Email Accounts
Each Chicago School student is provided a school-sponsored email account. Students are 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. Students must regularly check their Chicago School email 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; students are expected to utilize the institutional email addresses for all electronic communication about school matters. Accounts of students who withdraw or who are dismissed from the institution are suspended in accordance with internal policies and procedures. Students are encouraged and reminded to utilize appropriate professional judgment when using the school’s email account or when otherwise transmitting information over the school’s network.
Student Identification Cards
Chicago, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Irvine, and Westwood Campuses: Identification cards are issued to each enrolled student. This card permits student access to the campus buildings and allows for the use of materials and services in the library. This card must be carried at all times. Identification cards of students who withdraw or who are dismissed from the institution will be deactivated.
Students must report immediately all lost, stolen, damaged or misplaced cards to facilities immediately. A replacement fee applies to all reissued cards.
Grayslake and students in the Online-Blended program also have the option of obtaining an identification card. Special arrangements will have to be made to provide the school’s facilities department with a headshot (JPG format). Grayslake and Online-Blended students should email facilities@thechicagoschool.edu for information on obtaining an identification card.
Address Change
Students are 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 ePortal. In order to protect the privacy of student records information, changes will not be accepted by telephone or fax.
Name Change
Students are responsible for keeping the school updated at all times as to their correct legal name. Students must submit official proof of legal name changes in the form of a driver’s license or state ID, marriage license, or court document. A photocopy of the documentation submitted as proof of the name change must be attached to the Name Change Request Form and submitted to the Office of Student Services. Please note: the student’s school email address will not be changed. However; the address description will reflect the new name.
Campus Advisory Information
Chicago, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Irvine, and Westwood: Students will be notified via email should the campus close or cancel all classes due to inclement weather or other emergency. Students are encouraged to visit Campus Advisories or call the 24/7 recorded information line at 800.750.5579 for the latest updates. Finally, students may elect to also be notified of closings and other emergency information via text message. For more information, visit Campus Advisories.
Grayslake Campus closings may be found on the University Center of Lake County’s website.
Emergency Text Messaging
Members of The Chicago School community can sign up to receive emergency text messages. Because text messages will be delivered to personal mobile phones, students will need to subscribe to take advantage of the service.
Course Evaluations
The Office of Institutional Research (OIR) administers online course evaluations to Chicago School students each term. These evaluations are intended to assist instructors in improving student learning. Evaluations are conducted online through an external vendor, Online Course Evaluations, to process the data and summarize results. All student responses are anonymous.
The purpose of this guide is to provide a basic overview of the course evaluation process, the types of courses that are evaluated, and the policies adhered to by the Office of Institutional Research.
Course Evaluation Eligibility
The following types of courses qualify as atypical student experiences and are NOT administered evaluations through the Online Course Evaluation system:
- Courses enrolling 4 or fewer students (to maintain anonymity)
- Dissertation
- Thesis
- Independent study
- Competency examination
- Clerkship courses
Basic Evaluation Information
Students are notified through The Chicago School’s email system at the beginning of each evaluation period to login to Online Course Evaluations. Students use their Chicago School email and eCollege password to login. Any questions about login information should be sent to IT Help Desk: Helpdesk@tcsedsystem.edu.
Midterm Course Evaluations:
Midterm course evaluations are administered to eligible classes during the fifth week of fall and spring terms (not during summer term, due to its shortened length). Classes that are eight (8) weeks or less in length (including Online-Blended courses) do not receive midterm course evaluations. The midterm course evaluation period lasts one week, beginning the Sunday of the evaluation period at 11:01 PM and ending at 10:59 PM the following Sunday.
Final Course Evaluations:
Final course evaluations are administered during the final two and one-half weeks of each term for eligible courses, beginning on Sunday at 11:01 PM and ending at 10:59 PM the Wednesday two and one-half weeks later. Online-Blended programs final course evaluations are administered during the final two weeks of each session, beginning on Sunday at 11:01 PM and ending Sunday at 10:59 PM two weeks later.
Online Advisor Evaluations (Online-Blended Programs only):
Certain Online-Blended courses (601B, 602B, 603B, 604B, 605A) are evaluated using a distinct advisor evaluation form. These evaluations are administered at the same time and using the same procedure as the Online-Blended final course evaluations.
