D. Student Progress

Criminal Background Check

Please be advised that criminal background checks, which are student-funded, are a requirement for all Counselor Education students. Many internship sites require criminal background checks, as do the various licensing Boards in Oregon. All students must have a background check that does not reveal any disqualifying criminal convictions (completed before the start of the program). Information about obtaining the appropriate background check will be provided to students at the new student orientation in the fall. If you have any criminal convictions you are required to meet with the department chair and to write a letter explaining the circumstance of the conviction. The core department faculty will review the letter and make a determination about your ability to remain in the department.

An unsuccessful background check would likely result in your inability to complete the requirements of the counseling program. Additionally, a criminal background would likely preclude licensure and may preclude employment in the counseling field. PSU is not liable if a finding from a criminal background check makes it impossible for you to complete your degree, receive a license, or obtain employment. If you have any criminal convictions, you should also check with the relevant licensing Board before beginning a degree program.

Monitoring of Student Progress

Student progress is monitored by faculty in the department. Counseling is a profession that relies heavily upon your beliefs about people, your communication and interpersonal skills, as well as your knowledge and academic and clinical skills. The faculty monitors your progress in the department based on a set of dispositions (see Appendix I). Any areas of concern will be noted and communicated to you by your advisor, the program coordinator, or the department chairperson. All students will receive a formal evaluation at the end of each academic year of the program. This information will be communicated to students through their faculty advisor.

The counseling profession requires a high level of personal integrity, self-awareness, and personal maturity. Demonstrating professionalism in classroom behavior, as well as being present and engaged in classroom activities, is expected at all times as a graduate student in Counselor Education (see Appendix I). Professionalism is expected to extend beyond the classroom as it relates to confidentiality of client material and online conduct, including social media.

Students’ progress is also closely monitored and rated during both Practicum and Internship clinical training experiences.

During Clinical Training

Rating of Practicum Progress:

Student progress during Practicum is monitored by: (a) Practicum instructor and (b) peer supervisor(s). This progress is evaluated and rated both in writing and verbally. The evaluation feedback is shared with the student continuously and at the completion of each academic term. These evaluations are used to yield one of three grading options: P (Pass: adequate clinical competence demonstrated to date/for academic term), I (Incomplete: adequate clinical competence, but more time needed to demonstrate skill/professional development for this term), or NP (No Pass: inadequate progress not related to time in training experience). A NP is equivalent to a Failing grade. Students are allowed only one NP grade during their Practicum experience. In the event that the student receives a NP grade, the failed Practicum term is to be repeated. A second NP, anytime during the Practicum experience, results in an automatic dismissal of the student from the program.

Rating of Internship Progress:

Student progress during the community-based Internship experience is monitored by: (a) the site (field) supervisor, and (b) the academic/faculty instructor. This progress is evaluated and rated both in writing and verbally. The feedback from that evaluation is shared with the student at the end of each term. Evaluations of student performance yield one of the three grading options: P (Pass: adequate clinical competence demonstrated to date/for academic term), I (Incomplete: adequate clinical competence, but more time needed to demonstrate skill/professional development for this term), or NP (No Pass: inadequate progress not related to time in training experience). Students are allowed only one grade of NP during their Internship experience. When a student receives a NP grade, the failed Internship term must be repeated. A second NP, anytime during the Internship experience, results in an automatic dismissal of the student from the department. All internship hours accrued during a term in which an NP grade occurs must be re-accrued.

Assignment of No Pass (NP) Grade

NP reflects unsatisfactory performance on the part of the student. When indications of unsatisfactory performance are first evident, the Practicum supervisor (clinic experience) or the Internship site supervisor (field experience) shares the observations with the student. If needed, a plan of assistance is then developed by the Practicum supervisor or Internship site supervisor, and the student, to rectify those areas in need of improvement. If no improvement becomes evident in the student’s performance within a reasonable period of time (typically one month or less), a grade of NP is assigned to the student’s performance (to reflect failure to attain satisfactory performance during that term). A grade of NP is assumed to indicate the following: (a) the student’s performance failed to attain satisfactory progress in the areas of knowledge, professional skills, or clinical skills; (b) the student has been advised that their performance is unsatisfactory; (c) the student was given adequate time to work on the area(s) in need of improvement; (d) the student was provided with assistance by both faculty, and, when appropriate, site supervisor to improve their performance; and (e) despite all these efforts, the student’s performance has not demonstrated any appreciable improvement.

