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    The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
   
 
  Mar 28, 2024
 
2015-2016 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
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2015-2016 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook [Archived Catalog]

Student Life



Access to Electronic Systems

Each Chicago School student is provided with a school-sponsored email account. The student is responsible for all information communicated through email in the same way and to the same extent as if published in hard copy and distributed through other means. The student must regularly check this account for information transmitted by various departments of the school. The school will not direct electronic correspondence from official school email accounts to personal email addresses; the student is expected to utilize the institutional email addresses for all electronic communication about school matters.

Files and email messages that travel using the school’s network are not private. A user’s privacy is superseded by the school’s requirement to maintain the network’s integrity and the rights of all network users. For example, should the security of the network be in danger, user files and messages may be examined under the direction of the Director of Information Technology. The school reserves its right, as owner of the network and the computers in question, to examine, log, capture, archive, and otherwise preserve or inspect any messages transmitted over the network and any data files stored on school-owned computers, should circumstances warrant such actions. All members of the community must recognize that electronic communications are by no means secure, and that during the course of ordinary management of computing and networking services, network administrators may inadvertently view user files or messages.

Should a student withdraw or be dismissed from The Chicago School, access to the institution’s electronic systems including, but not limited to, the library databases, the Applied Professional Practice (APP) database, the wireless network, the campus access control system, school-provided email, and other systems will be suspended. This suspension will remain in place for at least one year from the dismissal or withdrawal date, after which time the accounts may be deleted.

A student who graduates from The Chicago School is granted lifetime access to email. Access to all other electronic systems is removed after graduation.


Address Change

A student is responsible for ensuring that the school has current contact information on file at all times. This will ensure appropriate delivery of school correspondence and the school’s ability to contact the student regarding school matters. Address changes must be initiated by the student online through the Student Gateway. In order to protect the privacy of student records information, changes will not be accepted by telephone or fax.


Career Services

Career Services is committed to complying with the ethical standards of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and expects students and employers to be honest and professional in the job search process. All students who choose to participate in Career Services events and utilize resources must abide by the following agreement. By logging into the Career Services online systems, a student is indicating adherence to the following standards:

  1. Provide accurate and honest information on the profile, CV/résumé, and job search documents and in interactions with employers. Examples include but are not limited to GPA, major, and student status. Any information provided and all usage of the account will accurately reflect a student’s identity.
  2. Be responsible for selecting an appropriate position. Although Career Services reviews postings, the posting of a job on a Career Services-maintained site neither means that the office is making any recommendations, representations, or guarantees regarding the job, nor is there a guarantee that employment opportunities will be available in every geographical or functional area. Requesting additional information from a potential employer is necessary to make an employment decision.
  3. Keep all interview appointments with employers or notify employer and Career Services in advance of any emergency requiring cancellation. Late cancellations require an apology email or phone call to the employer, and Career Services must be copied or notified.

A student is encouraged to notify Career Services if any perceived violations of ethical conduct on the part of employers occurs.


Chicago School Student Association

Student associations exist to meet the needs and serve the interests of all students at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. The associations strive to provide meaningful opportunities for involvement that promote personal growth, professional development, and community engagement.

The shared mission statement of The Chicago School Student Associations is:

“The Student Association exists to meet the needs and serve the interests of all students at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Recognizing that students’ needs and interests go beyond the academic environment, the Student Association is committed to addressing various aspects of the student experience including personal and professional development, information resources, and social outlets. The Student Association advocates mutual respect and inclusion in support of students’ educational goals, occupational development, and community engagement.”

Structure and Purpose

The association structure provides for the election of a student cabinet each year. The term of office is one year in duration. The purpose of the student association is to:

  • Foster campus community and engagement through purposeful dialogue and events
  • Provide programs to enhance the students’ social, professional, intellectual, and cultural development
  • Serve as the student voice, both locally and across the institution, to administration
  • Give students the opportunity to maintain and enhance their leadership skills

Representation on Committees of the Faculty

Where required, the student association works with faculty to appoint students to serve on committees.

Student Interest Groups and Recognized Student Organizations

As organizations devoted to specific interests and activities are developed by students, they are required to become officially recognized. All new student organizations must first apply to become a Student Interest Group.  After three months in Student Interest Group status, the organization may apply to become a Registered Student Organization. Once a group becomes a Registered Student Organization, it may request funding for approved events and activities. Information on this process is available from Student Affairs.


Instructional Technology

Projectors, laptops, video recorders, cameras, and other equipment are available for use by a student or a faculty member. In Washington, D.C. and TCSPP @ XULA, students and faculty may borrow equipment through the campus library. In Chicago and Southern California, video and camera equipment are lent by the library while other equipment is available through the IT department. Contact the  IT Help Desk to inquire about borrowing specialty items. Equipment is available on a first come, first served basis. The student is responsible for any lost or damaged equipment.


