Email Accounts
Each enrolled 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 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; students are expected to utilize the institutional email addresses for all electronic communication about school matters. Accounts of students who withdraw from the institution or are dismissed are cancelled immediately.
Student Identification Cards
Chicago, D.C., Los Angeles, Irvine, and Westwood Campuses: Facilities issues an identification card to each enrolled student. This card permits student access into the building and allows for the use of materials and services in the library. The student identification card may also be used as a debit card for purchasing photocopies and vending items. Cards are distributed with zero value. Funds may be added to the card at the Cash to Card dispenser located in the student lounge. This card must be carried at all times.
Students must report all lost, stolen, damaged or misplaced cards to facilities immediately. A replacement fee applies to all reissued cards. Debit balances on lost or stolen cards will not be reimbursed to students.
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 facility department with a headshot (JPG format).
Address Change
Students are responsible for maintaining updated contact information on file with the school at all times to 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 as to their correct legal name at all times. 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 description will reflect the new name.
Campus Advisory Information
Chicago, D.C., Los Angeles, Irvine, and Westwood: Students will be notified via email should the campus close or cancel all classes due to weather or an emergency. Students also 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 can 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 3 or fewer students (to maintain anonymity)
- Dissertation
- Thesis
- Practicum and practicum seminar
- Internship
- Independent study
- Competency examination
- Clerkship courses
Basic Evaluation Information
Students are notified through the Chicago School 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 involving login information should be sent to IT Helpdesk: Helpdesk@thechicagoschool.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 Program courses (601B, 602B, 603B) 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 Program final course evaluations.
If an evaluation form is filled out incorrectly (and if the evaluation period is still open), students may email OIR@thechicagoschool.edu 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.
Questions regarding the use of course evaluation results should be directed to program managers or department chairs.
Student Association
The Chicago School Student Association (CSSA) exists to meet the needs and serve the interests of all students at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. The CSSA strives to fulfill its mission by addressing various aspects of student life, including personal/professional development, information resources, social outlets, community activism and a voice for student concerns. Cooperation, collaboration, and communication form the foundation of the CSSA, encouraging and supporting an open student environment. Recognizing that students’ needs and interests go beyond the academic environment, the CSSA hopes to enhance the student experience by providing opportunities for personal and professional development and social interaction.
Structure and Purposes
The structure devised by the student body provides for the election of the student-staffed cabinet in April of each year. The term of office is one year. Representatives’ formal roles and responsibilities are to:
- Provide a forum through which students may establish policies concerning 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
- Disseminate information to students concerning the status of the school and the student association
- Recommend student representatives to appropriate academic and administrative committees of the school and to the Board of Trustees
- Represent the student body as a member of the National Student Organization of Professional Schools of Psychology
- Facilitate a dialogue between the faculty, administration, and students and act as advocates for student concerns to faculty and administration. Members of the student association meet regularly with the CSSA liaison to communicate student concerns and suggestions, and to seek resolution to student problems.
- Oversee the recognition and chartering of student organizations
The CSSA Liaison serves as the link between the administration of The Chicago School and the student association and oversees its budget. The CSSA Liaison provides guidance and support to the CSSA on any and all matters. Regular communication between students and administration may also occur several times a year at open-forum meetings to discuss major issues, recent policy changes, or other matters of interest; all attendees are free to raise issues for discussion.
Representation on Committees of the Faculty
Students have voting representation on certain committees of the faculty. Department chairs, in collaboration with CSSA, appoint students to serve on committees. Information regarding the work of the committees is available from the department chairs.
Other Student Organizations
From time to time, Chicago School students identify the need and desire for organizations devoted to specific interests and activities. All student groups are required to become officially recognized by the Chicago School Student Association (CSSA). Groups are required to contact the president of the CSSA to receive materials to complete this process. Student groups can also seek funding through this process as well.
International Programs & Services
International Programs & Services (IPS) provides administrative support for students, faculty and staff at The Chicago School engaging in international travel and study. International Programs & Services includes International Services and International Travel and Programs.
International Student Services advises international students, faculty, and staff on immigration matters, specifically focusing on F-1 and J-1 status, and provides support to students pertaining to cross-cultural adjustment. Any questions regarding one’s status, travel, or employment (on-campus or off-campus), should be directed to the international advisor for that campus. Additional support is provided through the associate director of International Services.
International Travel and Programs ensures quality international educational opportunities through the administration of study abroad and student exchange programs. Any questions regarding study abroad should be directed to the AVP of International Initiatives.
Center for International Studies
The Center for International Studies supports and advances international learning opportunities for The Chicago School community. The center contributes to international research, training, practice and public policy focused on international human rights, global justice, international relations, diplomacy and cultural issues in the treatment of trauma and loss.
Student Health Insurance
The Chicago school offers a comprehensive 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 currently available for online-blended students.
All international students are required to have some formof comprehensive health insurance coverage. All interational 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 foud on the school website.
Student Mental Health Services
The Chicago School’s Student Clinical Services Referral Network provides all Chicago School students with access to reduced-cost psychotherapy and psychiatry services. The network consists of a database of various providers who have agreed to work with Chicago School students for a capped fee. Students will meet with the Director or a representative from Clinical Services briefly to identify providers who match well based on such factors as theoretical orientation, location, background, specialty, as well as other dimensions. With student consent, The Chicago School will pay for each student’s first two sessions with one selected provider. Services are provided to students in a confidential manner. Students can gain further informaton about the network via the Clinical Services Office. Students attending the Washington, D.C. campus may contact the Office of the Dean of Academic Affairs for more information.