Personal Counseling Requirement

(see Experiential Training Clinic/Group Practicum requirement, Appendix F)

You must participate as a client in 20 hours of personal counseling including participation in the ETC Group Counseling course. This requirement is to be met prior to enrollment in Practicum. A letter(s) from your counselor/ therapist verifying completion of the 20 hours of personal counseling (either individual and/or group) should be submitted before the first meeting of your Practicum section, for inclusion in your Practicum file. Ten of these hours may be obtained during ETC and documentation will be kept in the department following successful completion of ETC. No regularly employed faculty member can provide this individual or group counseling for you (except in the case of ETC). This includes any adjunct faculty hired to teach individual classes at Portland State University.

Master's Comprehensive Exam or Thesis Requirement

As you complete your program of study, consideration should be given to which option you will pursue for exiting the department: (a) written comprehensive exam, (b) thesis, or (c) professional portfolio.

1. Written Comprehensive Exams (no credit). This option requires you to integrate information from all your Master’s courses. Discuss with your advisor the term you will be taking exams. Most students take comprehensive exams during their last term of enrollment, however, you must (1) have a minimum of 48 credits and (2) have completed Practicum or be enrolled in the last quarter of Practicum. Students must have no grades of incomplete (I or IP) at the time of taking the exam.

If a final written examination is required, it can only be held during regular academic terms, i.e., not between terms. Examinations must be scheduled and completed by the Friday of finals week for graduation in that term. For summer term graduation, the deadline applies to the regular eight-week summer session dates, i.e., exams must be scheduled and completed by the Friday of the eighth week of summer term. If the student fails the entire examination or any section thereof, the department may dismiss the student from the master's degree program or permit the student to repeat the entire examination, or the section that was failed, after a minimum of three months. The results of the second examination are final. Remember that University policy requires enrollment the term you take the exam. Exact dates are defined each quarter the exam is scheduled. You should notify Disability Resource Center for any needed accommodations. Appendix B contains guidelines to assist you in studying for the exam.

2. Master’s Thesis: see Appendix C for details on this option.

3. Professional Portfolio: this option is for school counseling students only. School Counseling students must complete a Professional Practice Portfolio to demonstrate that that they meet the TSPC competency requirements for licensure endorsement. The portfolio must demonstrate competency in each of the TSPC domains to be endorsed for licensure, and a minimum score must be achieved for graduation from the school counseling program. Students will receive a handbook detailing these requirements upon the start of their final year in the program.

Licensure: State of Oregon

Clinical Mental Health, Clinical Rehabilitation, Marriage, Couple, and Family, and School Counselors, completing specified courses in their Master’s program, are eligible to apply for licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) in the State of Oregon. Those completing the Marriage, Couple, and Family program are eligible for both the LPC and LMFT licenses. It is important that you read the requirements for licensure as either a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of Oregon. The licensure statutes can be found online at www.oblpct.state.or.us. These statutes outline requirements for: a) education, b) exam, and c) post-Master's experience under supervision. Please read, print, and keep a copy for your records. The state licensing board does recognize a satisfactory score from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). The NBCC allows students from CACREP accredited programs to apply for and take the national exam prior to graduation. Therefore, many of you may want to take the exam at the time you are completing your program of studies. You may refer to the NBCC website (http://www.nbcc.org/Certification/NCC) for up-to-date information on the certification process.

When PSU's Counselor Education program was approved by the state licensing board, the following provision was made:

-Graduates completing the Master's program will be allowed to utilize the direct clinical service hours documented in their Master's program toward the 2,400 clock hours required for licensure. NBCC has now increased required clock hours of experience to 2,400 prior to the awarding of the NCC credential.