International Programs & Services

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s Office of International Programs and Services fosters a global, scholastic environment by coordinating international activities for students, faculty, and alumni. Through its two key functions, the office serves both international students studying domestically and students participating in overseas opportunities.

Staff members in the International Programs and Services office advise international students on immigration matters, specifically focusing on F-1 status, and provide support to students pertaining to cross-cultural adjustment. Questions regarding status, travel, or employment (on-campus, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), or Optional Practical Training (OPT)) should be directed in advance to the Designated School Official (DSO) on the student’s home campus.

International Programs and Services manages quality international education through the administration of study abroad and field experience programs. Please refer to the Study Abroad website or email studyabroad@thechicagoschool.edu for specific information on eligibility, registration, and in-country requirements.


Libraries

The Chicago School has dedicated library space at its Chicago, Southern California, and Washington, D.C. locations. All of these locations offer bibliographic instruction and access to online databases and other e-resources, with hours of operation varying according to the needs of the specific location.

A student enrolled at TCSPP @ XULA may access both the TCSPP library resources and the XULA Library Resource Center.

Overview

The Chicago School Libraries provide access to information and materials that support the teaching, research, and public service programs of the school. The libraries support these programs by acquiring and managing scholarly information related to the theory, teaching, and practice of professional psychology, providing access to information only available elsewhere, providing reference and instruction, and exchanging information resources with other libraries around the world.

Electronic Resources

A student has access to over 20,000 full-text and abstract psychology-specific journals and APA-published books through the online reference databases. The databases include Academic Search Complete, Proquest ABI/Inform, PsycArticles, PsycBooks, PEP Archives, PsycInfo, Tests in Print and Mental Measurements Yearbook.

Dissertations by Chicago School graduate students and students from around the world can be accessed online through Proquest Database.

Print Resources

The libraries have books and videos that can be checked out for a limited period of time. In order to check out material, a student needs to bring a student ID card and register with the library.

Psychological Test Materials

The libraries maintain an extensive range of psychological assessment materials in support of The Chicago School’s academic programs. Professional guidelines set forth by the APA and assessment publishers limit the use of and access to materials to qualified individuals.

Reserves/Electronic Reserves

All required readings are available at the circulation desk. Electronic reserves are available through the website.

Interlibrary Loan Services

A student can request books, dissertations, and journal articles that are not available locally through interlibrary loan. The library belongs to two major consortia that allow a student to borrow material free of charge.

Reference

Bibliographic instruction is provided at TCSPP’s locations; in addition, the TCSPP librarians work with online and on-ground students by phone or GoToMeeting. A student may ask questions through email 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Librarians are also available to answer questions via email or phone during normal business hours.


.National Center for Academic & Dissertation Excellence (NCADE)

The National Center for Academic & Dissertation Excellence (NCADE) provides support to students in the areas of academic and professional writing, including thesis and dissertation research and post-defense publication. NCADE staff members serve as consultants on APA writing style (e.g., grammar, usage, and mechanics of style), APA citation and formatting, research methodology, methodological and editorial preparation of IRB applications for submission, and dissertation copy editing. In addition, Applied Research Project Instructors (ARPIs), also a part of the NCADE staff, provide support to students engaged in the Applied Research Project, the required capstone for the online master’s programs at The Chicago School.  For more information on NCADE’s services, including dissertation services, please refer to the Academic Resources section on TCSPP’s website.

Academic Success Programs (ASP)

To ensure academic preparedness, a key to success in graduate school, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology provides support through Academic Success Programs (ASP), which include the Writing Assessment Process (WAP), Academic Writing Seminar (AWS), Graduate Student Success Program, Peer Writing Coaches, and E-Tutors. These programs, managed by NCADE, reinforce the skills new students need in order to achieve their academic goals.

The completion of WAP and AWS is an institutional requirement for all new graduate students, regardless of their GPA or other advanced degrees they mmightay have earned at other schools. Based on their WAP results, some students are placed out of the AWS and automatically receive a passing grade. Students incur a one-time fee for their participation in the WAP. (See TCSPP’s website for information regarding this fee.) Students who transferred from one TCSPP program to another and alumni who are returning to TCSPP to continue their studies are exempt from this requirement, provided that they have fulfilled the WAP and AWS requirements in their original program.

