Program Objectives, Student Learning Outcomes (SLO),and Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

Program Objective 1. Foster a Compassionate, Inclusive, and Relational Community

The program seeks to cultivate a collaborative community grounded in compassion, inclusion, and respect for diverse identities and lived experiences. The program strives to create a supportive environment by centering relationships and belonging in which all members feel safe to learn, grow, and pursue their professional goals.

• Counselor Dispositions
  Students are evaluated throughout the program for their fitness to the field, which involves their dispositions and professionalism. The Program defines counselor dispositions as having four components: (a) Effective and professional communication and collaboration; (b) Emotional maturity, self-awareness, and counselor presence; (c) Dependability, reliability, and ethical behavior; and (d) Respect for diversity and openness to other worldviews.

• Student Learning Outcome (SLO)
  1. SLO-A Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice
     KPI: Students will be able to understand (a) the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the counseling profession; (b) ethical and legal guidelines of the profession; and (c) professional counseling credentialing, certification and licensure.

Program Objective 2. Cultivate Curiosity, Cultural Humility, and Critical Thinking

The program seeks to promote intellectual curiosity, openness, and lifelong learning through critical reflection and cultural humility. Students and faculty aspire to engage in ongoing self-examination and develop the critical consciousness necessary to provide culturally responsive, ethical, and innovative clinical counseling, teaching, and research.

• Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. SLO-B Social and Cultural Identities and Experiences
     KPI: Students will be able to demonstrate awareness of the major cultural influences on human behavior, how those intersect with the mental health of their clients, and how they influence their own perceptions and biases regarding clients.
  2. SLO-G Assessment and Diagnostic Processes
     KPI: Students will be able to appropriately apply the diagnostic categories of the DSM-5.
  3. SLO-H Research and Program Evaluation
     KPI: Students will be able to critically analyze research methodology and the professional literature regarding a counseling topic; construct an original research project; and demonstrate professional writing skills in accordance with APA guidelines.
  4. SLO-Specialization Clinical Mental Health Counseling
     KPI: Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of counseling theories and bio-psycho-sociocultural framework and apply them to case conceptualizations and treatment plans.