-Endorsement Statement: Graduation from the department does not automatically equate with positive endorsement for licensure from the department faculty. To receive an endorsement from faculty, students must demonstrate proficiency in the skills and dispositions appropriate for the specific credential or employment opportunity.

School Counselor Licensure: Oregon

In the final year of student study, school counseling students will attend a meeting with the College of Education licensing office to learn about the licensure recommendation process. School counselors are recommended at both levels (EC/EL and MS/HS) as soon as their degree posts to their transcript and they complete the required application through TSPC.

School Counselor Certification: Washington

Washington and other US states may also want verification of program completion.

Certification: CRC

Clinical Rehabilitation counselors are eligible for national certification from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). Awarding of this certificate is dependent upon completion of a specified curriculum from a CACREP accredited program and submission of a passing score on the CRC exam. CRCC allows for this exam to be taken while enrolled in the last 25% of your program of studies. Normally, this would be the last term of enrollment.

Performance Evaluation (Behavior and Performance Guidelines)

Counselor Education students are evaluated with regard to the professional counseling dispositions outlined in the “Counselor Education Dispositions” document (Appendix I).

Please see Appendix H for information on the College of Education’s Performance Evaluation policy. You can also access the policy online at: https://www.pdx.edu/dos/psu-student-code-conduct#Code

A. When a faculty member or field supervisor has a serious concern about a candidate’s academic or field-based performance, the faculty member or field supervisor may request a performance review. A performance review, if merited, is undertaken by a performance review panel (Review Panel) as further described below. A performance review is a meeting and conversation between the members of the Review Panel and the candidate to discuss the candidate’s performance, progress, success, and challenges related to academic program and/or field experiences.

B. The types of performance that could prompt a request for performance review include but are not limited to performance that (a) violates ethical or legal standards, (b) interferes with others’ opportunity to learn, (c) reflects a lack of judgment that suggests inability to consistently meet the standards of the profession, (d) could preclude or has precluded successful field placement; (e) could result in the candidate failing to meet the qualifications for professional licensure, or (f) does not meet expectations outlined in the PSU Bulletin or in COE program handbooks.

C. The composition of a Review Panel varies by each department of the COE as stated in their respective Program Handbooks. A COE department or program may elect to have a standing panel (e.g., Student Affairs Committee) while other COE departments and programs may convene a Review Panel on an ad hoc basis. Review Panels may or may not include the Department Chair.

D. Performance review processes can vary depending upon the COE department or program as set out in the respective Program Handbooks; however, all COE performance review processes must at a minimum comply with the following:

1. Written request for review: The faculty member or field supervisor submits a written request for performance review stating the concerns to the Department Chair and the cohort leader/advisor. The statement must include specific information about behavior and/or performance of concern, provide examples of the performance problems, identify any prior corrective actions and guidance related to the issue presenting a concern, and make specific reference to any standards, rules, or procedures that the candidate has failed to meet or adhere to (see Appendix B).

2. Department Chair determination and notification (within 5 days of receipt of request): The Department Chair reviews the request for performance review and then determines whether the concern warrants a performance review. If the Department Chair decides that the concern does not warrant a performance review, the Department Chair will deny the request and work with the referring faculty member or field supervisor, as well as other applicable faculty and staff, to address the concern. If the Department Chair decides that the concern warrants a performance review, the Department Chair will notify the referring faculty member or field supervisor, the Dean’s office, and the candidate of this decision, giving the candidate written notice of the issues of concern to be discussed at the performance review. The Department Chair also refers the matter to the appropriate department or program Review Panel. Regardless of the choice to convene a panel, the request for review is documented in the COE confidential student information system for record keeping.