Writing Assessment Process (WAP): To complete the WAP, each new student writes a 500-word essay in response to a specific prompt and submits it to NCADE for assessment by two writing specialists. The instructions for writing this essay are sent to all admitted graduate students upon future deposit. The essays are due within 10 days of receipt of the notification. A student has the right to request a one-time extension. Failure to complete the WAP in a timely manner results in an account hold, and the student may not be able to continue in the academic program until successful completion is demonstrated. Based on the WAP score, a student may be placed out of the AWS. More information is provided to all new graduate students upon future deposit. For questions, contact AcademicSuccess@thechicagoschool.edu.

Academic Writing Seminar (AWS): This is a seven (7)-week online writing workshop taught by experienced writing instructors. While the AWS is available to all students, successful completion of the AWS with a final grade of “Pass” (P) is an institutional requirement for students placed into it based on their WAP results. A student who receives a grade of “No Pass” (NP) and is re-enrolled in the AWS the following term. Failure to earn a final grade of “Pass” (P) on a student’s second attempt may result in an Academic Development Plan or referral to the Student Affairs Committee. It is the sole responsibility of the student to make the necessary adjustments in the school, work, and personal schedule to ensure full participation in the AWS.


Phone Messages

The Office of the Registrar will accept emergency phone messages for campus-based students. Every effort will be made to locate the student immediately. If this is not possible, a message will be sent to the student’s school email account. A student may make outgoing local emergency calls; please visit the Office of the Registrar for an available phone.


Student Health and Wellness Resources

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers Student Solutions, a free, confidential, around-the-clock counseling service. Student Solutions resources may be accessed by calling 1-855-460-6668 or visiting www.guidanceresources.com (Web Identifier: TCSPP). The Student Solutions toll-free line is answered by counseling professionals and is strictly confidential, as mandated by law.

Counseling Providers

Student Solutions is available to students struggling with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, or legal and financial concerns. Should a student desire to access in-person care with a mental health provider in the local area, Student Solutions will make a referral, and TCSPP will pay for the student’s first three (3) counseling sessions. Should a student choose to engage in ongoing treatment with the recommended provider, the student may have the opportunity to establish a sliding scale service rate or arrange for payment by a health insurance plan.

Legal and Financial Information

Through Student Solutions, a student has an attorney “on call” for questions about legal matters including divorce, custody, adoption, real estate, debt and bankruptcy, landlord/tenant issues, civil and criminal actions, and more. Additionally, financial advisors are available for consultation on budgeting, debt management, tax issues, and other money concerns.

Health Insurance

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology requires international students on F-1 and J-1 visas to carry health insurance for themselves and their F-2 and J-2 dependents. International students are required to purchase a health insurance plan from a designated carrier or show proof of comparable insurance to waive out of the recommended plan.


Student Identification Cards

Identification cards are issued automatically to an on-ground student. This card permits student access to the campus buildings and allows for the use of materials and services in the library. The identification card should be displayed at all times using a TCSPP-provided lanyard. Identification cards of a student who withdraws or who is dismissed from the institution will be deactivated.

A Grayslake, Online, or TCSPP @ XULA student may obtain an identification card, if desired. Requests for information on identification cards, including how to provide a passport-ready head shot (jpg format) may be sent to facilities@thechicagoschool.edu.

A student must report to Facilities all lost, stolen, damaged, or misplaced cards. A replacement fee applies to all reissued cards.


Student Personal Information Change

The Chicago School must protect the identity of a student and maintain the integrity of the academic records when making a change to personal information. Changes must be submitted using the Student Personal Information Change Request form along with a copy of applicable documents including:

  • Government-issued identification card
  • Birth Certificate
  • Marriage License
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order
  • Social Security Number/New Taxpayer ID Number

Study Areas and Project Rooms

Chicago, Online, Southern California, and Washington, D.C.

In addition to the library, a student may study or meet in any classroom or project room that is not otherwise in use. A student is advised to reserve a room in advance for dissertation defense requirements; please see the local Facilities department for more information. Classroom schedules displaying regularly scheduled courses are posted outside all classrooms, and are subject to change without notice. Additionally, meetings and other events are scheduled in classrooms, conferences rooms, and project rooms and may not be listed outside of the door. Please respectfully acknowledge and relocate if someone has a reservation for the space. In the event of any dispute over room reservations, please contact the campus Facilities department.

Grayslake

Study rooms located in the Library of the University Center of Lake County are available for student use. Please communicate with the librarian or contact Classroom Scheduling at 847.665.4006.

TCSPP @ XULA

Group study rooms are located on the 2nd and 3rd floor of the Library Resource Center and are available for checkout through the circulation desk on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional rooms can be reserved on campus by calling 504.520.5451 or e-mailing events@xula.edu.