Advisement

All successful applicants are initially admitted to the program as conditionally classified graduate students. They are expected to attend an orientation session before classes begin and are encouraged to join the Graduate Counseling Students Association (GCSA).

Each student will have various advisors throughout the program. The role of the faculty advisor is to provide information to the student about the educational opportunities within the Department, to address concerns of the student as a whole person and on all issues that impinge upon the student's academic success. Each faculty advisor has a unique style of advising and educating. The advisor is the person to see if students feel confused about University policies, registration procedures, course selection, licensure and career options, or the need to talk confidentially with someone about educational situations.  Therefore, students should address all personal and Departmental concerns to their assigned advisor. Developing a good faculty-advisor-student relationship involves meeting periodically, discuss the student's evolving interests, reviewing the student's academic and experiential background, and exploring the student's short-term and long-term goals. It is the student's responsibility to contact the appropriate advisor to schedule an appointment.

REQUIRED ADVISEMENT

Students are required to meet during their first semester with the New Student Advisor for completion of their study plan, leading to University designation as a classified student. The Department requires that students take at least six units per semester. Students working full-time are strongly advised against taking more than six units per semester because of the demanding nature of the program; however, students should be aware of time limits for completion of the degree and of the possibility that they may be unable to enroll in a specific course the semester they wish to because of class size limits or other factors.  Students are not guaranteed admission to any classes during the program.

Beginning in the second semester,  the Graduate Advisor, Rebekah Smart, will meet with students needing help with scheduling or other issues.  Students are required to meet with the Graduate Advisor regarding Advancement to Practicum standing the fall or spring semester prior to taking the first practicum class (COUN 530). Periodically, the study plan should be reviewed and updated to ensure that course sequencing and graduation requirements are being met. Maintaining this study plan form will make further application and petition procedures less time-consuming and should positively impact time to graduation.

In the fall or spring semester prior to graduation, students are required to meet with the Advancement to Final Project Advisor, Matt Englar-Carlson, for approval to enroll in COUN 597 (Final Project).

Students are required to attend the Exit Interview with Dave Hart the semester they plan on graduating to understand procedures for graduation and licensure.

Students are invited to meet with advisors every semester, especially if they are unable to follow the study plan developed with an advisor.