3. Performance Review meeting (within 15 days of receipt of request): The Review Panel, once notified by the Department Chair, will schedule the performance review within 15 days after the Department Chair received the request for performance review. The candidate shall speak for themselves at the performance review. The candidate is invited to submit additional evidence on their behalf to the Review Panel at least 24 hours in advance of the review. The candidate is allowed to invite up to two support persons, who are not directly involved in the matter, to the performance review; the candidate may bring a DRC representative as a support person to the performance review; the candidate may bring an attorney as a support person, however the COE is not responsible for any costs associated with the candidate’s use of an attorney. The candidate will notify the panel at least 24 hours in advance of the performance review with the names of the support persons that will attend the performance review. Support persons are not permitted to participate directly in the performance review, but candidates may take breaks to consult with their support persons as needed. The Review Panel will provide written notice, at least five days in advance of the performance review, to the candidate, and Department Chair, that includes the following:

a) date and location of the performance review;

b) any documents provided to the Review Panel including the written request for performance review (the chair may elect include these documents to the notice consistent with FERPA requirements);

c) the names of the members of the Review Panel;

d) the names of other persons that the Review Panel will invite to provide information to the Review Panel;

e) inform the candidate that they may provide additional documentation for the Review Panel to consider at least 24 hours in advance of the review;

f) inform the candidate that they may bring up to two support persons to the performance review according to the guidelines above.

4. Notification of Outcome: After the performance review, the Review Panel will issue a written decision of the outcome within 15 days of the performance review to the candidate, the Department Chair (if different), and the Dean’s Office. The outcome of a performance review will be a recommendation to the Department Chair for one or more of the following actions:

a) No action: The basis for the review was unwarranted or no longer relevant and the matter is closed.

b) Candidate Plan of Assistance: The candidate should remain in the program while addressing the areas of concern according the Plan of Assistance (section VII below).

c) Candidate Leave of Absence with conditions for return: The candidate should take a Leave of Absence from the program for up to four consecutive terms to take action outlined in an associated Plan of Assistance. The Review Panel will list conditions the candidate must meet to return to the department, program and/or COE in good standing (see section X below).

d) Candidate Removal: The candidate should be removed from the program and/or from the COE.

Where the panel recommendation is a leave of absence or removal from the program and/or the COE, the Department Chair will communicate directly with the candidate to enact the recommendation.

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PSU ALCOHOL AND DRUG-FREE UNIVERSITY POLICY

I. Policy Statement

PSU’s Alcohol and Drug Free University Policy exists to promote a safe, healthy, and efficient campus environment. Alcohol and drug abuse pose a threat to health and safety, and to the security of equipment and resources. Accordingly, this policy prohibits the unlawful manufacture, use, dispensing, possession, or distribution of controlled substances as defined in the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802) and prohibits abuse and the unlawful use of alcohol.

Understanding that addiction is a disease, the University supports programs for the prevention of alcohol and substance abuse, as well as treatment programs for those with a record of past abuse or who are in treatment; however, current abuse evidenced on campus is not tolerated.

II. Reason for Policy/Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to promote compliance with state and federal laws relating to the use of alcohol and drugs. Further, PSU strives to provide a safe and secure environment for its students, faculty, and staff, as well as for all visitors to campus and for all who participate in University events and activities. This policy is in compliance with the provisions of the Drug- Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.

III. Applicability

This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to campus.

IV. Definitions:

1. Alcohol. Any beverage classified as an “Alcoholic Beverage” by Oregon law, Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 471.

2. Impaired. To be under the influence of a drug or alcohol such that academic or job performance is, or could reasonably be, adversely impacted

3. Controlled substance. A list of controlled substances can be found in Schedules I through V or Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812) and as further defined in Regulation 21 CFR 1308.11-1308.15. In the event of a conflict between federal law and state law, federal law controls.

4. Conviction. A finding of guilt, including a plea of nolo contendere (no contest), or imposition of sentence, or both, by any judicial body charged with the responsibility to determine violations of the federal or state criminal drug statutes.

5. legal Drug. Any drug: (a) which is not legally obtainable under federal or state law; (b) which may be legally obtainable but has not been legally obtained; or (c) which is being used in a manner or for a purpose other than as prescribed.

