student avoids improper and potentially harmful dual relationships. 3. The student respects the fundamental rights, dignity, and worth of all people. 22

26 4. The student respects the rights of individual to privacy, confidentiality, and choices regarding self-determination and autonomy. 5. The student respects cultural, individual, and role differences including those due to age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socioeconomic status. Academic Performance 1. The student is making timely progress towards completion of degree program. 2. The student maintains a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above. Comments: Note: Each student in the MFC/T Program will be reviewed annually using the Professional Performance Fitness Evaluation. If a student receives a rating of 1 (meets criteria only minimally or inconsistently for program level) he/she will be required to meet with their advisor and develop a remediation plan, with remedy to be expected no later than the following semester student review. It should also be noted that some ratings of 1 are so detrimental to program integrity and professional responsibility, that program faculty may deem student dismissal from the program as an appropriate remedy. In the event of student dismissal from program, the appeals process (see Review sections that follow). ACADEMIC DISHONESTY Students at the University of Akron are an essential part of the academic community and enjoy substantial freedom within the framework of the educational objectives of the institution. The freedom necessary for learning in a community so rich in diversity and achieving success toward our educational objectives requires high standards of academic integrity. Academic dishonesty has no place in an institution of advanced learning. The University community is governed by polices and regulations contained within the Student Code of Conduct available at in Student Union 216, or by contacting Student Judicial Affairs at or [email protected] It is each student s responsibility to know what constitutes academic dishonesty and to seek clarification directly from the instructor if necessary. Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to: Submission of an assignment as the student s original work that is entirely or partly the work of another person. Failure to appropriately cite references from published or unpublished works or print/non-print materials, including work found on the World Wide Web. Unauthorized copying of an assignment in computer programming, or the unauthorized examination or view of the computer, specifically during examinations. 23

27 Possession and/or unauthorized use of tests, notes, books, calculators or formulas stored in calculators not authorized by the instructor during an examination. Providing and/or receiving information from another student other than the instructor by any verbal or written means. Observing or assisting another student s work. (The University of Akron Graduate School Bulletin, pp ) Multiple Submission Submitting a substantial portion or the entire same work (including oral presentations) for credit in different classes without permission or knowledge of the instructor. ACADEMIC CRITERIA FOR RETENTION Evidence of progress towards completion of all course work within the ten-year time limit. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better. It should be noted that any student whose grade-point average falls below 3.00 is no longer in good standing and will be placed on probation. In consultation with the Department of Counseling and the Dean of the College of Education, the Dean of the Graduate School will dismiss full-time students who do not return to good academic standing within two consecutive semesters, and part-time students who do not return to good academic standing after completing 15 additional graduate credits. The Dean of the Graduate School, with the approval of the chair of the Department of Counseling, may also dismiss anyone who fails to make satisfactory progress toward declared goals or who does not meet the prerequisite grade point average for graduate student enrollees, see the Graduate School Bulletin for further details. REVIEW PROCEDURES A faculty member can express an academic or personal fitness concern verbally at any regularly scheduled program meeting, or at the annual review meeting. These concerns will be discussed at the next scheduled program meeting. If the Marriage and Family Program faculty decides that the issue is serious, a remediation plan will be implemented. This plan will be presented to the student. The student may appeal, in writing, any actions taken by the Marriage and Family Faculty, first to the Chair of the Department of Counseling and if not satisfied then to the Dean of the College of Education. STEPS OF REVIEW PROCESS 1. Student will be informed of the review process by the MFC/T Program Director. 2. Student will have the right to attend a review process meeting convened by the MFC/T Program and present their position. 3. The MFC/T Program will discuss and vote on all recommendations for serious academic or personal fitness concern issues. 4. Students will be notified in writing of Program recommendations. 24

