E. Finishing Up

Nearing Completion: School Counseling Specialization:

At least one term before you plan to graduate or seek recommendation for an initial license as a school counselor, all final year students meet with a representative from the licensure office to initiate the recommendation process. A Master’s Degree Checklist outlining existing procedures has been developed. See (Appendix D).

The necessary forms and information are available online at www.gsr.pdx.edu/ogs_forms.html

Nearing Completion: All Specializations:

Steps to Complete - Four Forms Required for Graduation in Counselor Education

Application for Awarding of Master’s or Doctoral Degree form

1. The Application for Awarding of Master's or Doctorate Degree is located at http://www.pdx.edu/ogs/forms

2. Complete form and make a copy.

3. Take completed form to the Office of Graduate Studies at XSB 184.

Please note: Instead of processing degree audits manually (GO-12 form), students will now use the degree audit reporting system (DARS). More information can be found at: www.pdx.edu/ogs/dars.

4. Make a copy before turning in the signed GO 12 and GO 21, if needed, to Kris Smith in FAB Suite 250.

Endorsement Policy

Employment: Students and department graduates applying for employment, internship, or field placements are reminded that the Counselor Education Department faculty can only endorse or recommend students and department graduates for positions and placements in specialties or areas in which students are qualified and have been prepared. In situations in which a student or department graduate has acquired additional training and expertise outside of the Counselor Education Department, the candidate is advised to obtain recommendation directly from the entities that provided the additional training/education.

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.

Licensure and Certification Examinations: Students in all specializations may apply to sit for the NBCC examination but must utilize a different application form. Students must apply for the NCE exam based on the specialization in which they were admitted to the Counselor Education Department.

Scholarships/Fellowships and Further Education: The Counselor Education Department faculty is interested in and committed to assisting students and department graduates that are seeking recommendations for scholarships, fellowships, and grants while completing their education at Portland State University. At the time of application for assistance, students must be in good academic standing, and must demonstrate excellence and commitment to the field of counseling. The department encourages interested students to pursue further education and is happy to support qualified students in this pursuit.