6. Legal Drug. Includes prescribed drugs and over-the counter drugs that are capable of impairing one’s mental or physical ability to safely, efficiently, and accurately perform their duties, but which have been legally obtained and which are being used solely for the purpose for which they were prescribed or manufactured, and which are being used according to the prescribing healthcare practitioner’s directions.

7. University premises: All institutionally owned, rented, leased, or controlled property. This term also includes University vehicles whether operated on or off campus and whether owned or leased.

V. Policy

1. Students, faculty, and staff who are under the legal age are prohibited from drinking alcohol on campus or during University-sponsored events or activities.
2. Students or others who live on University premises must comply with the University Housing Handbook rules on alcohol.
3. Unlawful possession, dispensation, distribution, manufacture or use of alcohol, any controlled substance or illegal drug, at any time on University property, in a PSU owned or operated vehicle or while conducting or engaging in University business or activities is strictly prohibited. As a federally-controlled substance, the possession, dispensation, distribution, manufacture, or use of marijuana in any form is prohibited on campus, during University events and activities, or while conducting University business.
4. Faculty, staff, and students are required to report to work, class, and other activities in an appropriate mental and physical condition to work and participate safely and effectively. No faculty, staff, or student shall report to work or class or engage in any University activity while impaired by alcohol, a controlled substance, or a legal or illegal drug. Further, no faculty, staff, or students shall report to work, class, or other activities while having the presence of an illegal drug or controlled substance in their system. This policy applies while students, faculty, and staff are conducting PSU activities and business, wherever located, and to all persons present on University premises (even if off-duty).
5. Any faculty, staff, or student who observes or has knowledge of another member of the PSU community in violation of this policy, and in a condition that poses a hazard to the safety or welfare of others, is encouraged to report the information to their immediate supervisor, the employee’s supervisor, Human Resources, the Provost’s Office, the Dean of Student Life, or to the Campus Public Safety Office.
6. Persons violating this policy may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with applicable PSU policies and collective bargaining agreements, up to and including expulsion and/or termination of employment, and potentially, referral for prosecution. The University may require participation in an approved drug or alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, as appropriate.
7. If a faculty or staff member is involved with work supported by a federal agency, the University will notify the federal agency within 10 days after receiving notification that an employee has been convicted of violating a criminal statute in the workplace. The University will take appropriate personnel action against such an employee and/or require the employee to participate satisfactorily in an alcohol or other drug rehabilitation program.
8. Any student convicted of violating a criminal drug statute on PSU owned property or during any University-sanctioned function must notify the Director of Financial Aid, if that student is receiving any form of federal financial aid (e.g., Pell grants). The Director of Financial Aid will then notify the Secretary of the United States Department of Education. Conviction on any drug-related charge is grounds for forfeiture of federal financial aid.
9. The University is committed to the provision of substance abuse education and prevention activities. In compliance with the Drug Free Schools Act Amendment of 1989, the University annually publishes and distributes to students, faculty, and staff "An Information Guide to Alcohol and Other Drug Problems."
10. Faculty and staff are required to notify PSU’s management of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than 5 days after the conviction.

VI. Links To Related Policies, Procedures or Information

Housing Handbook:

https://www.pdx.edu/housing/sites/www.pdx.edu.housing/files/uhodocs/2018-2019%20Housing%20Handbook%20Official.pdf

A Guide for Alcohol and Other Drug Problems Portland State University:

Drug and alcohol treatment programs provided by PSU:

Employee Assistance Program: Cascade Centers Inc.: 503-639-3009, or 1800-433-2320 Student Health and Counseling Center: 503-725-2800 Kaiser Permanente: 503-813-2000 Providence Health Plans: 503-574-7500

VII. Contacts

If you have any questions on the policy or procedure for PSU Alcohol and Drug-Free policy, you may:

Call the Office of Human Resources at 503-725-4926, or the Office of the Dean of Student Life at 503-725-4422.

Send an e-mail to askhrc@pdx.edu or AskDos@pdx.edu.

VIII. History/Revision Dates

Adoption Date: June 12, 2015 Next Review Date: June, 15, 2020

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COE FRAMEWORK AND DISPOSITIONS