28 5. Students have the right to appeal any decision made by the MFC/T Program to the Chair of the Department of Counseling. 6. As the first step in the due process procedure, the student will appeal, in writing, first to the Department Chair for resolution. If not resolved to a student s satisfaction then he/she can appeal to the Dean of the College for resolution, and finally to the Graduate School Dean for further action if appropriate. In the event a faculty member has a concern about a student s academic or personal fitness behavior, which does not rise to the possibility of dismissal, the MFT/C Program will meet with the student to discuss the issue. The student may appeal, in writing, any actions taken first to the Department Chair for resolution, then to the Assistant Dean of Student Services for resolution, and then to the Graduate School Dean for further action if appropriate. STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE It is important that all students who are enrolled in the Marriage and Family Doctoral Program follow professional protocol in the event of a concern about program requirements, policies, procedures, clinical supervision, or classroom instruction. As a program that trains individuals in the art and science of interpersonal communication, the faculty expects and welcomes constructive comments. Any dispute or concern should first be raised directly with the faculty member involved. If there is no satisfactory resolution to this encounter, the student should next meet and discuss the issue with their advisor. The advisor should make certain that the student first attempted to find resolution with the other individual(s) involved. In the event the meeting between student and advisor does not resolve the concern, the student is encouraged to meet with the Department Chair to schedule a time to discuss the concern. If resolution does not occur at this level, then the Dean of the College will be informed. If this step does not resolve the issue, the student should contact the Graduate School Dean in writing or contact the Student s Rights and Responsibilities Committee on campus. The MFC/T Program complies with grievance procedures approved by the College of Education, Graduate School, and the University. Counseling students have rights and responsibilities as stated in The University of Akron Bylaws ( C2, , and ) and in the Student Code of Conduct. More information about these procedures may be found in the Graduate Bulletin, Grievance Procedures for Graduate Students or at ADMISSION CRITERIA FROM THE MFC/T PROGRAM WEBSITE Earned master s degree from an accredited university. Minimum 3.25 grade point average (GPA) for all graduate work completed. Three positive letters of reference and rating forms. Personal interview. Required GRE, and reference letters, and personal interview. Academic Probation status: refers to any student whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.00 and is no longer in good academic standing. Full-time students placed on 25

29 academic probation are expected to return to good academic standing (overall GPA of 3.00 or above) after two consecutive semesters (excluding summers). Part-time student are expected to return to good academic standing (overall GPA of 3.00 or above) within the attempting of 15 additional graduate credits. (Graduate School Bulletin ) Academic Dismissal status: refers to any student who fails to make satisfactory progress toward declared goals or who accumulates six semester credits of C+ or below. The accumulation of six semester credits of F will result in mandatory dismissal. A student who is dismissed from the Graduate School may not be readmitted for one calendar year and then only if evidence for expecting satisfactory performance is submitted and found to be acceptable. (Graduate School Bulletin , p. 21, RR Appendix D-1, website: Time-limit for completion of program reflects Graduate School policy. All requirements must be completed within ten years after beginning doctoral level coursework at The University of Akron. 26

30 Time-Line for Sequence of Filing Forms, Memos, and Documents (Some Items May Sequentially Overlap) Doctoral Program Plan (PCD): Signed by student and advisor by first anniversary of admission. Application form for approval of Doctoral Residence: Turned in to advisor for signature by spring or summer semester before residency year begins. Verification form for Completion of Residence: Turned in to advisor at completion of residency year. Successful completion of Written and Clinical Comprehensive Examination: Clinical exam scheduled immediately after last advanced practicum. Written exam scheduled after completion of residency year. Evidence of language requirement completion: To be completed before dissertation proposed. Doctoral Dissertation Committee Membership Form: Completed by advisor and filed with Graduate School before dissertation proposal. Dissertation Topic Approval Form: Completed by advisor with Graduate School after topic has been approved by dissertation committee Review of Human Subject Approval: Completed by student and signed by advisor after proposal approved. Must be approved before collecting data. Application for Advancement to Candidacy: Top portion completed by student and submitted to advisor for final completion and filing with Graduate School. Application for Graduation: To be filed by the student in the Office of the Registrar, a fee payment must accompany this form. Dissertation Defense Report: Signed by dissertation committee members and filed by dissertation chair with Graduate School after passing the dissertation defense. Abstract of dissertation: A 75 words or less abstract (on preprinted form) must be filed with student s dissertation at the time the student delivers the dissertation to Graduate School for the preliminary reading of the defended dissertation. Abstract (as it appears in the Dissertation) and Title Page: Student submits the abstract and title page to the Graduate School with completed dissertation. Submission of bound copy of dissertation to the Department of Counseling. 27

31 Completion of earned doctoral form: Student will receive this form from the Graduate School and must complete before being cleared for graduation. The University of Akron now requires that all dissertation materials be sent via to them. Consult with the Graduate School for further requirements on dissertation formatting and approval. Doctoral Program Checklist Apply for admittance to the Graduate School of the University of Akron by Jan. 15 th. Meet with assigned advisor (student s assigned advisor will be confirmed by a letter from Graduate School). Complete application for Graduate Assistantship if interested. Deadline is Mar 1 st prior for academic year for which Assistantship is being requested. Complete PCD with advisor s assistance. Complete application form for doctoral residence. Schedule residency classes last two semesters (fall and spring) of academic study. End of fall semester of residency, formally request dates for scheduling comprehensives. Spring semester of residency, group assigns representative to meet with each faculty member writing exam question to further clarify topic area expectations. Complete verification of completed residence form at end of residency. Advisor will file with the Director of Graduate Studies in Education. Meet with advisor to form Doctoral Dissertation Committee. Obtain dissertation topic approval from Doctoral Dissertation Committee. Apply for Advancement to Candidacy. Submit form to your advisor at least nine months prior to projected graduation date. Apply for graduation through the Commencement Office and confirm information on fees and forms to be completed related to graduation. Schedule dissertation proposal meeting with dissertation committee. Submit dissertation proposal to committee members (allow members at least two weeks to read Chapters One, Two, and Three). Make corrections. Submit to Chair of Dissertation Committee for approval. 28