Instructional Technology
Projectors, laptops, video recorders, cameras, and other equipment are available for use by students and faculty on-site. Please direct all equipment checkout requests to helpdesk@thechicagoschool.edu. A request in email form specifying the desired equipment is required. A minimum of two weeks notice is preferred for all equipment requests. Any requests coming in with less than two weeks notice will be filled on a best-effort basis. Students are responsible for any lost or damaged equipment.
Study Areas and Project Rooms
Chicago, 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/Staff Mailboxes
The Chicago School maintains mailboxes for faculty and staff at each campus. In Chicago, Los Angeles, Irvine, and Westwood, the mail boxes are found in the copy/mail rooms. 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 students may leave items for faculty and staff at the front reception. At the D.C. campus, materials can be left with the receptionist or placed in mailboxes outside individual officers.
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 (5 p.m. local time) 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 triggers creation of an Academic Development Plan (ADP) requiring Academic Focus completion within four weeks of the original due date. Students not meeting the ADP’s due date are referred to the Student Affairs Committee for possible disciplinary action.
- 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 (5 p.m. local time) 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 meet the deadline generates an Academic Development Plan (ADP) requiring essay completion within three weeks of the original due date. Students not meeting the ADP’s due date are referred to the Student Affairs Committee for possible disciplinary action.
- Academic Writing Course (AWC) – This online course is taken before or during the first term (during the second term for Online-Blended Programs) at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. A final grade of “pass” is considered successful completion of this element. Students who place out of the Academic Writing Course may elect to take it for a course fee.* 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
There are several factors which can make it more difficult to complete the Academic Writing Course successfully. Among the commonly reported challenges are: heavy work schedules and/or course loads, extensive household responsibilities, undiagnosed disabilities, and other situations. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology encourages students taking the AWC to consider in advance how they can address any challenges they may face so as to ensure a successful outcome. In particular, The Chicago School suggests that students reduce their course load during any term in which they are enrolled in the Academic Writing Course.
Failure of AWC leads to placement on academic probation and generation of an ADP requiring re-enrollment into the AWC, to begin within three (3) months after the final date of the first AWC. Students may attempt to place out of the second AWC by completing the Writing Assessment Process (WAP) (a second attempt) within a period of not more than two (2) months after the final date of the failed AWC.
- If the new WAP results earn the student placement out of AWC, then the student has completed the program. If the results do not place the student out of the course, then they must take the next available AWC, and pay a course fee.*
- Failing AWC twice triggers a mandatory Leave of Absence (LOA) the next term.
- Before returning from a LOA, a student must complete the Writing Assessment Process and earn placement out of the AWC.
- If the student returning from LOA fails to “place out” by completing WAP, the student will be referred to the Student Affairs Committee.
Students who fail the AWC are encouraged to seek writing help via CAE and/or external sources, as needed.
Fees Associated with Foundations for Scholarship and Practice
All students incur a one-time fee* for their participation in Foundations for Scholarship and Practice. An additional course fee* is applied in the following situations:
- Students who opt to take the AWC though their WAP result placed them out of it;
- Students who fail the AWC and are required by ADP to repeat it;
- Students who are required by instructor-generated ADP, based on class performance concerns, to take the AWC.
*See Tuition & Fees schedule for a full list of applicable course fees.
The Chicago School Library
Overview
The Chicago School Library provides physical and intellectual access to information and materials that support the teaching, research, and public service programs of the school. The library supports these programs by acquiring, organizing, managing, and preserving scholarly information specifically related to the theory, teaching, and practice of professional psychology in it’s own collections, providing access to the information only available elsewhere, offering a variety of supportive reference and instruction services to the learning community, and sharing information resources reciprocally with other libraries and institutions 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 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 library maintains a variety of psychological and educational testing materials in support of the school’s programs. APA ethical and professional guidelines limit their availability and use. Similarly, test publishers require library staff to limit test access to qualified individuals.
The following procedures apply to the use of testing materials held by the library:
- The Test Collection is shelved on reserve. Borrowers may obtain collection materials from the staff member on duty at the Circulation Desk.
- Tests may not be taken out of the library except by prior arrangement with library staff.
- Special permission to take tests off-site will be granted for educational purposes only (i.e., demonstration, practice, or presentation as part of a class or practicum), not for the purpose of administering the test as part of a private practice or for profit. Tests circulate for three day periods.
- Borrowers may reserve test materials in advance by prior arrangement with library staff.
- Borrowers are responsible for returning test materials in the same condition as when received and will be billed for replacement of lost or damaged materials.
- Borrowers may not duplicate test material for any purpose, as this is a violation of copyright law.
Questions concerning the use of test materials should be directed to the Office of Placement and Training staff. Fines accrue if materials are not returned when they are due.
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 interlibrary loan for books, dissertations, and journal articles that are not available locally. The library belongs to two major consortia which allows us to borrow material free of charge.
Reference
24/7 virtual reference services are provided to all students through the library’s participation in Question Point, a virtual reference desk provided by the Online Computer Library Center which enables students to interact with a reference librarian through email or online chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Library Hours and Contact Information
Library hours and contact information can be located on The Chicago School Library website. |