If an evaluation form is filled out incorrectly (and if the evaluation period is still open), students may email OIR@tcsedsystem.org to have their form reset. Course code, course number, and course section must be included in the email message when making this request. Students should also contact OIR in the event of an incorrect course name or instructor listing so that appropriate changes can be made. Online course evaluations may not be completed once the evaluation period has ended.
Questions regarding the use of course evaluation results should be directed to program managers or department chairs.
Student Association
Student associations exist regionally 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 Purposes
The association structure provides for the election of a student-staffed cabinet each year. The term of office is one year in duration. Representatives’ formal roles and responsibilities are to:
- Disseminate information to students concerning the status of the school and the student association
- Provide a forum through which students may establish policies concerning the student association at the school
- Establish policies and methods of disbursing student activity fees in a just and equitable manner
- Supervise the election and appointment of student representatives
- Recommend student representatives to appropriate academic and administrative committees of the school and to the Board of Trustees
- Facilitate a dialogue between the faculty, administration, and students and act as advocates for student concerns to faculty and administration.
- Oversee the recognition and chartering of student organizations
Representation on Committees of the Faculty
Where required, the student association works with faculty to appoint students to serve on committees.
Other Student Organizations
As organizations devoted to specific interests and activities are developed, they are required to become officially recognized by the regional student association. Groups should contact a student association executive officer to receive materials to complete this process. Recognized student groups can request funding through this process as well.
International Programs & Services
The Chicago School’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 incoming international students and students participating in overseas opportunities.
International Programs and Services advises international students on immigration matters, specifically focusing on F-1 status, and provides support to students pertaining to cross-cultural adjustment. Any questions regarding status, travel, or employment (on-campus or off-campus), should be directed in advance to the Designated Signing Official (DSO) on the student’s home campus.
International Programs and Services manages quality international learning opportunities through the administration of study abroad and field experience programs. Please refer to The Chicago School’s Study Abroad and Field Experience policies for specific information on eligibility, registration, in-country requirements and other matters.
Center for International Studies
The Chicago School’s Centers for International Studies support and advance international learning opportunities for the school community. The Centers contribute to international research, training, practice, and public policy through the development of events and colloquia focused on those topics of internationalization that are relevant to each campus’ interests.
Student Health Insurance
The Chicago school offers a student health insurance plan. The plan is voluntary for domestic students and mandatory for international students. Domestic students who are actively enrolled and designated by The Chicago School as full-time or taking at least nine credit hours are eligible to enroll on a voluntary basis. This plan is not available currently for Online-Blended students.
All international students are required to have some form of comprehensive health insurance coverage. All international students are automatically enrolled in and billed for the Student Injury and Sickness Insurance Plan. International students who currently have health insurance that is equal to or greater than The Chicago School sponsored plan may apply to waive enrollment in the school-sponsored insurance plan. Additional information can be found here.
Student Mental Health Services
The Chicago School’s Student Therapy Referral Network provides Chicago School students with access to reduced-cost psychotherapy services. The network consists of a database of various providers who have agreed to work with Chicago School students for a capped fee. Students may meet with the Referral Network’s campus coordinator to identify providers who match the students’ needs based on such factors as theoretical orientation, location, background, specialty, and other dimensions. With student consent, The Chicago School will pay for a student’s first two sessions per selected provider per academic year. Services are provided to students in a confidential manner. Campus coordinators for this service are:
- California — The Office of Student Services
- Chicago — The Office of Student Services
- Washington, D.C. — Not available at this time
Instructional Technology
Projectors, laptops, video recorders, cameras, and other equipment are available for use by students and faculty on-site. All loaner equipment is handled by the library at the Washington, DC campus. At the Chicago and California campuses, video and camera equipment are handled by the library while other equipment is available through the IT department. Contact the local IT department for those items. There are no guarantees that any particular equipment will be available when a request is made. Any requests are filled on a best-effort basis only. Students are responsible for any lost or damaged equipment.
Study Areas and Project Rooms
Chicago, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Irvine, and Westwood Campuses:
In addition to the library, students may study or meet in any classroom or project room that is not otherwise in use. Classroom schedules displaying regularly scheduled courses are posted outside all classrooms. In addition, meetings and other events are scheduled in classrooms, conference rooms, and project rooms and will not be listed outside of the door. Reservations must be made for use of classrooms. Please contact the Facilities Office to reserve room use.