32 Complete IRB form and on-line tutorial and receive approval for collection of data. Analyze data. Report the findings in Chapters Four and Five of the dissertation. Submit completed dissertation to Dissertation Committee for review (allow members at least two weeks to read). Schedule oral defense examination of dissertation. Satisfactorily defend dissertation and make any needed corrections. Submit corrected copy of dissertation to Chair and/or Dissertation Committee for final approval. Submit dissertation to Graduate School for format review, preliminary reading by Graduate School ion is approximately 8 weeks before anticipated graduation. Pay dissertation fees and complete Earned Doctorate Survey form obtained from Graduate School. Provide paper copy of dissertation to dissertation chair. Students are responsible to see that these items are satisfactorily completed. GENERAL INFORMATION New Student Orientation Program: During the summer semesters a new student orientation is held to acquaint students with the faculty and other doctoral students enrolled in the MFC/T Program. The new student orientation program provides an opportunity for students to learn more about the Department of Counseling, the Clinic for Individual and Family Counseling, student organizations, and program requirements. Professional Liability Insurance: Insurance coverage is necessary for both the client and the student counselor s protection. Students must verify appropriate insurance coverage before being permitted to enroll in clinical coursework. Licensure: Students who graduate from the Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy Program are eligible to sit for the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapy license (MFT) and Professional Counselor (PC) license. Society for the Advancement of Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy (SAMFCT): This is a University of Akron recognized graduate student organization formed in 2002 in order to encourage and promote academic achievement, research, mentorship, professional development, advocacy, networking, and service to the profession of marriage and family counseling/therapy among graduate students, faculty, and others related to Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy Programs. 29

33 Chi Sigma Iota: This is an international counseling honorary society. Students with at least a 3.5 grade point average in their counseling coursework are invited to join. Initiation is held in the spring. This organization provides an opportunity to get to know other helping professionals in the community and develop leadership and service skills through activities sponsored by the organization. The local chapter located in our Counseling Department has received numerous national awards. The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT): The national professional organization for the field of marriage and family therapy. The association facilitates research, theory development, and education. The AAMFT develops standards for graduate education and training, clinical supervision, professional ethics and the clinical practice of marriage and family therapy. A special student membership rate is available. With membership, on-line access to the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy and other professional issues is available. The Ohio Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (OAMFT): The state level organization of AAMFT in Ohio. Those who are members of AAMFT are automatically members of OAMFT. Student membership and involvement is encouraged. American Counseling Association (ACA): The professional counseling organization that provides leadership training, continuing education, professional development opportunities, the Journal of Counseling & Development and other counseling publications, and advocacy for counseling professionals. This organization offers a selection of divisions and organizational affiliates to serve a wide range of professional needs and interests, such as the International Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. Students are encouraged to join and will receive a special membership rate. Ohio Counseling Association (OCA): The state level organization of ACA in Ohio. Student membership rates are available. The Clinic for Individual and Family Counseling: The Clinic is a training and research facility that serves the clinical practice requirements of the department s master s and doctoral level students in the Department of Counseling. The Clinic is located on the second floor of the Forge Street building. The Clinic offers services that include couples and family counseling, as well as individual, career, and group counseling. Supervision of all cases is conducted by the clinical faculty and includes a range of techniques such as the use of one-way mirrors, video and audiotape review, co-therapy, and live supervision. Endorsements and/or Recommendations: If a student requests an endorsement or recommendation for positions and/or credentials for which they are qualified, letters of recommendation will be sent to potential employers, training programs, and credentialing agencies. Workshops: The Department offers a number of workshops throughout the year designed to meet the continuing professional development needs of individuals in the helping professions. 30

34 Services are also provided to schools and agencies in planning credit workshops to meet unique counseling related needs of professionals, paraprofessionals, and volunteers in their work settings. Mental Health Services: There are free mental health services available at the Counseling Clinic on campus. POTENTIAL JOB SETTINGS Public school systems College admissions offices Domestic & Family Court systems Hospitals Gerontology Centers Federal & state programs Juvenile Court Prison systems Community mental health centers Pre-trial intervention programs Social service agencies Private practice Physician s offices College teaching and research positions Government law enforcement programs Programs for minority, ethnic, or women s groups Rehabilitation Centers Job placement programs Private employment services Juvenile detention centers Federal programs such as Job Corps, NYC Private sector human resource positions Parole programs Religious counseling agencies Substance abuse programs Medical schools 31