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 A user’s privacy is superseded by the school’s requirement to maintain the network’s integrity and the rights of all network users.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 ePortal. In order to protect the privacy of student records information, changes will not be accepted by telephone or fax.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Students are encouraged to notify Career Services if any perceived violations of ethical conduct on the part of employers occurs.
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
- Disburse student activity fees in a just and equitable manner to meet the needs of the student body
- Facilitate the election and appointment of student represent
Representation on Committees of the Faculty
Where required, the student association works with faculty to appoint students to serve on committees.
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. Additionally, recognized student groups can request funding through this process.
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:
- Courses enrolling 4 or fewer students (to maintain anonymity)
- Dissertation
- Thesis
- Independent study
- Competency examination
- Clerkship courses
Basic Evaluation Information
A student is notified through the school’s email system at the beginning of each evaluation period to log in to Online Course Evaluations. The student uses the TCSPP email and Canvas password to login. Any questions about login information should be directed to the IT Help Desk: 800.787.8367 or 312.467.8600.
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 seven (7) weeks or less in length 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 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 programs only)
Certain online 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 final course evaluations.
If an evaluation form is filled out incorrectly and if the evaluation period is still open, a student may email OIR@tcsedsystem.org to have the form reset. Course code, course number, and course section must be included in the email message when making this request. The student 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/Lead Faculty.
The Chicago School maintains mailboxes for faculty and staff at each ground location. In Chicago and Southern California, mailboxes 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. Materials for online faculty and staff should be directed to the academic department.
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., 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 or off-campus) 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 for specific information on eligibility, registration, and in-country requirements.
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.
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 material out, 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.
Name Change
A student is responsible for keeping the school updated at all times with a correct legal name. A student must submit official proof of a legal name change 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 the Registrar. Note that the student’s school email address will not be changed.
National Center for Academic & Dissertation Excellence (NCADE)
The National Center for Academic & Dissertation Excellence (NCADE) provides support to students and faculty to improve the quality of dissertation and thesis research and post-defense publication. NCADE staff members serve as consultants who provide APA writing style (e.g. grammar, usage, and mechanics of style). APA citation and formatting, research methodology support, and editorial and methodological assistance with preparing IRB applications for submission.
Academic Success Program
To ensure academic preparedness, a key to success in graduate school, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology requires new students to complete the Academic Success Program. This program reinforces the skills new students need to achieve their academic goals. Academic Success is an integral part of the first term’s curriculum (first and second terms’ curriculum for the online programs) and all students are required to complete the program successfully and in a timely manner. Failure to complete the program can have academic consequences, including dismissal. All students incur a one-time fee for their participation in the Academic Success Program. See TCSPP’s website for information on this fee.
The Academic Success Program consists of two elements:
- Writing Assessment Process - In this component of the Academic Success Program, each student writes an essay in response to an assigned question and submits it to NCADE for evaluation. Based on a student’s performance on the assessment essay, the school may waive the Academic Writing Course requirement (see #2, below). Essays are due within 10 days of receiving notification and essay submission by the given date is considered successful completion of this element of Academic Success. A student who does not turn in the Writing Assessment before the end of the first semester or second online term will be placed on a registration hold and may not be able to continue in their academic program until successful completion is demonstrated.
- Academic Writing Seminar (AWS) - This online course is for a student who did not achieve a passing score for the Writing Assessment. However, AWS is available to all students. For a student who is required to complete AWS, a final grade of “Pass” (P) is considered successful completion of the Academic Success Program. If a student does not pass the AWS, then the student will receive a “No Pass” (NP) and will need to retake the course the following term. Failure to earn a final grade of “Pass” (P) may result in an Academic Development Plan or referral to the Student Affairs Committee.
It is solely the responsibility of the student to make the necessary adjustments to school, work and personal schedules as required for full participation in this seminar. TCSPP is not responsible for ensuring that these adjustments are made. A student who fails AWS must retake the course in the subsequent term or semester.
Academic Success Program Grading Policy
If any of the above steps are not met, the student’s record will indicate the lack of completion by an “In Progress” (IP) or “No Pass” (NP) designation. These designations will indicate that the student will still need to complete the requirement. The IP grade will be changed to a “Pass” (P) when the student fulfills the requirement. A student who does not receive a “Pass” (P) on each of the two components of the Academic Success Program will not be cleared for graduation.
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 Registrars for an available phone.
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 referred 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.
The Chicago School requires all on-ground, full time, domestic and international students to carry health insurance coverage. A student must either enroll in TCSPP’s insurance plan or provide proof of comparable alternative coverage. TCSPP’s plan is not available to online students.
All on-ground, full time, domestic and international students will be automatically enrolled in and billed for the student health insurance plan. A student who has insurance that offers coverage equal to or greater than the TCSPP plan may apply to waive enrollment. Additional information may be found here.
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 or online 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.
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 claims to have 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.
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