Graduate Studies in Counseling New Student Orientation Welcome

Graduate Studies in Counseling New Student Orientation Welcome! We are glad you are here!

Introductions

What You are Undertaking: (Not just a master’s degree!) ¨ A professional training program that impacts human lives. ¨ A professional career that requires responsibility, ethical practice, and commitment to helping. ¨ A Degree program that is a transformative experience

What it Means to be a Counselor: Stetson University endorses students for graduation and licensure who demonstrate: ¨ Academic performance ¨ Clinical competence ¨ Psychological fitness ¨ Adherence to professional standards and ethics

Expectations of Graduate Students ¨ Appreciation/understanding of the responsibility involved in becoming a mental health professional. – We expect you to take this learning process seriously and with a full commitment. ¨ Participation in transformative experiences. ¨ Academic integrity.

Expectations of Graduate Students ¨ Engagement with others in the learning community (not just doing your own thing). ¨ Awareness that the training process is powerful, involved, and sometimes difficult. ¨ Openness to the importance of social justice and advocacy in the process of counseling.

Expectations of Graduate Students ¨ Self-responsibility for learning, growth, and development as a counselor. ¨ Ability to appropriately give and receive feedback. ¨ Attendance, attention, and participation in class is mandatory.

Scheduling Considerations ¨ Meet with your advisor and set-up a Planned ¨ ¨ Program Standard and Moderate Tracks Evening and weekend classes, although some may meet during the week for site visits and other activities Do not alter your Planned program without talking with your Advisor! Be mindful of your personal well-being and life balance especially while in Practicum and Internship

Assessment System and Livetext ¨ Continuous systematic evaluation of our program and Student Learning Outcomes ¨ CACREP standards are assessed in key assignments and activities throughout the program.

Advancement to Candidacy Students must meet the following requirements for advancement to candidacy: 1. Complete at least eighteen hours of graduate work at Stetson with the minimum of a 3. 0 average (e. g. , application for advancement to candidacy is due 30 days after the completion of 18 credit hours) 2. Make an application for advancement to candidacy. (Located in the Student Handbook Appendix) http: //www. stetson. edu/artsci/counselor/media/SH%20201 5 -2016. pdf 3. Receive approval from the Graduate Council of the Department of Counselor Education

Advancement to Candidacy ¨ Complete the application along with your self- assessment and send to your advisor feedback – Academic Performance – Personal Growth – Professional Development ¨ Include a Portfolio Outline (not the actual assignments) ¨ The student is notified by letter when advanced to candidacy.

Other Requirements ¨ 2 Professional Conferences- what counts? ¨ 8 Personal Counseling Sessions ¨ CPCE (Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam) ¨ Capstone Project ¨ Portfolio

University Resources ¨ Career and Professional Development – http: //www. stetson. edu/portal/career/ ¨ Academic Success – http: //www. stetson. edu/administration/academicsuccess-center/ ¨ Writing Center – http: //www. stetson. edu/other/writing-center/ ¨ du. Pont Ball Library – https: //www 2. stetson. edu/library/ ¨ Other contact information in your Student Handbook

Tips for Success in the Program What Students’ Say ¨ Laugh! You have to be able to laugh with fellow students! You will be spending A LOT of time with them Build relationships – they are your future colleagues and your “lifesavers” ¨ Be okay with change. You will change, and you will see the world around you differently. ¨ Participate in class - you are already there and you paid for it so get something out of it. Start networking!

Tips for Success in the Program What Students’ Say ¨ Do the big stuff early; conferences, sessions, advancement etc. ¨ Save everything, including syllabi – both physically and digitally – use Livetext ¨ Do not be afraid to speak up and say when something is not working for you whether its internship site, a project, or group- if you have a problem, change it! ¨ Join Stetson Counselor Ed on Facebook

What questions do you have?

Homework Assignment #1 ¨ Thoroughly read: – The Department of Counselor Education Student Handbook ¨ Print and Sign the last page. ¨ Return to Donna or your advisor.

Your journey begins now!