Grayslake:
There are study rooms located in the Library of the University Center of Lake Country that students can utilize. To do so, please consult with the librarian. In addition, students may contact Classroom Scheduling at 847.665.4006 (students may not reserve the computer labs as they are only for classroom use).
Phone Messages
The Office of Student Services 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. Students may make outgoing local emergency calls; please visit the Office of Student Services for an available phone.
Faculty and Staff Mailboxes
The Chicago School maintains mailboxes for faculty and staff at each ground location. In Chicago, Los Angeles, Irvine, and Westwood, mail boxes may be found in the copy/mail rooms. At the Washington, D.C. campus, materials may be left with the receptionist or placed in mailboxes outside individual offices. The Chicago mail room is located in the 325 N Wells building. Mail may be left at the reception desk on the fourth floor for distribution or placed in an individual’s mailbox. In Grayslake, Los Angeles, Westwood, and Irvine, students may leave items for faculty and staff at the front reception.
Center for Academic Excellence
The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) supports and advances teaching and learning within the educational community of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. CAE believes that academic coursework and scholarship provide the foundation for success in professional practice. CAE offers new and continuing students program including one-on-one writing consultations, weekly tutorials, presentations (e.g. on APA style), online resources, and in-class presentations.
Foundations for Scholarship and Practice
To ensure academic preparedness, a key to success in graduate school, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology requires new students to complete the program Foundations for Scholarship and Practice (Foundations). This program reinforces the skills new students need to achieve their academic goals. Foundations is an integral part of the first term’s curriculum (first and second terms’ curriculum for the Online-Blended Programs) and all students are required to complete the program successfully and in a timely manner. Failure to complete the program can lead to academic consequences, including dismissal.
Foundations for Scholarship and Practice consists of three elements:
- Academic Focus Program – Academic Focus is an online, self-paced orientation to graduate academics. The due date is Friday of the fourth week of the first term, and a final grade of “pass” is considered successful completion of this element. Failure to complete Academic Focus by the due date may result in an Academic Development Plan or referral to the Student Affairs Committee.
- Writing Assessment Process – In this component of Foundations, each student writes an essay in response to an assigned question and submits it to CAE for evaluation. Based on a student’s performance on the assessment essay, the school may waive the Academic Writing Course requirement (#3, below). Essays are due by Friday of the third week of the first term and essay submission by the given date is considered successful completion of this element of Foundations. Failure to complete and submit the Writing Assessment Process essay may result an Academic Development Plan or referral to the Student Affairs Committee.
- Academic Writing Course (AWC) – This online course is taken before or during the first term or second term at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. A final grade of “pass” is considered successful completion of this element. Failure to earn a final grade of “pass” may result in an Academic Development Plan or referral to the Student Affairs Committee. All students are required to take the course, unless they place out through the Writing Assessment Process. Students who place out of the Academic Writing Course may elect to take the course. Based on academic performance concerns, instructors may require AWC completion by a student by creating an Academic Development Plan.
Preparing for the Academic Writing Course
It is solely the responsibility of the student to make the necessary adjustments to his/her school, work and personal schedules as required for full participation in this course. The Chicago School is not responsible for ensuring that these adjustments are made. Students failing AWC must retake the course in the subsequent semester. The successful completion of AWC is a graduation requirement.
Fees Associated with Foundations for Scholarship and Practice
All students incur a one-time fee for their participation in Foundations for Scholarship and Practice. See Tuition & Fees schedule for a full list of applicable course fees.
The Chicago School Library
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
Through the library, students have access to over 20,000 full-text and abstract psychology-specific journals and APA-published books through our online reference databases. Our 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 Library has books and videos that can be checked out for a limited period of time. In order to check material out, students need to bring their student IDs 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 APA and assessment publishers limit the use of and access to materials to qualified individuals.
Services
Reserves/Electronic Reserves
All required readings are put on our reserve shelf near the circulation desk. Electronic reserves are available through our website.
Interlibrary Loan Services
Students can request books, dissertations, and journal articles that are not available locally through interlibrary loan . The library belongs to two major consortia that allows us to borrow material free of charge.
Reference
24/7 online reference services are provided to all students through the library’s participation in AskAway. Students can ask questions through email or online chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Librarians are also available to answer your questions via email or phone. |
